Considering a Marauder purchase... [Archive]

Litsnsirn

07-16-2003, 08:59 PM

Hi everyone, I am thinking about buying a new Marauder, I currently have a Caprice and seeing that there aren't very many RWD cars left, I may have to buy a Ford. Can I ask what you guys are getting mileage wise and how the initial quality seemed? Also, it seems that there are a few tuners working on the MM but I don't see alot of bolt on's(like were(are) available for the GM's). Is there anything worthwhile that you can do the car yourself or are you stuck sending it out? I was thinking about getting a p/u but the deals on the MM are just a little too good to ignore.:help:

Zack

07-16-2003, 09:15 PM

With about 3000-4000 dollars in upgrades and a dyno tune, you'll be right at 300 rwhp along with low low 14's and maybe high 13's with a FordChip Tune. GO FOR IT!

Zack

07-16-2003, 09:17 PM

Or you can wait for the Trilogy Supercharger, drop about 6500 with install, run low 13's, high 12's all day long, be totally reliable and enjoy the car. If I ever buy a second car, this will be the plan.

Bigdogjim

07-16-2003, 11:34 PM

Litsnsirn: Welcome! Your right about one thing, deals are hot!!!! Jump in now you won't be sorry. Get the car and join us in Texas in Sept.

Jeff

07-17-2003, 12:51 AM

Considering its current price point, the Marauder is the best new car value on the market! :D

Litsnsirn

07-17-2003, 03:46 AM

I walked in and the first number I heard was 26,800 and I said "wow". Now only if it came in stick...

TripleTransAm

07-17-2003, 07:11 AM

Welcome to the group.

You're already a full sized owner (the car, not you) so you know what you're getting into. Mileage wise: I just got 27.5 mpg on a 65 mpg jaunt lasting a couple of hours. In mixed city/highway, I get 18-19 mpg. Even if I hot dog it a bit here and there, I'm still pulling better than 17 mpg.

You'll get the best impression of what this car is all about by taking a test drive. First thing you'll notice is the transmission shift pattern. That can be addressed with a chip.

Quality-wise: there are a few recurring issues. Clunk from rear end (unresolved), seat squeak (fix available), harness-chafing issues (a good inspection before delivery + some tie-wraps = peace of mind), and weak paint. Some folks are also starting to worry about tire wear, and there are some who are experiencing a rough idle/stumble/hesitation on a cold engine due to a PCM software calibration issue (there are 4 different PCM s/w revisions so far, and at least one of them has a cranky calibration in it, although there may be a corrected calibration available to cure this depending on your s/w revision).

That should cover it. I don't know if your Caprice was modified or not, but the Marauder *should* surpass it, especially once it's broken in. From an aesthetic point of view, there's not much on the streets right now that looks classier, in my humble opinion.

Good luck in your search. Take the time to peruse as many of the older topics in the Community Discussion and Garage forums, this will give you a good idea of what to expect and how to deal with it. At the very least, it's good reading.

And before making the decision, it might help to look at as many pictures of the car as possible. Since you'll be the one spending all those Dead Presidents on the car purchase, spend a good deal of time in the Photo Gallery of this site. It was all the time I spent drooling over the beautiful cars owned by the members of this site that drove me to take the plunge last March. I also have a collection of my favorite (so far) photos of my car at http://www.tripletransam.com/mm/mm_tint.htm

jgc61sr2002

07-17-2003, 10:33 AM

litsnsirn - Welcome to site. Just got back from a 2,000 mile trip and averged 24 MPG. The price of $26.800 is less than most members of this board paid. Go for the Marauder you can't go wrong.:up:

Litsnsirn

07-17-2003, 04:18 PM

Coincidentally, Triple TA, I am also full sized, 6'3" 250, one of the reasons I like full size cars is that I don't really like being cramped, I even find the GM full size trucks to be a little tight after they went to the new design. My Caprice is a fun car, it has been for many years, programming, raiss, 3.73 eaton, LT4 knock chip, F-car front and Herb Adams rear, Bilstiens, etc... I don't know what will ever replace the 30-70 surge when merging on the expressway. I know about the paint, I have alot of CV experience, it seems like they can can be scratched by just about anything when they first roll off the truck, I don't know if it is too thin(seems like it) or too soft(not cured enough?) but I remember a black CV that sat outside the first day after it was delivered, and the leaves that blew off of it when we took it for a spin scratched the heck out of it, so I would not be buying a black MM...

