Possible New Marauder Owner

[SC515]

I've come across a deal on a 2003 Marauder Black w/ Charcole interior that I might not be able to pass up. It only has 11,500 miles on it!

I've always been a fan of the Marauder, even looked into getting one back in 03'. But at the time decided to keep my Ford Lightning.

So, I've had a Tundra Double Cab now for a little over a year. I have no faults with it, in fact I love it. Even if it does lack that performance edge.

But I am starting a new job that requires a lot of highway driving. I can't see driving around the big Tundra that gets 13-14 MPG at best. Not to mention the thing is a pain in the #$* to navigate and park.

Think I could average 20 MPG as a highway driver? Also, I'm sure I have read it, but can't seem to recall. Do you have to put 91 and above in the tank?

I'll keep you updated!

Jeff
:beer:

[RF Overlord]

Jeff, welcome to the site!

You should easily get 20+ MPG on the highway with a stock MM. My supercharged car got 21 MPG at 75 MPH on a trip with 2 adults and a week's worth of luggage and souvenirs.

Technically, the MM requires 91 octane fuel, but a number of people here have run theirs on 89 with no ill effects.

[KillJoy]

Think I could average 20 MPG as a highway driver?


With out a doubt....if you keep you foot out of it :)

I have ALWAYS ran 93/94, so... I cannot comment on lower Octane.

KillJoy

[Cobra25]

You should easily get over 20 mpg on the highway with a stock marauder.

[fastblackmerc]

If you plan on running lower than 93 octane, I'd suggest getting a tune for the lower octane. Motors have blown using lower than the recommended octane. The biggest enemy of an aluminum motor is detonation.

[Shora]

If you plan on running lower than 93 octane, I'd suggest getting a tune for the lower octane. Motors have blown using lower than the recommended octane. The biggest enemy of an aluminum motor is detonation.

With a stock tune there such be sensors to prevent detonation even if you use 87 octane. My older brother, who also has a Marauder, has a VW GTI as a daily driver. Unlike the Marauder, his GTI is a lease and he could care less about it so he puts 87 octane instead of the recommended Premium. The car has never missed a beat as a result of it.

Neither of us are brave enough to try that in our Marauders but I cannot imagine a Marauder engine with a stock tune blowing up because of a lower octane.

Also, I don't race my Marauder but I do enjoy the power if you know what I mean and I average 20 MPG with 90% highway/ 10% city driving.

I never got better than 22 MPG but I also never got worse than 16 MPG. Not bad if you ask me.

[jgc61sr2002]

I can get 24 MPG highway driving 2200RPM approximately 75 MPH.:D

[RoyLPita]

Welcome aboard. Feel free to PM me the VIN for me to run it through Ford's OASIS database.

[Bluerauder]

Think I could average 20 MPG as a highway driver? Also, I'm sure I have read it, but can't seem to recall. Do you have to put 91 and above in the tank?

Jeff
:beer:
I can get 24.5 mpg on the highway on distance trips with a stock MM.

Owners manual says minimum 91 Octane. I'm running 93 exclusively.

Good luck on getting that low mileage Marauder. :up:

BTW. Welcome :welcome1: to the MM.Net. Now stop screwing off with the computer and go get that car before someone else does. ;)

[Billzstangin66]

The Marauders AOD-E trans has a high-stall converter from the factory, but it also has an electronic lock-up when cruising. I think its advertized 17-23mpg? and if you say your going to be doing long distance- you'll be fine on the highway.
You should be able to run on any octane you like- you will just lose performance because the knock sensors will compensate for crap gasoline. I would even argue that the lower octane you use will prolong the life of your engine- though i wouldn't recomend it. The higher octane = the more carbon build-up on valves, catalitic converters, mufflers, etc. The Marauder has aluminum heads, but an iron block- I think it has 10:1 compression... On a non-computer controlled car 10:1 compression with aluminum heads will run fine on 87 octane unless its 100*+

[Bigdogjim]

While I like to see you in a marauder how much driving we talking? Your looking a tires at around 35-40,000 miles. Fuel differance between reg and hi-test. Other than that your good to go.