Looking to move on from an Excursion

[XxDesmoxX]

Hi there, as the title states, I've got the holy grail 7.3 Excursion 4x4 and it's either time to spend about $10k for a refresh or move on and get something else. Why I like it; it's incredibly big and the ideal camping vehicle for me, it's easy to work on and pretty damn reliable. What I don't like is the lack of safety airbags (no side airbags or rear passengers); I've got two young kids.

My budget is 25, max 30k. I'm not looking for screens or lane monitoring crap, I generally don't like electronics (former BMW owner) and complexity for complexity's sake.

I'm between GM and the Ford products. Why I don't like Fords is that they use Turbo's and I've heard they become problematic with higher mileage.

I bought my Excursion with 230k miles (and a book of service records), so I'm not afraid of high miles. Ideally I would get something with about 100k miles, I would want to keep it for about 15yrs and put very little money into it. I'm not beyond the older GMT800 series.

My question is in a nutshell, what years should I be looking at and what options/spec are the most reliable/easy to maintain.

I've done my due diligence and I'm knowledgeable about DOD/AFM, the software deletes that disables the system, the 6.2 vs 5.3. I'm leaning towards the 5.3 only because I can use regular gas. I've chat-gpt'ed the shit out of this topic, but now I want to get some real feedback from actual humans. Every car has it's problems; Porsches and bore scoring, Ram electronics, BMW everything.

Having said that, what would you do if you were me? Thanks in advance.

 

[randeez]

i would expand your search and look for a 2500 suburban/yukon xl, 6.0 in them has no afm/dod, 6l90 transmission iirc. 2015+ are hard to come by, staying under 30k youll be looking at high mileage, even in the 2008-2014 years

and welcome to forum

 

[pronstar]

Pick your poison, they all have issues.
Plan and budget for the worst and hope for the best…and don’t defer maintenance, ever.

The 2 trucks in my signature have the same drivetrains.
I budgeted for AFM hardware deletes and transmissions.
Both had the common AC condenser failures, one paid by me and the other paid by warranty.

Silverado:
Has a billet torque converter that i paid for, no other failures

Suburban:
Has a GM warranty trans, billet converter that i paid for, and full AFM hardware delete (due to failed lifter) that i also paid for.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Pics of the current truck, please. If we can't see it, it does not exist.

You are already receiving sage advice from the knowledgeable folks on this Forum.

Make sure that your search area includes states where there is no harsh winter/salt states. Ideally, you should look for a rust free truck, even if you have to drive/fly to pick it up. That will help assure that you get the 15+ years out of it that you are looking for.

I would say that the GMT900 (2007-2014) series would probably be the best bet your your cost and mileage preferences. For lots of room, look at the Suburban or the Yukon XL models.

 

[Marky Dissod]

Any Suburban (or Y-XL) 2500 with around 100,000 miles should come with a 6.0L that will take 87, & either a 4L80 (GMT800) or 6L90 (GMT900), I think.
Guess you'd avoid the 8.1L?

Don't be too afraid of mileage, a well-cared-for 6.0L should easily make it to 350,000 miles with only occasional repairs that are reasonable in terms of costs.
I'm partial to the GMT800 (2000?-2006?), guess it's my way of saying don't count them out just because of age, many are aging like Marisa Tomei.

 

[tooleyondeck]

If you don't care about the latest tech, there's a sweet spot in 07-09 Escalades (and I believe Denali's) where you get the 6.2L with no AFM. Head units are cheap if you want GPS or bluetooth, and the ESV/XL versions will be about the size of your Excursion and well under your 30K budget... leaving a lot of room for upgrades/preventative maintenance.

 

[XxDesmoxX]

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Pics of the current truck, please. If we can't see it, it does not exist.

You are already receiving sage advice from the knowledgeable folks on this Forum.

Make sure that your search area includes states where there is no harsh winter/salt states. Ideally, you should look for a rust free truck, even if you have to drive/fly to pick it up. That will help assure that you get the 15+ years out of it that you are looking for.

I would say that the GMT900 (2007-2014) series would probably be the best bet your your cost and mileage preferences. For lots of room, look at the Suburban or the Yukon XL models.

Got it, Pics posted (I think).

I have to hand it to you guys, the responses have been gold, good info, no attitude, friendly people. Cheers!

Any Suburban (or Y-XL) 2500 with around 100,000 miles should come with a 6.0L that will take 87, & either a 4L80 (GMT800) or 6L90 (GMT900), I think.
Guess you'd avoid the 8.1L?

Don't be too afraid of mileage, a well-cared-for 6.0L should easily make it to 350,000 miles with only occasional repairs that are reasonable in terms of costs.
I'm partial to the GMT800 (2000?-2006?), guess it's my way of saying don't count them out just because of age, many are aging like Marisa Tomei.

