Your worse problem

[Motorhead350]

Just wanted to see what everyones worse STOCK problem has been. My car has been completely trouble free until I had to replace my alternator, but for 90,000 miles there hasn't been anything major. What was your worse problem?

[DL04]

No problems 16k mi-although the dealer just hit me for 180 ea for rear tires-had a nail in the sidewall had to have 'em. Then they put a nice scratch/ gouge in the rim and denied it!:mad2: The car itself has been great

[mclemore102]

So far i have had only one problem and am sure everyone's had it. The stupid rattling subwoofer:mad: :mad2: :fire:

[DarthMarauder]

Axle shafts outside of warranty bought the kit though that moves the bearings so I can get a few 10 thousand miles out of her before having to do the whole axle. Can start saving for the next group buy of Moslers!!!

[dwasson]

Never liked the subwoofer or the bad FM reception.

I had a recurring water leak, but that was the dealer's screw up. It finally got fixed the third time.

[CBT]

If I have the radio on and hit the rear defrost button, instant static. Don't know why, and don't care enough to pay to find out anytime soon.

[MarauderMarc]

I had to have a thermostat replaced at 17k and a front hub bearing 2 days ago at 48k. Both done under warranty. My charging system is testy. If I leavr=e an accessory on without the car started for over 5 minutes, my car wont start. Have a brand new battery. Maybe its the pulleys.
Thats really it. Those were both small things. My MM has been wonderful. I have never regretted buying it.

[TripleTransAm]

MM#1:


completely loose ground connection in the trunk area, fixed by dealer as I still did not have access to the electronics shop manual
sliced wiring harness on driver's side engine bay, stranded 250 miles from home with all local dealers on strike
squeaking seat twice (dealer monkey scratched up the front of the seat bottom last time it was fixed)
driver's side door misaligned from factory (never reported as I feared they'd simply make it worse or break something else)
loose seat bottom cover
intermittent brake light operation, never properly diagnosed by dealer monkeys until I figured it out myself 6 months later when I lost all brake lights.
hood groan when warm (never properly fixed, I continued to smear bearing grease on the latch mechanism until the very end)
hood adjustment bumper on passenger side was faulty and could not hold its height for more than 24 hours
front suspension creak when braking, diagnosed by dealer as very loose suspension component torque (!)
weak paint very prone to scratching
loud clunk on sharp right turns over uneven road surfaces
annoying slight vibration in the steering wheel at highway speeds (possibly related to later steering shaft failure, but never totally diagnosed - wheels balanced to within an inch of their lives)
ticking driver's side cylinder head since practically brand new, sounded like an old Volare with sticking valves
blue smoke at startup
battery failed
accelerator stuck at WOT on one occasion until I managed to kick it loose - carpets were nowhere near the pedal
wacky factory alignment ruined my front tires in no time
crappy rear tire construction ruined my rear tires (center wear) in no time.
clattering from engine after long (10-12 hour) trips
climate control module crashed 2 or 3 times total (had to turn it off and on to 'reset' it, it would get stuck either blowing hot air on a hot day or cold air on a cold day, etc.)
radio 'crashed' 2-3 times where all speakers ceased to function except for the subwoofer. Car had to be turned off/on to fix this each time.
horrific fuel consumption at extended idling
mysterious greenish spot on my driveway from the front of the car. Only happened once.
rust stains on my driveway from the exhaust drain holes
two occurrences of gas 'burping' out of the EVAC hardware at the extreme rear of the car.
foggy headlights
squealing belt tensioner
failed alternator bushings
loose lower steering shaft (audible knock when turning wheel), replaced entirely
car slowed considerably as the miles poured on, possibly a side effect of the undesired PCM reflash
surging from engine at idle in gear when turning the steering wheel, a "normal" side effect of the power steering load compensator switch
incredibly unbelievable underhood corrosion!
rattling rear shelf/subwoofer
failed power window switches, driver's side
rough sound from rear end on slow tight turns under power
electronic compass went haywire one night, had to reset it manually via the instructions in the manual


MM#2

noisy interior trim, the headliner was barely secured in place from the factory
loose ground in trunk area, subwoofer had never functioned at all
misaligned trunk lid
very weak paint
both rear shocks failed and leaking
very hard-to-control ride
front end more floaty than I believe it should be, and too much side-to-side waddle
misrouted driver's side underhood wiring harness (same as MM#1, a disaster waiting to happen)
climate control has 'crashed' 6-7 times already, same symptoms as MM#1
radio reception appears poor, loss of stereo reception is too easy considering the strength of the signal
power locks went crazy for a period of several days one time, locking and unlocking in rapid succession for minutes at a time, spontaneously at any hour.
occasional rattly sound from front suspension (of course, not heard by the dealer monkey)
high pitched squeak from front end, turned out to be remedied by raising the hood bumpers
once the hood bumpers were raised to eliminate the high pitched squeak, the same low metallic groan experienced by MM#1 is now prevalent
passenger's side hood bumper is loose and cannot maintain its height
very bad rattling from subwoofer operation, most likely loose unsecured wires along the rear shelf
surging from engine at idle in gear when turning the steering wheel, a "normal" side effect of the power steering load compensator switch
a few warning squeals from the belt tensioner, no full blown shriek yet
loose seat bottom cover (won't bother this one, after seeing how badly my MM#1's seat got scratched)
VERY loud clunk on sharp right turns over uneven road surfaces
horrific fuel consumption at extended idling
prior to my purchase, MM#2 had endured other wiring problems resulting in shorted fuses.

[03MERCMARAUDER]

The rattling sub. Squeaky hood hinge and the tire wear. thats about all the probs I have had with my MM. 64K miles and still love it.

