Finally got my Marauder Home

[Eric91Z]

Well, the last 48+ hours have been very busy. I finally have myself a Marauder after waiting 2+ years of wanting one. And it happens to be the "Jut right" one.

Anyway, I flew to Chicago Friday afternoon and was met at the airport by Peter (Mr. Johnson). We had a nice ride from the airport to Naperville in his Marauder. That was a nice road trip. Got to the dealership and found the salesman. He took me over to the car which was sitting off to the side all cleaned up with a full tank of gas. We looked the car over and took it for a quick test drive. I couldn't have asked for a better car if I was driving it off the lot new.

Went back to the dealership and did the paper work portion. While I was doing that, Peter ran home and got his supercharged Lexus. NICE CAR, Peter!!! Finished the paper work, finally, and drove off the lot in my "new" Marauder. Peter and I went and got a bite to eat and then he showed me to the highway and we parted ways.

This was about 9:00pm and I ended up driving a couple hours until I got just inside Iowa and found a hotel to crash at for the night. Got a first floor room and had the car parked right outside my window. Unfortunately the A/C was not working in the room and I was too tired to ask for a different one. So I left the window open. At least I would hear if anyone tried to take it.

Got up Saturday morning, checked out, got gas (18 mpg on the first tank, but not sure it was completely full to start with), and grabbed some breakfast. Then got on the road for the rest of the trip home. That was pretty uneventful, but I did get a couple of chances to open her up and she runs good. Had to show 4 hot University of Iowa girls in a Honda Civic what a Marauder can do on the open highway... :burnout:

I was smiling pretty much the whole trip home. And even giggling a couple of times. Got back to Des Moines and stopped by a buddies house to show him the car. Then finally got myself home. The wife and kids came out to check out the car. Then I unpacked the car and spent about 20-30 minutes putting the JLT cold air intake on that was sitting on the front porch when I got home!!! That things sounds cool when it starts sucking air!!!!

Then had to change an extremely dirty diaper on the 2 1/2 month old and then went and washed the car. Then the whole family went to Porky's in Des Moines (big car hang out on Saturday nights with good food). Parked the car in the lot (only Marauder there) and had a lot of people - of all ages - checking it out. Then got her home for the night.

Definitely going to enjoy this car. Not only did I get the JLT CAI on yesterday, but also got the black Bob White decals on the rear bumper and the Marauder bumper bid on. Then today picked up some Sylvania Silver Star headlight bulbs and got them put in tonight. Still waiting on my Pro Gard from Dennis and the CVPI wheels and trunk organizer coming from TheDealer. Then I plan on picking up an XCal2 and will be getting the windows tinted this Friday. Last 2 items for this year will be the Pirelli winter tires and an alarm/remote start.

Got about 22 miles per gallon on the second half of the trip home and that was running the A/C, cruise set about 75-77mph, and a couple higher speed blasts, and a little in town driving. All in all, not too bad gas mileage as far as I am concerned.

I need to send a HUGE thanks out to the following:

1) Peter - thanks for the ride from the airport, showing me around some, and eating dinner with me. And for refusing any money for gas or letting me pay for dinner. You are a true gentleman with a couple of nice cars. THANKS

2) Ehrich - thanks for taking the time out of your day to take pictures of the car for me a couple weeks ago. And thanks for the voice message and offer for ride from the airport and then following up with my Friday night to see that everything went well.

3) SergntMac - thanks for the voice mail on Saturday morning. I am sorry I did not call back. I accidently deleted the message with your number and couldn't find my sheet with the number you gave. Thanks for wondering how it went and wishing me a safe trip.

It is people like you guys that made the decision to get the Marauder instead of something else that much easier. I love this place and love my new car!!!!

OK, thanks for listening to me...

Well, I came back and edited this before I got the: This thread is worthless without pics....

This is the car back home, cleaned and sitting in the driveway. I have one of me by the car at the dealership, but it didn't turn out too good. There are more in the gallery:

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/data/500/medium/Camcorder_Pictures_046.jpg

[jgc61sr2002]

Congrats and Good luck with your new ride. :D Enjoy.

[Smokie]

Congratulations, I can tell you honestly that the 3 years of owning this car have been great fun, eventful, made some really fine friends...enjoy your car!!!:D

[huot5]

what a great story. brought tears to my eyes to her a grown man talking like a kid in a candy store.

Matter of fact I was in Naperville on Labor Day weekend, visiting in-laws. I knew about your previous thread and was looking for the dealership. I think they were taking good care of your car keeping it hidden away.

Good to hear you made in home and the car will bring you plenty of joy, especially in the modding stages. later.

[2003DOHC]

Thanks for the update good to hear you and the MM had a safe trip. :congrats:

[Eric91Z]

Matter of fact I was in Naperville on Labor Day weekend, visiting in-laws. I knew about your previous thread and was looking for the dealership. I think they were taking good care of your car keeping it hidden away.


Yeah, that seems to be the case as Peter said he drive by there once looking for it and did not see it anywhere either. I am glad to hear that. While the communication might not have been the greatest, they did seem to do a good job taking care of the car and taking it out of the used lot once the deal was made.

