If '05 is going to be the last year for the Excursion with the 6.0, does it make sense to buy one now or should I wait until the '07 Expedition XL with the new 6.4 twin turbo? Does anyone know if they'll even offer an Expedition XL with a diesel in '07, or ever for that matter? I need to safely tow between 10 and 12K pounds and definitely need an SUV, not a pickup.

Also, isn't diesel fuel going through a change in '06? I understand its purity will be increased. Will that affect the older diesel engines? Will they need to be modified in any way to accept the new grade of fuel?

I'm new to diesels, so, bear with me. Thanks in advance for all your input.

Jim

If the Excursion is discontinued and they put a diesel in a modified Expedition I would be concerned about the curb weight of the Expedition for towing that weight. The Excursion just seems like a much more hefty vehicle for towing. (Never owned either so just my $.02..... )

I am kind of in the same boat, I may wait for the new 6.4 now that I know it is coming out in a year or two, but may have to go with a F-250 instead of Excursion, unless the Expedition XL gets beefed up. ???????????????? Too many variables, then throw in the suburban diesel rumors?????

I may just wait a couple years and see what happens. I 'll post any info since I am in Ford country and have friends who work there.

I agree, too many variables right now. I doubt the Expedition XL will be as beefed up as the EX. I definitely know it will be smaller. A diesel Burb would be nice, if they decide to make one.

Anyone have any comments on the diesel fuel question I posted above?

i just came back from the ford dealership having my 05 PSD serviced... i asked about the expedition, and as far as they knew, it wasn't ever gonna get beefed up past a 1/2 ton rating... they have been working to make them ride smoother the last several years, i doubt they are going to through that away and stick a dana straight axle under the back of it... he said the twin turbo 6.4 or whatever it is will be at the earliest 07, probably a mid year type deal or 08 if things get held up... and only in the SD line... they said they have sold more excursions since they announced they were going to stop making them then they ever did before...

i thought it was a 4.6 diesel ? and it will still be 1/2 ton.
father in law just bought a EX limited diesel new for 43k
as far as the fuel i think they are changing the emissions for diesel's in a big way not sure what effect that will have yet im sure it won't be good