I'm gonna sell it!!!

[muslhed]

But I have a question regarding the Ford Extended Warranty I purchased. My 03 MM has 9500 miles on it, and I bought the 4 yr/100K Extended Warranty from Ford. When I sell this thing, would I get more $$$ for the car by transferring the extended warranty over to the new owner or not? If it would make no difference, then I would rather cash that $1400 warranty in & just pocket it.

Also, what would be a fair asking price for a mint condition '03 MM with 9500 miles on it? Tires & interior are in great shape. The dealer already had the entire car repainted because of shoddy factory paint, so the paint quality is beautiful.

Please help me weigh the pros & cons on this! When it comes to buying & selling cars, I am clueless. Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

Jeremy

[2003 MIB]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!! :bigcry: :bigcry: :bigcry: :bigcry: :bigcry: :bigcry: :bigcry: :bigcry: :bigcry:

[2003 MIB]

This is going to be tough, J...Yes, the paint is beautiful and the car is really "mostly new"- so it looks better and sounds better than anything a used Marauder driver is likely to encounter on a lot.
I'd cash in the extended warranty (put the money in your pocket) and take the car to Carmax to get a baseline offer.
I think you'll probably take a bath on selling so soon. I hate to tell you that- I don't think anyone wants to tell you that (maybe that's why there haven't been many replies yet).

[muslhed]

Awww man, you know I'll still chat in here and meet up with ya'll @ the dragstrip anytime! I'm not gone by any means! I'm just not getting what I want out of the Marauder. Soooo, I'm sellin it and am going to buy another car that gets about 30 mpg (rather than 20) with very similar (if not better) performance.

[duhtroll]

Just out of curiosity - what car is there that gets 30 MPG and has the same (if not better) performance?

I hope you don't say Accord, because we've already shown that to be untrue (not the mileage - the performance).

Thanks,
-A

[muslhed]

I knew this would be coming.........and I'm afraid to say!!! All I can say is that it is a 4-door FWD GM platform, V6 and has shown me up on the track multiple times even after my mods. I can buy a 2000 model with loooow miles for about $10K versus $28K for my MM. Muuuuch lower pymts! :up:

[duhtroll]

There's a GM car that gets 30 MPG?

Now I'm even more curious.

-A

[2003 MIB]

Awww man, you know I'll still chat in here and meet up with ya'll @ the dragstrip anytime! I'm not gone by any means! I'm just not getting what I want out of the Marauder. Soooo, I'm sellin it and am going to buy another car that gets about 30 mpg (rather than 20) with very similar (if not better) performance.

Yeah, I think we've all been down this road before...It's not you it's me- I just need some space-Let's take a break-I didn't mean to stab you-Quit calling my house-It's weird that you collect my urine in jars- Anyway...

Life goes on and I shall not dwell on the way you left us crumpled and soiled like a discarded towel in a truck stop men's room. :puke:

[2003 MIB]

There's a GM car that gets 30 MPG?

Now I'm even more curious.

-A

My guess is a Grand Prix.

[muslhed]

Yeah, I think we've all been down this road before...It's not you it's me- I just need some space-Let's take a break-I didn't mean to stab you-Quit calling my house-It's weird that you collect my urine in jars- Anyway...

Life goes on and I shall not dwell on the way you left us crumpled and soiled like a discarded towel in a truck stop men's room. :puke:

That's just cruel man!!! LOL!

[duhtroll]

Ain't no Grand Prix that can hang with even a stock MM. I've driven 'em and raced 'em. No contest. Don't think they get 30 MPG either, but I didnh't really pay much attention to the mileage rating.

-A

[muslhed]

My guess is a Grand Prix.

Definately not a GTP. That thing is way to common. It is a close relative though.....

[2003 MIB]

Definately not a GTP. That thing is way to common. It is a close relative though.....

Hmm, the Regal?? or the Impala?? WAIT!!!!- The Oldsmobile??? What's that thing called? The Alero?

[DallasCV]

Looks like 18,500-22,000...is what I've seen on the site. Not sure if the repaint is a plus or negative as far as resale. Also you should be able to transfer the warranty to the new owner and that would be a plus. Didn't know you could cash in the warranty. If the new owner didn't want to pony up the extra cash for the warranty I'd sale it back.
Now if you wanna trade for a really nice 99 CrownVic....:)

[duhtroll]

He must be talking Bonneville. However, the 2000 version is not capable of staying with the MM. The new 04-05 package (whatever it's called) might be. Don't think either one of them gets 30 MPG tho'.

-A

[2003 MIB]

Ya know...Mystakang (Andre) is still in the market and you're mods are right up his alley. I think if I were you, I'd PM him and see if he's interested. :up:
He lives in Garland.

[muslhed]

Hmm, the Regal?? or the Impala?? WAIT!!!!- The Oldsmobile??? What's that thing called? The Alero?


Can you saaaaay...........L67?

[Macon Marauder]

If you've already made up your mind...
Definitely cash in the warranty. I did when I traded in March. Got about 70% of it back.
Expect to get $22,500 or less.
So it's a good news - bad news kinda thang I guess.

[2003 MIB]

Can you saaaaay...........L67?

Okay, so we know it's a supercharged 3.8- That kills off the Olds so it's a Regal? They're nice cars...

[duhtroll]

I thought Regal was a 2-dr.

-A

[2003 MIB]

I thought Regal was a 2-dr.

-A

It used to be, Drew...The 2000 model is a four door and the GS is available with the blown 3.8. It looks a lot like a Avis rental car but might be pretty quick.

[muslhed]

"It looks a lot like an Avis rental car but........" LMAO!!! :D I gotta find compromise somewhere! Very minimal mods do wonders on that motor, but it will never handle or sound like the MM. And I know it is not half the car the MM is!
The love of my life wants that R32, so I am happily going to make whatever sacrifices are necessary to ensure she gets it! My car needs? Hell, I just need a cold AC, 4 doors, 28+ mpg for the amount of miles I drive a week, and something that has the power to get out of its own way. Either way, I would still love to continue attending the MM drag meets, and maintain the friendships I've made on this board!

Jeremy

[dwasson]

I'll give you $13 for the Marauder ... cash ... and I'll even waive delivery.

OK $14.

[muslhed]

Uuuuum...not today! Maybe tomorrow! Seriously though, if I had someone offer me 25K for it... I should take it?

[dwasson]

Uuuuum...not today! Maybe tomorrow! Seriously though, if I had someone offer me 25K for it... I should take it?

Probably. Last July I bought mine with 12K miles for $23,600. If someone gives you a check for $25K kiss him on the mouth and run to the bank.

:eek:

[2003 MIB]

Uuuuum...not today! Maybe tomorrow! Seriously though, if I had someone offer me 25K for it... I should take it?

Yes, you should...Also, I think we could have avoided all this good-natured jabbing if you had just told us Connie wanted a VW upgrade. My opinion (based on two brief meetings) is that she is 100% worth selling the Marauder-even at a loss. She's a really neat lady and it's very cool that you realize how lucky you are. I shall now only speak ill of you in the most hushed of tones. :up:

Sooo, I'm thinking the Buick would scream with reprogramming and exhaust...Is there a pulley swap available too? The 3800 engine is very robust and there's a lot of good aftermarket support for it. I think you are making a sound decision.

[dwasson]

I shall now only speak ill of you in the most hushed of tones. :up:

You do understand that he isn't speaking for the rest of us right?

[muslhed]

I appreciate the support! Yes there is a huge aftermarket for the L67 motor.

Jeremy

[2003 MIB]

You do understand that he isn't speaking for the rest of us right?

What!?!?! :eek: :eek: - I guess I've always operated under the assumption that my feelings are simply the manifestation of mankind's universal truth...Crap!!!- I guess I'll have to go back to the aluminum foil hat to prevent the aliens from reading my thoughts... :confused: :confused:

[Logan]

Here.... 25K's...

KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK

There. Hand over them there keys boy. ;)

[stevengerard]

A BUICK!??!!!

