Suburban vs. Excursion questions...

[Cottonhawk]

We have 2001 V10 gas all leather Excursion and very happy with it's performance. We use it to tow the horses and trailers. It is heavier, longer, wider, and safer. It is a very comfortable road SUV and excellent on the snow.

 

[tpost]

Is the Excursion still being made ??

 

[trkbldr]

Excursion production ceased on September 30 /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif.

 

[beagdog]

Production ended, but there are still quite a few around on the dealer lots. Probably some pretty good deals out there too.

 

[rozett]

I've got a 2000 Excusion 4x4 Limited, and I love it! Keep in mind that most 'Burbs are 1/2-tons, while the Ex is a 3/4-ton. There are some 3/4-ton Burbs around, but it's a pretty small percentage. 55% of all Excusions sold were diesels. The 7.3L diesel was just too noisy for me. I think Ford introduced the 6.0L motor in the 2002. It is much quieter and an excellent diesel.

I sell and deliver firewood, so I tow a 12K pound dump trailer with it. The V10 is a strong motor and delivers all the torque I need to drag that trailer up steep hills. I also cruise down to N.H. to visit the daughters, and it is a very comfortable highway cruiser. I get about 11-12 mpg in average driving, 14 on the highway (74 mph) and about 9 pulling the loaded trailer. With a 44 gallon tank, you need to stop at the station with a full pocket. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif But on a trip from Maine to SC, my first gas stop was in Washington, DC. Fuel cost was never an issue for me. There are only two SUVs out there that will pull a 10K pound trailer safely.

As for problems, I've really had none. The stock brakes are not up to the task of a heavy trailer, so many owners have upgraded with after-market. The door locks were a problem, until Ford redesigned the lock. But I still have all the original actuators working. I change the fluids every 2-3 years, so I've had no problems with transmission, transfer case, or differentials. At almost 90K miles, I'll need an exhaust system soon. Because it's a heavy duty truck, the repairs are not cheap.

I've never questioned my decision to buy it. It's sad that Bill Ford capitulated to the Sierra Club /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif and stopped advertising the Excursion. While railing about gas mileage, they ONLY quote the V10 mileage, even though more than half the Excursions get almost 20 mpg!

 

[Alan L.]

I have owned a 1997 Suburban and now a 2001 Yukon XL. I have never driven, but have ridden in a family member's Excursion. The Suburban rides considerably better, to me at least.

One of my clients have both with their sales staff. The president of the company tells me the GMs get much better gas mileage and are the most comfortable for taking out clients. The only Ford's they buy now are the pickups with Powerstroke for towing capacity.

Excursions are bigger, if thats what you need, plus they are going to have more towing capacity.

 

[HGM]

Its really sad that they let that happen. The Excursion was a great vehicle.

Not to contradict you, I just thought I' add that the production of the 6.0L began with the '03 model. It ran side by side in the '03 with the 7.3L. So If youre looking at one, it could be either the 6.0L or 7.3L.. The V-10 it a great engine, I just couldnt deal with the mileage.. On the other hand you need to remember the diesel requires high dollar services on a regular basis. The 6.0L air filter is $100 for example(please dont cut corners here) they do last a while though. It has two fuel filters that need to be changed at least every 15k mi. and a 14qt(I believe thats right) oil change. I believe it would still be more of a solid investment though because it will hold its value much better. I have seen '00 Excursions for $10000(v-10) up to $20000(7.3L).

Naturaly a 1/2 ton will be a smoother ride. Chevy has also been typicly a smoother ride as well, catering more to the "car guy" with a truck. Before you believe someones opinion of a harsh ride, you really need to drive it. This is always one of the misconceptions I hear. If you need a big truck, I doubt it will be objectional. The Excursion is a solid vehicle.

 

[ronjhall]

I have owned Suburbans and was very happy with them. Don't own them now because of not towing large loads.
When Excursion came out. Many of my boat towing buddies started switching over to them.
Very few of them bought gas. They bought the Excursion because of its truck like seating. Seats are raised like a pickup. I have made some long drives for fishing in them. They have my type of seating as opposed the Suburbans more car type seats.
Many of the good deals found on Excursion around here are Gas models with V-10 engines. Finding a good deal on a diesel model is hard to find unless it is from a private seller.

 

[jim_wilson]

Thanks for all the input guys - I didn't mention in my initial post but I would be looking specifically for a 3/4ton or 2500 series Suburban/Yukon if I went that route. I like the Expedition for the diesel aspect - I didn't know that the later 6.0L diesels were quieter - that is good info. Whichever one I buy it probably will not get driven all that much - weekend runs to Home Depot, hauling the tractor around, stuff like that. I plan on keeping it for a good long time too - so the diesel option on the Excursion might be another plus for that over the Suburban.

 

[HGM]

If you go with the 6.0L, I have a couple of recomendations. Especially if you dont intend to drive it much. When you do drive it "DRIVE IT".... It is a good engine, though it doesnt like to be set up. The turbo is a variible design(moving parts/varible geometry). If you dont drive it much and condensation builds, it will rust and stick. Thes will give you a lack of boost and cost a bit to fix, usually a new turbo. Also DONT let it idle, contrary to popular belief, diesels are not designed to idle. If you do, it will develop excessive carbon and EGR issues. Last but not least, religiously change the fuel filters at or before 15k. Low fuel pressure will kill the injectors. These are the biggest concerns being seen with these trucks. If you drive it like it was designed, not like a soccer mom, you'll have good luck. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif