Larry, I agree with everthing you said about comparing an Ex with the 7.3 psd to the Ex with the v-10. After like a year of research and pondering this decision, I was actually wanting the diesel. Unfortunately, the good ones with under 100,000 miles on them, and within 500 miles of my home, were all $17,000 to over $20,000. If I could have found a one owner low milage 7.3 Ex for $14,000 I would have jumped all over it. The one I bought is so nice, well cared for and garage kept, and i got it for $10,000, I am just thrilled to have it. In our budget it just fits us perfectly, right now ( still paying for dd's college loan and her BIG wedding). Let me make this perfectly clear, in my opinion, the 2000 to 2002 excursion with the 7.3 psd is the ultimate tv for families with a travel trailer. The motor is legendary for reliability, the transmission and chassis is the same as the Super-Duty trucks, its very roomy, some have the factory big extended tow mirrors, and a huge plus is the 44 gal gas tank. For me , the big gas tank is a major reason why I chose the Ex over a suburban. On the long 1035 mile trip to the Fort, gas stops are the only thing I don't like, and the 44 gal tank gives me more range than any other tv out there. I know some guys add an aux tank in the bed of pickups, but a crew cab truck just doesn't have enough room for my family ( 4 adults, a baby, a small dog and 2 large dogs. Anyway, I love my V-10 Ex, its the next best tv after the 7.3psd Ex.