Joe

[MarauderMarc]

MM#1:

completely loose ground connection in the trunk area, fixed by dealer as I still did not have access to the electronics shop manual
sliced wiring harness on driver's side engine bay, stranded 250 miles from home with all local dealers on strike
squeaking seat twice (dealer monkey scratched up the front of the seat bottom last time it was fixed)
driver's side door misaligned from factory (never reported as I feared they'd simply make it worse or break something else)
loose seat bottom cover
intermittent brake light operation, never properly diagnosed by dealer monkeys until I figured it out myself 6 months later when I lost all brake lights.
hood groan when warm (never properly fixed, I continued to smear bearing grease on the latch mechanism until the very end)
hood adjustment bumper on passenger side was faulty and could not hold its height for more than 24 hours
front suspension creak when braking, diagnosed by dealer as very loose suspension component torque (!)
weak paint very prone to scratching
loud clunk on sharp right turns over uneven road surfaces
annoying slight vibration in the steering wheel at highway speeds (possibly related to later steering shaft failure, but never totally diagnosed - wheels balanced to within an inch of their lives)
ticking driver's side cylinder head since practically brand new, sounded like an old Volare with sticking valves
blue smoke at startup
battery failed
accelerator stuck at WOT on one occasion until I managed to kick it loose - carpets were nowhere near the pedal
wacky factory alignment ruined my front tires in no time
crappy rear tire construction ruined my rear tires (center wear) in no time.
clattering from engine after long (10-12 hour) trips
climate control module crashed 2 or 3 times total (had to turn it off and on to 'reset' it, it would get stuck either blowing hot air on a hot day or cold air on a cold day, etc.)
radio 'crashed' 2-3 times where all speakers ceased to function except for the subwoofer. Car had to be turned off/on to fix this each time.
horrific fuel consumption at extended idling
mysterious greenish spot on my driveway from the front of the car. Only happened once.
rust stains on my driveway from the exhaust drain holes
two occurrences of gas 'burping' out of the EVAC hardware at the extreme rear of the car.
foggy headlights
squealing belt tensioner
failed alternator bushings
loose lower steering shaft (audible knock when turning wheel), replaced entirely
car slowed considerably as the miles poured on, possibly a side effect of the undesired PCM reflash
surging from engine at idle in gear when turning the steering wheel, a "normal" side effect of the power steering load compensator switch
incredibly unbelievable underhood corrosion!
rattling rear shelf/subwoofer
failed power window switches, driver's side
rough sound from rear end on slow tight turns under power
electronic compass went haywire one night, had to reset it manually via the instructions in the manual
MM#2

noisy interior trim, the headliner was barely secured in place from the factory
loose ground in trunk area, subwoofer had never functioned at all
misaligned trunk lid
very weak paint
both rear shocks failed and leaking
very hard-to-control ride
front end more floaty than I believe it should be, and too much side-to-side waddle
misrouted driver's side underhood wiring harness (same as MM#1, a disaster waiting to happen)
climate control has 'crashed' 6-7 times already, same symptoms as MM#1
radio reception appears poor, loss of stereo reception is too easy considering the strength of the signal
power locks went crazy for a period of several days one time, locking and unlocking in rapid succession for minutes at a time, spontaneously at any hour.
occasional rattly sound from front suspension (of course, not heard by the dealer monkey)
high pitched squeak from front end, turned out to be remedied by raising the hood bumpers
once the hood bumpers were raised to eliminate the high pitched squeak, the same low metallic groan experienced by MM#1 is now prevalent
passenger's side hood bumper is loose and cannot maintain its height
very bad rattling from subwoofer operation, most likely loose unsecured wires along the rear shelf
surging from engine at idle in gear when turning the steering wheel, a "normal" side effect of the power steering load compensator switch
a few warning squeals from the belt tensioner, no full blown shriek yet
loose seat bottom cover (won't bother this one, after seeing how badly my MM#1's seat got scratched)
VERY loud clunk on sharp right turns over uneven road surfaces
horrific fuel consumption at extended idling
prior to my purchase, MM#2 had endured other wiring problems resulting in shorted fuses.

Holy *****!!! You are cursed. I know alot of Marauder owners and none have had that many problems. I feel like I have the most. Sorry to hear about your tough times.

BTW, I forgot to mention the clear coat in one spot is wearing off. the paint sucks anyways. Too thin.

[Motorhead350]

MM#1:


completely loose ground connection in the trunk area, fixed by dealer as I still did not have access to the electronics shop manual
sliced wiring harness on driver's side engine bay, stranded 250 miles from home with all local dealers on strike
squeaking seat twice (dealer monkey scratched up the front of the seat bottom last time it was fixed)
driver's side door misaligned from factory (never reported as I feared they'd simply make it worse or break something else)
loose seat bottom cover
intermittent brake light operation, never properly diagnosed by dealer monkeys until I figured it out myself 6 months later when I lost all brake lights.
hood groan when warm (never properly fixed, I continued to smear bearing grease on the latch mechanism until the very end)
hood adjustment bumper on passenger side was faulty and could not hold its height for more than 24 hours
front suspension creak when braking, diagnosed by dealer as very loose suspension component torque (!)
weak paint very prone to scratching
loud clunk on sharp right turns over uneven road surfaces
annoying slight vibration in the steering wheel at highway speeds (possibly related to later steering shaft failure, but never totally diagnosed - wheels balanced to within an inch of their lives)
ticking driver's side cylinder head since practically brand new, sounded like an old Volare with sticking valves
blue smoke at startup
battery failed
accelerator stuck at WOT on one occasion until I managed to kick it loose - carpets were nowhere near the pedal
wacky factory alignment ruined my front tires in no time
crappy rear tire construction ruined my rear tires (center wear) in no time.
clattering from engine after long (10-12 hour) trips
climate control module crashed 2 or 3 times total (had to turn it off and on to 'reset' it, it would get stuck either blowing hot air on a hot day or cold air on a cold day, etc.)
radio 'crashed' 2-3 times where all speakers ceased to function except for the subwoofer. Car had to be turned off/on to fix this each time.
horrific fuel consumption at extended idling
mysterious greenish spot on my driveway from the front of the car. Only happened once.
rust stains on my driveway from the exhaust drain holes
two occurrences of gas 'burping' out of the EVAC hardware at the extreme rear of the car.
foggy headlights
squealing belt tensioner
failed alternator bushings
loose lower steering shaft (audible knock when turning wheel), replaced entirely
car slowed considerably as the miles poured on, possibly a side effect of the undesired PCM reflash
surging from engine at idle in gear when turning the steering wheel, a "normal" side effect of the power steering load compensator switch
incredibly unbelievable underhood corrosion!
rattling rear shelf/subwoofer
failed power window switches, driver's side
rough sound from rear end on slow tight turns under power
electronic compass went haywire one night, had to reset it manually via the instructions in the manual


