I'll try to keep this short. I'm a happy 01 Lightning owner. My dad owns a 2000? v10 Excursion. All my life we have always had a 15 passenger econoline for family trips; but since most of use moved out; this was the perfect alternative.
Excursion now has 70,000 miles.
Today my dad put in the second alternator (ford part both times). both the rear axle seals had to be replaced, caliper replaced (leaking), brakes pad and rotors, shocks replaced (don't know which ones-leaking), and now he found out he can't get it aligned! - the axles are bad! It has never towed or hauled anything. 1/3 or more of the miles are from Highway trips.

So is this common? We still have the 93 econoline with 206k on it and running strong and has needed less parts replaced. Changing fluids (read=maintenance) is a Religious practice that I was taught...

So now the talk is to trade it in for a new(er) diesel Excursion. Any thoughts? Any major changes to the Ex? I'm going to printing out and bringing all your feedback to him next sunday.

THANKS IN ADVANCE,

John
"pwr_whls"

 

Have him go drive a new one. I think he'll be impressed with the changes.

First one I drove was a 2001 V10, next was a 2003 7.3 and then a 2003 6.0. The 6.0 was with a dealer so I didn't get to really hammer the 6.0, but it rode and handled like a dream. The 2000 was OK and I'm sure the V10 was the biggest issues I had (really a dog) but it didn't ride that great either.

They are beast's but sweet beasts.

 

I really hope you're right. We had all kinds of 'ride' issues that had to be straightened out too (pun inteneded). His frustration level is so high he talks about buying a To-yota suv (sequia?). This is my die hard Ford dad... scary.
He is beginning to wonder if ford's quality has hit bottom.

Any other thoughts?

thanks!
john

 

You guys can give it to me! A lot of the things you mentioned sound like common maintence. Not 2 alternators, but I could see. All parts aren't perfecr you do get defective parts from the get go. Everybody has to do brake jobs and replace calipers. Shocks are common maintence. The whole can't get aligned thing, take it to another shop and see what they say. The place were he took could be just trying to sell him parts. But hell, if all else fails I am looking for a big tow vehicle for my Lightning and would be more the willing to buy it or just take it off your hands. -Mat-

 

Hey Mat - I beg to differ
My dad babies the vehicles. They are driven a lot; but never beaten; never towed- and has never seen full weigh capacity. Fluids changed religiously.

I guess the expectations are too high since all the previous 'big' vehicles (15 pass econolines) ran forever and so well. Heck; the 93 econoline has 206k + miles and has never had 'major' brake work or had shocks replaced or rear seals replaced....

just my opinion. I've talked with hime about it and I was hoping to get people saying that is ''soooo normal ''' or so abnormal. I'm hoping he will buy the '03 as suggested.
no flame intended.
peace,
john

 

i have a 00 v10 with 77k and never had any problems except replaced the door lock actuators.

 

Well- that is encouraging. Yeah- A few days ago I found out the doors will not lock and unlock properly... forget the details; but that is probably what is bad.

Thanks!
john

 

sounds like it was built on a Monday morning.

 

Probably ; my L was built on Wednesday

 

I havn't had any problems with my '02 excursion(22K miles) purchased new. Unless you count the driver seat memory doesn't work, the paint is rubbing off the door handles, the paint is chipping off the rear door, the DVD stops working every once in awhile, and there is a popping sound from the front suspension in tight turns(stock wheels and tires.)
If your father doesn't need the space the excursion provides or the towing capacity then get the sequoia. Toyota is better quality. I'd have a toyota except they don't make one the same size as the excursion.

 

Thanks for the input. The excursion still exists in the family and no more 'surprises' so far. (knock on wood). Personally, it is such a nice vehicle for trips- I'd hate to see it go away.

thanks again!
John

 

We bought a 2000 Excursion Limited 4x4 in Oct. 2000 and now have 46,000+ miles on it. The only problems we have had with it, so far, were a skipping CD player when it was new and I did have to replace a broken radiator hose clamp (I caught it before any fluid was lost).

I thoroughly enjoy the vehicle (so do my wife and teenage daughters)!

I have often wondered why a few "select" vehicles give trouble from the start, but most don't.

 

I have a 2000 Excursion Limited 4x4 V-10 that I purchased in April of 2000. It has 45,000 miles currently and runs like a champ. The only problems I've had are the two front ball joints had to be replaced at 30,000 miles, but I take it mudding once in a while, plus they were covered under warranty. The only thing besides that I've had to spend money on are routine maintenance items. I'm very happy with it, and it's the vehicle that I've kept the longest. I'm known for trading in every year or so. I'm thinking that maybe you just got some bad parts. Whatever you decide I wish you luck.

 

The Excursion has been getting very high reviews by several different publications lately for satisfaction and minumal problems.
Motor Trend put 35,000 miles on a 7.3 2001 X with zero problems which is rare the editor added.
Another publication named the X the best large SUV with a high score. Not sure of the name of the publication but the only other Ford on the list was the Mustang for best conv. However, they touted the Avalanche as best pick up and the Dodge 2500/3500 as best heavy pick up!

Door lock actuators are a common problem. They are cheap and easy to install. Go to the dealership and it will cost hundreds.
My wifes X has 108K and it's been trouble free since buying it with 104K.
The F250 has 143K miles and it's had two torque convertors, one tranny (auto), and a power window control. Not bad for putting 102K miles on it.

 

How can axles go "bad", affecting the alignment?

Sounds like he needs to find another repair shop.