Looking at Two Excursions: Which to buy?

[jmcgill89]

I have my eye on two different Excursions, a 2001 7.3 and a 2002 7.3. I don't really know much about the differences between those two model years, but I know there aren't many.

The first one is a Black (monochromatic) 2002 with 91K miles. It's being sold by a dealer for about $19,000. It's fully serviced with new brakes and two new tires. It's basically a 2 owner vehicle with a clean carfax and a good OASIS report.

The second one is a Blue Limited 2001 with 124,300 miles. It's being sold by a private party who is the second owner. This guy has had it for 1/2 of the 124K miles. He only wants $14,000 for it.

I'm torn as to which one to buy. I like the lower miles on the 2002 and the fact that it's been serviced, detailed, and checked out by Ford. However, $5000 isn't chump change.

Any recommendations as to which one I should pursue?

Thanks,

Joe

[Heartbeatracing]

Other than the color and mileage, what are the differences. If it were me I would want the black one....

[CT Performance, Inc.]

Cheaper one as shortly both will need a trans and you will need suspension mods to get these safe to drive. Besides black is a bear to keep looking good.

Cary

[heykw]

14K one, spend the rest on mods.

[Goose]

check to see my 01 has forged NOT PMRS

[heykw]

Good point.

[01excursion7.3]

Black is a PITA to keep looking good. Gotta be nice and clean, or it looks like crap. 5K is enough for me to choose the 01. with the 01 you have a 30/70 shot at getting forged rods, as the 02 definitely had PMR's. I'd check to see if the private party guy has maint records. Either way plan to get a JW valve body to try and milk the stock tranny a bit. Plan on a rebuild at some point. The stock 4r100's just don't hold up well. Plus, you can find someone to detail it for under $250. (I had a guy that also buffed it for $150)

Basically, put the 5k away for a rainy day, and get the 01. Even if you got the 02 from the dealer, you'd still be in the same situation as the 01, and spent 5k more.