another price thread

[the fat bastid]

so now that i'm getting closer to acutally getting one i'm wondering what they go for these days.

they list at 32k and msrp is 35k....i thought i heard people getting them
from dealers for like 28k...did i just make that up and am losing my mind? gimme da skinny!

[Kelly]

$28,628 was a price that was mentioned on another board, he purchased it this past Sat.

[Black Terror]

Dealer here in GA listing in paper for $27,995 so you should be able to get a good price. Dealer holdback is near 4%, rebates up to $3000 in some areas so negotiation is in order.

[SergntMac]

I talked with my dealer early last week on behalf of a friend. There are dozens of things to consider when negotiating to the bottom line. His closer in the conversation was "tell him he'll drive home, all things done, for thirty k." That's eight k less than I paid in July...ouch.

Key for you to remember here, is that the dealer wants to sell as bad, (if not more) than you should want to buy. If your hands are too sweaty with lust, they will know, and push up. Be cool, reluctant, hold your ground on what you want to spend. Visit as many dealers as you can, walk away with written proposals to show the next guy. It's Liar's poker here, but remember, they have the cars, you have the time.

PS...What people really pay, and what they boast of on the 'net, is also Liar's poker, take it all with a grain...

[Mark McQuaide]

If you're that set on denying the dealer any profit, what's the point? I'd like to see a (reasonably) profitable dealership around to sell cars far into the future. The deals are great right now, take advantage and start enjoying the car.

[MassMarauder]

FB
I Bought on Dec 23rd.
MSRP, $34,845. I went to the dealership with the price quote I got from carsdirect.com. The sales manager came out with the invoice in hand.....and that's what he sold it to me for ($32,200).
Apply the 3500 rebate, final price 28,700.
My dealer had 6 of them. He hadn't moved a single one until I came along....not to mention it was 2 days before Xmas.
Dealer pays less than invoice so he still made some money.
Anyway, now that I have it I would have glady paid more for this car.

[beemer]

LOL. I've heard all kinds of Marauder pricing strategy. They are not going to sell the car at a price point below that of the Grand Marquis LSE, or Crown Vic Sport, regardless of net hearsay, nor will they sell at a loss. I'm all for getting a good deal, but we're not talking basic transportation here. If you want a Marauder you'll pay! I took 5 months to buy mine, with the dealer calling every few weeks. I traded an '01 LX Sport, swapped off for the Marauder, put no $$$ on the table and have the same payment I had before. Got the rebate AND 0.9 finance. I'm happy. For no $$$ outlay I've got a two year newer car with much greater charisma and collectibility, and I'm out from under my '01 Sport, that I bought as I was tired of waiting for the Marauder. Don't get me wrong, the Sport was a great car, but a Marauder it ain't.

My dealer started off with a $4000 market adjustment sticker on the car. Boy did that get negotiations off to a bad start. "We'll sell it to someone else" they said. I said "Ok, by all means do so!". Remember it's never over 'til the car is in your driveway.

Best,

Paul:D

[MassMarauder]

Beemer - Perhaps I've mis-interpreted your post but are you doubting my purchase price?

[SaxGuy]

What I've noticed is that If you are serious about making the purchase, and you have a serious down payment to make, they will try to give you a good deal. Simple fact of Supply Vs. Demand. When the MM was first introduced it had a very high demand, and low supply. Not that a lot of dealers are over stocked, the economny not doing to well equalls good price. If they say they will sell it to someone else, say your loss and go to the next dealer. The number one way to save a lot of money is to do your research.

[FordNut]

If the dealer is not willing to make a deal, you have to be willing to either go elsewhere or pay the price. All the local dealers around here wanted list plus and the best deal I ever could get was 32,500 plus tax. Even that took several months of negotiating. I did my research and was willing to go the distance to Florida, got one for 27,625 plus tax, total under 30k out the door. Got to take a 800 mile test drive home for a head start on the break-in. It was worth it, but if I could have got a local dealer to sell it for 1,000 over the Florida dealer's price I would have done it to help support the local guys.

[SergntMac]

Mass...I don't think Beemer meant to offend you. While Beemer doesn't really state what his "drive home cost" came to be, he is pleased with his deal and by the sound of it, I would be too. However, neither do you clearly state your "drive home" cost, so, the both of you seem to have missed my point, which was getting to the "drive home" cost of owning a MM, for the fresh meat here.

I talked to a local dealer who claims he will put an MM in someone's driveway, for 30K flat. I'll believe that when I see it, and until then, it's just his sales pitch to get someone in his door. However, if and when he does that, I'll agree that it's a fair deal for both the dealer (and his costs of being a dealer), as well as the MM buyer, and I say so despite my 38K driveway costs of last July. I did what I wanted to do then, I'm not b**ching. But, as a buyer today I would feel different, and that is my advice to a propective MM buyer now, get the 30K closed deal cost. You'll get good bang for your buck value, and you'll be able to return to that selling dealer expecting good service for a good customer. Not all of them, nor all of us, wear a patch over one eye.