[1stMerc]

Congrats on your purchase. Glad to hear al went well and you were taken care of to your satisfaction. Enjoy your new ride.


Smiles for miles

[huot5]

oh yeah, and the weather was awesome too. compared to Miami, FL. lol.

I have a brother in law in Warrenville (nearby) and went to a really neat car show there a few summers ago.

[STLR FN]

Congrats on your purchase. It already sounds like you're having a good time with her. The addiction only gets worse.

[ckadiddle]

Glad you enjoyed your first road trip! A stock Marauder really excels on the open highway.

[Sully008]

Congratulations, Eric! Let the modding begin!

[Shora]

CVPI wheels What will you use these wheels for? Would those 16 inchers fit. Also, will they not affect the speeddo?

Anyway, I am really happy that you not only got a Marauder but that you got a nice one in good condition.

[2003DOHC]

What will you use these wheels for? Would those 16 inchers fit. Also, will they not affect the speeddo?

Anyway, I am really happy that you not only got a Marauder but that you got a nice one in good condition.


16 inch steel wheels for winter tires. Speedometer will be very close with the correct size 16 inch tires.

[Eric91Z]

16 inch steel wheels for winter tires. Speedometer will be very close with the correct size 16 inch tires.


What he said... :stupid:

[2003DOHC]

You found one awesome Marauder and low miles too gotta love that enjoy :D

[stormtroopin']

:banana2: Glad you had a good and safe trip! Now have some fun!!!

[Rider90]

Congrats Eric, she is a beaut :cool:


Enjoy!!! :burnout:

[Bradley G]

congrats! Eric, You were patient and calculating on your aquisition.

Glad to hear everything worked out! I had no doubts.:D

[RoyLPita]

Congrats on your purchase. I knew that this one was very promising by the OASIS report that I gave you. Enjoy!!!!!

[Eric91Z]

Congrats on your purchase. I knew that this one was very promising by the OASIS report that I gave you. Enjoy!!!!!


Speaking of which, I forgot to put Brian (RoyLPITA) on that list. Thanks for taking the time to run OASIS reports for me. That is always good information to have.

Also, does anyone know how one can get the keypad code if the card is not in the car? I am going to try and contact the previous owner to see if he still has it, otherwise I do not know the code.

[RoyLPita]

I do not know how mechanically inclined you are but, you can access the module on the driver's door by removing the door panel.

Where I work, we charge 1/2 hour to access the code by using the NGS computer.

[Eric91Z]

I do not know how mechanically inclined you are but, you can access the module on the driver's door by removing the door panel.

Where I work, we charge 1/2 hour to access the code by using the NGS computer.

So, if I take the door panel off to access the modeule, how would I pull the code?

[94_302]

Congratulations I picked mine up about 3 weeks ago and love it. It looks great from the pic. :D



Also, does anyone know how one can get the keypad code if the card is not in the car? I am going to try and contact the previous owner to see if he still has it, otherwise I do not know the code.
Yeah I ran across the same problem and will probably be removing my door panel soon. The dealer I went to said it would be $38 to plug it into the computer. I have helped take the door panel apart on some other fords so I dont think this will be too big of a problem. At least I hope not.

[Bradley G]

The module has a sticker with the code printed on it.

[RoyLPita]

What he said. Look for a 5 digit code.

[MarauderMark]

Congrats one such a pretty sahweeeeeeeet lookin car and color..well deserved:up:

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/data/500/medium/Camcorder_Pictures_046.jpg[/

[Eric91Z]

What he said. Look for a 5 digit code.

That shouldn't be too bad then. There is a thread or instructions somewhere on here about removing the door panel for the speaker installation. I assume I can just use that to remove the door panel if the previous owner does not have the card still. Guess I will wait to hear from him and go from there.

Is it inside the shell of the door itself? Is it easy to see once you get in there?

[LordVader]

:cool: Congrats on the new ride. I was just up in Naperville two weeks ago, going to school at Tellabs. Nice little area. I did see one Marauder while there and gave him info on the site, but he didn't seem to be too receptive. Well happy Maraudering and may the grin last forever!

[Eric91Z]

:cool: Congrats on the new ride. I was just up in Naperville two weeks ago, going to school at Tellabs. Nice little area. I did see one Marauder while there and gave him info on the site, but he didn't seem to be too receptive. Well happy Maraudering and may the grin last forever!

Thanks for all the well wishes. It definitely made driving to work on a Monday much better.

I saw one Marauder on the way home, just east of Iowa City, IA who was heading East. Then, on the way to work today, I saw another black Marauder heading the other direction. Funny thing is, this is the same route I have been taking to work for the last year and have never seen that car before.

Oh well, can't wait for the work day to be over so I can get in the car and drive home!!! :banana:

[RoyLPita]

That shouldn't be too bad then. There is a thread or instructions somewhere on here about removing the door panel for the speaker installation. I assume I can just use that to remove the door panel if the previous owner does not have the card still. Guess I will wait to hear from him and go from there.

