Why did you buy your Marauder

[Aren Jay]

Or why do you want to buy one.

Poll

[Merc220A]

Its everything I want in a car, comfortable, good performance, sleek, unique and reliable. Love it!!!

[TiTo35]

I think I bought mine truthfully...to make the youngsters in the DC area mad because all of them driving CVs and GMs....:lol:! But really its big car, can be a family car but yet be a beast when needed and its not a MM on every corner you turn.:beer:

[BruteForce]

The voices told me to.

[DOOM]

4 door cobra.

[Bluerauder]

To put an end to 18 months of the weekly pressure from my son saying "Let's go take a test drive--you know you want one". :D

[O's Fan Rich]

God told me to.

He came to me in a dream and instructed me to look for a Big Black Beauty.... and well, I don't ride horses so I knew that was not his plan for me.
I went on line to "Big Black Singles" and when the wife caught me, the beating was so severe I knew he did nnot want that for me.

Then I saw the ad and I knew what the plan truly was!
Spend all your time and money on beautiful hunk of sheetmetal and bolts!

[RoyLPita]

I was due for something new to shoot for and get.

[sd8683]

Because I like my cars like I like my coffee, STRONG and BLACK!!

[1stMerc]

Bada$$t afordable vehicle on the road, with four doors. Plus the potential to be even badder.

[MERCMAN]

No vehicle available that was fast, badazz, and comfortable enough for large framed people except for the MM. I have never looked back

[Ms. Denmark]

4 door cobra.
^^^^^^^^^^^;)

[merc6]

Loved the size and was looking for a project CVPI. One day found it next to a 96 impalla ss and fell in love on test drive. It was a old ass car with new technology and warrenty at the time. Closing hood trunk and doors gave you the older car sound and feel. Driving it was like a small car till you threw it into a turn or two. After a while you learned how to rotate rear end around to compensate for the lack of handles. IMHO it's one of the better suspention cars i driven in price range hell the leggy bobbles like a civilian vic on highway compared to it. One day will get another. It saved my life and really doubt safety of most other cars on the road.

[Cougar_Marauder]

I wanted one ever since I seen the concept in Car and Driver along side of the Blackhawk concept back in 98? 99? Whats not to love? They should have kept the 351 that was in the concept though....:burnout:

[2,4shofast]

4 door cobra.

Took the words outta my mouth.:cool:

[dpotter]

4 door cobra.

The doc of Doom beat me to it. Three kids and the wife just can't squeeze into the Cobra!

And, the MM is sofaking sweet I couldn't resist.

[whd507]

whats not to love? all cars should be so well endowed...

[J D]

Its everything I want in a car, comfortable, good performance, sleek, unique and reliable. Love it!!!

^^^^^
My thoughts exactly, including being able to have as the feel of a classic domestic rear wheel drive sedan with modern goodies, including a floor shifter which I never loved

And thinking ahead, I'll never have to give it up as it can make the transition from single college guy to family business man very easily.

[ImpalaSlayer]

i wanted to build credit since i just turned 18 so i said "hell ill buy a car" best decision ive made thus far :up:

[quota]

American muscle, rare, strong, roomy...and lots of tuning possibilities.

JP

[Davesvt2000]

Totally a spur of the moment impulse buy for me...

I was looking for about a year for a nice low mileage 1993 Mustang Fox body coupe, but most were in the $15 - $20 thousand range, more than I was willing to spend on that particular style/year.

One day last November I was looking around on Autohunter.com, and punched in Marauder, and then sorted the results by mileage, and one popped up a dealer with 6400 miles, about two hours from me. Went down to look at it the next day with a friend, took it for a one hour test ride, and when I got back to the dealer, started negotiating. I had brought a blank check, dealer wanted $23,000, and I offered $20,000, and not only did they accept my offer, i got them to throw in a two year powertrain warranty.

The way I look at it, I got a ten year newer car (over a 1993 Mustang) for the same money I was looking to spend, and the performance of a mustang in a four door !!

[Cordoba1]

Hmmm. I don't think "Sports Car" should be an option. Love the 'Rauder, but a "sports-car" it is not.

