Thinking about Marauder Purchase

[96DiamondVIII]

Hello All,
I've been looking for a car to replace my recently totalled Mark VIII, and I spotted a Marauder for sale locally. It's an '03, 42k miles, silver, heated seats & CD changer, no sunroof (unfortunately). Dealer is asking 18,995, which seems a little high IMO. Link: http://tinyurl.com/y2hok8

So. For all y'all experienced folk on here: is that a decent price, a little high, way high? (seems to be a bit over blue book, depending on which one you consult...) What do I need to look for when examining the car, or listen/test for on a test drive? Took it for a short test run when I looked at it on Saturday, going back tomorrow night for a longer one. Very clean, especially underhood; it's got a K & N intake and cone filter (hopefully signs of previous owner being an enthusiast...) but appears to be otherwise stock. Any trouble spots on these cars to look out for?

I really like this car, and if the extended drive goes well tomorrow night, I might pull the trigger on the deal. I'd love to know what I might be getting into if I do...thanks much in advance!

BTW, VIN is: 2MEHM75V63X704616

[Cheeseheadbob]

Buy it and mod it. You will not be sorry. Even if you do not decide to spend thousands of dollars modding, it is still a great looking and performing grocery getter.
Hello All,
I've been looking for a car to replace my recently totalled Mark VIII, and I spotted a Marauder for sale locally. It's an '03, 42k miles, silver, heated seats & CD changer, no sunroof (unfortunately). Dealer is asking 18,995, which seems a little high IMO. Link: http://tinyurl.com/y2hok8

So. For all y'all experienced folk on here: is that a decent price, a little high, way high? (seems to be a bit over blue book, depending on which one you consult...) What do I need to look for when examining the car, or listen/test for on a test drive? Took it for a short test run when I looked at it on Saturday, going back tomorrow night for a longer one. Very clean, especially underhood; it's got a K & N intake and cone filter (hopefully signs of previous owner being an enthusiast...) but appears to be otherwise stock. Any trouble spots on these cars to look out for?

I really like this car, and if the extended drive goes well tomorrow night, I might pull the trigger on the deal. I'd love to know what I might be getting into if I do...thanks much in advance!

[whoskal]

I bet you can get that price down at least 2K....Welcome to the site!

[fastblackmerc]

Hello All,
I've been looking for a car to replace my recently totaled Mark VIII, and I spotted a Marauder for sale locally. It's an '03, 42k miles, silver, heated seats & CD changer, no sunroof (unfortunately). Dealer is asking 18,995, which seems a little high IMO. Link: http://tinyurl.com/y2hok8

So. For all y'all experienced folk on here: is that a decent price, a little high, way high? (seems to be a bit over blue book, depending on which one you consult...) What do I need to look for when examining the car, or listen/test for on a test drive? Took it for a short test run when I looked at it on Saturday, going back tomorrow night for a longer one. Very clean, especially underhood; it's got a K & N intake and cone filter (hopefully signs of previous owner being an enthusiast...) but appears to be otherwise stock. Any trouble spots on these cars to look out for?

I really like this car, and if the extended drive goes well tomorrow night, I might pull the trigger on the deal. I'd love to know what I might be getting into if I do...thanks much in advance!

BTW, VIN is: 2MEHM75V63X704616
Sounds like a decent price to me.... but only you know if that true....

1st - get the VIN and send it to RoyLPITA here to run it through OASIS.
2nd - If the TSB for the rear axles hasn't been done (the OASIS report will tell you), get the dealership to do it.
3rd - And the most IMPORTANT..... You'll NEVER get the smile off your face when your driving it!!

Search the site for any questions you might have.

Welcome Aboard!!

[jgc61sr2002]

Welcome aboard.:welcome1:

I concur buy it you won't be sorry.:D

[96DiamondVIII]

Okay, will do on the report (what is an OASIS report btw?). Also, what exactly is this 300A/300B business?

fastblackmerc, noticed your location was "NC Triangle"...sounds like you're right down the road from me. I'm in Raleigh (and the car is for sale in Durham)...