MM#2

noisy interior trim, the headliner was barely secured in place from the factory
loose ground in trunk area, subwoofer had never functioned at all
misaligned trunk lid
very weak paint
both rear shocks failed and leaking
very hard-to-control ride
front end more floaty than I believe it should be, and too much side-to-side waddle
misrouted driver's side underhood wiring harness (same as MM#1, a disaster waiting to happen)
climate control has 'crashed' 6-7 times already, same symptoms as MM#1
radio reception appears poor, loss of stereo reception is too easy considering the strength of the signal
power locks went crazy for a period of several days one time, locking and unlocking in rapid succession for minutes at a time, spontaneously at any hour.
occasional rattly sound from front suspension (of course, not heard by the dealer monkey)
high pitched squeak from front end, turned out to be remedied by raising the hood bumpers
once the hood bumpers were raised to eliminate the high pitched squeak, the same low metallic groan experienced by MM#1 is now prevalent
passenger's side hood bumper is loose and cannot maintain its height
very bad rattling from subwoofer operation, most likely loose unsecured wires along the rear shelf
surging from engine at idle in gear when turning the steering wheel, a "normal" side effect of the power steering load compensator switch
a few warning squeals from the belt tensioner, no full blown shriek yet
loose seat bottom cover (won't bother this one, after seeing how badly my MM#1's seat got scratched)
VERY loud clunk on sharp right turns over uneven road surfaces
horrific fuel consumption at extended idling
prior to my purchase, MM#2 had endured other wiring problems resulting in shorted fuses.

Wow you must drive it like you rented it. :eek:

[Mad4Macs]

A lot of what TTA said, plus;

Failed rear pinion seal, dumped a load of oil in the driveway
Both rear axles replaced.
3 transmission failures.
Hood latch failed.
Front links (whatever they are) failed.
My Merc had more squeeks, rattles and groans at 25,000 miles than my 1990 Mazda did at 100,000.

There's more, but I'm not digging through the paperwork again.
All failures ocurred by 45,000 miles, and nearly all miles were done cruising at 75 down the freeway. Yup, I drove hard, but no harder than I've driven any other car I've ever owned, and yes, I traded it in January, before my ESP ran out.
Loved the concept, hated the execution.

[grampaws]

A/c clutch chatter
door switch light
DRL's
worst problems where
cosmetic--Paint peeling,crows feet etc
wheel coating peeling

[Bluerauder]

Just wanted to see what everyones worse STOCK problem has been.
Wacky windshield wipers and A/C not cooling properly (31,600 miles on my MM).

[JMan]

Here's the long list on my car at 14 months old:

Shock failures, front and rear

Speedometer ticks slighty on cold (Florida) mornings

Exhaust rattle when cold at 1500 rpm for the first half a minute

Paint chipping away on the little strip under my grill (Not very noticeable)

Hood adjusters slacken with time (Nothin' a little nut won't fix!)

My fuel economy bites compared to my former Marquis, but hey, I drive a 4200# barge. Honestly, it ain't that bad and seems to be getting better with age. Maybe they put alot of molybdenum or chromium in the rings?

Would I swap for some other 2004 car? Only a Marauder!

'Nuff said,

J

[Smokie]

Paint Job, Repainted by dealer to my satisfaction under warranty.

[grampaws]

Wow you must drive it like you rented it. :eek:

:eek: :eek: :eek: :shake:

[O's Fan Rich]

Bad paint in the door jambs ( painted over some kinda goo) repaired under warranty.
Tire wear.
The car also has given me a modification infection.

[fastblackmerc]

My problems have been minor.... the heated seat switches flashing, front seat flaps, etc... My biggest problem is the A-Holes at the dealership that I'll never be going to again!!!!

[bradical]

My '04 has performed mostly trouble free, with the following exceptions:
1) rear transmission seal leak repaired under warranty at 12,000
2) water pump failed and replaced under warranty at 28,000

Other than the above "repair" items I would comment that the factory sub-woofer is sub-par.

As far as tire wear, I think it is acceptable for a performance car with performance tires. I would not expect to get more than 24,000 miles out of a set of high performance tires when driven "spiritedly." My rears are now bald in the center and I plan to replace them with the KD2's soon.

The bogus oil gauge was an insult for a car like this, but I don't know if I would call that a repair problem or not.

My paint seems acceptable for a factory job (it is DTR.) It shines up nice and people comment on it all the time. It is not perfect- there is some orange peel and other minor defects but I have never owned an American car that didn't have some kind of paint defect somewhere.

In all, I love this car and drive it every day.

[arco]

Not having planed better on the mod budget.

[duhtroll]

I have these too, but I am seriously about to drive my MM off the next bridge I see.

That muther f***ing hood latch will NOT stop squeaking. I grease it, and after the next wash it's right back to squeaking.

I tried filing the latch down a bit - still squeaks. I tried wrapping the post on the hood in teflon tape - it tore right through that stuff in a couple days. This morning every single bump was met with a nice, loud squeak.