[justbob]

As far as i can tell there is no other comparible vehicle. Its not a nice ride unless its a ford product, V8, rear wheel, and that doesn't leave much for choice when you have a family of five.

[whd507]

my F-600 is a ford product,v-8, rear wheel drive and easily seats five (crewcab) and its even black with a floor shift...

but I'd rather drive the MARAUDER.

[Joe Walsh]

I wanted an automatic tranny V8 RWD black sedan....

(Some years earlier I had looked at and passed on a '96 Chevy Impala SS....eventually buying a black '96 S10 Blazer.)

I was contemplating buying a CV Sport and doing lots of mods to it to make it cooler and faster.

I saw a small picture and short description of the Marauder concept car in MM&FF and was sold immediately!

I just had to wait 2 years for them to build and release the production car....:alone:
Then I read that it would be packin' an all aluminum DOHC!!!....:banana:
Went down to the Mercury dealer and took a test drive in summer of '02 and was absolutely hooked....but $35,000 was ridiculous!
When Mercury came out with the $3,000 year end rebate and would work below MSRP, I jumped on it.
$30,600 on the road...taxes, title & tags.
Then Mercury sent me an extra $500 rebate that was offered just as I was finishing the deal on my Marauder!

[justbob]

my F-600 is a ford product,v-8, rear wheel drive and easily seats five (crewcab) and its even black with a floor shift...

but I'd rather drive the MARAUDER.
I agree but it won't fit in my garage and i'd have to bling it out with 38's:beer:

[John Nero]

0 percent interest-no money down - that says it all-bought the car Feb of 03

did not know much about the car- but it was fast for a sedan

[QWK SVT]

From the moment I first saw the Marauder (2002 Toronto Auto Show), I really liked it, but when I went to the dealer in mid-late 2003, they were stickering at $48K (Canadian). Way too much, for me to drop, at that time. I still took it for a test drive, and was really impressed with the power and comfort (particularly for someone my size) offered by the Marauder...

In May 2004, the local FML dealer had a 2003, still sitting on the lot. The same one I took for a test drive, months before. It had been there long enough, and the dealer was just looking for a way out. I was willing to help ;)

I got the car for a steal - $37K all in, including our (then 15%) tax. This was long before the dollar wass at/close to par, as well, so it was a much better deal that it sounds, today.

I haven't looked back - but this will be the very last black car I ever own... Far too high maintenance.

[ckadiddle]

I was actually researching buying a CVPI from auction and modding it when I ran across reference to a modern Marauder on one of the CV boards. Wife and I test drove Blue Thunder and had to have it. Traded a perfectly good very nice 2001 CVLX with low miles for it.

[Haggis]

Because the wife wanted me too!

[sd8683]

Because the wife wanted me too!

You found yourself a keeper!!

[dreydin]

it was love at first sight.

[MADRODER]

Its' ..BIG
It's...BLACK
& it's BEAUTIFUL.........

[freakstatus]

Its hands down the coolest looking car I have ever seen in my life. Practical and affordable....at least now.

[Aren Jay]

For me I needed a big car. I bought in 04 My Subaru Legacy L sedan and liked the sedan idea, but didn't like the cramped quaters. I knew from day one that it was just a stepping stone car, I thought at the time for an 05 Legacy GT. I loved the AWD and the colour was very nice.

The Marauder I first saw at the car show locally and didn't think much about it. the doors were to small, and because it was locked and unattended, I couldn't sit inside. I did like the size, the colour was ok but it was just kind of put there and ignored. no price or info sheet.

Later on the web I found an audio recording of the stock Marauder, someone taped their car inside and out. That was amazing.

After researching what was found was something to like. Big, plenty of room, no smashing my head on the roof like in my Legacy, Mustang Fast or faster.

I grew up with Mustangs. Was driven to the hospital 45 minutes before i was born in a 66 Mustang, was driven home later that week in the same Mustang. My first car was an 86 Mustang "Cobra" and I took that car all around the world with me. It has even been places I havn't. Panama Canal, Oakland California, Tacoma Washington. ( I shipped it to England, and back)

Then I traded it in on my Subaru Legacy, along with my 94 Firebird. I started to miss the power, and the space, comfortable seats, and that Subaru Grey interior just depressed me. Got to the point where I didn't want to drive.

