I'm looking at purchasing a 2005 Excursion and need a bit of help in deciding between the V10 and diesel. It will be used as a secondary vehicle for towing, etc. Mileage is expected to be over 15,000 on an annual basis.

I'd appreciate any suggestions regarding the pros and cons between the two engine platforms. This is a vehicle that would be around for quite sometime so I am not enamored by the higher resale value of the diesel (offset by maintenance, premium to purchase, additional fuel expenses). Anything to keep an eye on for this particular year model before purchasing?

Thanks.

6.0 was MEH that year, get a V10

V10 if what you want is a no-headache turn the key and go vehicle. The V10 is thirsty, but probably way cheaper overall than having to fix the issues the 6.0L has.

v10 15 hwy mpg (nothing over 70) and 9-10 towing

6.0L 16-18 hwy and 13-14 towing

V10 is basically trouble free (bulletproof is a word that comes to mind). The 2005's did not have the spark plug blowout issues the early ones did and I believe you get the Torqueshift transmission in that year (big improvement)

6.0L are plagued with a myriad of issues that are fixable, but expensive. Head Gasket/Bolt issues, EGR cooler issues, Oil Coolers, High Pressure pumps. The only upside to the 6.0 is the large amount of power it can put out. The increase in fuel mileage is mitigated somewhat by the increase in cost of the fuel.

[This message has been edited by Agmechanic (edited 4/18/2012 10:05p).]

[This message has been edited by Agmechanic (edited 4/18/2012 10:16p).]

I have a V10 in a 2000 F250 4x4. I get about 10 mpg. Most I ever got was 13 mpg driving out of the mountains (down hill) in Colorado. Really like the motor. I think the later models got better mileage and a little more HP with 3 valve heads and some other stuff.

That is the way I've been leaning (V10). Should I expect this thing to make it to 250,000 miles if properly maintained and not abused?

The V10 was the thirstier one, but less troublesome.

The 6.0L will be great if you delete EGR and get head studs but thats pricey.

250000 with the set-up in an 05 V10 Excursion should be attainable. (Much more so than the 6.0L)
Maintain the hell outta that thing and you should be good to go.

[This message has been edited by Agmechanic (edited 4/18/2012 10:18p).]

I had and uncharacteristic catastrophic failure. At about 145K miles, my oil pump crapped out and my motor seized up. I have not heard of another case of that happening. I have heard of many V10 reaching well over 200K miles with no problems.

If you haven't already, go to Ford Truck Enthusiasts.com. they have forums specifically for the V10 and the 6.0.

lit, I have seen that happen often to modular V8 and V10s. They all seem to consume a little oil, run them low and the gears in the oil pump fail.

Cool fact:

The 6.8L Triton V10 has the same stroke and bore size as the Triton 5.4L V8s.

[This message has been edited by aggiegator10 (edited 4/18/2012 10:48p).]

Not sure why that is a cool fact. The V10 is just the V8 with two more cylinders. I'm not even sure it has an even firing crank.

But I'll add we had 120K trouble free miles on our 2000 F250 V10 2WD. 12 MPG in daily driving, best ever was 15.5 (!). Thirsty but it was a very good engine. I didn't like the sound of it - sort of a raspy sound under power. But that's a small complaint.

Loved the '99 Lariat F250 I had with one, engine sounded great with a CAI and the right exhaust.

Mustered 17mpg out of mine ONCE with cruise on 60 for a very very long flat time.

Thanks for all of the info on this issue. This is a great forum.

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12 MPG

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6.0L 16-18 hwy and 13-14 towing

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I have a 6.0 and get about 14 when driving mixed unloaded truck. Can't even image what it would be if it was in an excursion. O_o

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I have a 6.0 and get about 14 when driving mixed unloaded truck. Can't even image what it would be if it was in an excursion. O_o

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Adding the diesel option means you automatically get 23 mpg in an excursion...at least thats what I have read on some forums.

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I didn't like the sound of it - sort of a raspy sound under power. But that's a small complaint.

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I agree. I've tried to look for a decent sounding exhaust but most sound like a Formula 1 car. Just weird coming out of a truck. I understand it has to do with the firing order and"overlap" of some of the cylinders firing. I've also read that "opening" up the exhaust too much will mess with the torque some.

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engine sounded great with a CAI and the right exhaust.

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Catag, What kind of exhaust did you have?

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They all seem to consume a little oil, run them low and the gears in the oil pump fail.

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Yea mine did use some oil but I kept a pretty close eye on it. In the couple of years before it went out, I didn't drive it as much so I wasn't as careful watching the oil but I never let it get below a quart low.

I put a new Ford "crate motor" in it and it doesn't seem to use as much oil.

I had a Gibson cat-back on it, the basic single pipe one.

As I recall mine burned about a quart every 3k miles...

Why are you looking specifically at 2005 models? Why not look at 2000-2003 with a 7.3l? There are plenty out there with low miles I'm sure. A few extra years of age is well worth the engine IMO.

Our 2000 model with the 7.3 has been bulletproof and is a great ride for us. My wife gets around 16 in it around here, much room for improvement in her speed and acceleration though. It has around 240k miles and I plan on keeping it forever. A lot of people say that about their vehicles, but I truly will have that truck forever.

I prefer the updates on the latest model plus I've located a few 2005s with under 75,000 miles.

Not to be pushy, but the updates are easily and inexpensively applicable to all excursions. Unless I am mistaken, the grill and headlights are the only noticeable differences on a 2005. I recently hit a deer with ours, Messed up a headlight and the grill. I replaced the grill with an updated one(2005 model) along with clear headlights like on the 2005 model(I opted to get some with a light tint to them). It cost $180 for the grill and $120 for the headlights off eBay, very easy install.

Either way, congrats on deciding to buy one. You're going to love it no matter what year or engine.

If you find one of the 2005 red-ish ones with an aftermarket navigation and sound with a sub in the back, don't buy it. I made that mistake and had it only a few months.... you've been warned.