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Ford Excursion vs Chevy Suburban/GMC Yukon XL - The battle of the titans

423 messages,  Last post on Sep 19, 2008 at 1:04 PM

You are in the Ford Excursion Forum.

What is this discussion about? Ford Excursion, Chevrolet Suburban, GMC Yukon XL, SUV

Messages Page 21 of 43

#196 of 423 Excursion 5.4L vs. 6.8L Engine by prestonk

Sep 29, 2000 (11:06 pm)

I just placed an order for an Excursion. This follows an order for a Suburban a month ago that I canceled recently when finding out that GM will not be producing the 9-seat version which I require for an indefinite period of time. I had already been upset about not being able to get both CD & casette on the Suburban, plus Chevy's unwillingness to drop anything from the MSRP, but I had gone ahead with the order due to the Suburban reputation and the $2000 credit I had earned on my GM credit card. But not knowing when I would be able to get my vehicle was the last straw and caused me to look elsewhere.


No 9-seat Excursions were available locally, but the fleet manager assured me that Ford would produce one if I ordered it. Plus, I not only get an in-dash casette player, but was able to add a 6-disc CD changer. And the deal is $800 over invoice (+$200 advertising fee). So, $32,500 plus tax for a 9-seat 2WD Excursion + 6-disc changer and reverse sensing system.


My question is regarding the merits of the 6.8L V10 vs. the 5.4L V8 engine. I went with the smaller engine, assuming that the gas mileage will be better, but how much better? There is no data on either engine version. Maybe it's not worth it. Plus, I'm concerned about having enough power in the V8. I will not be doing any towing, but I have 7 kids (thus the 9-seater) and we take some camping trips that have us pretty loaded up with tents, bags, clothes, food, firewood, etc. Does anybody have the knowledge or experience to tell me if the 5.4L V8 will be able to reasonably handle my payload? I have a week to make a change before the order is actually submitted to the manufacturer. Any input is appreciated.


Thanks,


Preston

#197 of 423 bart's comments by bowtiebill

Sep 30, 2000 (1:49 am)

Bart - you are right. The Ex is probably a better deal right now for someone who really just wants to feel that got a great deal. As you said, Chevys are in high demand and they can't seem to build enough of them. The Ex just hasn't caught on and so Ford is using deep discounts and low financing to get rid of them. Otherwise they would have to shut down the plants which is not feasible economically as it cost thems millions, maybe billions to convert them for Ex production. I say you should buy what you want and be happy with it no matter what anyone else says. If you don't mind paying more for the Chevy because that's the kind of vehicle you want, great. And if you buy the Ford to get the better price in the short term and are truly happy with it great also. I just feel bad for those that jumped on the Ex when it first came out and paid full sticker because they just had to have one and then the bottom fell out. But then again, as long as they are happy with their purchase that's what matters.

#198 of 423 First 30K miles in EX by linkstatic

Sep 30, 2000 (2:26 am)

Have just rolled first 30K miles on 2000 Excursion. Got this one in May and have spent a lot of hiway and off road miles, even some ice in 4 WD. Spent 300K miles in '94 Sub previously and had almost no problems,so I have a fairly good comparison. The Ex has the V10 and 4.30 limited slip so power is no problem. Here are my purely subjective observations:
1. Lots more pulling power than the 350 Sub. Duh!! 2. More interior room, but less comfort than Sub,especially on 1000 mile per day trip, and I've made at least 6 of these days.
3. 35% poorer fuel mileage than Sub. Avg 9.5 mpg
4. Rougher ride than Sub.
5. Feels top heavy. I no longer dodge anything,,just run over it. (1 deer already)
6. Tows trailer much easier than Sub.
7. Lots more room on roof for antennas!
8. I have XLT package on Ex, Sub had Silverado,,,Ex is ahead in gadgets & creature comforts.


So far, so good, no mech problem other than a few
rattles

#199 of 423 V10 vs. V8 by cowcity

Sep 30, 2000 (6:28 am)

Prestonk...It is my understanding that the V10 gets considerably better mileage than the V8. The Excursion is a very heavy vehicle, and the V8 has to strain much harder to keep it rolling. The V10 handles the job without breaking a sweat. You'll like it better for hauling a load, too. Some people prefer the diesel engine, but I don't want to put up with the noise and extra maintenance to gain a few more miles per gallon. Frequently, the price of diesel is higher than unleaded regular, so the MPG difference evaporates. I can buy a lot of gas for the $4000 price difference between the V10 and the diesel. I recommend the V10 with the 3.73 ratio axle.
Anybody buying either a Suburban or an Excursion had better plan on considerable fuel costs, regardless of what engine you choose. It comes with the territory. I bought oil company stock, so it helps ease the pain when I fill up.

#200 of 423 Diesel Excursion 4x4 Limited is cool. by jogiba

Oct 01, 2000 (12:42 am)

My stepson just took our Excursion for a saturday nite date. The local school had a car wash today ..$5 for cars and $7 for trucks,Vans and SUV's.So I was glad to give them $7 to wash my Excursion even though I had to do the wheels and tires when I got home. So he has a clean black Excursion to cruise in.He said all his friends think the truck is cool.The Excursion is my wife's truck...I have a ZR2 4x4 3door S-10 Pickup.


 We were thinking of a Suburban but my wife liked the dutch doors on her Astro Van so when she took the Excursion for a test drive she was hooked. I was suprised she even likes the diesel.


           Joe

#201 of 423 V10 vs v8 by bartsimson

Oct 01, 2000 (4:05 am)

I would call around and maybe get one that is not local. When I first started looking is was in the market for a 4door crew cab. It test drove the v8 and v10. The v10 is the way to go in my opinion, it defiantly did not push the truck as well and that was unloaded. You should consider canceling your order and calling around to other states for what you want. I paid 34000 for mine and it is 4wheel drive limited and just about every feature. I have been surprised by the gas mileage of the v10. One thing, I have the 373 rear end, I am sure the 4.30 will not do as well. Even with this rear end the truck picks up pretty well, and if you put your foot into it, it goes and I am high altitude. Good luck. You should make your dealer give you a test drive of the f250 crew to give you some idea of the power difference but remember the EX is heavier.


BowtieBill,


I think that you should not just purchase anything based on cost. I guess I was trying to show a cost benefit. The ride/gas mileage/noise level is only slightly better than the Chevy. If you really desire those qualities you should go with Jap or a Landrover, but then price becomes an issue (at least it would for me) So my point. I agree that everyone should be happy with what they choose. For me (and not you or anyone else) after you I did the cost/benefit the EX shines. Even if the Chevys were available to get one as nice as the EX would put the price into orbit for me and for what? Only slightly better performance in the areas we discussed earlier. You then must consider the merits of the EX. So to base a comparison on cost only, a person must consider all the pros and cons. The reason I even posted was because of a basher out here who made emotional based arguments that did not consider the facts/features/qualities of the EX. To each his own. Fortunately everyone does think exclusively like you or I because one manufacturer would be history. I like Chevys, I still have one but I had to choose the best value (cost/benefit analysis)not just cost, so for me and at this point in time I got a EX. The Chevys are revamped and nice but I can't justify one in my mind.

#202 of 423 V10 vs. V8 by prestonk

Oct 03, 2000 (9:50 pm)

Thanks for the input on this. If the V10 gets better gas mileage, I suppose that I'll go for it. There doesn't seem to be a disadvantage to it other than the initial cost. Even though 2 of you recommended the 3.73 rear axle, it seems that in California I am required to get the 4.30 with the V10 (don't know why, something about California emissions).


The dealer looked around California and didn't find a 9-seater. I think 2000's are pretty much gone here, but I haven't tried a nationwide search and am not sure that it would be worth it, esp. with 2.9% financing expiring.


Preston

#203 of 423 Bart by bowtiebill

Oct 04, 2000 (3:49 am)

Amen, brother. We're both pleased with our choices and based on our own analysis we bought the vehicle that was right for us. That's what it's all about.

#204 of 423 ex vs sub by rpepperman

Oct 04, 2000 (2:15 pm)

I am looking to buy a SUV. I would like to hear more likes and dislikes on these two. Right now I am leaning towards the ex 4X4 limited loaded for about 38,000 any ideals is this a good price or not. Any sub owners want to talk me out of the ex. also did I tell you the price included a VCR player and screen.Thanks for any advice

#205 of 423 9 Seater by hanslg

Oct 04, 2000 (2:36 pm)

Preston,


Are you trying to get this in leather?
You can probably take the center console out and replace it with a leather SteelHorse middle seat/organizer. This unit even has provisions for a VCP in the back. The only problem is relocating the CD changer and rear-audio controls.


Drive safe,
Hans

Messages Page 21 of 43

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