Leftover '03 Marauder

[desertrat]

A rural dealer in CA has a new leftover '03 Marauder. Looks like it's been sitting a while and rarely run or moved. Any concerns (fluids, seals, etc.) given that it's probably been mostly sitting for a long time?

I'm looking at either a Marauder or CV LX Sport for long-distance touring. More interested in high-speed passing and good handling than quick stoplight takeoffs. Any thoughts from the group on this?

TIA

desertrat

Los Angeles, CA

[RF Overlord]

More interested in high-speed passing and good handling than quick stoplight takeoffs.

Then a stock Marauder is EXACTLY what you're looking for...

Seals shouldn't be an issue unless the car has sat immobile for a few years...I would change the oil ASAP as it probably doesn't get warmed up if they're just moving it around the yard, so it's likely to be contaminated with moisture...the rest of the fluids should be fine...

[Bluerauder]

A rural dealer in CA has a new leftover '03 Marauder. Looks like it's been sitting a while and rarely run or moved. Any concerns (fluids, seals, etc.) given that it's probably been mostly sitting for a long time?

I'm looking at either a Marauder or CV LX Sport for long-distance touring. More interested in high-speed passing and good handling than quick stoplight takeoffs. Any thoughts from the group on this?

TIA

desertrat

Los Angeles, CA

Desertrat,
I can't address your first question. There are others here more qualified on the mechanical side of the Marauder. If this one hasn't been moved around the lot or periodically exercised at least a little, you are wise to be concerned about seals, fluids and such.

However, for long distance touring, the Marauder is a very comfortable ride. Handling is excellent and high speed passing is no problem at all even in the bone stock configuration. The jump from 45 to 80 plus is really quick -- more if you want/need it.

Check out the search feature on the site for estimates on what you should be paying for an '03.

My 2 cents.

[FiveO]

Not a dig on the CV guys...but if you can get your hands on a MM...do it.

I'd agree on the oil change ASAP also.

[jgc61sr2002]

desertrat - Welcome aboard. :up: Go for the Marauder you won't be sorry.

[RoyLPita]

Welcome Desertrat. First off, if you don't mind paying extra for premium fuel, then go for the MM. If it is in black, then it is only 1 of 7094 made. As for fluids, change the oil. If the battery is no good, change that too.

Just my .02 and then some....

[Merc-O-matic]

Go for the Big "M"
"You're gonna like the way you look"

Gotta Love It! :rasta:

[2003DOHC]

A rural dealer in CA has a new leftover '03 Marauder. Looks like it's been sitting a while and rarely run or moved. Any concerns (fluids, seals, etc.) given that it's probably been mostly sitting for a long time?

I'm looking at either a Marauder or CV LX Sport for long-distance touring. More interested in high-speed passing and good handling than quick stoplight takeoffs. Any thoughts from the group on this?

TIA

desertrat

Los Angeles, CA

My 03 has a build date of 08/28/2002 and I purchased it new on 04/02/2004. No problems after almost 2,700 miles except moisture in rh headlight replaced under warranty. Change the oil A.S.A.P. The battery eye was light orange but changed back to green after a week or so of use. I traded a 97CV HPP for the Marauder. The difference between the two cars is huge in performance and handling. If you can buy the MM do so you will never regret it. :up:

[67435animal]

I'm looking at either a Marauder or CV LX Sport for long-distance touring. More interested in high-speed passing and good handling than quick stoplight takeoffs. Any thoughts from the group on this?

Our MM is the first car where my wife actually suggested we drive a long trip rather than fly. It is the most comfortable anda capable roda trip car I have ever owned.

Forget the CV. You'll love the Marauder.

Bob

[Sactown]

A rural dealer in CA has a new leftover '03 Marauder. Looks like it's been sitting a while and rarely run or moved. Any concerns (fluids, seals, etc.) given that it's probably been mostly sitting for a long time?

I'm looking at either a Marauder or CV LX Sport for long-distance touring. More interested in high-speed passing and good handling than quick stoplight takeoffs. Any thoughts from the group on this?

TIA

desertrat

Los Angeles, CA
Just curious, is that the one in Placerville? I bought my '04 for about $1,500 less than they would do on their '03. Gee, no wonder it is still sitting in the lot. Hopefully you are getting a screamin deal for an '03. I considered the same 2 car choices as well, and I have no regrets going with the MM. Definitely better in the high speed passing category. My wish was to get the MM with the CV option of laminated glass side windows and the CV color Midnight Grey.

[chrish]

are the factory incentives still in place for an 03'. This dealer is out of touch with reality to have an 03' anything. Iwould get a new 04' or a used 03'. unless this guy gives you a :rasta: deal. Change the oil before it leaves the lot , it has to have condensation build up , not good for break in miles.

