What other cars did you consider buying?

[Johnman]

Since the demise of the Impala SS, the Marauder is a unique automotive choice in today's market. But was it a slam-dunk for you, or did you have other cars that tickled your fancy? I had narrowed my choices down to the Marauder, the Nissan Murano, or the new Mazda RX8. I eliminated the Nissan because I am boycotting French products (owned by Renault), and I got tired of waiting for the
RX8, which was likely too small anyway (I've got a wife and two kids and I want to be able to haul the family ocassionally). So what else were you looking at?

[rumble]

Absolutely nothing! The only reason I bought a car was Mercury came out with the Marauder. I think they built it especially for me.

[BODYMAN]

second choice would have been a 03 Cobra!! but yes the Marauder was a slam dunk choice.

[jgc61sr2002]

Had a 2000 GM ( Black, with handling package). When I saw the Marauder I had to have it. There was no other chioce.:D

[GordonB]

My wife and I also looked at and test drove a 2004 CTS loaded with everything incl. 3.6L V-6 variable valve timing. Did this on the way to look at the Dark Blue Pearl MM. The CTS drove well. I guess I really only questioned the space (inside & Trunk); the power seemed fine. There was one other thing nagging at me and that was the unitized construction. I love a full perimeter frame car, esp. with Hydroformed Frame Rails. I had read about what GM/Caddy was doing to the CTS to be able to put a V-8 (Vette LS6 from Z06) in it and I was NOT impressed -- trying to beef up a unitized body construct to make it a more rigid platform. Well, guess what??? The CTS doesn't have real frame underpinings, but the Vette does and so does our new Marauder!!!

Several years ago we looked at the Chrysler 300M, but I thought it lacked sufficient power with its V-6. I also thought about the other Leisure World cars, incl. Buick LeSabre, Pont Bonneville, regular CV and GM, and decided Not for me! Wife liked the Marauder Blue (Blue is her favorite color)and we bought it. Even my daughter, Phila. PA architect, thought the MM was COOL!!!

Gordon B.

[Marauder57]

I looked at a 96 Impala SS with 453 miles...but once I drove the MM that was it......happy I made it every day!

[reddog69]

I looked at the dodge ram hemi but whit parking here in New York what it is I decided on the MM.

[BlackHole]

The RX8 same deal they kept moving release date back. Now it looks like the 6 speed only makes about 180 RWHP instead of around 209 I smell 99 Cobra Fiascal all over again. And 2nd choice F150 Lightning but got rid of Silver plus not to crazy about the New wheels.

[chapel1]

I consider nothing but the Marauder.My son said buy a Acura?I told him they may make fine cars,but I want a Marauder.
Tha Marauder is a statment, attitude. Kinda of a rebel type of car.With a real American flavor.It's a throwback to when Detriot was'nt afraid to put some muscle in thier cars.
Forget about being PC I want to pound some pavement!!Get back to me latter about your milage issue. I want to check out how loud that speed radio is at 80 MPH.:coolman:

[RCSignals]

As far as new cars go, nothing, unless you consider a Police Interceptor, which generally isn't available direct.

[duhtroll]

Lessee here --

Ditto what rumble said! I knew this car was for me the instant I saw it. I did not need a car. I *wanted* this car.

BUT -

I also looked at the Lightning (too pricey but if I had it to do over again maybe that or the Harley SuperCrew - there are times when a truck is needed 'round these parts and I don't know of many who I can borrow from)
WRX STi - didn't want to wait in line and too friggin small (TFS) - also did not want manual tranny
RX8 - TFS
Mustang GT - TFS
03 T-Bird - *W*TFS (WAY TFS)
Also drove the Nissan Murano, Altima, Maxima. Altima was the same car as my Stratus, Murano was very very nice but too slow. My wife likes them for her next one. The Maxima has that stupid looking strip of glass on the ceiling if you don't want a sunroof, and the Nissans are just too friggin' UGLY to call mine. They are damn nice cars but they look like they were designed by Stevie Wonder.
Neon SRT4 - surprisingly not TFS but I did not want a manual and the Neon just doesn't feel sturdy at all, dangit. Besides, I see too many young girls driving them.
Stratus R/T - too slow
Intrepid R/T - also too slow
Hemi - does not impress me one whit

Was thinking of waiting for the Hemi sedan but then I saw a picture of it and it is the fugliest car I have EVER seen, and that seems to be the trend for newer vehicles. (I call it the Griswold Family Truckster front end look) Was also thinking of waiting around for the new GTO, and then saw a picture of one - same story. Fugli.

Didn't even think of any Chevys. :flamer:

In case you didn't notice I do a lot of thinking about these things. Always kept coming back to the MM. Test drove two of them a total of 4 times, with different ignorant salespersons each time. Even if it is not the fastest thing on wheels NOTHING has the look/style this car has, or the feel.

My first symphony performance this year I am taking it through the valet parking in my tux and long black trenchcoat, (black shades of course whether or not it's light) taking my horn in its black case out of the back seat, and being the coolest person within many miles. :)

-A

[duhtroll]

Whoops - forgot the Mazda 6 - talk about a boxy-feeling not-so-fast-as-advertized peesa crap . . .. No ride whatsoever.

-A

[BillyGman]

before I bought my Marauder, I had never even heard of these cars. I was about to sign the papers to purchase a black 2003 Crown Vic, and a got a phone call from another dealer who said "Hey Bill, last week you asked me if you could special order a Crown Vic w/a motor that has more HP, and I was just thinking, why don't you just buy a Marauder?" my comment to him was..."what is a Marauder?" He told me to go on the Mercury website, and when I did I had to have it even though it is 5K more than the Crown Vic would've been.

[LincMercLover]

Originally posted by 93tealcobra
second choice would have been a 03 Cobra!! but yes the Marauder was a slam dunk choice.

I wondered what the hell happend to you!

Nothing else really in the line up when I came upon the MM, although a 5 speed GT Stang wouldaa been a nice toy to have. :)

[studio460]

1st choice: 2002 black Camaro SS w/EVERY SLP option (girlfriend's kids didn't fit).
2nd choice: 2005 Cobra (couldn't wait that long).
3rd choice: Audi S6 (too expensive).
4th choice: Mercedes AMG C32 (too expensive).
5th choice: Infinity G35 (grille too funny looking).

[Went back to edit this post to add this important postscript:]

P.S. Although I would've LOVED to have had any of the cars mentioned above (well, except for the G35--that grille really looks funny to me), I don't think I would've had the kind of passion for any of the cars above that rivals my affection for my big, black, bad (and someday, blown) Marauder--I LOVE MY MARAUDER!

[SergntMac]

Originally posted by rumble
Absolutely nothing! The only reason I bought a car was Mercury came out with the Marauder. I think they built it especially for me.

Yup, you bet. That's me.

This whole experience, ownership of two kick azz MMs, one being the KB #1x, was the furthest thought from my mind. "Owning" an automobile is a financial disaster, I don't care what deal you cut, and I haven't owned any automobile since the late '70s. My father's voice haunts me daily. "Rent, lease, cut your losses." Now look at what I've done to myself...

[bchapman]

I was seriously considering the CV Sport, but also road-tested the Jag X-Type and the Grand Marquis. I kept coming back to the MM.

We're looking for another vehicle now (just a commuter for my husband) and when we pull into other showroom lots, the salesmen gather around to check out MY car!

And Sarge -- once you're in love, all reasoning flies out the window!

[Murader03]

Well, I wanted the MM to replace my high mileage '99 Cobra. My body needed the extra room. I connsidered the price too high when they came out and the dealer markup didn't help. Bought an '02 CVLXSport. When the rebates came out, dealer markup when away, I got the MM. Should I have gottem one when they came out regardless, maybe. Am I glad I wanted to buy, yes!

[TripleTransAm]

Always had a fancy for the '85-'86 Pontiac Parisiennes, having had a really great experience with one, so I always dreamed of 'restoring' another but with a more up-to-date drivetrain (it would have been TPI back then, but LS1 now...). Maybe someday...

But realistically, I always thought I'd find a low mileage Impala SS but prices were at a premium for such a non-winter-driven example.

Roadmaster was an alternate idea.

Then I spotted the new Acura 3.2 TLs, and the fat torque curve of the Type-S VTEC motor seemed interesting. Can't fault Honda engineering and reliability.

Then I drove a Lincoln LS in Florida and fell in love, started thinking about big cars again (yeah, real big, LOL!)

Considered Town Car, hated the suspension and engine.

Discovered Marauder at car show, went bonkers over it. Price scared me, so...

... considered Grand Marquis w/ sport options and 239hp as alternative. Scared off by reported 69-year-old median buyer age (for 2003 alone!).

Did my homework and nailed the Marauder. All is right in the world...

[Marauderman]

Well, owned a '98 CV w/HP pkg. and it was a fine car--no problems--but had heard of the CV coming out with a sport something with more HP ,etc..--sounded like my next upgrade was there ..then somewhere, I heard of Mercury planning on doing same with bringing back the Marauder--well, I remember the old ones and said--NO WAY!! from that moment on kept looking out for all info I could get on the MM up to her debut,,,then went to L/M dealership to see her..