I'll be filing it down again today. :mad2:

Holy sh|t. You'd think Ford could do a friggin' hood latch right. It's gonna be one of those days. . .


My problems have been minor.... the heated seat switches flashing, front seat flaps, etc... My biggest problem is the A-Holes at the dealership that I'll never be going to again!!!!

[dwasson]

I have these too, but I am seriously about to drive my MM off the next bridge I see.

That muther f***ing hood latch will NOT stop squeaking. I grease it, and after the next wash it's right back to squeaking.

I tried filing the latch down a bit - still squeaks. I tried wrapping the post on the hood in teflon tape - it tore right through that stuff in a couple days. This morning every single bump was met with a nice, loud squeak.

I'll be filing it down again today. :mad2:

Holy sh|t. You'd think Ford could do a friggin' hood latch right. It's gonna be one of those days. . .

That sounds more like the hood bumpers out of adjustment. The bumpers are screwed in too much and the hood can bounce too much.

[GA-Marauder]

I have these too, but I am seriously about to drive my MM off the next bridge I see.

That muther f***ing hood latch will NOT stop squeaking. I grease it, and after the next wash it's right back to squeaking.

I tried filing the latch down a bit - still squeaks. I tried wrapping the post on the hood in teflon tape - it tore right through that stuff in a couple days. This morning every single bump was met with a nice, loud squeak.

I'll be filing it down again today. :mad2:

Holy sh|t. You'd think Ford could do a friggin' hood latch right. It's gonna be one of those days. . .

What he said ^^^^^!!! Squeaking front hood is driving me crazy!!! :fire: :fire: I need a lightweight composite or fiberglass hood. Anybody got one??:D :D :D

[RoyLPita]

My trans needed to be o/h'd + PCM replaced at 8k,
the left front turn signal plug had to be replaced because of a chafed wire in the fender area,
rear brake pads and rotors at 10k,
front pads @ 13k,
3rd brake light bulbs burnt out,
a seat squeak that 2 dealers cannot find,
rt headlight reflector broken inside,
steering wheel leather came apart,
clockspring noisy,
master power window switch started to not light up in places,
left rear door would not open from inside,
one front speaker went bad- replaced all 4,
1-2 on keypad inop-could not program my own code,
IAC replaced,
fuel cap, vapor storage and control valve <--twice,
battery dies after base warranty expires

[Mad4Macs]

I have these too, but I am seriously about to drive my MM off the next bridge I see.

That muther f***ing hood latch will NOT stop squeaking. I grease it, and after the next wash it's right back to squeaking.

I tried filing the latch down a bit - still squeaks. I tried wrapping the post on the hood in teflon tape - it tore right through that stuff in a couple days. This morning every single bump was met with a nice, loud squeak.

I'll be filing it down again today. :mad2:

Holy sh|t. You'd think Ford could do a friggin' hood latch right. It's gonna be one of those days. . .

Between the latch squeeks and the front suspension groans, pops and clacks, I was honestly embarassed to roll up with other cars at traffic lights.
It's one thing when you're getting a "WTF is that bad-azzed ride?" look, but it's quite another when a 19 year old in a rusted, 25 year old Dodge truck thinks your one year old, $30,000+ car sounds like crap.

[GA-Marauder]

That sounds more like the hood bumpers out of adjustment. The bumpers are screwed in too much and the hood can bounce too much.

Everytime I adjust mine, within a day or so, SQUEEEAKKKKK again and again. :shake:

[BigGuyBigCar]

Whew!!!! I printed all of that just so I know what to worry about in the future. Thanks (I think).

I've had mine only 3 weeks. Noticed yesterday that the safety lights on the inside of the front doors don't go one when the door is opened.

Oh, and the car is some sort of bird crap magnet.

[duhtroll]

Nope - I've tried 'em in just about every heght setting known to mankind. Right now they are tight enough that the corners are just slightly raised from a smooth line - they are not too loose.

And when I loosen them, I still get the squeaks.

I know it's the damn latch, because every time I grease it it goes away until the grease washes off.

It's actually CUTTING THROUGH the post on the bood -- it's that frickin' sharp. There's a notch in the post, and it ain't 'cause I scored.

I'm going to try filing it down and then painting some liquid rubber compound on there -- something that maybe won't come off.

-A


That sounds more like the hood bumpers out of adjustment. The bumpers are screwed in too much and the hood can bounce too much.

[fastblackmerc]

I've had mine only 3 weeks. Noticed yesterday that the safety lights on the inside of the front doors don't go one when the door is opened.
Hint... they'll never light up......... no bulbs..... just reflectors....

[Rider90]

Hint... they'll never light up......... no bulbs..... just reflectors....
IIRC, Embassy did the conversion.

[Bluerauder]

That muther f***ing hood latch will NOT stop squeaking. I grease it, and after the next wash it's right back to squeaking...
I forgot to add the sqeaking latch to my list. :rolleyes: I have had some success with silicone lubricant on the tops of the hood bumpers and on the latch itself. However, this fix is always rather short lived. I didn't consider it a "major" issue; but it is darn irritating and embarrassing sometimes. ;)

[TripleTransAm]

Wow you must drive it like you rented it. :eek:

I'll let that comment slide for now...

You seriously have NO idea how well I treated Marauder #1. Really. I treat all my cars with the intention of stretching a lifetime of service out of them (which probably wouldn't happen, statistically-speaking) and so far most of my cars have reciprocated the love (one exception being a car that was wrecked before I bought it, as I was misled by a former "friend"). In fact, my wife was just commenting the other day how she still thinks of the WS6 as our 'new' car.

(side note: my wife is not auto-savvy, she's just a passenger, but it goes to show you how I can get this reaction from her regarding an 8 year old car just shy of 57000 miles, and we've owned 2 much newer Fords since then).

Considering the fact that my wife and very young kids are in the car with me 99.9% of the time I'm on the road, that should pretty much blow your 'rental car' comment out of the water.