PS. added after post...FordNut...you get my point, thanks.

[SaxGuy]

A Marauder in the driveway is worth the price of admission!

[SaxGuy]

I take it back, Driveway only when its sunny! Garage when the elements are at there worst.

[MassMarauder]

Thanks Sarg - I guess it was the "net hearsay" thing that threw me off.
I haggeled a bit with the dealer but I still think it was the carsdirect thing that got him to pull out the invoice. $32,253.

[jgc61sr2002]

I would have had my MM in Dec.but the person buying my 2000 GM backed out of the deal and so did I. The dealer returned my deposit in approximately three weeks. The price out the door with 8 1/2% NY sales tax was $ 32,292.50. That was $29,500 + tax. I now have a new buyer and will go to a dealer in the A.M. John :D :D :cool: :)

[beemer]

Mass Marauder! Good for you. I did not see the previous post.
Where are you in MA? I'm in Gardner.

Best,

Paul:D

[MassMarauder]

Beemer - I'm down here in scenic Taunton (sarcasm)....or what I like to call pothole city. Gardner is a hike from here.
Bought my MM at Rodman L/M in Raynham.
In a few more months we should have a Mass get together.
mike

[martyo]

John:

What dealer??

I'm in Westchester, NY.

[beemer]

Mass get together sounds good. Check out www.crownvic.net
Crown Vics/Grand Marquis/Marauders. We have a big crew and get together often. Some meets have had close to 50 cars.
I look forward to meeting you in better driving weather. BTW, we've got our share of potholes here in Gardner as well.

Best,

Paul :D

[BigMerc]

Hey that picture above kinda looks like my house, except im much warmer. A Marauder and an Interceptor

[beemer]

LOL! Definately looks much warmer!

Paul:D

[A3GR]

Bought one in Florida for $ 27,500. with 6CD Changer.

[LCpl Retired]

I was in FL last week, and talked to the dealer in Del Rey, he was pretty cool and straightforward. He quoted me the 27,500 or 30,500 with 0%60mos plus tax tags title. He did not seem to be full of crap at all.
He had 5 or so there, and the deal is good till 3/31.

There is one at Hollywood L/M that is on ebay now, has been titled and has 18 miles on it, not eligable for the 0%. Seemed a little spooky too...came out of an auction or something..but only had 12 miles on it when I was there..maybe some paintwork...just didn't add up. He seemed to be full of crap.

The one I want is in PA, it has the heated seats, that dealer, who I have dealt with before and trust, said his cost is 29,500 but the 60 mos financing brings that to 32,500. I think he must not know about all the rebates or something...or maybe the Del Rey guy just gets more....that is a Huge dealership (go figure..L/M in SFL!!).. The PA guy has a two car showroom.

just shows whats out there

I hate to pay 2k for heated seats and t/c...but as many of you know or will know eventually...If Mamas not happy....

[MAD-3R]

If Mamas not happy

AIN'T NOBODY HAPPY!!!!!!!!!

[Vince Gortner]

In the course of 5 phone calls this morning, I've got dealers making offers below invoice and tossing around extras like remote starters.

I'm down to $28k on an early production model including the $3500 rebate without ever setting foot in a dealership. You can't tell me that they still aren't making money selling below invoice. The whole price structure is a game, and it's a fun game to play.

[A3GR]

I paid $ 27,500. 2 weeks ago.

[martyo]

I am down to $29,000.00 flat, no financing offers (cash or you are on your own for financing was the way it was put). The MM was early mid-production; no heated seats and no t/c.

I love to hondle with these guys but some of you seem to be ahead of me!!

[SaxGuy]

If you are in Illinois, what dealers have you contacted?

[Vince Gortner]

I got on the Mercury website, pulled up the dealer list and called all the dealers in the Chicago suburbs ( I had the day off ). Every one of them was willing to play over the phone. Now it's just a matter of convenience vs. a few hundred bucks.

I'm also starting to quiz them on how they feel about aftermarket mods and warranty repairs. I don't think that they are accustomed to questions like that from Navigator / GM buyers...

[martyo]

Face it, the dealers are generally clueless on this product. Just five minutes ago one of the dealers wanted to move me into a GM. He said they are the same. Hmmmmmmm.....

Meanwhile, they are desperate to get these cars off of their lots. Saturday I went through the bait and switch. Saw car on the showroom floor with most of the goodies. Took a test drive in the car on the lot (which had 100 miles on it --- who knows under what cir***stances????).

The dealer told me the cars were identical and wrote it up that way. Turns out most of the goodies weren't there and I was able to shave off another $1k plus today.

I am sending in my Notice of Recision so that I can keep negotiating.
I will be back at the dealer again this week.

I am having fun and I haven't even taken possession of the car yet. Did Mercury miss the mark on advertising these babies or what (their own dealers haven't a clue as to what they are selling).

Go figure!

Stay tuned!!