The sticker shock blew me away--when I was looking at the CV down the road for 7K less.....told salesman--too high--come down to the CV $ and I'll take it--- that lasted 4 months going back and forth--CV were selling down the street but his MM was still there---told salesman--see- I'm right --you'd better come down----still nothing--then the rebates and discounts kicked in around Nov.'02 here--drove in after drooling forever over it and drove out with my new MM and found this site the following week

Life is Good..Oh yeah-- The CV urge went away real quick once I compared the two ....and got the $$ down on it--so maybe I did win after all--less $$ and got the MM too!!!!!!!!!!

[Crazieboutamerc]

Well for me it would be eather a crown Vic sport or the MM. maybe the LS.

Nothing that gm makes looks good( to me) to meny copies plus performance in a fwd what's the point.
nissan manuare is ugly as sin.
Mopars real hemi died in 1971.
However I would take an older wagon by GM( must be RWD) roadmaster wagons are too cool, but yank the GM corp motor (350)and install a real performance motor Buick 455 stage 1.

only other manufacturer I will look at is maybe the Mazda protage 5 or 6.
or the MITs EVO 8( gotta love the rallye car)
but the wife likes big cars so the MM or CVS.
BUT will take a performance buick over them all, 1964-1974 Buick GS. accually have a line on a 73 Gran sport 455. BIG BLOCKS RULE.

Tim

[Rob1559]

03 Mach1
03 Focus SVT

[duhtroll]

Sarge - I don't get it.

Why is a lease cheaper? If you don't drive much I suppose. The interest rates are higher on leases, and even with an extended warranty paid for above the sale purchasing was cheaper for me. I've run the numbers several times and I've sworn to never lease again. The mileage kills me since I go 25K or more per year. If I want out after two years I sell the car and get a new one - like I just did with my Dodge. After two years I am not upside down on the car even with the mileage I drive and can at least get my money out of it plus a few hundred for the next down payment.

Is there some lease program I don't know about? My "dads" (father, in-law, stepdad) all tell me leases are evil money makers for the dealer. Whazzup?

Thanks,
-A

[Smokie]

Actually did not need to buy anything, but for about the last 2 years I was waiting to see if Ford would release a 4 door, RWD, car with a minimun of 300 hp. Once the MM, was released there was no competition, easy choice,

[TripleTransAm]

Originally posted by duhtroll
The interest rates are higher on leases,


Only if you finance the lease amount... one option is to grab a line of credit and pay off the lease amount in one shot.

The benefits:
[list=1]
You pay yourself at the rate you wish, whenever you wish, how aggressively you wish.
Your equivalent monthly payments work out cheaper than a car purchase
You can walk away after the lease is up, no hassle to sell the car (ads cost money and time)
Dealers usually treat customers better if they consider taking a new car when the lease is up, they avoid dinging you on mileage, damage, etc.
[/list=1]

Once all this is considered for the length of the lease, if you decide to keep the car you don't have to worry about mileage, damage, etc... and you can then finance the remaining amount for 5 years or more from then. In other words, there's just no way (at least around here) to finance a new car purchase over 8 years (given a 3 year lease).

I did this with my WS6... leased for 3 years (financed over 3, GM didn't offer the immediate payment like Ford does), enjoyed lower monthly payments which fit in nicely with my coinciding home purchase, and the money saved allowed me to transform it into an amount that eventually allowed me to pay off the WS6 buy-back within 6 months of re-financing it (bank was pissed... screw 'em).

Not saying this works for everyone, especially considering the different market/employment/personal situations, but it worked out for me.

[UncleLar]

I knew about the Marauder way before they started building them and bugged the daylights out of SVO at Ford,if they have caller id they probably posted my name and number on the phones with a do not answer this guy post it on them. I started hearing rumors of a supercharged version over 2 years ago and heard they'd be out in 2004 or 2005, I decided that's what I wanted,not a normally asperated one. In the meanwhile I was taking a beating on the interest rate on my 98 Expy so I looked at an Audi S-4 wagon twin turbo awd V-6 6 speed.Fun little screamer,but too small for me. My saleslady at Mercury suggested checking out Expys at a local Ford dealer so I found one I liked online in their inventory,test drove it and bought it.Even though I was upside down on the old truck I got a good deal,no money down except the rebate and shaved almost 11% off the interest rate. I'd hedged figuring the SC Marauders wouldn't be out till 2005 and I'd pay off enough on the truck to buy one then. I blew that I guess and have a .45 caliber hole in my foot now(figuratively speaking) to show for it. I guess I'll pick up the one my union local owns when trade-in time comes and maybe mod the heck out of it or if the motors weak contact VT and go whole hog.So,in the meantime I'm just a wannabe 2%er.