You just went from an older mans car to the oldest mans car. Well, I give you credit, get what satisfies your needs and be happy with it, in the end these are just cars - don't tell mine I said that though. Glad my wife enjoys what cars I enjoy.

[jgc61sr2002]

I would cash in the extended warranty. If some one will give you 25K throw the warranty in. Good luck.

[CRUZTAKER]

I found this info at a Buick website:


A modded GS:

Drag Racing

The Buick has run a best of 13.39 @ 104.6 mph in the 1/4 mile. This pass was made in 90 degree weather, new bests will be coming soon with some colder weather. My Best 60 ft. time so far has been 1.90. This run was made with the following mods:

3.0" S/C pulley

The Other Guys Headers

3" off road downpipe, custom made by me with 3" cutout

SLP Regal GS catback exhaust

Thrasher Intake, with modified '99 coolant recovery tank to make room for intake

Home ported throttle body

160 degree thermostat

245/50 16 Nitto Drag Radials mounted up front

NGK TR6 spark plugs



A stock GS:

The 3800 Series II Supercharged V6 has 240 horsepower and 280 lb-ft torque. Standard on the new 2004 Buick Regal GS for sale, the Series II offers an EPA estimated fuel economy of 18-mpg city, 28-mpg highway.



Time slip for a stock GS:

<TABLE class=table_detail_inside cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=3 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=right width=137 bgColor=#e1dcb6>1/4 Mile ET:</TD><TD width=138 bgColor=#e1dcb6>13.600</TD></TR><TR><TD align=right width=137 bgColor=#e1dcb6>1/4 Mile MPH:</TD><TD width=138 bgColor=#e1dcb6>99.300</TD></TR><TR><TD align=right width=137 bgColor=#e1dcb6>1/8 Mile ET:</TD><TD width=138 bgColor=#e1dcb6>8.800</TD></TR><TR><TD align=right width=137 bgColor=#e1dcb6>1/8 Mile MPH:</TD><TD width=138 bgColor=#e1dcb6>81.000</TD></TR><TR><TD align=right width=137 bgColor=#e1dcb6>60 Foot ET:</TD><TD width=138 bgColor=#e1dcb6>2.122</TD></TR><TR><TD align=right width=137 bgColor=#e1dcb6>Temperature F:</TD><TD width=138 bgColor=#e1dcb6>60.0</TD></TR><TR><TD align=right width=137 bgColor=#e1dcb6>Car Make:</TD><TD width=138 bgColor=#e1dcb6>Buick</TD></TR><TR><TD align=right width=137 bgColor=#e1dcb6>Car Model:</TD><TD width=138 bgColor=#e1dcb6>Regal</TD></TR><TR><TD align=right width=137 bgColor=#e1dcb6>Car Type:</TD><TD width=138 bgColor=#e1dcb6>GS</TD></TR><TR><TD align=right width=137 bgColor=#e1dcb6>Car Year:</TD><TD width=138 bgColor=#e1dcb6>1998</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>



Wow, I found some 10 second one on the 'dragtimes' site. Not sure if they still get 28mpg:P

[Redster]

I knew this would be coming.........and I'm afraid to say!!! All I can say is that it is a 4-door FWD GM platform, V6 and has shown me up on the track multiple times even after my mods. I can buy a 2000 model with loooow miles for about $10K versus $28K for my MM. Muuuuch lower pymts! :up:
I test drove the GS, GTP, SS 04 GM cars at a promotion out here at Texas Motor Speedway. Nothing came close to the MM except for the Vette and that's another story. IMHO they don't have the suspension to match the MM. And they just as well not have a back seat. It is sized for Pygmies. Even checked out an 04 GS at a dealer. Personally, I didn't like that two-tone look that they all seemed to have. But you gotta do what you gotta do.

[MYSTA KANG]

Dag gummit! Its not a 04. :mad:

[QWK SVT]

I found this info at a Buick website:


A modded GS:

Drag Racing

The Buick has run a best of 13.39 @ 104.6 mph in the 1/4 mile. This pass was made in 90 degree weather, new bests will be coming soon with some colder weather. My Best 60 ft. time so far has been 1.90. This run was made with the following mods:

3.0" S/C pulley

The Other Guys Headers

3" off road downpipe, custom made by me with 3" cutout

SLP Regal GS catback exhaust

Thrasher Intake, with modified '99 coolant recovery tank to make room for intake

Home ported throttle body

160 degree thermostat

245/50 16 Nitto Drag Radials mounted up front

NGK TR6 spark plugs


A stock GS:

The 3800 Series II Supercharged V6 has 240 horsepower and 280 lb-ft torque. Standard on the new 2004 Buick Regal GS for sale, the Series II offers an EPA estimated fuel economy of 18-mpg city, 28-mpg highway.


Time slip for a stock GS:

<TABLE class=table_detail_inside cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=3 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=right width=137 bgColor=#e1dcb6>1/4 Mile ET:</TD><TD width=138 bgColor=#e1dcb6>13.600</TD></TR><TR><TD align=right width=137 bgColor=#e1dcb6>1/4 Mile MPH:</TD><TD width=138 bgColor=#e1dcb6>99.300</TD></TR><TR><TD align=right width=137 bgColor=#e1dcb6>1/8 Mile ET:</TD><TD width=138 bgColor=#e1dcb6>8.800</TD></TR><TR><TD align=right width=137 bgColor=#e1dcb6>1/8 Mile MPH:</TD><TD width=138 bgColor=#e1dcb6>81.000</TD></TR><TR><TD align=right width=137 bgColor=#e1dcb6>60 Foot ET:</TD><TD width=138 bgColor=#e1dcb6>2.122</TD></TR><TR><TD align=right width=137 bgColor=#e1dcb6>Temperature F:</TD><TD width=138 bgColor=#e1dcb6>60.0</TD></TR><TR><TD align=right width=137 bgColor=#e1dcb6>Car Make:</TD><TD width=138 bgColor=#e1dcb6>Buick</TD></TR><TR><TD align=right width=137 bgColor=#e1dcb6>Car Model:</TD><TD width=138 bgColor=#e1dcb6>Regal</TD></TR><TR><TD align=right width=137 bgColor=#e1dcb6>Car Type:</TD><TD width=138 bgColor=#e1dcb6>GS</TD></TR><TR><TD align=right width=137 bgColor=#e1dcb6>Car Year:</TD><TD width=138 bgColor=#e1dcb6>1998</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>




Wow, I found some 10 second one on the 'dragtimes' site. Not sure if they still get 28mpg:P
Before I bought the Marauder, I was seriously considering the '04 Impala SS. Price (MM was much cheaper), Interior room for my big butt (MM has much more head/leg room, with a functional rear seat) and RWD swayed me to the Marauder.

I had to do a lot of research into the GM platform, in general, as the SS is new this year... There is absolutely NO way those times (13.6) are for anything remotely close to a stock car.

In stock form, the GS will run around 15.0 and trap at about 91-92. It would be a fairly close race, versus a stock MM, assuming you can get a decent launch, out of the FWDer.

Stock, they're dependable, and the 3800 is a workhorse of an engine, that won't give up. Modded, the L67 can be a handful, but watch out for falling transmission parts, if its running faster than 13.2ish. That's the weak point, that you should address first, if you plan to add go-fast goodies...

[duhtroll]

I agree - those sound like "promotional times" to me. Kinda like Chrysler's 300 times.

Let's line up this Buick with my MM and see what happens. I'm game, and I only have stage I so far.

Ain't no p**sy Buick gonna beat me.

:P

-A

[muslhed]

Whoever has the biggest wallet! I don't care if it's a Geo Metro...if you got the money, it can be made to be fast! As for me, mine will probably never come close to the MM I have now. Like I said before, as long as it gets close to 30 mpg, has a cold AC and get out of its own way, I'll be happy.
As for a stock Regal GS doing 13.6 in the 1320....not happenin. Must be a mis-print. As someone else stated above, they will run high 14's to low 15's stock, but that's about it. Until you mod it.......

[CRUZTAKER]

I found it hard to believe as well...but with no knowledge of this GS car, I guess I was gullible. Personally, my first thought was...I hope I pair up with one at the track this year, modded or not, then I'll know the truth.

Check out this site, this is where I got the times. And for those of you not aware, post your times here. The first entry was the bogus C/D test that made us look so bad. I have yet to see a stock MM run that slow, even new ones!

http://www.dragtimes.com/index.php

[QWK SVT]

I agree - those sound like "promotional times" to me. Kinda like Chrysler's 300 times.

Let's line up this Buick with my MM and see what happens. I'm game, and I only have stage I so far.

Ain't no p**sy Buick gonna beat me.

:P

-A
Those originally posted times are wrong, but you gotta be careful with the L67's. You never really know if it's a 15-second stocker GTP, or a 12-second sleeper Regal... Run whatcha brung, and hope it's enough, right?

[QWK SVT]

Whoever has the biggest wallet! I don't care if it's a Geo Metro...if you got the money, it can be made to be fast! As for me, mine will probably never come close to the MM I have now. Like I said before, as long as it gets close to 30 mpg, has a cold AC and get out of its own way, I'll be happy.
As for a stock Regal GS doing 13.6 in the 1320....not happenin. Must be a mis-print. As someone else stated above, they will run high 14's to low 15's stock, but that's about it. Until you mod it.......
They're nice cars, and the potential is there, with a lot after aftermarket support. I'm sure you'll like it... And the mod bug will probably bite ;) Just, please, don't get an exhaust. If you ever hear it, you'll know why...

Yeah, everyone, at one time, or another, has been left standing still by something ridiculous, that had big money dumped into it.

Case in point: When my lightning was running 13.4s-13.6s, some guy pulled up aty a redlight, in a Dodge minivan, and was trying to get me going. I was like WTF, a MINIVAN. Light turned green, I decided to show him what's up, and started to pull. Then, I heard the whine of the turbo...:eek: He walked away, like I walk Civics. Talked after, he's put a ton into it (20,000+ on top of purchase price), but runs mid - low 12's, in, what I think, is the ultimate sleeper. :bows:

[FordNut]

Case in point: When my lightning was running 13.4s-13.6s, some guy pulled up aty a redlight, in a Dodge minivan, and was trying to get me going. I was like WTF, a MINIVAN. Light turned green, I decided to show him what's up, and started to pull. Then, I heard the whine of the turbo...:eek: He walked away, like I walk Civics. Talked after, he's put a ton into it (20,000+ on top of purchase price), but runs mid - low 12's, in, what I think, is the ultimate sleeper. :bows:
Kind of like the Astro Van I saw at a rod run with a 454 in it! Talk about a sleeper...

[TripleTransAm]

I guess the guy who entered that 13.6 second time for a "stock" Regal GS must have a different definition of "stock". There are some people out there who will consider stuff like different size supercharger pulleys and modified boost (through PCM reprogramming, etc.) as being "stock".

Whatever... we had this discussion several months ago, here. If we're going to compare cars stock for stock, I prefer to keep them exactly as they left the factory, imperfections and all, such that any Joe Schmoe can walk into a dealership off the street and drive away and be capable of this performance without ANY mechanical tinkering.

Overall, it's a good engine. Unfortunately, too many people that I've known that had one seemed to develop an attitude where it seemed they had something crammed up their rears (and I don't mean the ones containing the diff). Not so much a ricer attitude, but kind of like a holier-than-thou attitude, as if the engine is the end-all of performance engines. Whatever. My favorite episode was bracket-racing a guy with a "stock" GTP (removed headlight, modified airbox, different pulley, etc.). I beat him by a hair as I dialled in about half a second quicker than him, but my car was about to break out since I was *just* ahead of him, so I tapped the brakes and took the win. He was "hopping" all over the place like a little girl, yelling "I HAD you, I HAD you...". Ummm, okay. Months later, we faced off again at another bracket race... this time I was about to break out again (damned cold Fall air) but backed off too much. At the pits he was all "In your FACE, in your FACE!". Remember that I didn't (and still don't) even KNOW this guy!

Enjoy your L67, Muslhed, but please don't let yourself get sucked into this crowd.

[Fourth Horseman]

It's the V6 guys with the chips on their shoulders and everything to prove. :rolleyes: Whatever. The rest of us will run our V8s and not worry about the size of our... engines.

[Marauder386]

I have owned both a '93 Bonneville SSEI and a '94 Bonny SSEI...these two cars where very impressive with the S/C 3800 V6 in them. I had every intention of working them both up to a foaming-at-the-mouth little powerplant to kill off the Riceboy/Fast+Forlorn crowd. Unfortunetly, my only child was killed in the '94 due to an idiot in his SUV so I disposed of the '93.
My point is that I know these powerplants are great in the granny cars and can really surprise the hell outta the Ricers as well as yourself. To get idea's for them just look on the Web with the Grand Prix/ Bonneville/ etc. stuff.

Jest me 2 pennies !

M386

[muslhed]

I'm most interested in the gas mileage. Rest assured that I will not be putting any type of "vocal" exhaust on that car. I can't stand how all these wanna be V-8 Camaros, with 3.8 V-6's in them, sound! It will have headers and a larger diameter exhaust pipe, but the muffler will be the quietest, yet most free flowing one I can find. If you hear anything, it should be the SC. I will never change who I am because of a car. The mentality some of you described applies to a huge base of car enthusiasts...not just the L67 ones exclusively. I've met Ford Aspire enthusiasts that think their s*** don't stink, just because their car can fit in an elevator. It applies to any arrogant enthusiast that takes big pride in their car......even... :eek: MM owners!

[Fourth Horseman]

I'm most interested in the gas mileage. Rest assured that I will not be putting any type of "vocal" exhaust on that car. I can't stand how all these wanna be V-8 Camaros, with 3.8 V-6's in them, sound! It will have headers and a larger diameter exhaust pipe, but the muffler will be the quietest, yet most free flowing one I can find. If you hear anything, it should be the SC. I will never change who I am because of a car. The mentality some of you described applies to a huge base of car enthusiasts...not just the L67 ones exclusively. I've met Ford Aspire enthusiasts that think their s*** don't stink, just because their car can fit in an elevator. It applies to any arrogant enthusiast that takes big pride in their car......even... :eek: MM owners!

A wise friend of mine once said of computer operating systems: use what you like and ridicule everything else. :) I think that goes for cars, too.
:lol:

[2003 MIB]

Enjoy your L67, Muslhed, but please don't let yourself get sucked into this crowd.

I'll vouch for Jeremy. He's a good driver and a class act as a human being. I'll see him at Hallsville again- it won't matter if he's driving a burro- he's good for the sport, good for the hobby and good for this board. :up:

However, his lips move when he reads, he dresses funny and his breath is bad.

I had to make up the last part- this post was starting to read like a Hallmark card :puke:

[muslhed]

LMAO!!!! Thanks man!

[2003 MIB]

A wise friend of mine once said of computer operating systems: use what you like and ridicule everything else. :) I think that goes for cars, too.
:lol:

Priceless! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

[QWK SVT]

I'm most interested in the gas mileage. Rest assured that I will not be putting any type of "vocal" exhaust on that car. I can't stand how all these wanna be V-8 Camaros, with 3.8 V-6's in them, sound! It will have headers and a larger diameter exhaust pipe, but the muffler will be the quietest, yet most free flowing one I can find. If you hear anything, it should be the SC. I will never change who I am because of a car. The mentality some of you described applies to a huge base of car enthusiasts...not just the L67 ones exclusively. I've met Ford Aspire enthusiasts that think their s*** don't stink, just because their car can fit in an elevator. It applies to any arrogant enthusiast that takes big pride in their car......even... :eek: MM owners!
I agree with you, completely. I have met a couple of really nice guys that own GTPs, I have met boneheads that own Lightnings... It's THEIR personality, not the car's.

As a suggestion - look up Apten (http://www.apten-us.com). They did WONDERS for the Eaton (M112) that resides in my truck. Looks stock, really stealthy, and greatly improved the top end. :rock: The same principles should apply, as your blower is just a slightly smaller version of the same...

[04MEMA]

Hey muslhed,
Just FYI. I've had a 2000 GTP for a little over a year now. Until recently, I was driving about 90 miles a day to and from work mostly highway cruising. My average was 20 MPG, with premium fuel. The car's computer was always optimistic at around 22.5 MPG. Although I do know how to use the pedal on the right, I also use cruise alot. It would be good to drive a GS for a day in your normal schedule to determine if you will really see 28 MPG. The only mods my car has is a one step smaller than stock pulley, cold air induction, and exhaust crossover heat shield. With just a few hundred in mods my car ran a best of 14.626 at 93.17 (60 foot time of 2.197) last fall. Incidentally, it was at the Ford Motorsports Enthusiasts meet on 9/18/2003 at Milan Dragway. My first run was against a stock marauder that lost, runnning a 15.7 (okay, so he must have been asleep). The GTP has no traction off the line so you must ease in to it carefully. It is fun to drive, comfortable, has tons of features and a great stereo. I've had several over-six footers comment that the back seat is one of the most comfortable they've sat in.

Although the GTP is nice, there's a million of them in the metro Detroit area. Once I bought mine I realized these things are everywhere. Also, I met up once with some people from the GP site. Although I met a couple really nice people, there was one guy with a 12 second GTP that had some kind of god complex. That combined with FWD, a cheap feeling interior (2000 model year) and lack of V8 rumble has left me wanting. I recently test drove a GTO, a new GTP and a Marauder the same night. Although the GTO and GTP were nice, I felt without a doubt that I'd buy the MM over the others. I like big cars, the MM is in fact a factory hot rod because of the Mustang motor (although too slow for me stock), and has the feel and attitude I want. Just chuck a super-ma-charger and headers/exhaust on and you've got a muscle machine that lives up to it's name. With all the discounts available on the car, I recently priced a loaded 04 w/ sunroof with A Plan, AARP discount and Park Avenue (Mom's got one) conquest rebate for $26,8xx that's WITH 6% sales tax (approx $25k w/out tax). The reason I mention this is so you have an idea of what certain people can get an unused one for. I've been teetering on the edge of buying one since last year's closeout, and have test driven four of them. When I see used 03's on dealer lots for $25K I wonder if people are pricing the 2004's vs used. Hopefully you'll get what you ask for on your car, but I persaonally would want a sizeable discount for a one year old MM. $20k seems reasonable (w/out the extended warranty). Good luck.

[muslhed]

Wow! I appreciate the comments! What was your average speed on the highway, when you attained the 20-22 mpg? I've heard that anything over 75 in those cars brought about terrible gas mileage.

[04MEMA]

For 40% of the drive I was going around 78 mph. Another 40% around 72 mph. and the last 20% was stop and go but avg 40 mph I'd guess. My average was always around 20 mpg. The computer in the car said 22.5ish, but I was calculating using the gas I replaced and the trip odometer, and again the calculation always came out to 20ish. You may have different results. I wonder if you could do a 24 hour test drive with the Buick and drive your daily route. I don't know if they have a mileage restriction with that offer. You might find a nice dealer who'd let you drive a GS for a day - say one of the salesman's demo's? Seeing that this is the deciding factor, I'd be extra sure the car will perform as expected.

And just for the sake of discussion, did you ever consider swaping in a 2.73:1 ratio gear set into your marauder? I'm not sure what that would yield in mileage, but I've seen posts here that claim 4.10 gears cost them a couple mile per gallon, so maybe, maybe, you could gain a couple with 2.73:1. Yes you'd accelerate slower, but you might then be able to keep the MM. And you wouldn't have to take the hit for selling it so soon. Also with all the cv/gm/tc's out there you could probably find a gear set or an entire axle cheap at the junk yard.