Newbie Seeking Advice Before Buying A 2003-04 MM

[ShelbyMotorspts]

Thinking about buying a 2003-04 MM. Was previously looking at the CV PI but I'm pretty sure I'll enjoy the MM much more.

I've been studying the MM websites and think I've got the basics down but thought I would double check with you guys first. Let me know if I have any of the following wrong:


All 2003-04 MM's were built in Canada.
Engine HP was the same for both years.
The trunk lid spoiler was a dealer option or over the counter part only.
Just two interior colors. Charcaol & flint.
Factory warranty is/was 3yr/36000And now for a few quick questions with more to follow:

Does the vin # decode these cars as a MM or does the vin come up as a GM?
Have the insurance companies caught on to these cars or do they just insure them as any run of the mill GM, meaning cheaper insurance?
Will Ford still sell an extended warranty even though I wouldn't be the original owner?
How troublesome are the trannys?Thanks in advance.

Steve

[MM03MOK]

:welcome: Steve! Tell us where you're from and come to a local meet! Also check our Classifieds for MMs for sale.

Correct:

All 2003-04 MM's were built in Canada. St. Thomas Assembly Plant, London ON
Engine HP was the same for both years.
The trunk lid spoiler was a dealer option or over the counter part only.
Just two interior colors. Charcaol & flint.
Factory warranty is/was 3yr/36000And now for a few quick questions with more to follow:

Does the vin # decode these cars as a MM or does the vin come up as a GM? 2003's share the M75 code with GMs, 2004 have their own code - M79
Have the insurance companies caught on to these cars or do they just insure them as any run of the mill GM, meaning cheaper insurance? It varies.
Will Ford still sell an extended warranty even though I wouldn't be the original owner? Yes
How troublesome are the trannys? This answer will need a lot more space. Different tranny each year, improvements in 2004. I have a 2003 300A and have not had a problem. Plenty to read and discuss on this point.Thanks in advance.

Steve

[ShelbyMotorspts]

I'm in Southern California.

Right now I'm leaning towards an 04 MM but I kind of like the 03 gas door, park brake and clock.

Does any one have a pic or a link showing what the clock in the 03 looks like?

Steve

[MM03MOK]

I'm in Southern California.

Right now I'm leaning towards an 04 MM but I kind of like the 03 gas door, park brake and clock.
Those would be the 2003 300As (pre-Nov. '02) and they only came in black.


Does any one have a pic or a link showing what the clock in the 03 looks like?


Not the best angle but you can see part of the clock to the right of the steering wheel under the radio.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/gallery/data/500/medium/DSC01023.JPG

This one's better:

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/1/0/3/9/F.jpg

[ctrcbob]

With all those gauges, when do you have time to look at the road? :D

[ShelbyMotorspts]

Not the best angle but you can see part of the clock to the right of the steering wheel under the radio

Thanks for the pic it was just what I was looking for. I suppose the clock could be added to an 04 if I had to have one in the dash.

What are the rarest factory options besides the paint color that I should look for on a 2004 MM?

Are there any scanned factory brochures on the web for the MM's?

Steve

[MM03MOK]

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/showimage.php?i=1285&c=1

I presume this is a mid 2003 brochure.

[junior]

Just bought an 04 Saturday. the above posts are right on target. I've noticed the tranny has week 2-3 shifts and you have to punch it to keep it from bogging on mild acceleration.

I bought an extended warranty and plan on keeping this car for 20+ years (I've done it before).

It cruises at 80 mph effortlessly, although the driver's right side seat belt is kinda in the way. Other than that it handles the twistys like no big car you've probably ever driven, and I had a 69 MM tuna boat.

Drove it through the nastiest blizzard I've ever seen and the foglights and defrosting capabilities, not to mention the traction control amongst other amenities, made this the best road trip I've ever had.

Buy one and you'll be hooked. Am I wrong?

:beer:

[1 Bad Merc]

I think "Flight Commander" would be a more suitable handle for MM03MOK! Any more gauges and that car will be classified part of the space shuttle program! Just Kidding...:beer:

[BigGuyBigCar]

Of the 3213 made in 2004 model, 980 were DTR (red) and 997 were silver (silver also avail in 2003). From what I understand, the factory options were charcoal or flint interior, CD changer in trunk, and heated seats. Nothing performance related.

[ShelbyMotorspts]

Of the 3213 made in 2004 model, 980 were DTR (red) and 997 were silver (silver also avail in 2003). From what I understand, the factory options were charcoal or flint interior, CD changer in trunk, and heated seats. Nothing performance related.

Was the in dash cd cass radio standard on the MM? Does it include the sub woof?

