I need a tow rig for my 1985 Toyota crawler and can’t afford anything new or made after 2005. By word of mouth, I found a lead on a 2000 Ford Excursion 7.3L diesel (XLT) with 125,000 miles.
The truck has a few mods for towing: air bags in the rear, add-a-leaf in the front, DIY cold air intake, 4" free-flow exhaust, manual hubs with serviceable bearings, and an Edge tuner. The body is in excellent shape (minor rear bumper tweak), and the interior is leather with only a small tear on the driver’s seat.
From what I’ve researched, the 2000 7.3 is one of Ford’s best diesel engines, and this model year is highly regarded. The vehicle reportedly gets good fuel economy (18-22 MPG highway, 15-17 MPG towing).
The seller is asking $12,000, and I think I can negotiate down to $11,000. It seems like a good fit for my family (wife, two kids, and a 145lb dog) for camping and wheeling trips.
I’d like input on whether this is a good deal, anything I should watch out for with these trucks, and possible upgrades for better towing performance/MPG (e.g., trans cooler).
This is one of Ford’s most reliable diesel engines in the last 15 years. It’s not the most powerful but is extremely durable. Check for rust on the oil pan—if it needs replacing, you don’t need to pull the engine anymore; there’s a two-piece pan available or you can weld it in place. Also, Ford-trucks.com is a great resource with checklists for buying used Excursions/Super Dutys.
Excursions are big and heavy, which affects towing capability and fuel efficiency. A crew cab F-250 might be a better fit if you don’t need an SUV, but if the size and price work for you, go for it. It does offer plenty of space for family trips, and you can avoid hotels!
Check the oil pan for rust—replacing it used to require pulling the engine, which is costly. Also, keep a spare cam position sensor and a 10mm deep well socket in the glove box. They’re small things, but they can save you a lot of trouble.
How heavy is your crawler? If it’s around 5,500 lbs (including the trailer), the Excursion should handle it fine. The air bags are great, but you might also want to consider upgrading the brakes if you tow often. Disc brakes all around or aftermarket rotors and calipers could make a big difference.
Update: The seller wouldn’t budge on the $12k price. When I asked him to fix a glow plug causing the check engine light, he offered a $250 credit but refused to have it done before the sale. After more back and forth, he got defensive and wouldn’t agree to any inspections or repairs. I walked away from the deal.
I found another Excursion with 98k miles (Limited trim) for $15.5k. The seller is open to inspections, and the truck has new brakes, tires, and other upgrades. I’ll check it out on Friday!