Then I started looking for a replacement. My Dad just passed away, and left some money. I spent 8 month searching for the right car. Checked 100's. Yes I'm picky.

I found a Black 03 at a local dealership and went for a sitdown test. It was quite impressive, but the price was not. I didn't test drive it, just listened to the engine running and adjusted everything.

I then recieved an email from a place that advertised one of the rare Canadian DTR's. They were 3 months late and apoligised for being so. they wanted $30K for the 04 in 07, plus tax, shipping, dealer fees.... They knew it was quite rare, they didn't know it was 1 of 13.

I talked them down to 27K, No Fees, shipped plus tax. I bought my car, the first car i've done this, without a test drive, site unseen. I used a local auction place for shipping and after 4 days got a call the auction place drove a truck into my new car. See gallery for left front end swap.

Not catastrophic damage, but with some help from this site, and my brother in-law, who is a big time lawyer, and many phone calls and emails with the deliver company, and after the ohter company that hit my car, another auction company, who just took the car to their guys and fixed it, no consultation, not asking me, etc... I was peeed.

Anyway I got it back. People can't tell which side got hit, so I guess they did an ok job. I have found recently a rattle in the dash, and had my light, they hit pop out of position, something isn't quite perfect...

Oh well.

I dorve it home and loved it.

I still do, the best car I have ever owned. I don't even miss the Mustangs anymore.

I must say I still know my old Mustang better than this Marauder, but I wouldn't trade back. I might buy another Mustang but I won't be selling my Marauder.

[Bobmiddle]

I was looking for a newer car. My parents own a Auto body repair shop in Ca and I have had some great cars from them. But they have always been wreched or theft recoveries. I was looking for a car on the larger side that could be a bad a$$ cruiser and supprise a few people on the street. I was thinking about a CV, GM or Town car with boost. Everything I looked at in that class was over priced!
Then I found a black MM on the LM lot in Las Vegas. I loved it but it too was to expencive $27k in 2005 with 7k miles and it was black. If you have ever lived in the desert you know black is way too Hot.
I found a really clean SB in California with only 11k on the clock for $24k score. I was in contact with the internet sales manager about the car he said it was a beauty. I was not sold because of the $24k price tag. 3 days later I get an e-mail that the MM has been reduced $18900. The next morning I get a call from the internet sales managers Boss. "Sorry but that e-mail was a mistake and the sales manager has been repermanded and the $24k still stands" I tell the manager sorry but I have an e-mail from your Co. Advertising the price and I will be down on friday to see the car in person.

I had some Cash saved up and a v6 Mustang conv. to trade. The dealer was not all that happy to see me on that friday with e-mail in hand. They wanted to give me $800 for my trade :bs:I said no thanks. My dad sold the mustang to one of the service managers for $3500 that day. It was quite an experience

[duhtroll]

I had to buy one after being bombarded with the incessant advertising FoMoCo did for the Marauder.






Wha?

Oh.

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

I get bored with newer cars and it was time for a change. Going from an Acura to a Ford was certainly a change of some sort. LOL

But seriously, 4 door, proven engine, proven platform.

[mrjones]

Mustang performance with plenty of room and comfort for the family

[EMRuiz7]

its unique and quick...:banana2:

[MENINBLK]

I waited 6 years to buy the Marauder.

1998, Ford was going to make the CV Sport a real Sports car.
Then in 1999, the CV Sport became the BlackHawk.

Around 2000, Mercury needed something to spike its sales.
BlackHawk was transferred to Mercury.
Sometime aroud 2001 the Mercury MARAUDER started showing up at Auto Shows.
The Show version had a 2V SC 4.6L that we missed out on.

2002, the First 2003 Marauders rolled off showroom floors,
just to roll back in with defective 4R70W transmissions.
2003, the 2004 Marauder rolled off the floor with the 4R75W transmission.

Called my salesperson and told him to get me a black one with all the toys.
My wife picked it up Jan 2, 2004.

Now all of the MUSTANG drivers have something to BEWARE of..... :beer:

[jstbrnt]

Chic's dig it!:coolman:

[texascorvette]

I refused to pay what a low mileage, clean '96 Impala SS was bringing at the time. MM was a no-brainer.

[Paco]

I was looking for a big four door sedan - nothing really in particular. At the time, something like a Crown Vic or GM would have done it, but the last MM on the lot was right next to it and I had to look closer. Actually, I feel dumb about this, but I never even heard of it before then. One very sucessful Mercury secret project. One test ride though and I just had to have it.

Every other car I'd bought was a rational and time consuming experience. It usually doesn't happen for me, but in rare cases, an impluse buy can be a good thing.

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

I refused to pay what a low mileage, clean '96 Impala SS was bringing at the time.

The 5.7 costs sooooo much less to mod to get the same time slips as the MM, but the Impala/Caprice fat bubble body style is just so damn ugly

[texascorvette]

by now it's ancient technology, too.

[bosscougar]

I daily drive a CV and it works fine, it is just not ENOUGH.

I am too tall for a Mustang, so a Marauder is next in line on Ford's list of fun cars. A Lightning was considered but rejected for being a gas hog.

The Marauder being a Mercury is a plus, since I already have a few old Cougars. I can drive it to local Cougar club meetings without being given a hard time, plus it reinforces my IMOA membership.

[Aren Jay]

160 voters, anyone not vote?

[knine]

I bought my Marauder because it was BLUE.

[timfromme]

Hi people,
I first saw a Merc Marauder displayed at the Bangor Mall in Maine where I lived in 2003. Loved it! Couldn't afford it. I was driving my 1986 Merc Cougar at the time. Always wanted a performance car but my Cougar had the 3.8 V6, no get up in go. I was also tired of the Mustang VS Camaro thing at the time too. Would love to have driven a sedan that blows the doors off both of them! Times changed for me during that time and now. Divorce, Jobs, Death in family, Custody of the kids, and so on, and so on... It was time to treat myself after driving a Purple Dodge Caravan for awhile. Found a Marauder on ebay with 32,190 miles on her and outbid everyone for her. I won at $15,850.00; the original sticker is $35,185.00 I now have owned her for 1 week today. Love the performance. Gives me plenty of smiles. My Cougar that I used to own was silver too. hmmmmm.

My 2003 Marauder
http://by141w.bay141.mail.live.com/att/GetAttachment.aspx?tnail=2&messageId=e594afe6-3ecb-42f6-9f6f-b0929abcbd1c&Aux=4|0|8CA7BFE30DAC7D0|
My 1986 Cougar that I bought in 2002. Sadly traded it in for a Caravan.
http://www.coolcats.net/photos/cars/1986/Timothy_1111016686/plimg.jpg

[texascorvette]

Hi people,
I first saw a Merc Marauder displayed at the Bangor Mall in Maine where I lived in 2003. Loved it! Couldn't afford it. I was driving my 1986 Merc Cougar at the time. Always wanted a performance car but my Cougar had the 3.8 V6, no get up in go. I was also tired of the Mustang VS Camaro thing at the time too. Would love to have driven a sedan that blows the doors off both of them! Times changed for me during that time and now. Divorce, Jobs, Death in family, Custody of the kids, and so on, and so on... It was time to treat myself after driving a Purple Dodge Caravan for awhile. Found a Marauder on ebay with 32,190 miles on her and outbid everyone for her. I won at $15,850.00; the original sticker is $35,185.00 I now have owned her for 1 week today. Love the performance. Gives me plenty of smiles. My Cougar that I used to own was silver too. hmmmmm.

My 2003 Marauder
http://by141w.bay141.mail.live.com/att/GetAttachment.aspx?tnail=2&messageId=e594afe6-3ecb-42f6-9f6f-b0929abcbd1c&Aux=4|0|8CA7BFE30DAC7D0|
My 1986 Cougar that I bought in 2002. Sadly traded it in for a Caravan.
http://www.coolcats.net/photos/cars/1986/Timothy_1111016686/plimg.jpg
Congratulations! You should have worn a mask when you picked it up. You got a helluva deal on a helluva car. The car has its idiosyncrasies, but you will love. Bet the gas (premium, oh well) mileage is better than your old Cougar, too.

