MARAUDER PRICING

[Sask_Mrdr]

As a owner of a low mileage Marauder I often wonder what the values of the cars are? There seems to be a very large fluctuation in pricing. Are we as owners in any position to make a change in the value of the rare cars. Keeping in mind as the years go buy they become more rare and many become total loss vehicles. As members of this club are we in any position to stabilize or increase value? Being the cars a limited edition .We all cherish our Marauders and want the most value if we ever have to deal with a total loss or a selling scenario. Please share your thoughts.:cool4:

[kartherma]

At risk of being accused of blasphemy...

The harsh reality is that outside these hallowed halls, the Marauder isn't much more special than any other garden variety special edition car.

It isn't exotic in any way. Rare is a stretch, limited sure.

Take, for example, the BOSS versions of mustangs.
To the enthusiasts, they are great machines and worthy of much admiration and immediately increasing resale values. To the rest of us, it is just another mustang with some extra stuff from the factory.

Marauders? just another Grand Marquis/Crown Vic variant with extra stuff from the factory.

If anyone has visions of rising resale values, I hope they have long pockets to store the vehicle, not drive it much, maintain it regularly, document all the maintenance, get Elvis to drive it and have pictures taken, etc.
Beyond that? The MM is an expensive hobby that has gotten a little cheaper now that there's a gob of them in the 150K+ mile range.

Yes, we all (mostly) want to see our lovely MM's go to good homes. We all also probably want max dollar for the car when we sell it. But the market isn't there for it in big enough numbers to support much more than what this group right here on this board is willing to support.

Problem with this group? There is one... What appears to be a majority here is people who understand cars on a much deeper level than the average person walking on a dealer lot choosing between colors for their next car.

I see most (well, all) members here as shrewd car buyers who know the differences between what a car is worth and what the list/asking price a dealer or private party starts out with.

As for this group being in position to stabilize or increase value? As much as it can, it already has. This group has served the purpose of fanning the flames of enthusiasm and as such has encouraged many folks to keep their cars far longer than the usual life span of ownership. This has limited the churning of the Marauders in the market place.

Outside of that, this group would be among the most difficult to get a premium price paid for an average condition Marauder, with the exception that this group would probably contain those members who might pay a premium for the cherry when it comes available.

[kartherma]

Another example-
I recently had the pleasure of buying/driving/flipping a Maserati Spyder.
Brilliant car, Ferrari 390+HP naturally aspirated engine, fun to drive, convertible, stock exhaust note amazing, fast, quick, exotic.

The one I had was actually a bit more appropriate to call rare.
We all think the blue MM is 'rare' but it really isn't, it is just another Marauder with a different color- no special feature other than how the paint reflects light.

The Maserati? almost all of them were sold with the Cambio Corsca set up- an F1 transmission that had shift paddles and no clutch pedal. The extreme majority was the GT with the 6MT transmission which was a gated 6 speed manual transmission with a clutch pedal.

Over the entire production run of several years, less than 400 were made with the 6MT. The Maserati guys think of it almost as a unicorn- especially since not all of them shipped to the US.

I can tell you flat out- the only way to capitalize on that rarity is to be able to sell it to another Maserati guy. The open market sees it just as another Spyder and couldn't care much less.

[sailsmen]

As respects selling any item it's worth what someone will pay for it.

I have seen "works of art" that were of a negative value to me and yet some one else paid millions of dollars for it.

[the fat bastid]

At risk of being accused of blasphemy...


https://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=45 736&stc=1&d=1491164471

[RubberCtyRauder]

if you are concerned of value in the event of a total loss, purchase collector car insurance with an agreed value, not a book value. It can be pricey, it can be cheap, most require it to be a non daily driver, nor work vehicle.

[kirk]

In the 35 years I've had my 406 car I've seen the value go up and down. It always seemed valued less than I thought it was worth no matter how high or low, but I am an enthusiast. If rare meant dollars, my car would be worth millions.

I see the gen-4 car in much the same way. It is unique and high performance, not your every day car. I see it as Mercury's last great muscle car, but production (and I assume demand) dropped way off in 2004.