I love me some Marisa Tomei!
Other than a gas hog, I don't know much about the 8.1 From what I've gathered the mpg difference btwn the 5.3 and 6.2? is negligible, but the kicker is the 6.2 needs premium fuel (which for me would be about $1000/yr or a nice steak dinner every month) so I'll pass. I'm not going to be towing anything above 7000lb max, maybe twice a year.

Having owned several high hp motorcycles, POWER is the first thing that you get used to and the thing that costs the most money. Would you rather buy a supercharged 5.3 or a stock 6.0/6.2?

Having said that I did max out my Sienna minivan to 118. lol

If you don't care about the latest tech, there's a sweet spot in 07-09 Escalades (and I believe Denali's) where you get the 6.2L with no AFM. Head units are cheap if you want GPS or bluetooth, and the ESV/XL versions will be about the size of your Excursion and well under your 30K budget... leaving a lot of room for upgrades/preventative maintenance.

If you don't care about the latest tech, there's a sweet spot in 07-09 Escalades (and I believe Denali's) where you get the 6.2L with no AFM. Head units are cheap if you want GPS or bluetooth, and the ESV/XL versions will be about the size of your Excursion and well under your 30K budget... leaving a lot of room for upgrades/preventative maintenance.

Thanks for the info, this was EXACTLY the type of info I was looking for. Chatgpt, says the leather is better on the Caddy, is that true? Also, correct me if i'm wrong, but at what point did the Caddy begin using air suspension, I've heard (from chatgpt) that replacing one of the AIR shocks on a caddy costs as much as replacing all the shocks on the Suburban. My prespective is that the rig is a big heavy squishy thing, it's already comfortable enough without needing air shocks. Hell, my rig has solid axels with leaf springs, but due to the cushy seats it's actually not that bad. Any GMT800/900 or above will be an improvement in terms of ride comfort.


Sorry for the long post, have a great day everyone. I probably should get back to work.

PS; I've seen quite a few 2018-ish suburbans going for 18-25k. Is reliability really that bad? sheesh

 

[Joseph Garcia]

I'm really glad that you recognized that this Forum is not your typical FaceBook/Instagram chat page crap, with folks hiding behind their computer screens sniping at each other. We are grown adults here, and we have a profound respect for each other and their opinions. Folks that don't behave like adults don't last long here. That is why this Forum ROCKS.

Air suspension on the GMT800 and GMT900 models refer to the rear suspension only, and those suspensions are either Z55 (electronic) or Z95 (Magneride). The purpose of the rear air suspension in these series is to automatically level the truck, regardless of the load placed inside the truck, or the load placed on the rear of the truck when towing.

The real magic of these two 'active' suspensions is their ability to adjust all 4 shocks' stiffness independently on the fly (20 ms for Z55 and 4 ms for Z95) to adjust to road conditions (surface variances, incline/decline variances in all 4 directions, etc.). The difference that these suspensions make is substantial to ride stability and comfort under all driving conditions. In full disclosure, though, some folks prefer the 'passive' suspensions, and I respect them for their opinions.

Yes, these shocks are expensive to replace ($350+ each with available discounts), but they are good for at least 80-100,000 miles.

The choice is yours.

 

[pronstar]

PS; I've seen quite a few 2018-ish suburbans going for 18-25k. Is reliability really that bad? sheesh

It’s a crapshoot IMHO, and largely depends on maintenance history.

IMHO this can be a sweet spot if the price is right. A Suburban in need of a motor or trans will be priced accordingly, and the major issues these trucks have are well-known.

Factor the repairs into the purchase equation and the math might work in your favor.

 

[XxDesmoxX]

I'm really glad that you recognized that this Forum is not your typical FaceBook/Instagram chat page crap, with folks hiding behind their computer screens sniping at each other. We are grown adults here, and we have a profound respect for each other and their opinions. Folks that don't behave like adults don't last long here. That is why this Forum ROCKS.

Air suspension on the GMT800 and GMT900 models refer to the rear suspension only, and those suspensions are either Z55 (electronic) or Z95 (Magneride). The purpose of the rear air suspension in these series is to automatically level the truck, regardless of the load placed inside the truck, or the load placed on the rear of the truck when towing.

The real magic of these two 'active' suspensions is their ability to adjust all 4 shocks' stiffness independently on the fly (20 ms for Z55 and 4 ms for Z95) to adjust to road conditions (surface variances, incline/decline variances in all 4 directions, etc.). The difference that these suspensions make is substantial to ride stability and comfort under all driving conditions. In full disclosure, though, some folks prefer the 'passive' suspensions, and I respect them for their opinions.

Yes, these shocks are expensive to replace ($350+ each with available discounts), but they are good for at least 80-100,000 miles.

The choice is yours.