[Iowa Rick]

I bought mine because it WASN'T MADE IN CHINA!

Seriously though, when I was a kid all my Dad bought was full size black Fords. My Dad died a few weeks ago and I bought this beautiful black "Ford" as a rolling memorial to his memory. Plus its faster than any of the Fords he bought. He would have loved it. Rick

[dohc324ci]

I bought the MM to replace my Mustang GT that I commuted in. Bottom line much more comfortable, a little luxury and that 32v V8!. I always liked the 94-96 Impala and was my first choice, until I started looking for one. They are hard to find in clean condition so I looked at alternatives like the Crown Vic sport which I almost purchased prior to the MM. I happen to look on autotrader and found this baby for less than the crown vic! Soon as I seen her I was SOLD!

[TAKEDOWN]

I wanted a car that had room for a family, but had the balls of a muscle car, didn't want to drive around in a mini van! Just cause I'm a father doesn't mean I have to be lame!

[Illss]

Because i got tired of my 96 Impala ss and wanted something newer.......

[Shaijack]

My dog told me to buy it.

[texascorvette]

My dog told me to buy it.My wife is too ferocious for me to talk about her like that.

[Aren Jay]

given the current trend I might have to start a new poll, "why did you get rid of your Marauder"?

[ckadiddle]

Bought the second one for the new wife to replace a 2000 Mustang GT convertible. It just wan't nearly as comfy or as practical as a Marauder. It was also going to need a new roof.

[Aren Jay]

Ironically my 86 Mustang hatchback was the most comfortable car I ever had. Mind you after 17 years it was well broken in.

[Leadfoot281]

I bought mine for the sole reason of really pi$$ing some one off. That week I also bought a $900 pin striped suit, shark skin shoes and a rap CD. (NWA I think). Before I left the dealership I also put a George Bush bumper sticker on it.

I royally pi$$ed off the whole town.:D Actually had to record all my phone calls after that one.

I was also looking at an '04 Mach1 in Competition Orange and that would have done the trick too, but the Marauder was the same price and half the insurance.

[BATMANN]

I think its a perfect car its big its black, it fast and getting faster its sound is Awesome the upgrades are fun to do as you go along Its Masculine, Muscular, and Sexy. it keeps me in shape Detailing it just about ever day its all Good... It represents me Well, reflects my personality perfectly. I detail Cars for a living so it represents my bisiness as well, and it brings work in all the time People ask me who details its than i hand them my number it never leaves my driveway unless its washed and waxed everyday. And thats how I roll.....MARAUDERS RULE!

[m1dn1temarauder]

just cuz it's a bad mutha....shut yo mouth!!!!

[1of327]

I Bought mine because I knew how Rare the Blue was...I had several vics prior, and was on the hunt for a Black CV sport, but I found LILITH instead. Ever since I saw the concept, and saw a Black Marauder on the showroom floor of Thompson L/M in Dundalk...I pined for one.
When I went past the Dealership I used to work for, they had just traded in this Blue marauder in from a Cop that bought a Blue Mustang GT. I had the Doc's drawn up the day I saw her and gave my 2005 Vic LX in on trade.
So far, I have NO REGRETS...when I was T-Boned and saw the other car...I knew that this was a safe people hauler. With a wife and two kids, I FEEL COMPLETELY SAFE IN THIS PANTHER!!


I LOVE THIS F%$KING CAR!!!!and the fact that it is rare, and sought after, and not another Mass produced, Blend in car is that much sweeter. I will NEVER sell this car...

I never got the chance to vote!!??!!

[Professor]

I had a beautiful O1 Bullitt that I loved. We had our baby boy (our second child). I looked back at my daughter in the back seat of the Bullitt with her knees in her chest and my baby boy with his car seat that barely fit (not to mention the yoga that had to be done by both of us to get him in his seat). I decided it was time to grow up ... a little :rolleyes:. The Marauder struck me as a four door Mach 1. I wanted a Mustang, but I had to accomodate a family. It was the perfect compromise.

The beautiful thing is that the wife has agreed to let me buy a Mustang for a weekend toy (keeping the Marauder) for my 40th b-day in 2009.:D