I think my 2003 will end up much like my 1963, value = demand / supply, and my 1963 is rare because nobody wanted them back then...

and that hasn't changed much.

[kartherma]

Here's a great comparison:
2003 BMW 5 series- a vehicle that listed for near double the MM.

Today, the 5series at about 110K miles goes for between 4-5K. Some with lower miles (45-55K) list for as much as 6k, but still sell for something that starts with a 5.

The Marauder with 110K is being offered at 7 or 8K with PLENTY of folks listing at 9, 10, or more (as long as it wasn't trashed or salvage).

The Grand Marquis and Crown Vic? 2500-3000 (even for newer 2007's with 80K on the clock).

Selling a 100k mile Marauder for 7K is a friggin victory.
Thinking a 50K mile Marauder *should* sell for 15 or 20K might get you more money if you offer it at that price then wait for 'the right buyer'. (put the car on the market at that higher price now because it will take a while- and if someone comes along and wants to pay that... sell it quick if making the most money when you sell is the priority... people willing to pay such a premium don't come along often).

[justbob]

Most here do what they can to de-value the Marauder from what I've seen over the years! I seriously wonder sometimes if they are contemplating buying said car they put the value low on or if they are just that dumb not realizing what they are doing to their own car for future sale..


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[kartherma]

That's very insightful Justbob...
I am in the market for a Marauder. I am working on a blue one here that has 142K miles- and the price is 8k. I'm begrudgingly willing to pay 8k because here on island it will cost me 1500-2000 to ship one from the states.

As far as the de-value discussion- Sucks that truth and reality doesn't always work in the favor of our pocket books, dreams, or desires.

Mercury Marauder = fancy Grand Marquis/Crown Vic. It is bound to the GM/CV whether we like it or not. Eventually we might see it divorce (more than it already has- it sells for more than double a comparable GM/CV does right now) completely and actually start to rise in value. Probably need a few more decades of run time for that to happen though and I want to drive a car today- not in the late 2020's.

Oh, and lest I forget...
This entire board is populated by people who feverishly seek out discounts and 'group buys'... Not exactly the spends freely crowd.

I was reminded of a situation I thought quite funny when a member here developed an air dam replacement. Then made a few extras and shared with some other board members. Soon many people wanted one- and with no shame they pestered him with requests for group buys and discounts... and this poor dude was making them essentially for his cost plus a few bucks for his time to actually make them in his garage.

I agree justbob, the board isn't interested in paying a premium for anything, much less a Marauder of garden variety quality.

[Turbov6Bryan]

Some of us just wait for the good deals. Neil got a 48k 300a with a blower kit in the trunk all in for 10k
My dad bought a 69k silver birch that's a awesome car with tons of mods and a vortech v2 all in for 8k
I bought a aluminator 2.3 whipple car that has 130k, silver birch for less than the average guy pays for in parts for a eaton swap
I bought a slightly wrecked DTR for 2500.... God it's ugly too!

No way would I ever pay 10k for a 118k sun fried Florida car...

They can ask all they want,... just wait for the right buyer and sell for a good price

[J-MAN]

I believe it was last year when I saw a '65 Marauder with less than 10,000 miles go at auction for $26,000. I think it was Mecum. It showed up at the Volo Auto Museum shortly afterwards priced at $35,000.

Just because it's rare, doesn't mean it's valuable. :bigcry:

[crownvic97]

Rare certainty does not equal valuable. The rarely driven low mile immaculate cars will be worth good money, everything else is a crap shoot.

[Gerry24]

For the members that own MM for a DD, I think we just want to own something you don't see everyday. The 03-04 MM to me is the last modern classic car out there that has the rep of a Grand National or an Impala SS. I don't mind driving a high mileage MM, doesn't make it less of a MM. I adopted mine and had to put in that work on her & for me it's worth 10k but to the next guy is worth 7k or less. :burnout:

[Spectragod]

I agree justbob, the board isn't interested in paying a premium for anything, much less a Marauder of garden variety quality.