These two cars have been absolute trainwrecks. Maybe lots of people consider leaks and squeaks/groans from a new car to be acceptable, I'm not one of them.

[Marauder2005]

I'll let that comment slide for now...

You seriously have NO idea how well I treated Marauder #1. Really. I treat all my cars with the intention of stretching a lifetime of service out of them (which probably wouldn't happen, statistically-speaking) and so far most of my cars have reciprocated the love (one exception being a car that was wrecked before I bought it, as I was misled by a former "friend"). In fact, my wife was just commenting the other day how she still thinks of the WS6 as our 'new' car.

(side note: my wife is not auto-savvy, she's just a passenger, but it goes to show you how I can get this reaction from her regarding an 8 year old car just shy of 57000 miles, and we've owned 2 much newer Fords since then).

Considering the fact that my wife and very young kids are in the car with me 99.9% of the time I'm on the road, that should pretty much blow your 'rental car' comment out of the water.

These two cars have been absolute trainwrecks. Maybe lots of people consider leaks and squeaks/groans from a new car to be acceptable, I'm not one of them.

300a Marauders suck, I have had about 1/2 what you had in problems.

Should have bought that brand new 2004 when I had the chance, but

why do that when I can by a great 2003 300a with 6,000 miles :shake:

[SergntMac]

It's been such a joy to read this thread. Zoloff anyone?

[Motorhead350]

I'll let that comment slide for now...

You seriously have NO idea how well I treated Marauder #1. Really. I treat all my cars with the intention of stretching a lifetime of service out of them.

Considering the fact that my wife and very young kids are in the car with me 99.9% of the time I'm on the road, that should pretty much blow your 'rental car' comment out of the water.


Just tring to be funny thats all. I wasn't trying to say that your a bad driver. I know I drive mine hard and find it funny that I've had no problems compared to everyone else here. I'll admit I've must have bent 3 rims so far and probably have a few more bent sense I got about 5 feet of air over a railroad crossing. Oh yea one time the car died in the middle of rush hour. It started back up and I took it to a dealer and they said the computer sent the wrong siginal at the wrong time. It was hooked up to a machine for like 15 minutes and has been trouble free sense then. It had probably less then 1,000 miles at the time. GET YOUR CAR AIRBORNE IF YOU WANT IT TO LAST LONGER. Thats my theory and I'm sticking to it. :lol:

[duhtroll]

That would be Zoloft.

-A
aka Drug Guy


It's been such a joy to read this thread. Zoloff anyone?

[Cheeseheadbob]

Given the wide range of responses, from no problems to your nightmare, to what do you attribute the cause? I have read many of your posts and have learned a considerable amount from you, so I value your opinion. I have a pre-production 300A, and the only problem I have had is an intermitent creaking from the passenger side dash. I almost had to stop reading your list, because it seems there was little else to go wrong except for maybe the tires just falling off. Good luck in the future.
I'll let that comment slide for now...

You seriously have NO idea how well I treated Marauder #1. Really. I treat all my cars with the intention of stretching a lifetime of service out of them (which probably wouldn't happen, statistically-speaking) and so far most of my cars have reciprocated the love (one exception being a car that was wrecked before I bought it, as I was misled by a former "friend"). In fact, my wife was just commenting the other day how she still thinks of the WS6 as our 'new' car.

(side note: my wife is not auto-savvy, she's just a passenger, but it goes to show you how I can get this reaction from her regarding an 8 year old car just shy of 57000 miles, and we've owned 2 much newer Fords since then).

Considering the fact that my wife and very young kids are in the car with me 99.9% of the time I'm on the road, that should pretty much blow your 'rental car' comment out of the water.

These two cars have been absolute trainwrecks. Maybe lots of people consider leaks and squeaks/groans from a new car to be acceptable, I'm not one of them.

[LordVader]

:depress: Both rear axles were replaced by the first owner, and so far I have only had issues with a/c module and hood creak when turning. Both issues resolved by the dealer prior to the warranty expiring.

[Hotrauder]

Dayam, I read these posts, get depressed, bum out..feel bad..want to go to bed for a couple of days, even. Then I take a little deep breath, get in the Marauder, blow some tire smoke around, scare all the little old ladies, p!ss off all the little old men who can't get their cars to spin the tires....swing onto the ramp on I4 hit the century on the way up, merge carefully into traffic, swing off at County Rd.(2 Miles) Stop. Do a mental 3 and go... spin them all the way over the long overpass, grab the west bound ramp and cruise on down home. At the T Bone I do another 3 and go to make sure I am still getting rubber in second and cruise on back to the pad. FEELIN GREAT. Oh, problems with the car: The car wants more stuff than I can afford or have time to hang on it. Oh, OH..getting bummed again. Gotta go. Dennis:beer:

[Motorhead350]

Dayam, I read these posts, get depressed, bum out..feel bad..want to go to bed for a couple of days, even. Then I take a little deep breath, get in the Marauder, blow some tire smoke around, scare all the little old ladies, p!ss off all the little old men who can't get their cars to spin the tires....swing onto the ramp on I4 hit the century on the way up, merge carefully into traffic, swing off at County Rd.(2 Miles) Stop. Do a mental 3 and go... spin them all the way over the long overpass, grab the west bound ramp and cruise on down home. At the T Bone I do another 3 and go to make sure I am still getting rubber in second and cruise on back to the pad. FEELIN GREAT. Oh, problems with the car: The car wants more stuff than I can afford or have time to hang on it. Oh, OH..getting bummed again. Gotta go. Dennis:beer:
:rofl: Yea thats my problem too

[marauder307]

I'm glad Hotrauder's able to burn his tires....in 40k miles, I've never burned mine, and it's not because I don't want to...

My biggest problem with this car has been durability. The thing was fine for the first 33,000+ miles; I was still on the continental U.S. then. The first time I ship it out for a DoD duty station transfer, the !@#$!@#$ thing crumbles and falls apart at the seams. I've already gone on, ad nauseaum, about my front end problems; this frakkin' car is gonna make me fix it by attrition---just keep replacing parts until I either go broke or dumbly stumble my way across the offending part. At this point, I'm into it for new front control arms, uppers and lowers, and new shocks go on all four corners tomorrow. I've greased the hood latches about a 1/2 dozen times by now, so please don't tell me to do that again. (Yes I got the !@#$!@# hood bumpers too!)

The other big problem is the fact that nobody out here really knows how to work on Marauders. I can't tell if the local L-M dealer is really that clueless or if they're inducing an automotive version of Munchausen's Syndrome (in that every time I took the car to them they'd replace one thing but break something else in order to make me bring it back for more service). The SVT Ford dealer that I've been going to is a little better, but it's rather ominous to see another MM parked in the service area that's been there for 4 months now waiting on an engine. (This car belongs to a cop, too...it's supposed to be his duty vehicle.)

I'm not having fun as an MM owner anymore, and it tears my heart out. This was going to be the last car I bought for the next 20-30 years...and now I'm faced with the distinct possibility of having to replace well ahead of that schedule.

I can really empathize with ya, TTA...:depress:

Oh yeah...other problems...

Paint---STL dealer only repainted hood, roof, and trunk; rest of car is questionable.
Factory radio---same subwoofer issue as a lot of other folks, plus my stereo head went dead and I had to wait almost a month for a replacement.
Had to have rear brake discs replaced at somewhere between 5 and 10k miles...warped.
Rattle-y valve heads---had 3 different dealers tell me it's normal. Huh.
Had to have driver's seat mounts fixed; something came loose at around 17.5k and it started squeaking.
And occasionally the front door power window regulators lock up; solution is to press the switch and pound the he11 out of the inside door skin.

I've tried to tell myself that hey, the car's a high-strung thoroughbred and as such requires proportionately more maintenance....but this is getting
ridiculous. Mad4Macs said it absolutely exactly right: Loved the concept, hate the execution.

[prchrman]

PAINT...PAINT...PAINT...also driver seat cut from super sharp seat frame corner...dash rattle...dash creak...got a quarter stuck in the crack where the dash pad meets the dash...it helps a little with the rattle...rattles only between 65 and 80mph (right where I drive on Interstate highways, O bother)...willie

[TripleTransAm]

Just tring to be funny thats all.

No problem. :) You gotta take into account the context of that list I presented. Hard to be upbeat after 2 lists like that.

Anyway, I'd be lying if I said MM#2 wasn't living a much harder life than MM#1 ever did in my hands. That term 'red headed stepchild' comes to mind.

Fact is my wife was home with the kids during the first 3 months I had this second MM, so I did get to work out my frustrations a bit on MM#2. There is small consolation in the fact that at least I never felt that this increased abuse compromised in any way the car's condition or lifespan, so I feel no concern for any long-term excessive wear and tear. In a way this frustrates me more, because it reinforces that whatever happened to MM#1 was in no way due to mistreatment (because even if I had mistreated it, it wouldn't have been responsible for the nature of problems I experienced).

In other words, after a list like that I would have loved to thump my chest and grunt "yeah, I put a hurting on that b*tch alright" but alas, I cannot.

Whoever ends up with my old MM#1 will have inherited a car that was truly pampered and revered. Still smelled like a new car inside, at exactly 43750 miles on the clock when I said my last farewell. Still the quickest report bone-stocker in the 1/4 mile, too. The interior was still dead quiet and tight, not ONE rattle or squeak since they fixed the seat for the 3rd time. Impeccably clean interior (especially considering the 3 months of winter use last year and the fact of constantly being stuffed with kids). Hopefully the next owner will treat it as kindly as I did (I even left some MM.net cards behind, in select locations).

Those of you with trouble-free MMs, I envy you.

[Dragcity]

The only re-occuring problem I have had with my Marauder is the Dayum monthly payment.

If I could just get rid of that.

Oh yeah, and the rear tires don't seem to last too long...

Easy fix to the subwoofer rattle, see my signature!

[TripleTransAm]

Given the wide range of responses, from no problems to your nightmare, to what do you attribute the cause?


Bob, part of my day to day work involves Sherlock-Holmes-like investigations into the root of problems and engineering solutions to correct them. So that portion of my job is never satisfied with simple "oh, it's fixed now" but rather "it's fixed, why did it fail? Let me rewrite stuff so it never fails again in that way"... I apply this to pretty much anything I do.

That being said: if I honestly recognized a trend, I'd have implemented a fool proof way to maximize my chances of getting a 'good one'. My MM#1 was a Feb 2003 build, and #2 is a Dec 2002 build... both of them the 'decontented' Canadian model (equivalent to US 300B).

I honestly haven't seen anything that stands out. I see lots of early 2003 owners and late 2003 owners with no problems, and I see problems spread across the whole range. I hear people say the 2004s were 'better' but yet I still see reports of stuff that would make my experiences pale in comparison (I probably would have opted for a black 2004 at the time of my #2 purchase, if I could bloody find one up here!!!!).

So I'm totally stumped.

And to be honest, I'm not really going to pursue the investigation any further.

[Smokie]

Just wanted to see what everyones worse STOCK problem has been.... What was your worse problem?

One worse problem guys....singular...not plural.:lol:

[Cheeseheadbob]

I figured you had something to do with some fairly intense analytical thinking, judging from your threads. Perhaps you have made the right choice by letting this one go. I am in sales, and sometimes customers do things that are so unexplainable that if I tried to figure out why they did them, I would be making sales calls from a padded room. Carry on! :beer:


And to be honest, I'm not really going to pursue the investigation any further.

[Breadfan]

For me one of my washer lines doesn't spray, only get fluid from the passenger side, not taking it to the dealer b/c I'm afraid of what they'll do with my car now that it's S/C'd, will fix this one myself.

Other is my seat does creak which annoys me.

FYI, had I read this before buying my Marauder last year I would have never gone to look at it and never would have bought it. Sorry but without more knowledge on the car at the time it may have scared me away. But while I knew all the specs on the car, I didn't know a 300A from a 300B when I bought mine...

Who knows what I'd have...but this thread doesn't paint a good image of our cars in terms of durability - that's a shame, but I'm not blaming anyone for it, maybe Ford should read it.




WS6 ... an 8 year old car just shy of 57000 miles...
FYI, my dad has a '99 Camaro SS (convertible, automatic). He commutes in it, and has 152,000 miles on it, only thing gone to go wrong so far was a bad air sensor and all that did was cause throw a trouble code, still ran fine. Oh and the front seal on the diff is starting leak but only since about 145,000.

[MM03MOK]

http://www.reprisemedia.com/images/zoloft.gif

That would be Zoloft.

-A
aka Drug Guy

[rkk]

My only real issue was the car's inability to go into Reverse and Overdrive occasionally due to an incorrectly adjusted shift cable. I believe most of the very early 300A's had this problem. Oh and also the rear tires being eaten up in the centers at 30,000 miles.

[natedog1284]

I've had my fair share, but no where near as many as you, TTA;
-failed climate control unit
-failed water pump
-cracked head which was diagnosed incorrectly, (four times) as a thermostat
-awful paint, (I've noticed more since I just waxed it; clear coat peeling, orange peel, remarkably thinner paint on passenger door, so much so it looks brown in the right light, crows feet on bumper....you know, the usual)
-wipers went wacky for 2 days a while back, mysteriously went away and hasn't returned
-center console latch squeaks
-leather stitching on steering wheel started coming off for no apparent reason
-rear bumper (cover I guess) is sagging and the plastic hardware is loose
-random squeaks coming from different points of rear passenger area

That's all I can think of for now. Not the most problems I've ever had with a car, but far more than I would have expected from a fairly new car which I'm still paying for. Then again, I beat it like a rented mule :rolleyes: ....but hey, I wash/wax it regularly, and always change my fluids/filters early, so I don't want any guilt trips from you guys! :nono:

[2003DOHC]

So far only had the rh headlight assy replaced under warranty because of moisture build up. I just put grease on the hood latch now and then all 3 of my panther cars have had that problem.

[Marauder2005]

I think its safe to say 2004 owners seem to have much better luck.

2003 300b's as well. I'm not sure what they did in late 2002, but whoever

was making the MM was in a bad mood :)

[Breadfan]

I think its safe to say 2004 owners seem to have much better luck.

2003 300b's as well. I'm not sure what they did in late 2002, but whoever

was making the MM was in a bad mood :)

Well, thusfar I've been in decent shape, a 300B with a 12/10/02 build date...I hope I got a good one or I'm in for some fun in the near future!!! :o

[TripleTransAm]

Well, thusfar I've been in decent shape, a 300B with a 12/10/02 build date...I hope I got a good one or I'm in for some fun in the near future!!! :o


I thought I recognized that number: your MM was built on the exact same day as my MM#2.

[Breadfan]

I thought I recognized that number: your MM was built on the exact same day as my MM#2.

CRD0 right?

Thats cool, can you tell build number by VIN?

So do your windsheild washers work?? ;)

[TripleTransAm]

CRD0, and loving it. While I can't specifically confirm CRD0 for the difference between the two cars, the part throttle difference with respect to my old CRD1 is amazing (WOT seems similar to my old CRD1).

I got the build date from Brian (RoyLPita - I hope I got his name right).

Windshield washers work fine. :)
664394 is my VIN sequence #.

Funny anecdote: about 2 weeks ago, I stumbled across another black 2003 fresh off the auction block. A quick check of the VIN: exactly one number LESS than my MM#2's VIN. What are the chances? LOL!

[merc]

2002 300A

engine replacement
drivers and passenger seat rail replacement
burned out headlight wiring harness ( My fault )
transmission failure (The C-clip thing ) Complete rebuild
rear axles replacement
fog in headlights
rear transmission seal 3 times
rear shocks

I think there is more, but I need to check my services records.

[usafsniper]

2003 300B Silver Birch, 37,000+ miles, second owner...haven't looked at the VIN for build date yet. I'll have to get the wife to send it to me.

So far, no problems other than a very slight dash creak, but I've had that in almost every car/truck I've owned. Overall, so far, been very impressed with the car...knock on wood. How it'll be after a year in the wife's hands while I'm in Korea...well, let's just say I'm holding my breath.

Only other thing is whenever I press the gas, I hear this rumble under the hood that sounds something like "Trilogizzzzzzzzzzze....."

[Breadfan]

CRD0, and loving it. While I can't specifically confirm CRD0 for the difference between the two cars, the part throttle difference with respect to my old CRD1 is amazing (WOT seems similar to my old CRD1).

I got the build date from Brian (RoyLPita - I hope I got his name right).

Windshield washers work fine. :)
664394 is my VIN sequence #.

Funny anecdote: about 2 weeks ago, I stumbled across another black 2003 fresh off the auction block. A quick check of the VIN: exactly one number LESS than my MM#2's VIN. What are the chances? LOL!

663997 is mine - but is that VIN sequence only for Marauders? Or shared by other Panthers?

So wonder if those two MM (the one you saw on the auction block and your #2) were in line at the plant...

[TripleTransAm]

Shared across Panthers for 2003, I believe. So I think that would reinforce the possibility that these two bad boys were back-to-back on the line?

[MM03MOK]

Shared across Panthers for 2003, I believe. So I think that would reinforce the possibility that these two bad boys were back-to-back on the line?Correct .