[Merc-O-matic]

I have been waiting for this car since April 1977 when my
1964 Galaxie 500 was stolen. I only drive FORD's
Gotta Love it!

[ik04]

'04 WRX with a pipe, chip and intercooler mod- 300 HP.

The price of my REAL first choice was just a tiny bit more....

Thinking I made a very good choice.

Kevin

[FordNut]

Got a Lincoln LS for the wife while waiting for the MM prices/rebates to get reasonable. After getting my MM, I liked it so well we got rid of the LS by trading in on another MM. It's just a much better car.

I kind of felt obligated to get the MM since I had almost decided to go with a BMW 7-series because none of the American manufacturers were making a rear drive, high power, good looking, full size car. And then here comes a FOMOCO product that fits the bill! Love it!

[Patrick]

I was driving a 98 MarkVIII LSC. Loaded!!! Nice ride but was looking for a change. 03 cobra (Cant drive 5-speed) so that fell to the side. 03 Navigator ( TOO MUCH MONEY!!!!!!!!!) Lincoln LS, nice but styling left somthing to be desired. $42,000 should make a better statemant.

I was looking for something full size with round driving lights like the Cobra. I just loved that look!!Silly????

Oh well. I was just browsing Kelly Blue Book one day and in the concept car section they posted the Maruader!!!!!!!!! And thier was no DOUBT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !1 And it only cam in BLACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!And know you know the rest of the story!!!!!!!!!!

[jettle]

ik04

My choice was similar to yours... I wanted the Mitsubishi EVO. Having the pure speed and owning an all-wheel -drive rally car appealed to me. The wife hated it and actually laughed at it. I am glad she did because if got me back to looking at other cars. If I could not have that I wanted another American car to replace my 00 GT Stang vert.

Of course if it was American it also had to be rear wheel drive. That led me to the Towncar and CV. I quickly noticed that the CV came in a sport version and then remembered the Marauder. Went down and drove it and it was as good as sold.


Thanks to the wifey I could not be happier. Now if I can get the keys back from her I am all set :-)

[jfclancy]

Well was waiting for a customer to show for a meeting, reading paper saw an add for a used Marauder under 100 miles...
Made my excuses and went and bought it right then.
never looked back LOVE this ride

Joe Clancy

[Silver_04]

I was looking at an '03 Cobra or an '03 Vette (insurance company would have been able to finance a small revolution with the quoted rates). Tahoe Z71 was in the running too but the fuel economy made me look elsewhere.

[jgc61sr2002]

WOW - another thread revived. Responded on 8/15 and still feel the same way. The Marauder was and is my only choice.:D

[O's Fan Rich]

2003 CV Sport
2003 F150 4x4 crew with the short bed
2003 Cobra ( tossed due to the fact I don't fit in them real comfortable.)
Volvo 80 series

[Heavy351]

Uncle had an Inpala SS and after a ride I was hooked on the idea of the big car sleeper.

This was maybe 8 years ago. ended up trying to build my own version of the Marauder over the course of the next 5 years, '88 Police interceptor with 5K in motor mods, leather interior from a Grand Marquis, added sound deadner to the roof doors and floor. Saw the "lounge lizard" CV that C&D did and had pretty much decided that was the next project. Heard the rumors about the MM so waited.

I was devastated by the price when it came out but found you guys and joined up just to torture myself. Had gotten the finances worked out and was actually looking at a black CV sport when the stars lined up and my old car biz connections came through (used to sell) and Here I am!!

I can still barley believe it..

Truly never considered anything else and the CV sport I knew was a necessary comprimise. Rear wheel drive full size V8 with preformance potential that the average Joe car hope to afford. What other choices are there?

[Chief]

When it came to buying a new car, here were our choices:

1. Black Marauder/ DC interior with heated seats
2. Silver Marauder/ DC interior with heated seats
3. DTR Marauder/DC interior with heated seats

We chose number 1.

[BillyGman]

a 2003 Black Crown Vic w/the performance package simply because I had never even heard of a mercury Marauder before let alone see one. I'm so glad that the day before I was going into the dealer to sign the papers for the Crown Vic that I had test driven and placed a deposit on, another dealer telephoned me that I had previously talked to and siad: "Hey Bill, I was just thinking.....you were tyring to pursuade me to get a crown Vic for you w/a Cobra engine in it from the facory, and I had told you that it couldn't be done. Well, why don't you just buy a Marauder?"..........and this guy didn't even have a Marauder to sell to me! he was simply calling me for my own benefit! I was shocked!!!!!! So I asked him..."what is a Marauder?" and he told me to go to the Mercury website, and the rest is history!!!!!

