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View Full Version : New Member, possible new MM owner



jeff359
11-09-2006, 10:37 PM
Hey guys, I've browsed the boards here and learned alot. First off thanks for the good info. There are a lot of great auto forums, when you get down to the enthunist level, and you guys are just as good or better then most.

I'm looking at a new toy. I've focused my group down to a marauder, audi S4 (bi-turbo 2.7), and an SRT4 Neon I know they are all diffrent, but all will fit my needs well (four door, fast, room for a child seat in back). I know the benefits of all, but I am trying to learn the mechanical reasons to buy or not to buy.

This platform is attractive, I was a cop for 12 years prior to medical retirement and I have had two Mustangs in the past and many Ford trucks. I have never had a 4.6, but years of driving CVs has sold me on reliability (we put 125K plus on our patrol cars)

The problems with the other two - S4 (turbo realibilty issues), SRT (Old school thinking- Mopar realibility issues, Mopar's spoted issues with turbo (shelby Mopars), and off coarse the the SRT is a Neon) The Neon isn't on the comfort level that like, but it's fast.

The marauder seems like a nice fit. Roomy, fast, and built nice. Since I don't care about resale (buying used, and will wait for the right deal), another plus for the MM.

What do I need to look for? I read about the the blue smoke. Is it oil burning, and is it that common? Any other warning signs?

There seems to be a solid buyers market, I think it is close to the bottom. I have watched the Impala SS market and it has seemed to bottom out, and there is a premium for nice cars now. I think the MM is gonna be the same. The Impala has also found a nice market in the "Heavy Chevy"/ghetto market, and I think the MM market will follow. That seems to hold the value of some of the lower end units

Thanks for any help

jeff359
11-09-2006, 10:47 PM
I forgot the most imporant part, what about a supercharger? I know there are options, but has anyone had any luck smoging one in California? I know you can sneak anything through with some inside help. I know with some of the laws, it has made it tough to "sneak" things through. I dread the thought of having to rip everything off every two years for a smog.

Big Time
11-09-2006, 11:42 PM
From my research, I've decided to look for an '04 rather than an '03.

The differences are no big deal, and there is certianly nothing wrong with the '03's, but the 04's were the only year with a sunroof availible, have traction control and a little different transmission.

MM2004
11-10-2006, 04:22 AM
I forgot the most imporant part, what about a supercharger? I know there are options, but has anyone had any luck smoging one in California? I know you can sneak anything through with some inside help. I know with some of the laws, it has made it tough to "sneak" things through. I dread the thought of having to rip everything off every two years for a smog.

Welcome to the site Jeff.

Be prepared for replies to favor buying a MM. This is a Marauder site, ya' know? ;)

There are plenty of used MM's out there with low miles for the taking, and a helluva lot less than what these cost new.

Dark Blue Pearl (DBP) are the most rare, followed by the Dark Toreador Red (DTR).

The most common color is Black with Silver Birch (SB) right behind them.

Take advantage of the search function as all of your questions will be answered.

As far as Cal. emissions and a S/C'r, I am sure our California members will chime in on that one.

Good luck!

Mike.

jim geary
11-10-2006, 07:59 AM
No go for s/c's out here Jeff. No one has any Carb#s which is what you need
in this state. I've found that some places will do an install as long as you
trailer the car in and out and sign wavers. As far as smog checks go you have
to shop around. Standard fee seems to be between 2 to 3 hundred. Not a bad price for 2 yrs of fun. Now all you have to do is decide?

mrjones
11-10-2006, 08:12 AM
Like he said, this is a Marauder site, so be prepared for a little bias. But, if you drove CVPI's and liked them, and also like Mustangs, there ain't a better car for you out there. In stock form, your other two cars of interest are much quicker, but once a stock Marauder is rolling above 20mph or so, its a whole different animal.

When I was planning on buying the Marauder, I felt guilty for a while because I was planning on buying another "toy" for myself. I finally looked at it and realized that "Hey, this is a big, giant family car - it just happens to drive really well!!!". Plus, if you get into an accident, I would rather have my family in the Marauder (5 star crash ratings) than the smaller Audi or tiny Neon. I do like both of the other choices, but if you like Mustangs and CVPI's, your gonna love a Marauder.

whoskal
11-10-2006, 09:13 AM
Welcome to the site!! You will get more info than you probably want on this site.

jeff359
11-10-2006, 10:15 AM
I'm probably gonna pull the trigger as soon as my career situation straightens out. I think I sold the wife on the idea, just the aspect of adding another vehicle (and where we park everything) is scaring her. An Excursion, a small dump run/chore truck, my wifes commuter, and a boat make the garage a little crowded

I'm sitting on a nice check from sick leave, comp time, and vacation that'd cover most of the cost of the MM. I'm holding the funds till I find another income. But once I get a job, I'll probably do something

RoyLPita
11-12-2006, 12:34 PM
Welcome aboard. Enjoy the site.

ckadiddle
11-13-2006, 10:27 AM
Buy the Marauder. Much safer for your family to ride in, much more comfortable for long trips. Like to Maraudervilles, ya know?