[magindat]

I'm sure I'll jinx myself by posting...
had a bad passenger door window regulator
left rear shock is leaking

That's it at 24K....

[GodOSpeed]

Having a $34,000 20 ft'er by far is my worst gripe.

The mysterious 'air bubble' followed quickly by pegging the H has to be my worst (and most feared) problem I've had with this car.

32,000 miles and the rest of the problems I've either caused myself :rolleyes: or fixed with help from this site.:2thumbs:
With the exception of the 'tick' with which us 4 valve guys apparently have to live with.:down:

[Blackened300a]

Climate control was blowing air out the defrost instead of the vents at 33k miles.
I bought the car with 24k miles and im at 43k without any other issues.
I do drive it like I stole it and Its my daily driver so I guess I got a good one.

[Motorhead350]

I noticed our cars seem to like that. The rougher you are, the longer the car lasts the more fun you both have. :D

[BUCKWHEAT]

300A 40k miles:
#8 piston grenaded, taking block with it
LSD failed at 40k
foggy left headlight

[Motorhead350]

Oh I forgot about the foggy headlights. I must have had 2 or 3.

[EbonyMarauder03]

1) Extra body to frame bushing between body and frame (freebie)

2) Shift linkage

3) Battery

4) Power window switch for driver's door.

5) Power window motor and regulator on driver's door (also found window motor wire harness pinched in window regulator)

5) Seat frame and lumbar (also found the wire harness for the driver's side age bag pinched in seat frame)

6) Two healamps, one parking lamp, and three fog lamps replaced

7) Two full sets of tires, one set of rears on order (arrival date May 1st)

8) Rubber stops for the decklid keep falling out

9) Paint....won't go there

10) No radio while defrosting the rear window

Remember, Quality is Job #1. :baaa: :lol: :bs: :shake: :rofl: :loco:

[Rider90]

Wow, you guys have had a lot of problems...

In 35,000 miles my problems consist of one burned out light bulb and two blinking LEDs.

Maybe it has to do with all the attention I give it.

[Smokie]

So, WHAT WAS YOUR WORSE PROBLEM ????? Answer the question. Is every problem....your worse problem???....:rofl:

[Blackened300a]

So, WHAT WAS YOUR WORSE PROBLEM ????? Answer the question. Is every problem....your worse problem???....:rofl:

Yeah good point! Worse problem should have been one answer instead of all the laundry lists here

:lol:

[RoyLPita]

My bad....... Trans o/h at 8k.

[BlueMarauder]

Warning--syntax discussion. The suggested question to elicit one problem is: What was your WORST (rather than worse) problem? This may avoid a laundry list of problems. My answer is radio reception which was fixed with replacement radio. No problem has hindered getting to and from desired location. Can't ask for more than that from a car.

[HwyCruiser]

Worst problem: the dreaded tick. Improved dramatically after the cam guide caps were torqued to spec under warranty, but I still have a start-up chatter.

The paint is so-so, but she shines up nice with help from the Zaino Brothers. All other idiosyncrasies that irritate me from time to time are by my own doing.

All in all, this is still the nicest car I've ever owned, and no other car has given me a 10th of the enjoyment my Marauder has provided.

[khc3]

Problems:

popping subwoofer: dealer fixed with matting somewhere.

noisy steering: rack (leaking?) replaced under warranty.

Leaking rear shock: replaced under warranty.

squeaking hood: adjust hood thingies occasionally.

Thank god I know so little about cars. I'm sure I have other problems, but until something blows up or falls off, I probably won't notice.

[Embassy]

IIRC, Embassy did the conversion.

Click. (http://www.supermotors.org/vehicles/registry/detail.php?id=588&s=16135#content)

..........

[Leadfoot281]

Worst problem? No action! These things are babe repellants. I got more tail with my old '78 Fairmont Futura. WTF?

BTW I have a SB 2004 300b, build date 10-24-03. Just turned 40k miles. No mechanical or cosmetic problems. No squeaks, rattles, smoke, leaks. Nothing, nada, zip, ziltch, zero!

They sent me an application for an extended warranty. Threw it away. Then they called. I told them I'd buy the extended warranty if they reduced the price to $100. She had a nice laugh...:)

[John F. Russo]

I have these too, but I am seriously about to drive my MM off the next bridge I see.

That muther f***ing hood latch will NOT stop squeaking. I grease it, and after the next wash it's right back to squeaking.

I tried filing the latch down a bit - still squeaks. I tried wrapping the post on the hood in teflon tape - it tore right through that stuff in a couple days. This morning every single bump was met with a nice, loud squeak.

I'll be filing it down again today. :mad2:

Holy sh|t. You'd think Ford could do a friggin' hood latch right. It's gonna be one of those days. . .


You're suffering so bad I had to reply. (Hopefully I won't have to hear so many profanities.)

It will take too long to explain my solution. Feel free to call me at my cell phone at any time at 781-389-6879 East Coast time.

[John F. Russo]

It is "worst" not "worse" problem!

[Larry Durham]

I've had only one minor problem, a new transmission at 13 hundred miles ( full of water from the factory ). Other than that it's been great. :)

[swindall]

OK, the car just rolled over 97,000 miles. There have been a few things but the worst would be that the oil in the rear-end leaked out through a seal at the back left tire. There had to be a replacement of the axels, bearings, seals, etc. I had purchased the 100,000 mile warranty thankfully. Last oil change I had swapped to the front tires all the way around and had attributed the slight roaring sound I heard from the back to be from the new tire size.

[n-cherok]

i keep going throught rear shocks, 2 in 4 months and its the same side every time

[SamF]

My worst problem was having to wait four years to get one!! I hope thats it now...

SamF
sorry...I hadda do it!

[Joe Walsh]

1: Small rattle in driver's side rear door.

2: Muddy sounding Subwoofer.

3: Not enough cash for a S/C

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