[python357]

I've owned 3 Grand Marquis befor the MM and I have to say the MM is definitly worth it, Grand Marquis are great tourers in their own right but you can't beat the MM. Also have the Tranny fluid checked for condensation as well.

[FiveO]

Welcome python357!

:up:

[desertrat]

Just curious, is that the one in Placerville? I bought my '04 for about $1,500 less than they would do on their '03. Gee, no wonder it is still sitting in the lot. Hopefully you are getting a screamin deal for an '03. I considered the same 2 car choices as well, and I have no regrets going with the MM. Definitely better in the high speed passing category. My wish was to get the MM with the CV option of laminated glass side windows and the CV color Midnight Grey.
Sactown,

The leftover '03 is in Bishop. It's a Black/Black 300b and it still has the "dealer markup" sticker from the days when they still had hope. Around here it's really trucks & SUVs that sell well.

Meanwhile, I test drove an '04 in Lancaster today and, uh..., I left wondering where all the go went. I expected the weak bottom end but thought it would have more punch up top. Accelerated onto the fwy to about 85, slowed down and then simulated a typical CA fwy pass (65-85). It sure seemed to take a long time to get up a head of steam even with a crisp downshift. Very smooth, yes, nice sound, true, but no real "kick". The powertrain felt somehow remote from the car. Also, I expected a crisper feel in handling. The onramp was curved, and yes it tracked well, but felt "loose".

Perhaps my expectations are unrealistic, and to be fair it was a new, tight engine in a very large car. I haven't driven a big American car or an A/T for over 20 years so I didn't have any reference, but I wasn't particularly impressed. And I really, really, REALLY wanted to like it!

An hour later I drove a CV LX Sport in Midnight Grey (really beautiful in that color, I must agree) and it immediately felt "crisper" in handling response. Low end power was markedly better up to about 40. High speed acceleration only so so.

I want the low end grunt & crisp, light feel of the CV with the top end of the MM. I'll try the '03 MM this week and see if my impression was reliable, or not.

Thanks,

Desertrat

[FiveO]

Having driven the CV PI's I can tell you that they do handle well and accelerate well...but the MM, at least mine, puts it to shame.

Whats the HP rating on the CV? 240? I'm not sure how you have gotten that feel with 50 less HP to the wheels.

Also....a few minor mods on the MM and you're into the mid 14's.

Check the guys at CV.net....they're stretching for the 14's. SOHC vs. DOHC...right?



A simple chip and 4.10's in the MM and you're into the 14's in the 1/4 with good 0-60 mph times.

Try the 03...the 04 you test drove might have been a fluke.

My 1995 CV PI was great on the road...good take off, 130+ when I needed it...but my MM is faster 0-100....no doubt. My MM has 4.10's and I wouldn't take it to that speed (130+).

My SHO on the other hand was a monster above 60....she'd get to 140 like it was nothing... :D, just a dog in the 1/4 up to about 60mph....

Good luck with your choice. I personally cannot even fathom looking at a CV LX Sport vs. a MM....but its your choice. (No offense CV people).

[RoyLPita]

Welcome Python357.

[RoyLPita]

I thought the CV Sport had a get up and go until I drove a member's 300A MM w/4.10s, chip, t-stat, and Denso plugs, plus a better rear stabilizer bar and the MMX d-shaft (for added piece of mind) and it HAULED. I do agree with you on the Grey color and the laminated glass, though.

Just my .02 and then some.

[SouLRioT]

I thought the CV Sport had a get up and go until I drove a member's 300A MM w/4.10s, chip, t-stat, and Denso plugs, plus a better rear stabilizer bar and the MMX d-shaft (for added piece of mind) and it HAULED. I do agree with you on the Grey color and the laminated glass, though.

Just my .02 and then some.

Who's car was that? ;)

I don't think anyone on this site will tell you to go with a CV over a MM, but you do need to remember that the MM uses 93 octane. But many members use their MM to go cross country for work (some are into the 70,000 mile range) Good luck in picking out the right car.

[desertrat]

Who's car was that? ;)

I don't think anyone on this site will tell you to go with a CV over a MM, but you do need to remember that the MM uses 93 octane. But many members use their MM to go cross country for work (some are into the 70,000 mile range) Good luck in picking out the right car.
SoulRioT (and all other responders):

Methinks I gave the wrong impression in my post. The MM I drove was indeed markedly more powerful than the CV LX Sport on the top end. I guess I expected to be overawed by it, which given the math (weight/hp) and automatic transmission was foolish on my part.

