Is the Marauder going to be a collector car?

[luv4skating]

Since there are very few of these I was just wondering if it is going to be or is already a collector car, or which model is better for that?

[Aren Jay]

You have to wait for a few more years before collector status is going to be given to it. Also prices will continue to drop for quite a few more years. In 2023 2030 maybe it will be an expensive highly collectable car, but until then it won't be. Remember it is a mercury.

Also it is more collectable in Canada due to the small numbers, but only for the Canadian Market cars. (like mine)

[rayjay]

Welcome to the board. According to a guy I know that is a collector, yes in the years to come it will be. As has been stated here in the past, the most sought after will be stock. As for color, the more rare, the more collectable.

[luv4skating]

I thought since there were so few made, that was the interest here, anticipation:)

[Bigdogjim]

Mercury never had the iconic weight of other car lines. Sad but true.

[luv4skating]

Welcome to the board. According to a guy I know that is a collector, yes in the years to come it will be. As has been stated here in the past, the most sought after will be stock. As for color, the more rare, the more collectable.Thank you for the welcome, Yes, I see what your saying, the reason I ask is, I bought a 55 VW beetle (Oval) a few months back that died at the VW shop (lots of hidden rust) so now I'm faced with, get a body and keep going, or chuck it all together and start somewhere else, I want a rare or collector car/hobby, old or new, I thought about the Dodge Charger R/T but thats alittle too exspensive right now and you see those every day, you really don't see too many MM's around in the Wash DC area, a few but not many, so I saw a 2003 MM for sale for $11,000 and I came home and looked up this forum and I like what I'm reading and seeing, also with the VW I'm being financed for around $400 to about $750 a month for the restoration, we decided they would work on it as I pay, but that stopped last week because of the rust issue's, it will be cheaper much cheaper to get a body and start over, so I decided I (might) sell what is left of my Oval, trade my 2006 Honda Civic sedan for a MM, in DTR, Silver, Blue with a sunroof......etc, that way I will have a rare car and a bigger car, I do need it, and maybe some day a collectors car....still debating.

[sd8683]

I don't think you'll find a blue with a moonroof

[offroadkarter]

Only time will tell really. It wont be as valuable as a Chevelle SS454 or a Yenko S/C camaro, but it wont next to a yugo on the used car lot either.


It will have value in the eye of the beholder.

[luv4skating]

Maybe not, but this is some deep stuff I'm in....

[TAKEDOWN]

I believe in 20-30 years from now the Mercury Marauders will be on these auction shows being sold for $260,000.00 and purchased by rich yuppies, who were completely clueless about our cars in present day. Our cars will be highly sought after...just my prediction!

[bigbillybbs]

In 50 years ill be 71 years old:geezer:.
By then I hope to see my marauder worth big bucks.:twocents: Maybe ill keep it so long my kids can inherit it. Who know 80 years from now it could be worth millions….:rolleyes::rolleyes:

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

It will be as collectible as the Caprice "Impala SS". No more no less. It's the exact same idea, just done Ford style instead of Chevy style. They sell for about the same as when they were new. I wouldn't call that an extremely collectible car.

[BigCars4Ever]

I don't think any car from 1980 up will ever be a collectors car. Too much plastic. Take the Grand National for example. I don't know anyone with a completely stock GN due to the fact that all of the parts simply aren't available and they have had to improvise. Mostly interior parts. They will always have thier following though.

[baltimoremm]

Whether it becomes a highly sought after collectable car or not, you will NOT be sorry if you get a marauder. Go for it, you'll be happy you did.

[luv4skating]

Whether it becomes a highly sought after collectable car or not, you will NOT be sorry if you get a marauder. Go for it, you'll be happy you did.I'm going to look into it and see, if the price is right maybe...

[RF Overlord]

It will be as collectible as the Caprice "Impala SS". No more no less. Exactly.

Since so few people even know what a Marauder IS, there won't be a lot of demand for it.

Cars like the original GTO, the Chevelle SS, and the Mustang were icons of their generation...they'd never been done before. What makes the Marauder special?

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

Good engine dropped into an aging platform. Just like the "impala" Caprice. They are exactly the same formula and will age the same, collectability wise. Hell the Caprice Impala at least had low gas prices during its time!

[rkk]

Good engine dropped into an aging platform. Just like the "impala" Caprice. They are exactly the same formula and will age the same, collectability wise. Hell the Caprice Impala at least had low gas prices during its time!

One difference, the Impala SS ran from 1994 thru 1996, and while I don't have the numbers in front of me they produced more than the 11,052 MM's so we are more rare. Plus there was a rumor being circulated around the Net about the year 2012 being the last for the Mercury division of Ford.