Steve

[jawz101]

cd/cassette is std
only other options I can think of is a trunk organizer or sun roof

might also want to look @ 300A vs 300B differences (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=21890&highlight=300a+300b)

btw - I turned 25 about a yr ago and my ins pmts are under 550/6mo if I pay in 1 lump sum (w/ clean record) - so I think the ins companies still consider it a sleeper. I went thru a co. called Rich & Cartmill (http://www.rcins.com) that has access to search for ins. prices. There may be other companies that provide that svc.

[ShelbyMotorspts]

someone had a post a while back about a lot in TX that has over 35 in inventory still, so u may want to keep that in mind if you're looking for selection

Can you point the way to the post?

Thanks

[MM03MOK]

I think "Flight Commander" would be a more suitable handle for MM03MOK! Any more gauges and that car will be classified part of the space shuttle program! Just Kidding...:beer::laugh: Neither of those shots are mine...two different cars from the Gallery.... :laugh:

:bunny2:

[BigGuyBigCar]

Pretty sure that sun roof and spoiler were not factory options.

Insurance will vary state to state. Call your current insurer and ask them.

My own thinking is that stock is a sweet ride, but many people are putting thousands into bling and/or performance modifications. Disclaimer: while I like the theory of stock, the 2004 I bought a few weeks ago came with a performance tune from Reinhart. And I'm not removing it.

[jawz101]

Can you point the way to the post?

Thanks
lol... I started digging after I put that up and then edited my statement. Still looking for it though...

[stevengerard]

moon roof in '04 was a factory option along with heated seats which came with heated mirrors as well as the 6-CD changer. Spoiler was dealer installed. Trunk insert was also an option that came from the factory on mine. Not many 04's were built so even the blacks are rare in '04 and those with a factory sunroof even rarer. Though the rarity of the car is nice that is not why I bought it. Mine is heavily modified, driven daily and beaten like a rented mule.

[jawz101]

Damn... .I found where I read that and the post was 2 yrs old.

'04-'05 posts gave me these locations
Northpark LM in San Antonio,Tx http://www.nplm.com/ (they were largest L/M dealership in U.S.)

other lots that carried a big inv:
Jack Demmer Lincoln Mercury
Dearborn, MI
Phone: (313) 274-8800

http://john.eaglelincoln.com/ recommended by some TX guys at one time

I think 1 thing that could have cleared the lots out was a $6000 manuf rebate they offered when I was purchasing mine in May '04.

[rayjay]

03 MM is titled as a Grand Marquis, 04 MM is titled as a Marauder. It made little difference insurance wise. My insurance went up a hot $36 a year over my Focus. The MM did come up as a high performance vehicle when I was getting my quote prior to my MM purchase, but the agent stated the safety rating of the car offset that.

[RoyLPita]

Welcome aboard. Enjoy the site.

[Blackened300a]

My 300a has these options that the 300b's and 04's dont.
In-Dash Clock,
The power fuel release door
Hood light,
Full size spare
Black Valve covers
Map pockets in the front seats
Cargo net in the trunk.
The only options for the 03 300a were a 6 CD changer, Trunk organizer and the rear spoiler.

the later year 300b and 04 models had...
Heated seats
Traction control
Sunroof option
Stronger Tranny
Better paint
No Hood light
Donut spare instead of full size
Manual release fuel door
No map pockets in the front seats
Plain Aluminum Valve covers.

My 03's VIN comes up as a GM and my insurance in NYC is only $1200 a year for full coverage
The dealer will give you a 5 year/75k mile warranty standard if you can find a Certified Used Marauder.
When its certified its like buying a new car so you qualify for the lowest interest rates if you choose to finance.
You can also opt to extend it as long as you want when you buy it through Ford.
Mine is covered through 2008 bumper to bumper for an extra $1400 which amounted to another $8 a month on the payment

Im sure anyone will chime in with anything I may have missed.
Im very happy with my 300a and I have over 43k trouble free miles with it.

Welcome to the site!!

[DirtyDog]

03 MM is titled as a Grand Marquis, 04 MM is titled as a Marauder. It made little difference insurance wise. My insurance went up a hot $36 a year over my Focus. The MM did come up as a high performance vehicle when I was getting my quote prior to my MM purchase, but the agent stated the safety rating of the car offset that.

My 03 is titled as a Marauder. Just re-licensed it last week and have registration in hand.

[ShelbyMotorspts]

Appreciate all the good advice :thanks:

While surfing the net trying to locate any recalls for the MM I found two sites where the feds listed the GM/MM at the top of the list for crash safety, not that I'm planning to crash one.

Do the MM have more than the front two air bags?

Also came across a site that listed the MM as the 8th most stolen vehicle in 2004. Thought that was interesting since so few were made.

Steve

[seabreeze]

My 2004 has standard airbags in the seats for side impact, and I think they were standard in 2003 also. Safety was an important consideration for me too as a family guy with a young kid.

