Possible new Tow Rig

[EMC 1810SS]

I am looking at getting a new tow vehicle. I found a 2001 ford Excursion with a V-10 with 125,000 miles that fits my needs very well, but I dont know much about the v-10 OR fords for that mattter. Currently it needs tires, probably a coil pack or two and plugs, shocks and a few other odds and ends. What else should I be warey of? And yes I know its gets TERRIBLE mileage.

Thanks!

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Possible new Tow Rig

They also have a tendency to blow the spark plugs out of the head. Unless you really need that big a tow vehicle, there are some "safer" purchases and probably more economical. Sounds like this vehicle needs lots of TLC so unless they are absolutely giving it away, beware.

 

[EMC 1810SS]

Re: Possible new Tow Rig

I need to be able to two 8000-9000 lbs. They are aksing about 5k less than any comparable Excursion and about 7k less and any suburban of comparable year. I do know about the plug issue, but I figure if it has gone 125000 miles and 9 years without blowing a plug, chances are its not going to, or its already been repaired.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Possible new Tow Rig

Sounds like you already know what you want to do. Might want to post your question here. http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/index.php

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Possible new Tow Rig

There is usually a reason why some are a lot cheaper than others.
Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[109jb]

Re: Possible new Tow Rig

I am looking at getting a new tow vehicle. I found a 2001 ford Excursion with a V-10 with 125,000 miles that fits my needs very well, but I dont know much about the v-10 OR fords for that mattter. Currently it needs tires, probably a coil pack or two and plugs, shocks and a few other odds and ends. What else should I be warey of? And yes I know its gets TERRIBLE mileage.

Thanks!

Generally you get what you pay for. It sounds like from the price and description that the price is low for a reason. For towing 8-9K a diesel would be nice but not necessary unless you just really don't want a diesel. Personally, I would get a diesel before a V-10. For gas engines I'd stick with a V-8.

 

[EMC 1810SS]

Re: Possible new Tow Rig

I guess I should have been more clear. I am not looking for "Yes buy it", or "NO run". I am looking for, "These tend to drop transmissions every 80,000 miles" or "If it hasnt had the intake gasket replaced, do it now" type of thing. I would LOVE a diesel, but I can not justify the extra expense for the amount that I will tow. From my research so far I have found the spark plug issue, but not much else......

 

[lncoop]

Re: Possible new Tow Rig

I guess I should have been more clear. I am not looking for "Yes buy it", or "NO run".

LOL! That's how we roll on iboats, especially when it comes to tow vehicles. If you've checked sites like Edmunds, carcomplaints.com, etc. then you've probably become well versed on any issues endemic to that vintage Excursion. That said, you should definitely post your question on a Ford truck forum if you haven't already. That's your best bet for the kind of input you seek.

 

[Subliminal]

Re: Possible new Tow Rig

I've known a couple people with the V10 fords without too much issue. I'd also like to say to hold out for a diesel, as you'd probably go from 11 to 17 or 18 MPG, and it wouldn't take too much time to make some of the money back in fuel alone.

Guess it depends how often you'll drive it...just for towing or for a daily.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Possible new Tow Rig

Okay, forget the Excursion. This is what you need.
http://littlerock.craigslist.org/cto/2012390185.html

 

[bassman284]

Re: Possible new Tow Rig

Suweet!

 

[642mx]

Re: Possible new Tow Rig

Currently it needs tires, probably a coil pack or two and plugs, shocks and a few other odds and ends. What else should I be warey of?

The V10 isn't exactly a problem child, but this one doesn't seem well cared for. Yes, they do have an issue with plugs blowing out of them and quite a few of them did this at the 100K mark. If this was well cared for and needed nothing, then it probably wouldn't be a bad buy... but I wouldn't recommend buying something thats been cruising around with bad shocks, mis-fires, ect..

 

[sublauxation]

Re: Possible new Tow Rig

Not sure why people are jumping on this as an abused vehicle. Needing coil packs, shocks, breaks, exhaust..... are all common maintenance issues and not signs of abuse. Sometimes things are sold cheap because the person wants to get rid of it instead of holding out for months for a price they may never get, or they know it needs the things you listed. I'd rather pay less for a vehicle that requires maintenance than paying more for one where it was already done. At least then I know it's done right.

Friend of mine has an F350 with the V10. He's done a couple truck pulls with it and absolutely blew away the competition. It's a beast.

As far as blowing spark plugs, I've had 3 Expeditions with the 5.4, no blown plugs yet. As long as they're maintained there are few problem with the plugs blowing out, and somewhere in or around 2000 they fixed the issue.

 

[windsors03cobra]

Re: Possible new Tow Rig

Probably original plugs......

Those are known to be tough as nails all over and the V10 will pull a ton for a ton less than a deezul.