[Vince Gortner]

This is fun!!! I just found out why many of the dealers I talked to today were willing to immediately jump to $500 under invoice but insisted that the rebate was only $3k. The rebate is $3k, but the dealers get another $500 in "dealer cash" that does is not subject to sales tax and may or may not be passed on to the customer.

How can you tell when a salesman is lying??? Something about lip movement, but I can't quite recall.... Gotta wonder what happens to an uninformed customer.

[martyo]

Actually, I believe that they are playing with $750.00 rebates.

[Directedby]

Car dealers make money on every dollar above invoice. Additionally, the car dealer gets 4% of the purchase price. Even at invoice ($31,000) the dealer gets $1,240.

[SergntMac]

Originally posted by stanleyk
Saturday I went through the bait and switch. Saw car on the showroom floor with most of the goodies. Took a test drive in the car on the lot (which had 100 miles on it --- who knows under what cir***stances????).

The dealer told me the cars were identical and wrote it up that way. Turns out most of the goodies weren't there and I was able to shave off another $1k plus today.

What "goodies" does one Marauder have that another doesn't, that causes this 1K price difference? Heated seats? Traction Control? Moonroof? If one Marauder has all this, and the other not, seems you're being treated fairly. Which Marauder do you want to buy?

[Topher]

I bought my MM on Jan 4, 2 days before the old rebate program expired. I got it for under invoice price, plus tax, title, etc, minus $3500 rebate. Since the rebate was all customer cash, it was all taxable. As far as I know they didn't have additional dealer cash then.
If now the customer rebate is $3000 & dealer cash is $500, it's about the same deal- you'll just be saving a few bucks on the non-taxable $500, if they give it to you.

Chris

[SergntMac]

Originally posted by Vince Gortner
I'm also starting to quiz them on how they feel about aftermarket mods and warranty repairs. I don't think that they are accustomed to questions like that from Navigator / GM buyers...

I have to agree with you, sales and management staffs are not used to such questions, it's usually the Service Managers business (and HIS decision) what modifications may or may not be acceptable to the base product as manfactured. If you choose to make any performance or decorative modifications to your MM, DO NOT expect those modifications to be covered by the manfacturer's warranty. If you are warranty cautious, which is fine, then don't modify your MM. It's your decision to take the risk, don't expect LM or FMC to hold your hand whil you play in the street.

Some here enjoy favorable relationships with individual Service Managers who know their cars and their customers, but most do not. The more we press the uninformed sales and management branches, the more frightened of misunderstood thoughts of product liability issues they become. This isn't good, if the topic keeps getting pushed in their face, we all may get redlined. Please think about that as you quiz the uninformed.

[martyo]

I guess my post wasn't clear. Sorry.

First, every car I have seen has the 6 disc CD changer, so that has been a constant. The variables have been the trunk organizer, moon roof, heated seats.

As to the confusion, the car that was "sold" to me was not the same as the car I first drove I guess because i did not look at the sticker carefully (it was not equipped with the heated seats and the trunk organizer). Shame on me??? I did find a car identical to the car that I drove for $1,000.00 less than the car that was originally "sold" to me. Got it?

Anyway, the moral of the story is to stop and look carefully for good pricing and the right options. Its out there.

[Vince Gortner]

Originally posted by SergntMac
I have to agree with you, sales and management staffs are not used to such questions, it's usually the Service Managers business (and HIS decision) what modifications may or may not be acceptable to the base product as manfactured.

I'm with you on this Sarge. I have been going to the service managers for that answer since I really didn't expect to get a straight answer from sales. Some still didn't quite know how to respond.

Luckily, the service guy at my local dealer seemed pretty cool about it so hopefully regardless of where I buy I can take my car to him if I get in trouble.

If this all works out right I'd like to do the chip/gear mods, and I understand that I'm on my own from there. I just don't want the performance mods to get thrown in my face if my A/C dies or a power window stops working. Not likely, but it's always nice to ask ahead of time.

[JamesHecker]

Has anyone seen a Marauder with the moonroof yet?

[Macon Marauder]

Marauders are being advertised down here in GA for $29,000 - dealer retains all rebates.

Both dealers I negotiated with back in November readily whipped out the invoice. Dealer holdback is a wonderful thing!

The rebate back then was only $2000. I paid $30,000 in "real money."

[Brian]

Factory Moonroof not yet available on MM, GM, or CV. Was originally going to be available early in 2003CY, but production of that option has been delayed.

[RCSignals]

there is a Marauder on eBay, from a FL dealer, claims to have a moonroof, but doesn't show a picture of it

[Brian]

Any dealer can have an aftermarket moonroof installed at a local shop.

[martyo]

Finished my paperwork on my '03 MM tonight. The dealer is installing the 'roof and the spoiler (the dealer owes a commission to Logan for those items).

Can't wait to get the car. Now, which button to I push to get rid of this frigid weather and snow......

[Macon Marauder]

stanleyk,

Welcome! Hope you enjoy the Marauder experience as much as we do!