[bugsys03]

Saw the commercial on tv,test drove one as soon as they came out knew i had to have one but i couldnt bring myself to pay over sticker. Waited six months paid 10k less, been smiling ever since. never considered any other car had to have the MM

[kurly]

Read a full page article on the 2003 Marauder in the Automotive section of the local newspaper, Sat., Feb 1st, 2003, titled "Authority on Wheels". The article referenced the Marauder's history during the muscle-car era of the 60's.

After that, it was total obsession . . .

[junehhan]

I actually considered a lot of cars before finally coming to my senses and deciding on the Marauder. I just remembered that I like full bodied vehicles, and that RWD is preferred. It also really helped that Ford was offering 0% financing for 6 years on the Marauder because the webmaster for the Mercury site made a big error! When it comes to taking out a loan, nothing beats getting a free loan :)

I considered these vehicles below, and test drove most of them

1. 03 Lexus GS300(not enough power)
2. 04 Lexus IS300(not enough power)
3. 04 SVT Focus(none available for test drive in region)
4. 04 Acura TL 6 speed(didn't buy because dealer wouldn't let me test drive it)
5. 03 SVT Cobra 10th edition(i'm a bit wide for the seat)
6. 04 F150 4x4 with 5.4 V8(what a wonderful truck, but i'm not into trucks after owning 2 SUV's previously)

[swc69]

I wasn't around when this thread originated, but since its active again I'll weigh in:

I waited for nearly two years for the Marauder to be produced. I was eagerly awaiting a replacement for my Impala SS. I followed every web site, got all the pre-release materials, and hung out at a local dealer waiting to drive one.

A friend of mine got to bring one home from the dealer when they first came out. He was all ga-ga over it, but after driving it I was pretty underwhelmed. $35k and it wouldn't even spin the tires? I was pretty much in agreement with most of the automotive press. It was a nice try, but the SS set the bar and the MM came up short. (No flaming please - I'm just expressing my opinion).

BUT - if you want big, 4 doors, RWD and horsepower the MM is the only choice. I waited patiently for used ones to become available. At $23k, its an acceptable option.

I considered waiting for the Cadillac CTS-V due this month. (4 doors, RWD, 400hp and a six-speed? woo-hoo!) but after looking at the size of the standard CTS, the V was too much money for such a small car.

To be really honest though - when the Dodge Magnum and Chrsyler 300C become available later this spring I'll be standing in line to drive one.

4 Doors, big, RWD, and horspower. Sound familiar? If the Hemi engine has more usable torque than our 4.6L I'll be trading in my MM.

If they actually come out with the blown MM in 2005 (and they price it under $40k), I'll be back in line with checkbook in hand.

SWC
2003 300A

[ADE 1000]

Well, here are the ten carsI was considering listed in finishing order:

1- 2003 Marauder - Not the best winter car, but who cares. Its brand new, rare, and very cool. Not to mention I can add a supercharger later and have a two ton land rocket.

2. 2001-2002 Cadillac DTS - Nice, very nice but would still be a used car and would have no potential for mods.

3. 2001-2002 Cadillac STS - One of my favorite cars, but getting up there in age. Also used and no mod potential.

4. 2004 Cadillac CTS - A very nice car overall, but a little small for my tastes. Would definetly go for a CTS-V, but do not want to spend that much right now.

5. 2001-2002 Lincoln LS V-8 - Nice handling car, but a little too cramped and a little too bland looking.

6. 2003 Mustang Mach 1 - A great value and I like the retro touches. However, it is way to uncomfortable for me and would be a handful in the snow.

7. 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII LSC - Another one of my favorite cars of all time, however they are really getting up there in age. And my brother has one, so I did not want to steal his thunder.

8. 1995-1996 Impala SS - Great low end power and I like the look, however the interior leaves a lot to be desired and they are also getting up there in age. They are also rather expensive for what they are.

9. 2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP - A good value with decent power, but the styling does not work for me.

[Johnman]

It'll be interesting to see how the new Hemi Mopars stack up against the 2005 blown Marauder. If they beat it, I bet we'll see a lot of Marauders on Dodge dealer's used car lots.

[MainEngDwarf]

Iwas going to wait till spring and either buy the new GTO or the Marauder, but I found a left over new 2003 MM and could'nt pass it up so I bought it last month.

[tbore007]

almost bought an 03 CV lx sport. salesman didnt call me back so i went down to lincoln mercury...im so glad i didnt buy that car....