^^^THIS^^^ there are very few on this board that will lay out decent money for parts or a car. Everyone wants a deal blah blah blah. Then they berate the person who is providing the parts, because they are making a profit.

My beater will be for sale in a couple of months, I'll list it high, and sell it for whatever as long as an enthusiast gets it. I can see the $8 offers pouring in right now.



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[kartherma]

I can see the $8 offers pouring in right now.



I'll not stand by and let that car go for $8...
I'm gonna raise the bid to $12!

[Spectragod]

I'll not stand by and let that car go for $8...
I'm gonna raise the bid to $12!



Lol [emoji23]........


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[stevengerard]

These are 4-door modern cars that in the end were compromised by the bean counters. Under powered, over priced to begin with and few bells and whistles for that price. All make for less than a future valuable. But you never know. As others have said rare doesn't always mean valuable - there are reasons few want a 1970 4 door chevelle with a 3 on the tree. If its out there it won't get much.

Not sure the GM, Crown Vic comparison will matter in the future either - a Marauder is a different car same as a 442 is from a Cutlass, GS/Skylark, Tempest/GTO and Chevy Deluxe 300/Chevelle SS . There is a big difference in the price of each of those

[Merc-O-matic]

A Marauder "is what it is". The real value and pleasure comes
from driving the car. An old style Body-on-frame...V-8 Rear wheel
drive, an American Icon. A big old dinosaur by today's standards, where
most would like to see it off the road. And to others (like us) the value is
"priceless" which is the enjoyment that comes from driving it and
owning a piece of Americana.

Gotta Love It!:bandit:

[marauderrocks51]

I just bought a 2004 silver one from Maryland .65k 2 owner . diamond in the rough . just dirty, well maintained . couple of whiskey bumps in the rear . guy was 80 years old , and now gone . paid 7500.00 . IMO that was a easy 10-11 k car . interior is new condition , bone stocker .

[Turbov6Bryan]

I just bought a 2004 silver one from Maryland .65k 2 owner . diamond in the rough . just dirty, well maintained . couple of whiskey bumps in the rear . guy was 80 years old , and now gone . paid 7500.00 . IMO that was a easy 10-11 k car . interior is new condition , bone stocker .

Sounds like a good deal! :) Sure you wouldn't have been happier with a different marauder listed at twice the price and double the miles? Lmao

Seems like a lot of 100k+ cars listed at $12k+

[Gerry24]

A Marauder "is what it is". The real value and pleasure comes
from driving the car. An old style Body-on-frame...V-8 Rear wheel
drive, an American Icon. A big old dinosaur by today's standards, where
most would like to see it off the road. And to others (like us) the value is
"priceless" which is the enjoyment that comes from driving it and
owning a piece of Americana.

Gotta Love It!:bandit:

^^^:concur:^^^

[mm svt]

When the vega cosworth twin overhead cam came out I'm sure their owners are still kicking there own butt, the MM is and was intended to compete for the collector market and that market will be the low mileage original version

[LG88]

This is my point of view:
• cool never goes out of style; Marauders are cool
• Cool is generally not cheap; compare prices of crown Vics and Grand Marquis to marauders and they are relatively expensive.
• I like having something different; driving a marauder you set yourself apart from the common and abundant. Mustangs, Camaros, challengers and chargers everybody and their momma has those cars. Market is over saturated.
• price? Price is all over the place and it is to be expected. Some cars are beat and can't expect top dollar, and others are garage queens. Of course such cars will be worth more money. All depends in how well the car is taken care of.

