Thinking about buying a (gasp) Ford.... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

vwbuge · #1 02-01-2007, 11:36 PM

I have been kicking around the idea of what to buy as an everyday car when my Soob kicks the bucket. (God forbid) I am expecting her to last another 2-3 years. I will have school and car loans paid off by that time. I have been looking at 7-series BMWs, 400E's, just to name a few. Something that I can drive everyday (I don't really put that many miles on) and still have fun with. I am really into the new diesel trucks now. I was thinking of an Excursion with a diesel. Plenty big to haul the family and plenty big for a hunting rig. AND for a little money you can really toy with the motors. They seem like a stout vehicle. Anyone here have any experiences with one?

#2 02-01-2007, 11:40 PM

Think about buying (gasp) something better....

The 6.0L Powerjoke has been plagued with significant problems from the beginning. I doubt the 2008 6.4L will be any better.

I'd buy a gas engine before a Ford (International) diesel.

Brian Carlton · #3 02-01-2007, 11:41 PM

Aklim has that $hitbox. I'm sure he can give you every minute detail about it.

vwbuge · #4 02-01-2007, 11:43 PM

Are the 6.0L really that bad? I've been scoping the Ford forum and saw one guy that had the crank break in two. They were talking like it was a freak thing. I thought at least the 7.3L were OK.

#5 02-01-2007, 11:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vwbuge

I thought at least the 7.3L were OK.

They WERE OK. After 9 years of production, they were *finally* starting to refine the engine and tap it's capabilities. Then they suddenly replace it with the 6L. They are *finally* starting to figure out the problems with it and now they are going to replace it with a different engine.

I've seen lots of problems with sticky and fragged turbos, blown headgaskets. The stock VGT turbo is already at it's operational limits on the stock engine. Then people come along with their quick-n-easy chip tuners and send the turbo into overspeed when they try to get 30psi of boost.

vwbuge · #6 02-01-2007, 11:56 PM

I noticed the 6L was making like 100hp more than the old 7.3 The 6L has the VGT turbo. (variable vane?) The 7.3L do not?

I did notice alot of headgasket troubles and a few people complaining about the turbos.

BioPOWER · #7 02-02-2007, 12:58 AM

My 7.3L Powerstroke has 100k on the clock and is showing no signs of slowing down whatsoever....it has actually had no major engine work done AT ALL, just regular oil and filter changes. My most significant issue has been flat tires, I've had a few experiences...once driving to Phoenix in August a rear tire blew, I changed it in the 110F+ heat, only to have the spare shred itself a few miles later!

Had to have it towed and have a non-matching tire put on (the shop in the little town didn't carry the Bridgestones I was using).

Other than that, it's an extremely reliable truck, it starts immediately in freezing Tahoe temperatures (no glowplug work has been done), it's been as far east as Yellowstone and as far south as Cabo San Lucas. The motor is definately more reliable than the Benz, even if the car itself isn't (Fords have little quality niggles)....but comfort aside, I would highly recommend it.

I've never driven the 6.0L but have heard good things about them...seems like they've had some problems though. They seem to accelerate quicker than the 7.3 (might have a better trans) but the 7.3 is definately bombproof....and a lot cheaper to have fixed than the Mercedes!

7.3L has a wastegated, non-VGT turbo.

BioPOWER · #8 02-02-2007, 01:04 AM

Is the 6.0 a 4-valve design? I know the 7.3 is two-valve and pushrod actuated.

7.3L direct injection
HP: 215 @ 3000 rpm
TQ: 450 @ 2000

6.0L direct injection
HP: 325 @ 3300
TQ: 560 @ 2000

Bio300TDTdriver · #9 02-02-2007, 01:10 AM

If you have to get a powerjoke, get the 7.3. You don't want the 6.0! Go and read about them on the Ford diesel forums.

Chris

#10 02-02-2007, 01:12 AM

The 7.3's I work with go through alot of glowplug relays, alternators, some have had the injector wiring harness replaced under warranty (They suddenly start running on only 4 cylinders), and one has developed a flat cam lobe. Some are easy to start when it's really cold and others require at least 3 GP cycles before they will fire.

EDIT: We also replace quite a few cam position sensors when it gets really hot outside and they refuse to start.

iNeon · #11 02-02-2007, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BioPOWER

My 7.3L Powerstroke has 100k on the clock and is showing no signs of slowing down whatsoever....it has actually had no major engine work done AT ALL, just regular oil and filter changes. My most significant issue has been flat tires, I've had a few experiences...once driving to Phoenix in August a rear tire blew, I changed it in the 110F+ heat, only to have the spare shred itself a few miles later!

Had to have it towed and have a non-matching tire put on (the shop in the little town didn't carry the Bridgestones I was using).

Other than that, it's an extremely reliable truck, it starts immediately in freezing Tahoe temperatures (no glowplug work has been done), it's been as far east as Yellowstone and as far south as Cabo San Lucas. The motor is definately more reliable than the Benz, even if the car itself isn't (Fords have little quality niggles)....but comfort aside, I would highly recommend it.

I've never driven the 6.0L but have heard good things about them...seems like they've had some problems though. They seem to accelerate quicker than the 7.3 (might have a better trans) but the 7.3 is definately bombproof....and a lot cheaper to have fixed than the Mercedes!

7.3L has a wastegated, non-VGT turbo.

You tell 'em!

Sometimes it's like you guys can't see past the 3-point star to see that a Mercedes is really just an expensive to mantain, finicky, parts-munching waste of money. I tell myself quite often to quit with the diesel and just throw money at the neon, but I can't. The neon couldn't possibly eat all the parts a Mercedes *needs* as 'maintenence.'

Oh yeah-- I like the big trucks, but have always wondered why they've never made an Expedition with a diesel. Ideally, it'd be a Ram Wagon with the short wheelbase, but they've left that hole in the market for what, 15 years?

greasybenz · #12 02-02-2007, 02:15 AM

Havent had any problems with our Ford powersmoke 6.0L. Its just LOUD on cold start-ups and glow plugs take a long time to heat. But it still pulls our searay boat on B100 with no problems. It doesnt even feel like a boat is being pulled..plenty of torque!

my dads dodge with the cummins has a better engine, its quiet, starts up quickly, and it doesnt have glow plugs. But 2 main problems with it being a dodge. Ride quality sucks, its really rough and the interior seating sucks! the stiff seats gives you back pain. For the rear, unless you go with the enormous mega cab the rear seats only fits small children. I cant sit back there for 5 minutes without squirming for more leg room.

The Ford on the other hand is quite comfy. Plenty of room in the back. And the suspension is surprisingly soft for a truck.