Sir, I can attest I'm no grown adult. I'm pushing 50 but still about 13 mentally, and I'm rounding up. hahaha

What's the holy grail version of the GMT900 and the GMT800? I like the idea that

tooleyondeck put forth; buying a 2007-09 6.2 w/o the afm.​

Now the only reason I'm doing this is to gain safety; my current rig doesn't have front side airbags or any airbags for the rear passengers. And chatgpt, says that they began installing them in 2001 but that they were an option, meaning some may not have them.

Having said that, what's the holy grail version of either gmt800 or 900 based solely on reliability? Or to make it personal, why did you buy your rig and not something else?

I see you have a supercharger, what's the mpg's if you're driving reasonably?

As for the adaptive suspension debate, I can attest they are also in the motorcycling world and the consensus if that they're great for most of the people out there, but for those who are tracking/racing or just going faaaaast, it's more important to have a predicable suspension (every time it hits a bump it does the same thing) than having an adaptive suspension that *maybe* better, but it's not predictable. I don't think anyone is racing their GMTXXX, but I wanted to share that view with you all.

 

[GMCChevy]

If the Excursion is still in good shape and you like it you'd be further ahead to keep it on the road. It doesn't matter if you choose GM or Ford, they both have their issues for the newer models. If you're moving to GM stick to the GMT800. Id still be in one if you could get clean ones anywhere around here.

 

[Marky Dissod]

Would you rather buy a supercharged 5.3L, or a stock 6.0L, or a 6.2L?

6.0L over both the 5.3L AND the 6.2L, thank you very much. I'm far more interested in 'power' UNDER 2875RpM;
the 6.0L V8s do that almost as well as the 6.2Ls, once 87 vs 91 is factored in, 6.0L V8s win for me.
4.10 axles will help too, plus pay for themselves in better city MpG & the transmission lasting quite a bit longer between rebuilds.
Based solely on reliability, GMT800 (less features to go wrong). GMT800-2500 & GMT900-2500 suspensions & frames are nearly identical if I'm not mistaken,
so if you aim for a 6.0L V8, GMT800 vs GMT900 becomes more about styling; 2500s tend to be slightly more reliable than lighter duty stuff.

(Too paranoid to need side airbags. When I found out my Tahoe came with them, had them disabled, they'll be deleted soon ...)

 

[tooleyondeck]

What's the holy grail version of the GMT900 and the GMT800? I like the idea that

Holy Grail GMT800 would probably be an 06 Escalade ESV Platinum (but good luck finding one). Realistically any 05-06 because they come with efans vs clutch fans in the older models. Opt for the 6.0 (Denali and Escalade).

Holy Grail GMT900 would be the 07-09 6.2s I mentioned.

Personally, I own a 2003 Yukon XL Denali, you can see the entire story on my build thread with the link in my signature. Long story short- it's a keeper.

 

[CMoore711]

For the GMT900 Escalade the leather only gets better for the highest Platinum trim models. The leather in the base, luxury, and premium trim is similar/same as what you get in the Suburbans and Yukon XL’s. With exception to some of the leather seats are more perforated than others for heated/cooled seat features, but the leather is the same.

I personally like the magnetic ride control suspension and the rear air auto leveling is nice. We have 4 kids that are in all the sports and activities and take our rigs on road trips the auto leveling in the rear is nice when we’re all loaded up with kids and gear/luggage.

2011 Escalade Premium purchased CPO owned till 72K traded in for
2013 Escalade ESV Luxury still own now my daily @ 197K
2015 Yukon XL Denali 6.2/8 speed
At 72K AFM lifter failure was repaired under GM CPO Powertrain warranty. This happened even with a Range AFM disabler since 27K miles (bought CPO), drove to 149K before it was totaled by another driver.
2019 Escalade ESV Premium Luxury drove to 92K before it was totaled by another driver.
2023 GMC Yukon XL Denali Ultimate 29K wife’s daily driver.

I follow the “severe” maintenance schedule for all my drivetrain fluids. My ‘13 ESV has had trans fluid and filter changed 4 times and coming up on its 5th here soon. Along with the differentials and transfer case, I do them all at about 50K miles.

For handling I would highly recommend front and rear swaybars. I had Hotchkis on my ‘15 Yukon XL Denali and now Hellwigs on my ‘13 ESV. They make a huge difference in stability both in city and highway driving. I’d recommend the Hellwigs.

The AFM failure risk is really a crap shoot based on my personal experience. That being said finding something without AFM would be ideal, but budgeting for an AFM delete is recommended if reliability is the goal. I think for your budget you could pick up a well maintained GMT900 and in short order perform an AFM delete. A GMT900 2500 with 6.0 is a great option. I would be ok purchasing something with higher miles as long as consistent maintenance records were available.

For your budget and model years you’re looking at make sure you check body and undercarriage for rust. GM SUV’s are most vulnerable in the upper lip of the wheel well openings, rear quarter panel where panel meets rear bumper cover, and rocker panels.

Welcome to the forum. You’ve come to the right place for full-size GM SUV expertise and the experience.

Good luck in your search.