Thinking of purchasing used - What to look for / watch out for... - Diesel Forum

potis · 12-10-2004, 10:59 AM

I'm new to this board. I have owned F250s with the 7.3L diesel in the past and am now considering getting out of trucks and getting a used Excursion with diesel. I'm not a big motor head, I just want a good rig that can haul my boat and family. Leaning towards 2001 - 2002 so that I can get the 7.3L instead of a newer model with the 6.0L. Is this wise? Don't know much about the 6.0L - only heard that there have been 'problems'. Also, anything I need to worry about when looking at getting a 'certified previously owned' Excursion? I have had lots of luck with my F250s (three of them) in the past with the 7.3L. thanks

rsusott · 12-10-2004, 12:34 PM

I recently traded my 2001 v10 ex. for the one in my signature. It is ford certified and is my first diesel. I drove a several 7.3's before choosing a 6.0. I liked the drivability of the 6.0 a lot more. I too worried about the problems...that's why I chose to get a certfied one with the extended powertrain warranty. So far the rig has been outstanding.

Just don't get a V10...Been there done that.

CHPMustang · 12-10-2004, 03:10 PM

We also owned a F250(1999.5) with the 7.3L and needed to upgrade to a vehicle with more room in mid 2002 so we got the 7.3L Excursion new.

The wife and I looked at the new 6.0's as a replacement for our '02 but we appreciate the tested and true 7.3L as they have been problem free from the get-go & prefer the more "Diesel" sounding 7.3L engine so we decided to stay with our'02 [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

You can't go wrong with the 7.3's if you're out shopping and pricing,the deals should be pretty good.

The 6.0's are coupled with a new style tranny which claims to be better but I read minor quirks here and there but nothing that can't be repaired or re-programmed.

There'll plenty of feedback from owners/prior owners to read up on as the Excursion owner/enthusiast groups are growing more as the days go on [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Good Luck! [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Bill

potis · 12-10-2004, 03:39 PM

Bill, Your reason for purchasing an Exc. and also picking the tried and true 7.3 is identical to mine. I also heard of some problems with the trans. coupled with the new 6.0. Thanks for the info.

fordmastertech · 12-10-2004, 08:58 PM

I recommend to pull the PCM and see if it has had a chip or other power adders installed. Ford is making us pull PCM s out and inspect them if any thing major is blow up. Had to void a super duty with a window in the block because of the PCM terminals were cleaned off.
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