[rayjay]

Appreciate all the good advice :thanks:

While surfing the net trying to locate any recalls for the MM I found two sites where the feds listed the GM/MM at the top of the list for crash safety, not that I'm planning to crash one.

Do the MM have more than the front two air bags?

Also came across a site that listed the MM as the 8th most stolen vehicle in 2004. Thought that was interesting since so few were made.

Steve

There are side impact airbags in the front seats. The stolen rating is based upon build numbers vs number stolen. Misleading statistic.

[ShelbyMotorspts]

The stolen rating is based upon build numbers vs number stolen. Misleading statistic.

Ahhh... that explains how it ranked so high.

[ShelbyMotorspts]

Any specific MM recalls or TSB's?

Are there any MM.net members that can run a vin # to see what kind of warranty work was performed?

If so I have a vin #. Already ran it on CarFax which shows two owners but I would like to see if it had any problems handled thru warranty.

Steve

[rayjay]

Any specific MM recalls or TSB's?

Are there any MM.net members that can run a vin # to see what kind of warranty work was performed?

If so I have a vin #. Already ran it on CarFax which shows two owners but I would like to see if it had any problems handled thru warranty.

Steve

There is a TSB ref axles on early build 03's. Ford replaced axles under warranty. If you search the info is here. RoyLPita can run your VIN#.

[Merc-O-matic]

My 300a has these options that the 300b's and 04's dont.
In-Dash Clock,
The power fuel release door
Hood light,
Full size spare
Black Valve covers
Map pockets in the front seats
Cargo net in the trunk.
The only options for the 03 300a were a 6 CD changer, Trunk organizer and the rear spoiler.

the later year 300b and 04 models had...
Heated seats
Traction control
Sunroof option
Stronger Tranny
Better paint
No Hood light
Donut spare instead of full size
Manual release fuel door
No map pockets in the front seats
Plain Aluminum Valve covers.

My 03's VIN comes up as a GM and my insurance in NYC is only $1200 a year for full coverage
The dealer will give you a 5 year/75k mile warranty standard if you can find a Certified Used Marauder.
When its certified its like buying a new car so you qualify for the lowest interest rates if you choose to finance.
You can also opt to extend it as long as you want when you buy it through Ford.
Mine is covered through 2008 bumper to bumper for an extra $1400 which amounted to another $8 a month on the payment

Im sure anyone will chime in with anything I may have missed.
Im very happy with my 300a and I have over 43k trouble free miles with it.

Welcome to the site!!

Also, you should have a better windshield tint (dark blue) at the top.....
instead of the crappy "matrix dots" on the 2003 300B and 2004 models.

Anything to save money!
Gotta Love It!:rasta:

[Wagonmaster]

My 03 is titled as a Marauder. Just re-licensed it last week and have registration in hand.

Yo Dog, check it. Just for clarification, I think Rayjay was referring to the actual Vehicle Title, not the vehicle registration when he mentioned the MM's are titled as GM's. Unless you own your car outright, the bank still has possession of the title, but I think I'm splitting hairs here. :argue:

GT out...............

[BruteForce]

Mine is a 2003 and I have my title (mine! mine! all mine!) that says Marauder. However I still get mail & phone calls from the dealer checking up on my 2003 Grand Marquis.

[Bradley G]

Unless you took payments for over twelve years,Your warranty is less than $1400, or more than $8.00 per month.
Certified warranties are eligible through Ford, for vehicles with less than 50K mi.
Certified warranties are a great idea, but they will add to the cost of the vehicle.
While Ford Credit was offering some Incentivized interest rate(s) for certified vehicles, most banks will not consider a 2-4 year old vehicle, new.
Once you have reached near 100K miles, Your on your own, you can not extend the warranty as long as you want.(through Ford)
My 300a has these options that the 300b's and 04's dont.
In-Dash Clock,
The power fuel release door
Hood light,
Full size spare
Black Valve covers
Map pockets in the front seats
Cargo net in the trunk.
The only options for the 03 300a were a 6 CD changer, Trunk organizer and the rear spoiler.

the later year 300b and 04 models had...
Heated seats
Traction control
Sunroof option
Stronger Tranny
Better paint
No Hood light
Donut spare instead of full size
Manual release fuel door
No map pockets in the front seats
Plain Aluminum Valve covers.

My 03's VIN comes up as a GM and my insurance in NYC is only $1200 a year for full coverage
The dealer will give you a 5 year/75k mile warranty standard if you can find a Certified Used Marauder.
When its certified its like buying a new car so you qualify for the lowest interest rates if you choose to finance.
You can also opt to extend it as long as you want when you buy it through Ford.
Mine is covered through 2008 bumper to bumper for an extra $1400 which amounted to another $8 a month on the payment

Im sure anyone will chime in with anything I may have missed.
Im very happy with my 300a and I have over 43k trouble free miles with it.