Litsnsirn

07-17-2003, 04:36 PM

Another thing that would close the deal is the sunroof that is teasingly mentioned in the brochure...

Bob Mathis

07-17-2003, 05:11 PM

Welcome,
I have two and love them. The one that my wife drive's every day she is getting 19 to 20 around town. We will be one the road this weekend going to Alt. hope to get 23to24. That depends on my foot. I have a local dealer that had two left and they where at 25,900.

crom

07-17-2003, 05:59 PM

Litsnsirn,
I just purchased my MM ( 300A ) and I Love it. I'm going on 40 years old and I've dreamt of owning a car like this since I was 13. I really looked long and hard at getting a quality used 96 Impala SS. I made the plunge (for me) and bought the Marauder. No regrets at all, they just don't make cars like this anymore. Concur with everyone else on gas mileage ( who cares when driving a vehicle like this anyway ) and hope to see it improve once broken in ( i just went over a 1000 miles ). I will say this, this site has schooled me tremendously on the car and is a great source of knowledge. Hope you get the car, Semper Fi

Crom

crom

07-17-2003, 06:19 PM

Bigdogjim

07-17-2003, 06:23 PM

Litsnsirn: Well did you buy one yet???????????????
:D :) :D :)

71red

07-17-2003, 08:54 PM

Hello All:

Just registered and am thrilled that there is a forum for the Marauder. I had been interested since I first heard it may go into production. Gotta admit though that i was a bit disappointed in the initial price. (So were many of the salesman) Any case, I have been longing for one and now that Mercury is offering up to $4K in cash backs or 0%...gotta take the plunge.
Anyways, found a dealer in NJ that was offering their leftover new ones at $25999 (with a wing & tint), unfortunately I just got there when they sold their last one. I did no bother asking but they must have been code As. Just saw the blue color in a photo the other day & I am in love. The 04 red & silvers are beauties also, but I noticed that they didn't monochrome the front grills...Mercury should have stayed consistent. Problem is now I can't find a blue anywhere. Even called Mercury main customer service and their info wasn't accurate. Per their database, most dealers had the blue, but when I called each one, wasn't the case, they would each order which would have cost more. As a matter of fact got really turned off by a salesman who was actually shocked to hear that the blues were produced.
Does anyone out there know how blues were / are going to be produced? (Mercury cust serv couldn't give me the info either)

Lots of great info & pics on this site. Kudos to all for the feedback!

Litsnsirn

07-17-2003, 09:09 PM

Well, I stopped and looked at Mach1 tonight(of course, I also looked at a Forester XT), wouldn't be a bad car if it wasn't $5k over sticker at $35k and change. At that price you might as well get a Cobra. Don't worry, the salesman assured me that it wouldn't depreciate.

Bob, can I ask who the dealer was?

Bigdogjim

07-17-2003, 09:11 PM

71red: Welcome! If your dealer really really wants to sell YOU a Marauder he will find you a blue one, and do a dealer trade for it.
Let me know if I can help. I liver just just over the river form Trenton, NJ.

RCSignals

07-17-2003, 09:35 PM

71red, here is a "new" Marauder on eBay for $25,895

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6882&item=2424080282

71red

07-17-2003, 10:14 PM

RC
Thanks for the link. As a matter of fact, I found a NY dealer today that had a black for $24.5. Had 8k on it and came certified with a 6yr 75K warantee on it. Problem for me was that it was an "older" model without the traction control. Also, I got spoiled by the deal I mentioned that NJ dealer was offering including their add ons. Through work, I get a buyers program where the savings are substantial from Retail, and even their reps were saying the NJ offer was insane. Besides, I'm hooked on the blue. Looks like it may be a problem getting one since I hear they were discontinued.

BigdogJim
Thanks for the offer. If you see a blue drop me a clue!
You are right though...a dealer should be able to do that, but haven't spoken to one yet that wouldn't charge more. They may be bsing but I guess they are trying to make up for the initial slow sales. Since were neighbors, if and when I get mine, we'll have to start up a tri-state MM club:)

Question to all...any reason why the blues were discontinued?

