2003-2005 Ford Excursion / 6.0L Desiel

[911boost]

I am thinking of replacing my 2001 Tahoe with one of these. They are pretty cheap, and I have found a couple with low miles that aren't cheap. I like the additional towing capacity, which is primarily use for this vehicle.

Ford also used the same desiel in their trucks. Does anyone have any firsthand experience in with the 2003-2005 6.0L desiels?

Thanks!

Bill

[HardDrive]

If I'm not mistaken, my fathers F-350 is an 03. His motor has been flawless. The truck has spent its life with a large camper on the back. In the past 6 months, he had a selenoid in the trasmission go out. It was shifting poorly. They had to drop the transmission out to fix it, so he had them overhaul it. That was around 80k.

He has been very happy with the truck. He uses it hard, often on beat up roads heading to fishing spots.

[gt350mike]

I have a 05 F-250 and my 6.0 has not missed a beat in 85k miles. Maintenance is not cheap…....I change the synthetic oil every 7k miles and pay about $85 in oil/filter (14.5 quarts), plus my time. You also have two fuel filters that should be changed every 15k to 20k miles, and the trans have two filters that require routine maintenance. If you looking at a 05 or newer, look for a truck that has the built-in electronic trailer brake controller…much nicer than going aftermarket.

Last fall I drove to Virginia, averaging 70/73 mph and got around 16+ mpg towing my Mustang on an open car trailer (about 4500 lbs), but the mileage drops when I use an enclosed trailer.

[daepp]

Originally Posted by gt350mike

I have a 05 F-250 and my 6.0 has not missed a beat in 85k miles. Maintenance is not cheap…....I change the synthetic oil every 7k miles and pay about $85 in oil/filter (14.5 quarts), plus my time. You also have two fuel filters that should be changed every 15k to 20k miles, and the trans have two filters that require routine maintenance. If you looking at a 05 or newer, look for a truck that has the built-in electronic trailer brake controller…much nicer than going aftermarket.

Last fall I drove to Virginia, averaging 70/73 mph and got around 16+ mpg towing my Mustang on an open car trailer (about 4500 lbs), but the mileage drops when I use an enclosed trailer.

Damn - whatever happened to diesels being cheap and sturdy? That a lot of maintenance $$.

[gt350mike]

Originally Posted by daepp

Damn - whatever happened to diesels being cheap and sturdy? That a lot of maintenance $$.

All of that went out the door when everyone wanted "clean" diesels.......cheap and sturdy = Nasty black smoke!!!

[onewhippedpuppy]

I know a guy with an F350 6.0L diesel that gets 20 MPG highway, stock. With a few mods they will not only make more power, but get better MPG.

[Dueller]

My brother has one ...purchased new and now has 185K miles on the clock. Runs perfect but he is now having some transmission issues (torque converter acting up?). It gets 20+ mpg whether its towing or not. Cavernous interior. Back door is fiberglass and real pricey if damaged.

[UconnTim97]

After reading the title of this thread, I was hoping it was going to be another one of Rammstein's next autox car threads.....hehehehe

[Brillo]

I got the last of the 6.0L in my '07 F250. I gave some thought to a used Excursion, I have heard it is great for towing.

[dd74]

The girl next door has an 05 diesel F250 crew cab in fire engine red. She hauls horses with it. She absolutely loves it. Always clean. She even "decorates it" for the holidays.

It's cool to see a girl so "in to" her truck.

Only problem: it's many decibels louder than our diesel MB.

[911boost]

Thanks everyone.