 

[642mx]

Re: Possible new Tow Rig

Not sure why people are jumping on this as an abused vehicle. Needing coil packs, shocks, breaks, exhaust..... are all common maintenance issues and not signs of abuse.

The reason is; the previous owner has let these things add up and has not addressed them. Seems simple to me, when something needs replaced... then fix it. And oil changes are common maintenance... not coil packs, those are failed parts - you don't change them on a regular basis to prevent problems.

 

[109jb]

Re: Possible new Tow Rig

Not sure why people are jumping on this as an abused vehicle. Needing coil packs, shocks, breaks, exhaust..... are all common maintenance issues and not signs of abuse. Sometimes things are sold cheap because the person wants to get rid of it instead of holding out for months for a price they may never get, or they know it needs the things you listed. I'd rather pay less for a vehicle that requires maintenance than paying more for one where it was already done. At least then I know it's done right.

Friend of mine has an F350 with the V10. He's done a couple truck pulls with it and absolutely blew away the competition. It's a beast.

The key is the word sometimes, but the vast majority of the time when a vehicle appears underpriced there is a reason. Also, the coil packs could be directly related to the spark plug issue. The plug gets blown out and the plug jerks on the coil pack thereby damaging it.

As far as blowing spark plugs, I've had 3 Expeditions with the 5.4, no blown plugs yet. As long as they're maintained there are few problem with the plugs blowing out, and somewhere in or around 2000 they fixed the issue.

The Ford TSB extends through 2008 model year engines.

http://www.fulltorque.com/pdf/Ford Technical Service Bulletin.pdf

 

[HollaGeo]

Re: Possible new Tow Rig

Those things are still legal to own???

 

[sublauxation]

Re: Possible new Tow Rig

Things to be aware of:
1) Spark plugs are an issue, replace them or have it done. On the 5.4 they are a PITA.
2) Wires are more likely to go wrong vs coil packs.
3) Make sure the rear wiper works, they have issues on the Expeditions and Explorers.
4) If you buy it, always be aware of what's behind you, they're big and it's easy to literally overlook a small car parked behind you.

As to my earlier statement which doesn't seem popular, let me amend it:

It seems people jumped to the conclusion that the truck is misfiring and wheel s are falling off. If that's the case, I was wrong, you should worry about neglect. Then again I'd love to save a few grand on a "neglected" truck with a misfire that only needs a couple coil packs.

I assumed it's running well, has 4 tires with some air in them, and no wheels fell off. If that's the case you sound like a smart buyer who wants to stay on top of things and do maintenance BEFORE things break instead of waiting for them to break. In that case don't forget to do the tranny fluid, and rear end fluid (They have had some issues)

Without knowing price, options, and overall condition I can't comment specifically on the truck you're looking at but SUV pricing is odd right now, they're actually selling significantly higher at auction now than last year. Consumers aren't buying but dealers are sticking to their guns. If a private seller wants to actually sell in a timely manner, they have to drop the price, hence a good deal on a vehicle that may actually be a good vehicle.

If you buy I hope it works out well, they are nice trucks!

 

[EMC 1810SS]

Re: Possible new Tow Rig

Thanks all! I would not say this vehicle has been neglected at all. The tires are not showing cords or anything, but they will need replaced before the heavy snow flies. I am actually impressed that they are all worn very evenly front to back and no cupping or odd wear. The shocks are original so I would replace them before a heavy tow. The truck is not bouncing or handling ill. With a heavy load I would not wait untill they show signs. The truck starts right up but has a definete miss. It acutally idles quite smoothly, but I can hear/feel it for sure, which makes me think sparkplus/coil pack or two. No CEL light so I am sure it isnt TERRIBLE. The body has NO rust, which is rare for this area, and carfax shows it has spent its life here. (someone had to be garaging and washing it) The interior is in GREAT shape. No stains rips, or tears. The Brakes look good, probably 50% or more worn, no pulsing or noise, VERY smooth and srop the truck VERY well. I would not say this truck has been neglected but I do think the PO Has a choice, spend about 2 grand getting back to nearly new condition and try to sell a truck that only will sell to someone who NEEDS it, or sell it as is for a lowball price and let the next owner do the work. It apeals to me because I am far from rich, and I do most of my own wrenching.

The closest thing I can find price wise and tow capacty is a 96 2500 burb with a 454. It has nearly 200,000 miles.

I am just assesing my risks for costs. I figure if I can get this back in tip top shape for less than 2 grand, I am still ahead of the game.

All of your input has been helpfull. If I do buy it, I may let the ford tecs do the plugs.......

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Possible new Tow Rig

Its the same engine they use in almost all gasoline motorhomes these days. Weak link would be the transmission if it hasn't already been rebuilt. 100K is about when these trannys go.