RCSignals

07-17-2003, 10:44 PM

The original plan was for Mercury to offer a new colour every six months, now that that has gone by the wayside, it makes no sense for them to drop the blue, but seems they are for '04

Mark McQuaide

07-18-2003, 10:11 AM

71red: I believe Winner Ford in Newark, Delaware has two blue ones sitting out front.

jgc61sr2002

07-18-2003, 04:47 PM

crom - Welcome Enjoy your new ride.:up:

Agent M79

07-18-2003, 08:41 PM

You guys have been great! I think I may have read every message here twice and wore out every link.

The plan is for an '04 Dark Toreador Red MM.

I have heard there is to be a power sunroof option but I can find no "official" confirmation on this. Suspect late availability?

71red

07-18-2003, 09:05 PM

Mark M.
Just got your post...thanks, will call them first thing tomorrow morning. I'll keep you posted.

Agent...Cannot confirm this either, but I spoke to reps at my job's buyer's program and they said the sunroof was an option listed in their documentation for the Marauders, they gave me the dealer cost price for the available options and they actually mentioned that at this point it was an N/C for the sunroof to the dealers....again this is just hear-say. Beleive me I too am hoping to get/add a sunroof (and wing) if and when I find my blue beast.

Agent M79

07-18-2003, 09:09 PM

71red,

Well the price is right, eh? Didn't happen to share the order code, did they?

RCSignals

07-18-2003, 09:12 PM

power sunroof is, or was, listed in the new 2004 Marauder order guides

Agent M79

07-18-2003, 09:22 PM

Hmmm. This link (found somewhere here on MM.net) https://web.msslib2.dealerconnection.c om/RightSite/getcontent/myfile.pdf?DMW_OBJECTID=09000c 588038e459 does not include the power sunroof.

I have no idea if this is the freshest guide tho.

jrzygrl

07-18-2003, 09:26 PM

I've got the blue with dealer installed moon roof, nice there but they messed up the spoiler!! Sits too high on the trunk....live and learn, tell them you want it mounted flush with the trunk...

71red

07-18-2003, 09:34 PM

Agent - I will call on Monday and ask for the order code....I'll let you know.

Is it my eyes? I mentioned in a post yesterday that I was turned off by per pictures I've seen of the red and silvers...it doesn't llok to me that the front grilles have the same color monochrome schemes. They appear to be black. A couple of close up pics I have on the blue though appear to be color matched.
Can someone confirm / dispute this?

RCSignals

07-18-2003, 09:35 PM

Agent M79
It was in the first version. I guess it was dropped or the first verson was wrong. It certainly isn't there now

71red

07-18-2003, 09:41 PM

Jrzygrl:

I'll have to live vicariously through you for a while! :)

________
71red

99 wht continental
71 red cougar

RCSignals

07-18-2003, 09:56 PM

71red
The silver Marauders do have black in the center bars of the grille. I don't know if the red will as well

71red

07-19-2003, 06:57 AM

Just called Winner Linc-Merc as recomended by Mark M, unfortunatley they sold their last 2. Have some on order for August...can't discuss price yet. ( By then Anniversary will be over though)

RC, thanks for the confirm.

Litsnsirn

07-20-2003, 04:31 PM

Well, I drove the Marauder yesterday and I suppose that I am a little disappointed in its "seat of the pants oomph". Not that I am ruling the car out, I was also suprised to see that the unit that I drove had the seat heaters. I realize that the car had only 19mi and that will probably improve with time, but are there any bolt ons that that will help with low end?

jrzygrl

07-20-2003, 04:36 PM

Originally posted by Litsnsirn
I realize that the car had only 19mi and that will probably improve with time, but are there any bolt ons that that will help with low end? Holy cow boys, lay it on him will ya!!
Look at any supporting vendor's site and you'll find the mods you're looking for depending on how you drive it.....

jrzygrl

07-20-2003, 04:40 PM

Originally posted by 71red
Agent - A couple of close up pics I have on the blue though appear to be color matched.
Can someone confirm / dispute this? The blue has a color matched grill, can't speak for the red or silver though.

SergntMac

07-20-2003, 06:43 PM

Silver gets black grille, got pics.