In the CV's favor, nipping around town it did feel sparkier at lower rpms, but ran out of steam at about the time the MM kicked in.

As for handling, the CV just felt lighter on its feet, which it is by 150 lbs. Perhaps the lower spec tires made it feel nimbler because they don't stick so well. Or maybe the MM dealer lowered the tire pressures to appeal to the more typical Lincoln-Mercury buyer on test drives.

The MM interior has it all over the CV, but I have to say the CV in Midnight Grey with the less aggressive looking and smaller wheels just oozes grace and class. A sort of subtle gentleman's express, as it were. Couldn't stop looking at it. The color makes it look more compact as well.

One more question for the group. Can the drivetrain on these cars handle sustained 80-100 mph cruising? I've read some stuff elsewhere about transmissions, overdrive bands, driveshafts, etc.

Well, now off to test drive the '03 MM to see if my brain was miscalibrated yesterday. And thanks to everyone for your good-natured comments. This is a fun forum and I'll keep reading whatever car I might get.

Thanks,
Desertrat

[Sactown]

Sactown,

The leftover '03 is in Bishop. It's a Black/Black 300b and it still has the "dealer markup" sticker from the days when they still had hope. Around here it's really trucks & SUVs that sell well.

Meanwhile, I test drove an '04 in Lancaster today and, uh..., I left wondering where all the go went. I expected the weak bottom end but thought it would have more punch up top. Accelerated onto the fwy to about 85, slowed down and then simulated a typical CA fwy pass (65-85). It sure seemed to take a long time to get up a head of steam even with a crisp downshift. Very smooth, yes, nice sound, true, but no real "kick". The powertrain felt somehow remote from the car. Also, I expected a crisper feel in handling. The onramp was curved, and yes it tracked well, but felt "loose".

Perhaps my expectations are unrealistic, and to be fair it was a new, tight engine in a very large car. I haven't driven a big American car or an A/T for over 20 years so I didn't have any reference, but I wasn't particularly impressed. And I really, really, REALLY wanted to like it!

An hour later I drove a CV LX Sport in Midnight Grey (really beautiful in that color, I must agree) and it immediately felt "crisper" in handling response. Low end power was markedly better up to about 40. High speed acceleration only so so.

I want the low end grunt & crisp, light feel of the CV with the top end of the MM. I'll try the '03 MM this week and see if my impression was reliable, or not.

Thanks,

Desertrat

I've got about 8,000 miles on my '04 and I can tell you that the car drives so much better than the day I bought it. I had read posts here telling about this, and for me it has been really true. I drove both a CV sport and a MM when shoping and even when new the MM was SO much better than the CV sport, so I'm stumped as to why your experience is so different. I suggest that you drive a different new MM and see what you think.

[Captain Steve]

Desertrat you may want to try the MM with the overdrive off. It can make a difference. Also, if the car is getting lots of test drives with people babying it, the electric brains (argh, forgot the acronym!) may have adjusted for the habit. Twenty minutes or so with the battery un-hooked followed by some vigerous driving would fix that problem.

It's been mentioned on this site alot, but the stock tune on this car sucks.. weird shift points etc... I know that after 5 days of owning mine, i'm already saving up for a chip .. and SS inserts.. and those nice tire valve covers .. and .. and.. (somebody help me!) .. :help:

[RF Overlord]

and .. and.. (somebody help me!) .. :help:

"You have been assimilated. Resistance is futile"

[Silver_04]

Get off of the computer and go buy that car.


And welcome to the sight.

[RoyLPita]

I believe that the powertrain on either vehicle can handle 80-100MPH cruisin'. If you plan on changing gear ratios (like 4.10s) in the MM, get the MMX d-shaft to handle the extra RPMs.

Just my .02 and then some....

[jgc61sr2002]

python357 - Welcome to the MM site. :up:

[RoyLPita]

I checked out the inventory at the Bishop store for the leftover '03 MM and saw none. Could you PM me with the VIN to run on Ford's OASIS? I want to see if there is an "in service date" and any other history.

Thanx.

[desertrat]

I checked out the inventory at the Bishop store for the leftover '03 MM and saw none. Could you PM me with the VIN to run on Ford's OASIS? I want to see if there is an "in service date" and any other history.

Thanx.
RoyLPita,

Yes, this one comes up strangely on the dealer's website. Go to the site (I went via the main Mercury web page and found the dealer by zip code 93514) and search for:

New Vehicles
Year: 2003
Type: All (don't choose Passenger cars - doesn't come up that way)
Model: No Model

and it'll show up.

