since I tow a 4400lb trailer I need the size and strength of what I have. The Excursion was an awesome tow machine and got 12mpg towing.The Expedition has only done one very short tow so far.

Looks like a $1300 bill for putting all of it back together and getting the crap out of the cylinder. New plugs, coils, thermostat, gaskets, blah blah blah. Painful but not as bad as it could have been.

For what I can afford to own this is the best truck for the money. I haul music gear besides the towing and it works great. I am not a Chevy fan, had one and it generally sucked. The last Ford I had was mine for 7 years with almost zero problems. Dodge? Not me.

Ford Diesel
 

The 6.0 turbo diesel in my 2003 Expedition had to come out to fix an oil leak. As far as I know, they pulled it out the top and only removed the hood. Fortunately it was a repair done under warranty! And, they do make a great tow vehicle! I have a 27' travel trailer that weighs in at about 4500 lbs and the Excursion will tow like it's not even there. Fuel mileage towing varies from about 14mpg on level ground to 12mpg in the mountains. I've had it for about 10 years and don't think I will ever get rid of it!

Stories like this are old. I know quite a few die-hard Ford fans, but jeez do they swear how 'awesome' they are yet swear the nasty when they have issues like this.... and frequently!

This is why I despise any late model vehicles. Fine if you want to keep buying a replacement Ford, GM or Fiat every few years, but other than that, you are monster screwed. Crystal ball tells me more trouble than ever before. Once out of warranty, you don't want to own it. Good luck with the dealer service. Replacement parts are absurd pricey and NOTHING is ever in stock. Been thru it enough.

A little tip before buying a new 'domestic' brand name. Get to know the service writer and see if they will open up with some honesty. Hopefully have them share the nightmare POS engineered issues on prior models. Granted its warranty work, but normally you don't hear about it or even on the forums. I think many buyers don't rant because its covered. So if you plan to own the vehicle beyond warranty, good luck. The entire industry has changed and the DIY is nothing like it was years ago.