Program Cars

[warren714]

Hi All,
Long time "lurker", first time poster. Looking to trade cars in January, and the Marauder is at the top of the list, followed by the CV Sport. I know there's a big difference in the two, but it will come down to the one on which I can get the best deal. (Hoping it's the Marauder).

At any rate, I have found a 2003 Black Marauder with under 9,000 miles on at the local Mercury dealer. Dealer says it is a "Program Car", and the asking price is $25,900. The price is workable, but does anyone have any experience/knowledge of the Program Cars?

Thanks,
Warren

[hdwrench]

paid less for my 04 yesterday

[MarauderMark]

paid less for my 04 yesterday

Thats the way to go. 04 definantly. :up:

[bigslim]

Welcome to the site. First off let me say that my folks went looking at a CV Sport last week. They said the dealers aren't dealing on them. There were no incentives on them either. I bought my second MM in September and they were offering $6000 back on them. If you can swing it, get the MM. It is a much nicer car with more power and exclusivenes.

[2003DOHC]

Welcome,Yes buy a Marauder if at all possible. I owned 2 crown victorias before my Marauder and it is a much nicer car.

[Bigdogjim]

Program cars are for Ford/L&M executive use. I think the price is too high.

you can get a leftover '04 for almost that muck?

I know wholesale on an '03 is about $20,000 give or take depending on miles?

That's Phila. area rate.

[MarauderMark]

[QUOTE=Bigdogjim]Program cars are Ford executive use. QUOTE]

Ahhhh i thought it meant first production run of these cars .Thank you sir!!! :D

[Bradley G]

Hey MM'ers,

Program cars are any cars offered @ Ford factory auctions ask to see the title and you will uncover the source usually (rental agency's) or a fleet of some sort
Bradley G

[Bigdogjim]

[QUOTE=Bigdogjim]Program cars are Ford executive use. QUOTE]

Ahhhh i thought it meant first production run of these cars .Thank you sir!!! :D


Mark that what I always thought they were. At least when my Father sold 'em that's what they called 'em:)

[Tallboy]

Hi All,
Long time "lurker", first time poster. Looking to trade cars in January, and the Marauder is at the top of the list, followed by the CV Sport. I know there's a big difference in the two, but it will come down to the one on which I can get the best deal. (Hoping it's the Marauder).

At any rate, I have found a 2003 Black Marauder with under 9,000 miles on at the local Mercury dealer. Dealer says it is a "Program Car", and the asking price is $25,900. The price is workable, but does anyone have any experience/knowledge of the Program Cars?

Thanks,
Warren:welcome: $25,900 is strong money for that car. i'd offer them about $22,000. my car was a "program car". other than having to remove the dealer-installed swirl marks, it's been great!

[CRUZTAKER]

'03 with 9000 miles...same here, no more than 22,000 out the door. In fact, it's actually worth more like 19,200.

You could, I say could if you don't wait too long, find an '04 as suggested for 25k or so.

Do not let this dealer bone you. Offer them 22.5 straight up, and move on.

Good luck, hope to hear good news from you in the future.

[jgc61sr2002]

Warren - Welcome to the MM site. :D Program cars are either leased or rental cars. A vehicle with 9K on the odometer shouldn't be a problem. There is 27K of warranty left. But as stated above the price sounds high. I have purchased one program vehicle with 13K and had minor problems that were covered by warranty. Good luck with your purchase.

[Donny Carlson]

Mark that what I always thought they were. At least when my Father sold 'em that's what they called 'em:)"Executive" cars were known as "brass hats" when I worked in the biz. Program cars were usually leased cars or rental (Hertz, Avis, etc) turned in after the new model year cars had been delivered to agencies. Program cars usually have great discounts, but could likely have had a hard year on the road. I bought a program car once only to find out that it was an Enterprise leasing return, and the leasee had disconnected the odometer cable to keep his/her mileage within the contract limits. Managed to damage the dash and screw up the odometer, which was replaced under warantee with the dreaded "red" odometer.

[Tallboy]

in my dealership years we called all of 'em "program cars". my car was a demo and then owned by an older couple for 12 months. a member here [roylpita] will run a vin# for you should you decide on a car and want more info...

[MarauderMark]

I bought mine an 03 w/ 9100 miles for 21k in 11/29/03 . :D

[wm1964]

Warren,

1/04 I bought my 03 leftover with 900 miles on it. I was told it was a demo and driven mostly by the owner of the dealership (who told me it was his car from the time it hit the lot). I did alot of looking and research. It was very beneficial to me that I knew they had this car on the lot since 7/02. I paid 25,000 with tax tags and extended warranty included! Tell them what you want to pay. The worse thing that can happen is you renegotiate. Good Luck!

[Larry Durham]

Hi All,
Long time "lurker", first time poster. Looking to trade cars in January, and the Marauder is at the top of the list, followed by the CV Sport. I know there's a big difference in the two, but it will come down to the one on which I can get the best deal. (Hoping it's the Marauder).

At any rate, I have found a 2003 Black Marauder with under 9,000 miles on at the local Mercury dealer. Dealer says it is a "Program Car", and the asking price is $25,900. The price is workable, but does anyone have any experience/knowledge of the Program Cars?

Thanks,
Warren

Hi Warren! I to was a lurker and am finally posting my 2 cents now and then. Anyway, a Program Car means one of 3 things, lease, rental or factory demo. Being a Marauder I'm sure it's not a rental so I wouldn't worry. My 04 MM is the first new car I've ever owned. When I was young I couldn't afford new and asn I got older I got into sales where you burn up miles so I bought program cars. I owned a 72 T-Bird, 78 T-bird, 85 Mark VII, 91 Cont and a 95 Cont. with 163K on it which I still have and it looks and runs like a top with no major repairs.
Don't be afraid, go for it you won't regret it.


:)

[warren714]

Wow! Thanks for all the welcomes and replies! This board is a very big part of the reason I'm considering the MM, it's got to be one of the best on the 'net.

Well, I agree the price is too high, but that's what they are asking, so it's their starting point, not mine. I was also thinking of around the 20 - 22 range tops. The car has Mercury mud flaps added to it and the salesman says it was an Executive car, and says he has all documentation for it. (Would be nice if it was a Supercharged Executive car, but I digress.)

In my area there is currently a $4000 discount on the MM, but no new cars in the area. Closest I can find is about 200 miles away. The '04 CVs have $4500 discounts and there are several in the general area to choose from. At least it will be a fun decision! :o

Thanks Again!
Warren