I took a Plunge

[SaxGuy]

Well, as many of you might know and realize, I have been in the process of getting a Mercury Marauder for quite some time. I came to this site to research the car, learn about potential problems, and bond with a bunch of great people. Through this site I have learned quite a bit, and I'm glad that its here. Now by the sound of my post, it may seem that I finally bought the Mercury Marauder, but unfortunately that’s not the case. When the super great deal came from NorthTowne Lincoln Mercury in MO, I jumped on the deal, and sent in a 500 deposit to hold the car. I told them it was going to take a few weeks for me to secure the funds for the car, but they went ahead and said they would, and even gave me my VIN number for my future car. A few weeks later I finally received my loan, and I called them up to go get my car. They went ahead and told me that it had been sold, but that they had a car on the lot with a roof-rack, but it would be an extra 1200.00 dollars. First of all, I don’t want a roof-rack, and I think it’s an ugly idea for such a beautiful car as the Mercury Marauder, and second it was never in the agreement that I was proposed. The Manager had the nerve to then tell me that I could have a used one for the price he had originally quoted me, or I could pay 34,000 for a new one. I realize that many of you have paid sticker, or over when the car first came out, but you have to remember that you pay a premium to be the first guy on the block to a own a new vehicle. Many of the Marauders currently collecting dust on many lots are getting close to being one year old. I was very upset by the fact that I had put a deposit on the car, had been told that it would be held for me, and that I would get the car I was told about. As the story continues, I finally got my deposit back, and I went forth to local dealers to see what the best deal I could get would be. After the low price I was originally offered, I was hunting for a deal in the 27-28 out the door range. After being treated poorly by three local Lincoln Mercury Dealers, who ultimately wanted to sell me a Grand Marquis instead of a Marauder, I got fed up and left. I don’t know if they didn’t think I was serious, but I had the money right then and there to close a deal which I knew they could. Ultimately I did end up buying a car, and I’m happier than pie right now, but it’s a shame that I was treated so poorly by the LM dealers. I read somewhere here before, that after you buy a Lincoln/Mercury product, Ford no longer cares about your problems. Well I took that to heart, and I passed on the entire ford products. I'm not saying that I don’t think the Marauder is a great car, because I think it’s an awesome one! It’s a mean looking car, with plenty of grunt available. I just will not put up with bad customer service, especially for a car that should have been made available to me with the initial agreement. I’m sorry for ranting and raving, but I hope to see you all at the local car shows, I'll just be in a General Motors product instead. I will always be a Mercury Marauder enthusiast!!!! And I hope to see you guys whipping the local competition!

[Directedby]

What GM car did you buy?

[TAF]

HELLO....Mr. Smoker....Mr. Babcock.....You wonder why your sales numbers $uck? I'm sorry...I just remembered...they "left the building" about 7 months ago...

Sorry to hear of your bad experience. Congrats on the new ride (whatcha get BTW?) and I'm glad your happy.

Now...more about this Marauder with a "roof-rack"......a roof-rack for WHAT??!!

[jgc61sr2002]

SaxGuy good luck with your new ride even if it isn't a MM. I have yet to figure out what the problem is with LM dealers. Maybe the Linclons sell themselves and they are not interested in Mercury sales. IMHO. John

[CRUZTAKER]

Originally posted by TAF
Now...more about this Marauder with a "roof-rack"......a roof-rack for WHAT??!!

For haulin' the mini of course.....

Looks like he bought a used gm from his sig., bummer :(

[merc406]

Roof rack on a Marauder......... Now that's a picture that could give a body nightmares!!!! That salesperson was FOS.
Just called myself on a Marauder, no dealin much around here yet, unless you work for Ford and go with one of their plans.

[SaxGuy]

The car I ended up getting "Please no flames" is a 2003 Nissan Altima SE. The reason I went with this choice is because it was the most comfortable car I had been in since the Marauder. It was fully equipped with all options, and the service department is top notch. I was also treated quite well. I wish I could of gotten the MM, but sometimes things happen for a reason. The other car in my sig "TransAm" is the car I was involved in with a accident. They finally gave her back, and shes better than new! Let it be known though, I love the Marauder, and you guys better be joining me for local cruises!

[studio460]

Just wanted to add my $0.02 . . .

Sorry to hear about your troubles with LM dealers. Fleet sales guys are generally great to deal with; however, during my search for an in-stock Marauder in Southern California, I called the largest Ford/LM dealer in the Los Angeles area and asked if they had any in stock. This is a direct quote:

"Oh, they stopped making the Marauder in January, could I interest you in another vehicle?"

At the time (February 2003), I actually thought he was telling the truth, and I actually started researching other car makes! No wonder LM's sales figures are so low . . .

[reddog69]

greetings all! I'll be picking up my '03 MM at the dealer on thursday and I couldnt be happier!! I've been driving a 94 impala ss and have been more than pleased with it. the problem is that gm has no replacement for a rwd big sedan so here I am. I had a very good experience with my dealer and was able to close at 28k. the dealer is ken smith mercury in northern nj if anyone is looking for a car. I hope to meet some of you and learn as much as possible about my new baby. I hope i've placed this in the right section and thanks in advance, REDDOG69

[one50npump]

I didnt have any problems with Northtowne L/M, we did the deal in no time and they took very good care of me.. Guess i was just one of the lucky $24188 buyers.

[JamesHecker]

Sorry you didn't get your Marauder, saxguy! I love mine and I am lucky enough to have a good L/M Dealer.

I wouldn't choose a Nissan for myself, but one of my employees just got an Altima with a 3.5L six. It is a really nice car! She says it really scoots too!

Hope you enjoy your new car, and hope you still put your 2 cents in around here occasionaly as well.

[SaxGuy]

one50npump, you were one of the lucky buyers. I suppose they would rather sell the car they were holding for me to someone with cash on hand even though it was a breach of contract. As for the nissan scooting, it really does! I drove it against a Honda Accord brand new, and I smoked it by about three car lengths. I'm still planning on putting my .02 around here, cause Im still a Marauder enthusiast. I love the Mercury Marauder, and this is a great site. Thanks Logan!

[engine23ccvfd]

I think I got lucky I did one of those web quotes and the first price offered was 26495.00 I ended up paying a little more to get the 1.9% deal from ford Credit. At the time I left there was to MM on the lot I drove by the other day and there are now five sitting on the lot. Anyone in Houston looking check Texan LM on 290.

[RF Overlord]

Welcome, reddog...you've come to the right place... :D

[jgc61sr2002]

reddog69 - Welcome the the MM site. This is the best site bar none. Thanks to Logan and LML. John

[WolfeBros]

Welcome Reddog69. There is a pretty good bunch of guys in your area with Marauders. I am sure they will be around shortly to greet you. You came to the right place and with the right car. :D

[prchrman]

Welcome reddog69...enjoying Grand Touring in Americas only truly GT automobile...at that price I am guessing it was black...am I right...

[reddog69]

as with the imp, any color you want as long as its black. its taking a little time to get used to, but I love it. thanks for the welcome.

[CRUZTAKER]

Originally posted by JamesHecker
one of my employees just got an Altima with a 3.5L six. It is a really nice car! She says it really scoots too!


kEY WORD......"SHE"

Sax, if it was ment to be...you would not have given up so easily.