Don't know about the red though.

sailsmen

07-20-2003, 07:13 PM

Rumor, unconfirmed, is the sunroof did not pass the crash test

RCSignals

07-20-2003, 07:53 PM

Originally posted by Litsnsirn
Well, I drove the Marauder yesterday and I suppose that I am a little disappointed in its "seat of the pants oomph". Not that I am ruling the car out, I was also suprised to see that the unit that I drove had the seat heaters. I realize that the car had only 19mi and that will probably improve with time, but are there any bolt ons that that will help with low end?

Did you just drive it around the block?

It does improve with miles.

All your questions about mods are here on this board. Check the vendors, their forums here, and search by the topic you are looking for. You'll find it all

sailsmen

07-20-2003, 08:30 PM

As far as seat of the pants umph, off the line a stock low mile is not impressive.

I have less than $1,500 in mods including installation. A friend is a Corvette C4 collector and when he rode in mine he said it felt like it had better acceleration then his vettes.

Well I think that is an exageration but he said he was serious.

71red

07-20-2003, 09:41 PM

Hello All:

Need some serious convincing on the MM. I have been posting about my desire for a blue beast, went to largest volume Linc/Merc dealer in my area to talk about them finding one. Honestly, I did not make it. Turns out a Chevy dealership accross the street had a 96 Burgundy SS Impala with 39K that the guy said they got in a trade 4 weeks ago. They haven't advertised it or put it in the front (I just have an eye for these cars I guess). Anyways, It is totally stock and it still snapped my neck back when I test drove it. Other than a few scratches on it and some slight wear on the seats, it seemed mint. Best of all, I negotiated down to $12.500. I have been a ford loyalist for quite a few years now (99 Continental, Taurus & 71 Cougar) but not sure if can pass this up. I'm loving the MM, but have admired the SS for a while. TALK TO ME PEOPLE. I know I won't sleep tonight...that's why I'm posting at almost 1 am having to go to work tomorrow :)

Litsnsirn

07-20-2003, 10:09 PM

Are there any mods that aren't warranty friendly?

RCSignals

07-21-2003, 07:20 PM

71red
Do you really want an 8 year old car?
Take a close look at the two cars. The Marauder IMO has a far better interior, and a far better suspension, better handling etc.
Stock for stock, they have almost identical performance statistics.
The Marauder even has higher HP.
Then there is the warranty, and of course the Black leather jacket ;)

JHD7001

07-21-2003, 07:50 PM

Hello list, FNG here (newbie, etc)

I was going to start a thread similar to this one before I found this one. :P

I was the guy who registered *every day* for the Marauder that was to be given away when they were introduced. I still didn't get a call, so.....now that they have proven to be a very capapble car but horribly marketed & not a swift seller on lots filled with blue haired pelican necks, and seeing as though I have three small children & a pickup truck & the dealers are begging me to take one...........deep breath....

I am seriously considering purchasing one of these cars. It would be the first new vehicle since I acquired my Lightning new in 1993 ( and the wife's new Pathfinder doesn't count.) Hmmm, 93, 03, 1st gen, both black, it may be karma.

I see the going price is around 26-28k. I've read the FAQ's & it doesn't seem to be much stuff that can't be fixed easily, but.

1) What is 300A, 300B? Paint code or option code?
2) What was/is the deal with the later model traction control?
3) Any issues that aren't easy fixes with the first models?
4) If I buy a 1st gen car, what am I going to DOH! about when I find out a later production date cured an ill or provided extra benefit in *any* area.

PS, the blue hair comment was strictly tongue-in-cheek. :D

RCSignals

07-21-2003, 08:18 PM

OK 300A were the "job 1" cars, built until Oct/Nov. Then "job2" started with the cars designated 300B. Job 2 introduced traction control, and the first 300Bs are identical to 300As with the exception that they have traction control and an 18" "mini" spare.
Later 300Bs had some "decontenting" which amounts to pockets on front of seats dropped, remote fuel door dropped, change to the windshield "shade band", and a few other small things.

They are all great cars though. Hunt your best price, and get yourself one!

Welcome to the site! This is the best place for real Marauder info!

TripleTransAm

07-21-2003, 08:36 PM

Originally posted by RCSignals
change to the windshield "shade band"

?? This is the first I've read about this... I just did a search for "shade band" and came up empty handed.

