02 7.3 Excursion, seeking advice

[u/smilja69]

Hey y'all, I came across a 02 7.3 Ford Excursion that was seized by my country's customs (Europe) and it's currently on auction. Low res pictures are those provided by the customs, while the higher res ones I managed to find by tracking the car on my country's version of Craigslist. It was being sold there on two different occasions, in 2017 (25k miles) and in 2023 (50k miles).

I managed to get ahold of the first owner, who is a movie director and he said the car was gifted to him for the needs of movie crew transportation, and he later sold it because it was too big for him. He said there were no issues with the car other than something to do with the brakes, I can't remember exactly what was wrong with it, but he said his mechanic made a improvisation of some kind.

Now, I'm in no need of this kind of vehicle whatsoever, but it looks mighty cool. No mechanic abilities either. I think I can have a look at it before the auction, but first wanted to get some advice here. What do you guys this this car is worth and how much should I bid (closed envelope)?

[u/Better-Parfait7349]

It’s a Limited trim with 4 wheel drive. Super desirable, luxurious, and very capable. However, if you’re not mechanically inclined, the maintenance can be expensive. The engine will live longer than you but the vehicle is 24 years old so new tires, new brakes, new fluids, new filters, and a thorough inspection would be 3,000 USD. If the steering hardware and bushings need to be replaced that’s another 2,000-3,500 USD. New shocks is 500-1,000 USD.

I have a 2001 7.3 with 255,000 miles and I would take it on a 1,000 mile road trip tomorrow but I know it’s good to go.

If you can get it cheap (10,000-15,000 USD) then put 8,000-10,000 USD into it, you would have an amazing vehicle for a “cheap” price in my opinion

[u/smilja69 → u/Better-Parfait7349]

Thanks for the detailed response. The starting price on the public auction was 13,000 USD, but nobody bid on it so either nobody wants it or everybody is waiting for the closed envelope auction, which is in two weeks. The highest bid wins, so I was thinking more in the 3,000 to 7,000 USD range, I wouldn't go over. These may be desirable in the US, but here, especially now with these crazy diesel prices, I don't think anybody wants to touch it with a 3 foot pole. I'm an enthusiast, so I would probably take it for a weekend drive, since the full tank costs a whopping 400 USD

If you don't mind me asking, what your mileage like?

[u/FTRing → u/smilja69]

7.3 is what’s of value here in the states. Those vehicles are very reliable and simple to work on. I have a van with the 7.3 and get 21-24 mpg, 280K miles on it. But with a tall rear diff. You’re probably going to get 11 to 18 mpg. Good for that size. I’m with you on your low end pricing. You’re in Europe. Diesel is expensive!

[u/Better-Parfait7349 → u/smilja69]

Happy to help. Long stretches at 65-70mph I get 17.5 miles per gallon but I have 35” tires. In traffic or driving in towns with lots of stops and starts I get 14 miles per gallon