Desertrat

[jrc50]

SoulRioT (and all other responders):

Methinks I gave the wrong impression in my post. The MM I drove was indeed markedly more powerful than the CV LX Sport on the top end. I guess I expected to be overawed by it, which given the math (weight/hp) and automatic transmission was foolish on my part.

In the CV's favor, nipping around town it did feel sparkier at lower rpms, but ran out of steam at about the time the MM kicked in.

As for handling, the CV just felt lighter on its feet, which it is by 150 lbs. Perhaps the lower spec tires made it feel nimbler because they don't stick so well. Or maybe the MM dealer lowered the tire pressures to appeal to the more typical Lincoln-Mercury buyer on test drives.

The MM interior has it all over the CV, but I have to say the CV in Midnight Grey with the less aggressive looking and smaller wheels just oozes grace and class. A sort of subtle gentleman's express, as it were. Couldn't stop looking at it. The color makes it look more compact as well.

One more question for the group. Can the drivetrain on these cars handle sustained 80-100 mph cruising? I've read some stuff elsewhere about transmissions, overdrive bands, driveshafts, etc.

Well, now off to test drive the '03 MM to see if my brain was miscalibrated yesterday. And thanks to everyone for your good-natured comments. This is a fun forum and I'll keep reading whatever car I might get.

Thanks,
Desertrat

Desertrat,
I was in a similar situation two months ago, was looking at MM and LX Sports (was replacing an 02 LX Sport with 100k on). I drive 40K/year high speed highway miles. Happened on leftover 03 LX Sport, new, at small dealer close by in Mississippi. Had been sitting on lot 1+ years. Sticker was $31.5, had all options; Dark Pearl Blue/Parchment interior (only one I have seen that way). Ended up buying it for $21.5K. My last two CV LX Sports/HPP all were about $24.5K after rebates, so I really could not say no.
Dealer offered Webasto sunroof install at their cost ($1K), it turned out great; got extended 100K warranty B to B for $30 over Fomoco website price (normal dealer price $400 over website). Dealer replaced battery/oil/serviced before I picked it up.
The CV runs great on 87 octane, given gas prices lately that is a plus. The MM is a great car, but I try not to get emotional with work cars, I just burn them up too quick-the CV runs great, more snot than my 2000 LX HPP or my 2002 LX Sport. I intend to keep this one for 200K miles minimum.
Good Luck!! :coolman:

[RoyLPita]

Desertrat,
Found it! Built on 11/12/02. No Start date. Has CA emmissions and no recalls or any warranty repair history. Good luck.

[gpfarrell]

In a nutshell...

I learned about Marauders... didn't like black (sorry... really liked black... too lazy to keep it clean). Forgot about Marauder.

Saw blue one at 2003 Pittsburgh car show. Liked lots. Test drove one with 60 miles on it. Let wife drive. Left dealership. Got back in 90,000 mile SHO 5-speed. Wife said Marauder felt like a pig. Me agreed. Forgot about Marauder again.

SHO kept breakin. Waiting for tow truck, me buys magazine with photo of mm.net banner. Go home, log in.

Learn engine need miles to go zoom-zoom! Learn they'll do much better than C&D's 15.7 in the quarter bone stock. Learn Dr. R. gets them into mid-14's with just a few goodies.

Add up repair bills from last 10 months of SHO ownership.

Sell SHO. Buy MM.

Learn to turn Overdrive button off. Occasionally stand on it at 40 mph and pull gear shifter into First. Explosive downshifts. 60 mph kick-down to 2nd gear makes me giggle.

Loved SHO, don't miss it.

Understand why so many Marauder owners are nuts about their cars and hang out here.

Welcome! Don't worry about it's brand new performance... by 5,000 its a whole different animal!

Living happily ever after.

The end.

[Svashtar]

are the factory incentives still in place for an 03'. This dealer is out of touch with reality to have an 03' anything. Iwould get a new 04' or a used 03'. unless this guy gives you a :rasta: deal. Change the oil before it leaves the lot , it has to have condensation build up , not good for break in miles.Another reason this site is so great! I was so excited about picking up my "new" '03 the other day that I didn't stop to think it had been sitting on the lot for at least 18 months! I checked the oil and it looked clean, but careful examination showed a little "creaminess" to it that indicates moisture, but I wouldn't have checked if I hadn't read it here.

I took it in today and got the tranny fluid checked and the oil changed on the house, and the service guy apologized to me and told me the salesman should have had this done before he let me leave the other day.

BTW, I feel great about getting the '03; it is super clean and has all the best '03 features I wanted and the traction control to boot. Twice I have just punched it from a standing start to get out into traffic and surprised myself by spinning the rears each time. I can't wait to see how it handles when I get the new gears in and the PCM flashed.