[marauderrocks51]

Sounds like a good deal! :) Sure you wouldn't have been happier with a different marauder listed at twice the price and double the miles? Lmao

Seems like a lot of 100k+ cars listed at $12k+ lmao !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[GSRighttt]

For the members that own MM for a DD, I think we just want to own something you don't see everyday. The 03-04 MM to me is the last modern classic car out there that has the rep of a Grand National or an Impala SS. I don't mind driving a high mileage MM, doesn't make it less of a MM. I adopted mine and had to put in that work on her & for me it's worth 10k but to the next guy is worth 7k or less. :burnout:

I’m exactly 34 days into the ownership of a 2004 silver birch MM. It’s my current daily driver and it’s pretty stock as far as Marauders go. Gotta say, so far I’ve enjoyed every moment behind the wheel. Those who know know...I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know! Without doubt, this car is a pistol. I’m still getting acclimated and loving it. These cars are classic by any stretch and I expect 'em to be that way for sometime. For me, it was an investment in more ways than one. Like Gerry said, it ain't the everyday-getaway!!

I really appreciate this site and this thread in particular. The input has been helpful, interesting, and it’s enhanced & added to my perspective. I hope to keep the car for a while.

[MGDriver]

That's the nice thing about being an overseas owner, I don't really need to worry about resale value. I could always get back what I paid for mine 2 years ago regardless of the mileage. There are currently 5 Marauders registered in Germany and whilst I'm sure you can get a better example from the States for a lot less than my asking price would be, it is a lot of hassle to export, ship and register a foreign car over here. Most people are not willing to go through that effort when they can just buy one that's already here. However it would probably take a while to find the right buyer because these cars are simply unknown over here, many people have never even heard of the Mercury brand, let alone the Marauder.

But again, rarity doesn't equal value. Best example for that is my project car, an Australian imported Ford Fairlane which is the Australian version of the Lincoln Town Car if you will. My car is the only known example on the entire European continent and yet I still managed to pick it up for $2000 at an estate auction because nobody knows what it is.

[1Marauder]

Agree with most all above and can only add, Low Mile "Garage Queen" Marauders should earn +$3,000 to + $8,000 dollars over very clean and well cared for DD's for all the things that haven't been done to them.

While each finds their own auto qualities important (Paint, Interior wear, cleanliness, dings) even at an easy to calculate .05 to .10 cents per mile, a 20,000 mile "Garage Queen" car should bring an easy $5,000 over an 80,000 mile car. (BTW - This doesn't mean that YOU would pay it, it means that the market would pay it).

Paint, Interior, and wheels on these cars is so expensive, that it is indeed far cheaper to pay more for a cleaner car than it is to fix one up.

And someone flamed long ago about this (and I agreed with them), a "low mile" car has little to do with a cars age, and the old 12,000 miles per year national average.

Any car that has 100,000+ miles (many will argue it is 60,000 miles) is just a used fricken car, and cannot be considered a "Low mile" example. It may be a cool used car, but a used car none the less.

And wait, for the flamers... yes, if you have a bone stock '57 Bel-Air Chevy two tone Hawaiian tan over cream hardtop that has been in your family since new, and it has 90,000 miles... YES you can call that low miles BUT the same example with only 30,000 miles will bring you $30,000 to $70,000 more from a collector.

Our cars are cool. Many are 90,000+ mile examples that have the patina of use. These are COOL used cars. If a 90,000 mile CV/GM is worth $5000 then yes a Marauder should be worth twice that. Most ads though are a little unrealistic: I saw a MM for sale with 130,000 miles that needs paint, has tears in seat and center consol, scuffed wheels and the seller touted the MMs rareness and was asking $13,000. Cray Cray.

I think the value of our cars are going to rise quickly in the next five years. Time to buy more REAL low mile, extremely clean Marauders!

[alec2538]

Any car that has 100,000+ miles (many will argue it is 60,000 miles) is just a used fricken car, and cannot be considered a "Low mile" example. It may be a cool used car, but a used car none the less.

Our cars are cool. Many are 90,000+ mile examples that have the patina of use. These are COOL used cars. If a 90,000 mile CV/GM is worth $5000 then yes a Marauder should be worth twice that. Most ads though are a little unrealistic: I saw a MM for sale with 130,000 miles that needs paint, has tears in seat and center consol, scuffed wheels and the seller touted the MMs rareness and was asking $13,000. Cray Cray.

I couldn't have said it better myself. I have, almost surely, one of the more beat up MM's on the site. 90% of that was my doing, the other 10% is the toll that living in MN almost it's entire life has taken on her.

My car is banged up, rusty, squeaky, and generally tired. It also has 205k miles on it and has NEVER left me stranded. In the 30k miles I've had her I've done nothing but routine repairs that are to be expected on something this age. Even with all that, I STILL get people checking the thing out. To me, my car is staying with me for these reasons:

It's paid for.
It's cheap to insure.
It's comfortable and quiet (while cruising, of course).

For those reasons, and the ability to wipe the smiles off snot-nosed Honda Civic drivers, I'm quite sure my beast will be with be until it rots out or blows up.

Oh, and I would be lucky to get $2k for my car. Hardly worth my time to sell given how much I enjoy hearing her fire up every day!

[tbone]

People in 1977 had no idea what their busted and rusted late 60's muscle cars were worth in another 30 or 40 years. Jesus I am tired of hearing this same worn out story of how our cars are nearly worthless and will never be worth ****....

[gnxtc2]

My '04 Marauder's mileage is in the teens. It has collector car insurance with an agreed valve of $25k. I had to get the car appraised for the $25k as there is no past history of value on the MM. So I set some ground work for the future.

Oh yea, the plastic cover by throttle body has the MM designer's signature (forgot his name)

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w274/gnxtc2/Marauder/P9230035_zpstl3ephl2.jpg

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w274/gnxtc2/Marauder/P9230023_zpsy8cosm7i.jpg

Billy T.
gnxtc2@aol.com

[1Marauder]

I couldn't have said it better myself. I have, almost surely, one of the more beat up MM's on the site. 90% of that was my doing, the other 10% is the toll that living in MN almost it's entire life has taken on her.

My car is banged up, rusty, squeaky, and generally tired. It also has 205k miles on it and has NEVER left me stranded. In the 30k miles I've had her I've done nothing but routine repairs that are to be expected on something this age. Even with all that, I STILL get people checking the thing out. To me, my car is staying with me for these reasons:

It's paid for.
It's cheap to insure.
It's comfortable and quiet (while cruising, of course).

For those reasons, and the ability to wipe the smiles off snot-nosed Honda Civic drivers, I'm quite sure my beast will be with be until it rots out or blows up.

Oh, and I would be lucky to get $2k for my car. Hardly worth my time to sell given how much I enjoy hearing her fire up every day!


I forgot to add to my above: the coolest Marauders, are the Marauders that have 200,000+ on them, and have provided 200,000 plus smiles for thier owner.

Good on ya brother! Someday I hope to be there too!

[1Marauder]

My '04 Marauder's mileage is in the teens. It has collector car insurance with an agreed valve of $25k. I had to get the car appraised for the $25k as there is no past history of value on the MM. So I set some ground work for the future.

Oh yea, the plastic cover by throttle body has the MM designer's signature (forgot his name)

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w274/gnxtc2/Marauder/P9230035_zpstl3ephl2.jpg

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w274/gnxtc2/Marauder/P9230023_zpsy8cosm7i.jpg

Billy T.
gnxtc2@aol.com



Sweet looking ride! Nice photos, nice car!

[1Marauder]

People in 1977 had no idea what their busted and rusted late 60's muscle cars were worth in another 30 or 40 years. Jesus I am tired of hearing this same worn out story of how our cars are nearly worthless and will never be worth ****....

Hey, I said the opposite, and rather eloquently too!

[mm svt]

My '04 Marauder's mileage is in the teens. It has collector car insurance with an agreed valve of $25k. I had to get the car appraised for the $25k as there is no past history of value on the MM. So I set some ground work for the future.

Oh yea, the plastic cover by throttle body has the MM designer's signature (forgot his name)

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w274/gnxtc2/Marauder/P9230035_zpstl3ephl2.jpg

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w274/gnxtc2/Marauder/P9230023_zpsy8cosm7i.jpg
Billy T.
gnxtc2@aol.com



Steve Babcock was the project manager, he enlisted Roush to fit the power plant in and was responsible for all the nice luxury items and smooth ride.

