Spendy used tow vehicle

valhalla360 wrote:

Bionic Man wrote:
I just don't get the love affair with the old diesels (of every flavor). Sure, they were impressive when they were made - but that was 20 years ago.

In both performance and economy, the 3.5 EcoBoost (or Hemi or 6.2 for that matter) are just flat out better engines than a old 5.9 or 7.3.

And that doesn't even scratch the surface of the upgrades inside the vehicles - touchscreen radios, adaptive cruise, park assist, lane assist, CarPlay......that are included on the new vehicles. Sure some you can add, but not all of them.

Sorry. Hard pass on something like this. Especially at this price.

As I mentioned, financially, it doesn't make a lot of sense.

But, they don't offer the 3.5Ecoboost in a 3/4 ton platform but even then, the 7.3 actually is better for efficiency (Our F250 with 7.3 got low 20's MPG with 13 MPG towing a 5th wheel) and they are proven to last pretty much...forever.

Only place the newer engines really win is peak horse power. Load up the ecoboost with a big trailer and expect 8-9mpg towing if you are lucky.

As far as other upgrades beyond the engine...that's why I suggested a transplant and suspension upgrade. Of course touchscreens and parking assist aren't high priorities in a tow vehicle for many.

Sorry, but your position is hard to justify. The only real place the diesel Excursion has an advantage is tow rating (11,000 vs 9,200 in the current Expedition). Payload is the same. It probably would get better MPG towing, but it wouldn’t even be close in no towing MPG. The current full size SUVs would be MUCH more pleasurable to drive towing or not.

And if you don’t think the upgraded electronics are an advantage in a tow vehicle, I’d be curious if you ever really have experienced them.

Even if this was only a dedicated tow vehicle, I’d still go with one of the more modern Expeditions or Burbs. Especially when it wouldn’t take much more $ to get into one vs this Excursion.