So what kind of changes are we looking at, so to speak?

TripleTransAm

07-21-2003, 08:46 PM

Originally posted by RCSignals

Stock for stock, they have almost identical performance statistics.
The Marauder even has higher HP.

I'm trying to find any local SS's with some 1/4-miles under their belt at the local strip, so I can compare apples with apples. So far, nothing... but I have come across a lot of references on the internet regarding 1/4 mile times of mid 15s at 90-91 mph for the SS.

So, until I find a local SS guy with some 1/4 mile history, I have nothing with which to compare my 15.096 @ 95 mph. Still, 91 mph versus 95 (95.5 to be precise)... shows a big difference in power production, if you ask me.

But.... in the end it's all about what makes you happier. I saw an SS on the road the other day, tinted just like mine, and noticed how those cars seem to take well to the slammed look (they look slammed from the factory). Low Rider comes to mind. Whereas the Marauder tends to migrate towards the musclecar rake, a$$ in the air and all. The Impala styling focuses the eye on the horizontal lines... the Marauder emphasizes the vertical ones. Which is better? Whichever one makes you look back at the car 6 or 7 times as you walk away from it, in a parking lot.

It isn't about absolute performance... there are Marauders and SSs in the 12s if that's what you're after. You're the one who's going to live with your decision.

JHD7001

07-21-2003, 08:58 PM

Thanks for the reply. I've seen the "Decontented" term here a couple of times.

The one I saw today had the front seat pockets, fuel door button on the driver's door, full size spare (non-polished), trunk organizer, cd changer, but no spoiler. I know the spoiler is a dealer option & could be sourced outside of the dealer, no biggie. I don't think it had traction control, though.

I don't believe I'm a big fan of traction control, having had to fight it in a 98 MarkVIII. It's a PITA to defeat it every time you start the car. (I assume you can defeat it via a button on the dash, if so, that's ok then.) I know it has a real world benefit, don't get me wrong.

Do they both have the ULEV one-way fuel system?

Thanks so much in advance for your help, big decision here & now is the time to act. I bet all of you could drive this car until 2010 & sell it for only 8k less than you paid for it. Sign me up.

Jeff

07-22-2003, 02:10 AM

The one I saw today had the front seat pockets, fuel door button on the driver's door, full size spare (non-polished), trunk organizer, cd changer, but no spoiler. I know the spoiler is a dealer option & could be sourced outside of the dealer, no biggie. I don't think it had traction control, though.

It sounds like a 300A...you can check the sticker on the end of the driver's door for the production month and year.
I really like my 300A (9/02). I think that they are better equipped for one who doesn't have much use for traction control. :coolman: :D

TripleTransAm

07-22-2003, 07:52 AM

Originally posted by JHD7001

Do they both have the ULEV one-way fuel system?

I believe so.

jgc61sr2002

07-22-2003, 07:56 PM

Originally posted by TripleTransAm
?? This is the first I've read about this... I just did a search for "shade band" and came up empty handed.

So what kind of changes are we looking at, so to speak? FMC changed the windshield on the 300B ( decontented ones) MM and also on the Grand Marquis. The windshield states that it is Solar Tinted.

RCSignals

07-22-2003, 09:02 PM

If you look at the later 300Bs, the shade band, basically the black area at the top, goes full width, whereas on the 300A and the early 300B there are only dots behinf the rearview mirror, with a darker tint band across the width at the top

71red

07-27-2003, 01:24 PM

Hi all:

Hadn't visited the thread for a couple of days, glad to see some responses to my probable SS purchase. Although a great deal,
I did not go through with it, MY WIFE, (who is not a car enthuist) made me realize how psyched I was when I first heard about the MM. (Got the DVD, poster, brochures right away!) As my wife put it..."IF YOU REALLY WANTED AN SS, YOU WOULDN'T HAVE WAITED CLOSE TO 10 YEARS TO BUY ONE". So, now all I have to do is find a good deal on a blue beast. I say this because I have found a couple of local dealerships with 34-35K price tags on black one's. (Although I did not get details, I am hoping they were not 300As)
Otherwise, I will wait for year end specials and get a black 300B.:alone: