About the Ford Excursion
The Ford Excursion was built on the F-250 Super Duty truck platform and remains the longest and heaviest SUV ever mass-produced. It seats up to nine passengers and was offered with three engine options: a 5.4-litre V8 petrol, a 6.8-litre V10 petrol, and a 6.0-litre or 7.3-litre Power Stroke diesel. All models came with automatic transmission and rear-wheel or four-wheel drive. Despite never being officially sold in the UK, imported examples have found a niche market among buyers requiring maximum towing capacity and interior space.
What Affects the Price of a Used Ford Excursion
Year of manufacture significantly impacts value, with later 2004-2005 models commanding premium prices due to improved specifications and lower mileage. The 7.3-litre diesel variants are particularly sought-after for their reliability and fetch higher prices than petrol equivalents. Mileage is crucial—examples under 100,000 miles cost considerably more than high-mileage vehicles. Condition of the bodywork and interior matters greatly, as rust and wear are common on older examples. Four-wheel drive models typically sell for £2,000-£4,000 more than two-wheel drive versions. Service history and evidence of major maintenance like turbo or injector replacement affect valuations. Import quality and right-hand drive conversions also influence pricing.
Tips for Buying a Used Ford Excursion
Check the vehicle's import documentation and ensure it meets UK registration standards, including SVA or IVA certification if applicable. Inspect thoroughly for rust, particularly on the chassis, wheel arches, and tailgate, as these American trucks weren't designed for UK road salt. Verify the service history and look for evidence of regular oil changes, especially on diesel models prone to injector and turbocharger issues. Test all electrical systems including air conditioning, power windows, and seats, as repairs can be expensive. Ensure parts availability through specialist importers before purchasing. Budget for higher running costs including road tax, insurance, and fuel consumption averaging 12-18 mpg. Have a pre-purchase inspection conducted by a mechanic familiar with American trucks. Confirm the engine type, as the 7.3-litre diesel is more reliable than the 6.0-litre version.