mad_science
New member
Wanted some insight on an upcoming purchase choice. I just sold my '69 Wagoneer because I've got enough classic car "fun" going on between my '64 Falcon DD and '62 Ranchero LeMons car that I don't need my tow rig/family dirt wagon to also be a classic. Want something with CA, OD and easier-to-replace parts.
Here's what I want, functionally:
-Tow pretty big stuff (7-10k) a few times a year (say, enclosed race trailer + tools + gear) without too much drama. More frequently tow lighter stuff (2.5k car on rented uhaul trailer) without a second thought.
-Roadtrip with 2 kids plus gear in relative comfort in any weather: high heat, snow.
-Ease of maintenance. This can be either things that break but are cheap and easy to fix or things less likely to break. Intend to own pretty much forever so long as it's doing its job.
-Mild to moderate offroading. Best defined by not having to stress if the dirt road to the campsite is snowy, muddy or rutted. Not likely to go looking for trouble.
Here's what I'm looking at:
'91 Burb 2500. 350, 4l80e. 220k, had engine and trans replaced a dealer (not sure when). Overall vibe of a very well cared for vehicle. All dealer parts, everything works, etc. 4 or 6" lift and 35" H2 takeoffs. Could get for $4500.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/5561703305.html
'01 Burb 2500. 6.0, 4l80e, 173k. In good shape (but not as fanatically maintained as the 91). No eng/trans rebuilds yet. Already has some accessories I'd add (roof rack, brake control, etc). Probably about $6000.
http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/5568299171.html
'00 Excursion V10. Haven't had a chance to call the guy yet, but here's the ad:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/5580352322.html
A few irrational notes:
--I just like the '91 better. Like the classic body style, solid axles and greater cheapness/simplicity. I'd like to think some day I'll just swap an LS or HT383 into it to make up for the somewhat wheezy 350.
--I'm more worried that the newer ones are going to hit end-of-life type issues on misc. electronic modules that cost $400 each to replace.
--I'm weighing these concerns against being more of an adult and getting the '01 that's better engineered, better driving/stopping/towing/towing etc.
--I don't really like Ford mod motors or orphan motor lines, so I'm wary of the V10. Not sure how well founded that concern is.
Here's what I want, functionally:
-Tow pretty big stuff (7-10k) a few times a year (say, enclosed race trailer + tools + gear) without too much drama. More frequently tow lighter stuff (2.5k car on rented uhaul trailer) without a second thought.
-Roadtrip with 2 kids plus gear in relative comfort in any weather: high heat, snow.
-Ease of maintenance. This can be either things that break but are cheap and easy to fix or things less likely to break. Intend to own pretty much forever so long as it's doing its job.
-Mild to moderate offroading. Best defined by not having to stress if the dirt road to the campsite is snowy, muddy or rutted. Not likely to go looking for trouble.
Here's what I'm looking at:
'91 Burb 2500. 350, 4l80e. 220k, had engine and trans replaced a dealer (not sure when). Overall vibe of a very well cared for vehicle. All dealer parts, everything works, etc. 4 or 6" lift and 35" H2 takeoffs. Could get for $4500.
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/5561703305.html
'01 Burb 2500. 6.0, 4l80e, 173k. In good shape (but not as fanatically maintained as the 91). No eng/trans rebuilds yet. Already has some accessories I'd add (roof rack, brake control, etc). Probably about $6000.
http://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/5568299171.html
'00 Excursion V10. Haven't had a chance to call the guy yet, but here's the ad:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/5580352322.html
A few irrational notes:
--I just like the '91 better. Like the classic body style, solid axles and greater cheapness/simplicity. I'd like to think some day I'll just swap an LS or HT383 into it to make up for the somewhat wheezy 350.
--I'm more worried that the newer ones are going to hit end-of-life type issues on misc. electronic modules that cost $400 each to replace.
--I'm weighing these concerns against being more of an adult and getting the '01 that's better engineered, better driving/stopping/towing/towing etc.
--I don't really like Ford mod motors or orphan motor lines, so I'm wary of the V10. Not sure how well founded that concern is.
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