[sweetair]

300A were early model 03's. Full size spare tires, clock inthe dash trim, pockets on the back of the seats, locking gas door no traction control, and all were black.
300B late model 03's. donut spare, clock in radio, no locking gas door, traction control, Silver Birch, and Blue colors as well as black. No seat back pockets. That's pretty much it.

Get it!! You won't be sorry. Great car.

[96DiamondVIII]

Okay...were there transitional models though? This car does not have the separate dash clock or locking gas door, does have traction control (I think), and is obviously silver--but it's got the full-size spare. Owner-installed maybe?

[MM03MOK]

BTW, VIN is: 2MEHM75V63X704616
Build Date: 5/29/2003
First Sold Date: 7/9/2003

Traction control switch is next to the pedal adjustment switch, to the left of the steering wheel. All traction control cars came with mini spares. The "transitional" cars were Nov. '02 builds and were black. You have a 300B.

:welcome:

[LILALLEYKATT]

I paid 21K in sept...Sounds like a deal to me

[Motorhead350]

Get it and enjoy it. You won't regreat it. Welcome to our world of toys.

[OneBADLsE]

go and buy one you hoodlum!!!! :D

[OneBADLsE]

Hello All,
I've been looking for a car to replace my recently totalled Mark VIII, and I spotted a Marauder for sale locally. It's an '03, 42k miles, silver, heated seats & CD changer, no sunroof (unfortunately). Dealer is asking 18,995, which seems a little high IMO. Link: http://tinyurl.com/y2hok8

So. For all y'all experienced folk on here: is that a decent price, a little high, way high? (seems to be a bit over blue book, depending on which one you consult...) What do I need to look for when examining the car, or listen/test for on a test drive? Took it for a short test run when I looked at it on Saturday, going back tomorrow night for a longer one. Very clean, especially underhood; it's got a K & N intake and cone filter (hopefully signs of previous owner being an enthusiast...) but appears to be otherwise stock. Any trouble spots on these cars to look out for?

I really like this car, and if the extended drive goes well tomorrow night, I might pull the trigger on the deal. I'd love to know what I might be getting into if I do...thanks much in advance!

BTW, VIN is: 2MEHM75V63X704616

You can negotiate at least $2500 on that price. Drop them a low number and say its sold, with your credit card on the table of course.

[RCSignals]

Okay...were there transitional models though? This car does not have the separate dash clock or locking gas door, does have traction control (I think), and is obviously silver--but it's got the full-size spare. Owner-installed maybe?

a full sized spare would be a 'frosted' looking version of the wheels on the car.
The so called 'mini' is a black 18" wheel (not exactly mini), skinny(er) temp tire. The 'mini' could appear to be full size f you don't know the difference.

[Marauderman]

fastblackmerc, noticed your location was "NC Triangle"...sounds like you're right down the road from me. I'm in Raleigh (and the car is for sale in Durham)...

Hot Dang!! Great --Go buy the darn car --we need more Carolina members--...and fastblackmerc can help you out alot---.there is also another member nearby a ways---"Butch", in G'boro........am sure fastblackmerc will be contacting you shortly...keep alert for info here....and welcome aboard---just step right in ...go get her man!!!!:banana:

[RoyLPita]

Welcome aboard. Your request is ready. BTW, Just for thought, I believe that there were 417 Silver Birch MMs made for 2003. I might be wrong on the exact # but it is close.

Enjoy the site and keep me posted.

[fastblackmerc]

fastblackmerc, noticed your location was "NC Triangle"...sounds like you're right down the road from me. I'm in Raleigh (and the car is for sale in Durham)...

PM me, we can meet, if I'm in town, and discuss the car.... even go look at it.

[ckadiddle]

PM me, we can meet, if I'm in town, and discuss the car.... even go look at it.
Take him (or another Marauderer in your area) up on the offer to go with you to look at it closely. Second pair of eyes is always good to have. Someone very familiar with Marauders can help you spot signs of abuse and such. Check out the tires closely.

[Bigdogjim]

96DiamondVIII
If that one does not meet your needs I know where you can find one that will. Just send me a PM if it does not pan out.