Is it inside the shell of the door itself? Is it easy to see once you get in there?

The module is on the bottom right corner of the door.

[WolfeBros]

Congrats and enjoy your sweet lookin ride. :rasta:
That silver birch keeps growing on me. :2thumbs:

[macksburg]

Cool, Looking forward to seeing another Marauder in Central Iowa.

[dflynn5]

My that's a fine looking beast!

[Eric91Z]

Congrats and enjoy your sweet lookin ride. :rasta:
That silver birch keeps growing on me. :2thumbs:

Thanks. I really am liking the Silver more and more. I think the Black is just Bad A** looking, but the Silver is my favorite.

[Mr Johnson]

Glad to see you made it home alright. Hopefully you had a great nights sleep before getting home! ;)

Thanks for letting me take the test drive with your new baby. It looked just about perfect. Very nicely taken care of by its previous owner and nicely prepped by the dealer. You have a beautiful new ride! You must be on :cloud9:

IT was a pleasure being able to meet up and have dinner. I'm glad I could help out on Friday. That's what this is about... a community of folks willing to help each other out. :beer:

[Eric91Z]

Glad to see you made it home alright. Hopefully you had a great nights sleep before getting home! ;)

Thanks for letting me take the test drive with your new baby. It looked just about perfect. Very nicely taken care of by its previous owner and nicely prepped by the dealer. You have a beautiful new ride! You must be on :cloud9:

IT was a pleasure being able to meet up and have dinner. I'm glad I could help out on Friday. That's what this is about... a community of folks willing to help each other out. :beer:


That is so true. And, again, thanks for the ride and hanging out with me for dinner. It was nice to put a face with a name on here.


Mac, if you read this, I did get both of your voice mails. First one I deleted on accident and the one today I have been going non-stop until now. I will try and touch base with you tomorrow.

[huot5]

Speaking of which, I forgot to put Brian (RoyLPITA) on that list. Thanks for taking the time to run OASIS reports for me. That is always good information to have.

Also, does anyone know how one can get the keypad code if the card is not in the car? I am going to try and contact the previous owner to see if he still has it, otherwise I do not know the code.
Wait a sec....the five digit keypad code is on a module under the dash to the left of the brake mechanism. get on your back and look up into the driver side area to the left of the brake stuff. that module should be pointing straight down with the numbers written right "there" .. good luck.

[Eric91Z]

Well, just a quick update on the car. Finally got the title from the dealership on Wednesday and heading tomorrow to pay tax, title, and license fees and get it in my name!!!

Also, in the past week I have gotten the windows tinted (15% on all except the windshield), installed the Pro Gard (today), installed the Trunk Organizer, ordered some God's Head Emblems and Fuel bib from Innovative Interceptors, and made an appointment for next Saturday to get an Ungo alarm/remote start installed.

That should about do it for a while. I have the CVPI wheels in the garage and the Pirelli Snow and Ice winter tires are on the way from Tire Rack. Hoping that sometime in the next few weeks I will be able to order the XCal2 from Lidio and then sit back and continue to enjoy the car. That is about all I have planned for now. Maybe, if I can swing it, I would like to do a trip over to Detroit to see Lidio and do the 4.10's and full Kook's Exhaust. But that is just on the wish list for now. It is just a joy to get in and drive every day. And it still makes me giggle like a little kid everytime I put my foot in it. I can't imagine doing that with the Kook's setup on it!!!

[fastblackmerc]

Wait a sec....the five digit keypad code is on a module under the dash to the left of the brake mechanism. get on your back and look up into the driver side area to the left of the brake stuff. that module should be pointing straight down with the numbers written right "there" .. good luck.
The key code for my '04 can be found on the left trunk hinge and the left drivers door A pillar, when you open the door look where the door, hood and fender meet. To set a new code per the owners manual:

1) Enter the factory code

2) Press 1 & 2 on the keypad within 5 seconds to enter programming mode

3) Enter your personal 5 digit code, each number must be entered within 5 seconds of each other

4) Press 1 & 2 to store the code

5) The doors will lock then unlock to confirm programming of the new code

You can enter up to 3 personal codes (in step 4, press 3 & 4 for the second code, & 5 & 6 for the third code).

FYI... The 10 different numbers on the keypad are not serperate, ie. there is no seperate 1 or 2 or 3 etc. Each button corresponds to 1 number. Pressing the 7&8 & 9&0 buttones will lock all the doors. Your personal codes do not replace the factory code. Do not use a personal code that uses the same number 5 times. Do not use 5 numbers in sequential order. And this one I don't understand..... If you set a second personal code it will erase your first personal code... nothing said about a third persoanl code erasing the second personal code......

[Eric91Z]

The key code for my '04 can be found on the left trunk hinge and the left drivers door A pillar, when you open the door look where the door, hood and fender meet. To set a new code per the owners manual:

.


Yes, I had a couple of people tell me to look on the hinge, but couldn't find it there. Good news is I was able to get a hold of the previous owner and he still had the card and sent it to me. So I now have the original card to use and it works - even with the new alarm/remote start installed.

[kurly]

Congrats Eric !