[gnxtc2]

Steve Babcock was the project manager, he enlisted Roush to fit the power plant in and was responsible for all the nice luxury items and smooth ride.

That's him....thanks

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w274/gnxtc2/Marauder/20170420_161226_zpsxp02yuvk.jp g

Billy T.
gnxtc2@aol.com

[TrueBlue]

Per the Hagerty Valuation Tool®, 2003 Marauders have been increasing in value since Sept 2015. Currently, condition 1 value is $26,200. The value for lowest (Fair) condition is $10,500. Rare color models should be significantly more.

[Invective]

Per the Hagerty Valuation Tool®, 2003 Marauders have been increasing in value since Sept 2015. Currently, condition 1 value is $26,200. The value for lowest (Fair) condition is $10,500. Rare color models should be significantly more.

Thanks for this. When I registered my Marauder for the first time here in NC this past April, the DMV tax accessor valued the car at $4600 - I paid $12k for my immaculate 39k mile car. Would be an easy #2 in the Hagerty document.

MartyO has seen, driven and worked on it. I enlisted MartyO’s shop to update it the way I thought Mercury should have built it originally, within reasonable costs and production values. KBB, Edmunds, etc. all state the car is worth between $4k and $8k - sad.

If totaled, State Farm will probably pay the tax value? They did surprise me with my totaled ’98 Mustang and paid out about $1k more than book value, due to the car’s condition/upkeep I was told. My car rates went up 62% for 3 years due to being in a single vehicle accident.:bigcry:

[mad man]

tell the guys on this site with the supercharged cars there cars are worth 20k plus there will be glad to get it . mine is stock and it has 9k on it. $18k would make me happy

[1Marauder]

People in 1977 had no idea what their busted and rusted late 60's muscle cars were worth in another 30 or 40 years. Jesus I am tired of hearing this same worn out story of how our cars are nearly worthless and will never be worth ****....



I think they are on the rise!

[Turbov6Bryan]

tell the guys on this site with the supercharged cars there cars are worth 20k plus there will be glad to get it . mine is stock and it has 9k on it. $18k would make me happy


What are you saying?
You saying that all supercharged marauders owners would be lucky to get 20K for a supercharged marauder?

You paid 8? 9 grand for your low mile marauder recently, damn good deal.

[mad man]

What are you saying?
You saying that all supercharged marauders owners would be lucky to get 20K for a supercharged marauder?

You paid 8? 9 grand for your low mile marauder recently, damn good deal.

what are you taking about if you look at what the guys are selling there cars for on this site yes thay would be happy with 20k plus and I paid a lot more for mine than 8 or 9 k even with it being red lol

[Turbov6Bryan]

what are you taking about if you look at what the guys are selling there cars for on this site yes thay would be happy with 20k plus and I paid a lot more for mine than 8 or 9 k even with it being red lol

Every car is different, you cant say that all are worth under 20K.
Is that what you are saying?
Your statement a few posts down that i quoted, maybe i misread it. I have been know to get lost in punctuation.

Buddy of mine just bought a 13K trilogy silver birch for north of 20K, cars mint.
I do see them sell for more than 20k,...
lol
:)

[Spectragod]

The right person can have mine for a fair negotiated price, will it be less than 20k, probably not, or maybe so, I kinda dig the idea of parting it out...


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[stevengerard]

The right person StevenGerard can have mine for a fair negotiated price, will it be less than 20k, probably, maybe for $8.00,

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

There, I fixed it for you

[mad man]

Every car is different, you cant say that all are worth under 20K.
Is that what you are saying?
Your statement a few posts down that i quoted, maybe i misread it. I have been know to get lost in punctuation.

Buddy of mine just bought a 13K trilogy silver birch for north of 20K, cars mint.
I do see them sell for more than 20k,...
lol
:)
just look at all the web sites there is a lot for sale and they are not bring big bucks there is one problem the marauders have is they have 2 many doors:rolleyes:

[Spectragod]

There, I fixed it for you


Doubtful, after what I heard about you....:flamer: