New Member with 7.3 Questions. - Diesel Forum

Wholly_Kaw · 09-16-2005, 02:01 AM

Hi all!

Hello from CT.

I have a line on a 2003 7.3L Excursion. Exterior and interior look good; really clean. Engine bay the same.

With 59k miles what should I look for (or have a mechanic look for)?

Are there any known problems that I should be aware of with this model?

What kind of mileage will this beast get? (it's a 4X4)

Yes, I am already lurking in the Aftermarket section. LOL!

I am looking at this Excursion because my current truck is dying by degrees and I need something I can fill up with wood for winter but still make Lowes/Home Depot runs with. I will also need to make some long family vaca's with it sometimes towing a small trailer sometimes not.

I am not adverse to makeing/useing my own fuel for the beast.

Thanks for any help you guys can give a KnuckleHead like me.

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walt501 · 09-19-2005, 12:35 AM

I take a stab at it. I bought my X in May with 16k miles on it, I have 30k on it as I write this, and it's completly stock. I read these forums over 2 years before I bought mine, but like all used vehicles you take your chances. Major areas that seem to cause problems are brakes (warping, upgrade them), suspension (upgrade the shocks, steering stabilizer, and add a rear stabilizer bar). Some also have problems with the transmission, so that is an area to check. Also the rear differential seals have been known to leak.

You mentioned checking the vehicle over, but you didn't mention spending time underneath it! If I'm serious about a used vehicle, that is where I try and spend most of my time. I like to look over every single component on the underside of a vehicle before I purchase it. Look for leaks, areas that appear to have been overheated, body repair, and anything else that just doesn't appear right. I don't feel you need to be a mechanic to spot things that just don't look right. Also, if the vehicle is parked in the same spot any length of time, look for oil on the pavement and find out where it's coming from. If you find something wrong, start asking questions!

If the vehicle checks out the visual inspection, try and take it for a day and drive it! If you're able to, quickly press and release the two buttons below the mileage readout. That will reset it. Then drive it 100 miles. That should give you an idea of the kind of mileage this particular vehicle is capable of. Some may feel the mileage readout is inaccurate, others say it's right on. Mine is very close. Use it as a guide to the mileage you will get based on how you drive.

My X gets over 20mpg in combined city/highway driving. I should say that my X is the exception on mileage, most seem to get between 16-18mpg. It really seems to depends on two things - your right foot and the quality of diesel fuel you use. Diesel varies a lot, and the only way to know the good from the rest is to test out various brands and then stick with 1 or 2 that work for you. With good diesel and keeping to the secondary highways going 58mpg I easily get over 22mpg on a long trip. Does it every time.

I can't tell you if the X you're looking at is right for you, but hopefully I've given you a starting point regarding some things to look for. I looked at several before I purchased mine. One thing I can tell you, without hesitation, BUY ONE! I started driving SUV's in 1964, and I can honestly say I haven't enjoyed a vehicle this much in over 20 years!

glennz · 09-19-2005, 11:04 AM

take a look in the for sale section, i have a 2000 x for sale that i can tell you has led a good life, already lifted with most of the mentioned upgrades...80,000 miles and in great condition

glenn z

POS · 09-19-2005, 05:20 PM

Weakest link is the 7.3 is the tranny - make sure it was treated well or you'll be coughing up $1,500 sooner or later.

pabrannan · 09-20-2005, 03:32 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Weakest link is the 7.3 is the tranny - make sure it was treated well or you'll be coughing up $1,500 sooner or later.

[/ QUOTE ]

For a good tranny you'll need to cough at least twice or more!!

Paul B

MotionMan · 09-21-2005, 07:19 PM

I have an 03 X with 84k, not a problem yet, only replaced wear items. I say just look it over well,drive it hard and try and launch it off a ramp, if it breaks when you land it has a problem. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]