Thanks again for the heads up on the oil...

Regards,

Norm

PS: BTW, I have to disagree that the dealer is "out of touch" to still have an '03 in stock. LM did a lousy job promoting these, which is why 4 dealers that I spoke with had just sold 3 or 4 '03's and had not even ordered display '04's. All of them were willing to order me one, but didn't have any to look at. This dealer had sold 2 and had this one '03 left. I was definitely going for an '04 when I saw this had traction control, and was able to get it for 10K off MSRP because he had had it for so long. When I took it for a test drive, the key was even marked "Grand Marquis." I think they sold mostly by word of mouth, as most of the dealers just considered it a Grand Marquis with sportier suspension and a few more HP. Worked for me, as I knew more about it than the salesman...! Tnx.

[desertrat]

Well, got around to driving the '03 MM in Bishop. Felt distinctly sparkier than the '04 I drove the other day. Handled real nice. I think they'd let it go for under $25k.

But, it has a distinct, and annoying, pull to the right at all times. This was on a nice, smooth, level road. Dealer said he'd have it looked to and to check back with him later today.

If this cannot be corrected this is a real deal killer for me, since my use will be hundreds of miles on highways and having to constantly hold it straight is very tiring. Having had a similar situation with a new Alfa Romeo years ago, and not being able to correct it with numerous attempts, makes me gun shy.

What might this be? Tire pressures? Alignment? Car was smacked and will never be right?

Also the passenger side front door is sagging & sticking. Dealer says no problem to fix.

I bow to the collective wisdom of the group on this.

Thanks,
Desertrat

[67435animal]

Well, got around to driving the '03 MM in Bishop. Felt distinctly sparkier than the '04 I drove the other day. Handled real nice. I think they'd let it go for under $25k.

But, it has a distinct, and annoying, pull to the right at all times. This was on a nice, smooth, level road. Dealer said he'd have it looked to and to check back with him later today.

If this cannot be corrected this is a real deal killer for me, since my use will be hundreds of miles on highways and having to constantly hold it straight is very tiring. Having had a similar situation with a new Alfa Romeo years ago, and not being able to correct it with numerous attempts, makes me gun shy.

What might this be? Tire pressures? Alignment? Car was smacked and will never be right?

Also the passenger side front door is sagging & sticking. Dealer says no problem to fix.

I bow to the collective wisdom of the group on this.

Thanks,
Desertrat

My guess is tires/balance/alignment. When they are set righ, the ride is smooth and loads of fun.

Wonder why the door sags? Sounds unusual. Did you get an OASIS report on it?

Bob

[desertrat]

My guess is tires/balance/alignment. When they are set righ, the ride is smooth and loads of fun.

Wonder why the door sags? Sounds unusual. Did you get an OASIS report on it?

Bob
RoyLPita ran a report on it and it came up clean, as well it should with only 90 miles on it.

We'll see what the alignment guys can do with the pull. It's not dangerous, but it's not right either.

That door is weird. Opening requires a noticible shove/pull once the latch is unlatched, and the rubber seal on the body pulls out visibly when you open it. Seems like the door is closing a couple mm too low, so it has to force its way to meet the latch, or something.

Thanks,
Desertrat

[KilledKenny]

Well checking this link there seem to be 6, 2003 Marauders and guess what 1 of them is blue at a dealer in Ca.
http://www.autotrader.com/findacar/newcar_search/newcar_detail.jtmpl?car_id=166 445448&dealer_id=1151307&cardist=2133&car_year=2003&address=14303&make=MERC&model_year=2003&model=MARAUDER&search_type=new&lang=en&=&distance=any&color=

[desertrat]

I promise (really!) this will be my last post on this car. Went back to dealer and drove it again. They had the alignment done by a very good local shop. Now she tracks straight and true. Door problem fixed too.

Without the alignment distraction I could really get a better feel for the car. It's a nice one, I must admit. It's almost weird how well an MM takes corners at high speed considering how big it is. So, with just over 100 miles on her she'll make a good buy for someone.

Meanwhile, I'm rethinking my whole strategy (see post by jrc50 above). Does it really make sense to put 30,000 (mostly boring straight highway) miles per year on an MM? Tires, premium gas, part's that'll start getting scarce, etc. I'm going to reconsider the CV LX Sport.

Now, if we could just get that 380HP Falcon Ford sells in Australia!

Thanks,
Desertrat

[RoyLPita]

Just because you chose the CV Sport over the MM does not mean that have to leave this site. You are still welcome here. In fact, PM me with the VIN to your future purchase.