Welcome to the site!!

[Smokie]

My insurance on the MM. is on par with my Crown Vic, cheap. Keep in mind that the MM. is a Grand Marquis "package" there is nothing about it that makes it less safe, on the contrary it's better handling, stopping than a regular panther with side impact air bags.

It has the same displacement V8 the other panthers have, there is no monetary reason for an insurance company to charge more for a car that it's every bit as safe or safer than the other panthers. Remember this; the car went unadvertised, unpromoted to the general public. Most people have no idea it exists......we are 2% of a very small number.....:D

[DirtyDog]

Yo Dog, check it. Just for clarification, I think Rayjay was referring to the actual Vehicle Title, not the vehicle registration when he mentioned the MM's are titled as GM's. Unless you own your car outright, the bank still has possession of the title, but I think I'm splitting hairs here. :argue:

GT out...............


Just went and looked at Title. Make = MERC, Power/Use = G/PAS,
Series & Body Style = MAR4D :argue:

[rayjay]

Noticed you are a 300B, that maybe the answer as to why some 03s are tilted as GM and others Marauder. My NYS title document says 04 Marauder.

[ShelbyMotorspts]

If you search the info is here. RoyLPita can run your VIN#.

Just PM'd him. Thanks.

Regarding the MM's that have a FULL size spare, is the full size spare wheel a steel wheel or is it an aluminum MM wheel?

Steve

[MM03MOK]

aluminum wheel, exactly the same, just not polished.

[Wagonmaster]

Just went and looked at Title. Make = MERC, Power/Use = G/PAS,
Series & Body Style = MAR4D :argue:

Dave,

Yep, Bruteforce already set me straight on that. Although I believe the 300A vs 300B designation may have something to do with it.......

GT

[BAD MERC]

I did a lot of homework before getting my silver '04. I asked CarFixer and followed his advice to the word, "if you're gonna buy one- get the 2004, they have a stronger transmission". I can do without the gas filler release and clock. I would buy it all over again even if they were asking more money. Everytime I drive it, it feels like the first time.

[BruteForce]

Although I believe the 300A vs 300B designation may have something to do with it.......

GT


In what way? :confused:

Both Dave and I have 300A 2003.

[ShelbyMotorspts]

aluminum wheel, exactly the same, just not polished.

Ok but that now brings up a related question.

I've seen MM's for sale that some appear to have polished wheels and some don't. I was under the impression that the polished wheels were polished by the owners and didn't come from the factory that way.

Did I assume wrong? If so were all wheels (excluding the spares) polished from the factory?

Steve

[Smokie]

Did I assume wrong? If so were all wheels (excluding the spares) polished from the factory?

Steve

Yes sir, they all come with polished wheels, except for spare.

[MM03MOK]

If so were all wheels (excluding the spares) polished from the factory?

SteveYes .

[rayjay]

If you look at a MM for sale without brightly polished wheels, walk away very quickly, something wrong...

[SergntMac]

Ok but that now brings up a related question. I had a feeling it would...

I've seen MM's for sale that some appear to have polished wheels and some don't. I was under the impression that the polished wheels were polished by the owners and didn't come from the factory that way. Did I assume wrong? If so were all wheels (excluding the spares) polished from the factory? Steve I do extensive searching on the Internet for Marauder news, including what's for sale, and I have never encountered a Marauder without polished wheels except where the owner has installed aftermarket wheels. Even then, ususally there is a mention that the OEM polished wheels are available, or, will be in place at point of purchase.

Can you share any search results with us?

The full size spare wheel that comes with the 300A Marauder is indeed polished beneath it's dull appearing surface. Rather than clearcoat, it is finished with a textured paint, which I am sure was a less expensive process for L/M at that time. Remove the paint, and it's a polished wheel, absent clearcoat.

Ask me how I know...

[MM03MOK]

The full size spare wheel that comes with the 300A Marauder is indeed polished beneath it's dull appearing surface. Rather than clearcoat, it is finished with a textured paint, which I am sure was a less expensive process for L/M at that time. Remove the paint, and it's a polished wheel, absent clearcoat.

Ask me how I know...I did not know that....more info to store.

[MM03MOK]

Are there any MM.net members that can run a vin # to see what kind of warranty work was performed?

If so I have a vin #. Already ran it on CarFax which shows two owners but I would like to see if it had any problems handled thru warranty.

SteveWhat color and year did you find?

[SergntMac]

I did not know that....more info to store. Yes. In due time.

I'm eager to share this detail with you and others, but I do not want to distract this thread away from Shelby's 411. I would like to see his search results..Marauders for sale "with dull rims" intrigues me to no end.