If that turns out to be true, there might be some hope for us regarding the collectible issue.

Just my .02 cents.

[MinnesotaMuscle]

Plus there was a rumor being circulated around the Net about the year 2012 being the last for the Mercury division of Ford.

If that turns out to be true, there might be some hope for us regarding the collectible issue.

Just my .02 cents. There's an optimist for ya....

[Eric-Blk2004]

I do not think this car will be a collectable. Mercury itself is not a popular brand among car feinds. Its more of a cult classic car then anything else. Every gear head import tuner or domestic knows OF a chevelle or a camaro. They might not all know the specs and details but they have heard of it.

11k units is small supply and should be good - but it s a Mercury Marauder. A what? Yeah my point exactly. It wont be hot to sell on Auction since not many people know about it.

Plus we all ruined ours by modding it. :-P

[Kerry67]

Plus the fact that it is a four door will hurt it. it will never be considered a true muscle car.

[justbob]

I bought my 03 back in 04 with 13,000 miles for 22,500.
A couple months ago the same dealer sold, not selling, but sold fast a 60,000 mile for 21,500 and a 80,000 for 20,500.
I think we all made a smart purchase.
I saw them take a nose dive about three years ago and have been on a steady rise since, at least in Chicago.
Big time collectable, no way. A fun car with good resale, yes. They would be worth a lot more than the average low selling price if people quit giving them away.

[Eric-Blk2004]

Plus the fact that it is a four door will hurt it. it will never be considered a true muscle car.

+1....

Four door muscle car wah?

[Kerry67]

+1....

Four door muscle car wah?


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[FastMerc]

It may be in time who knows but it will be along long time before it is worth more that it was new.If you pay attention to the car hobby nothing is gold forever as for the Hemi mopars those prices are even coming down,but they are still out of reach.

[FastMerc]

[quote=Eric-Blk2004;637570] Every gear head import tuner or domestic knows OF a chevelle or a camaro.///// Well technically a Chevelle or a Camaro are standard issue and are not muscle cars,unless you have a big block and a SS badge for Chevelle, or SSrs and or Z28 and SS FOR Camaro. :D

[whd507]

any full size ford from the 60s with a 427 in it is worth a fortune. heck even cars with 428s are pretty pricey. why wouldn't a latter-day parklane sedan with a cobra engine be a pretty close example?

I think they will appreciate pretty well, especially if people keep paining some purple, putting on gull wing doors, and 24's. (not to mention losing it and wrecking them honestly) the ones that are left will be better off in the future. someone here estimated that of the original 11,000, less than 10,000 are left intact.

[rauder775]

Well, we all hope they will be.

I actually do believe they will appreciate...eventually. For two main reasons: 1) It is the LAST Mercury muscle car (RWD, etc.) and it was built specific to the model. The engine, rear axle combo, gauge package, front suspension all were unique to this car only...not "add ons" like most current day packages.

2) Though I may get skeptics here, I believe the 4 doors will not hurt it 10 yrs down the road. Look around today, the "formula" has changed a bit. Also, the perspective buyers in 10+ years most likely will prefer four doors and the roominess. Note the rise in 50-60's era big, performance rides today. Plus, it will always have the muscular stance to help blur the 4 door image.

IMO....

[03mara300b]

Stop watching Barrett Jackson. When ever I watch I start thinking.....

[Vortech347]

Doubt it. I couldn't offload my car for the same price as a honda accord.

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

It is the LAST Mercury muscle car (RWD, etc.) and it was built specific to the model.

The last V8 rwd Thunderbird made didn't hold its value or collector interest. I have not seen one of those cars on the road in a long, long time. That car w/ the Lincoln 3.9 V8 was supposed to be a big deal, and it never was.

[bosscougar]

The Marauder as a collectible investment? I doubt it. For comparison, look at what the 60's Marauders sold for new and sell for now. Overall, no significant value increase (after accounting for inflation). I know of a 1967 big block (390) Park Lane convertible that sold for $2800 in driver condition 3 years ago. I also knew of dealers that had the new Marauders in stock for under invoice in 2005 and 2006, so the market didn't actually embrace our cars. It's our little secret.


The Marauder as car with a modest following that won't depreciate to nothing in 10 years? I bet 20 grand on it. About ten thousand of us love the cars and will pay a premium for another in later years. That isn't a huge pool of demand, but the MM will be worth more than a like-aged Grand Marquis or any other commuter car.


My 2 cents:

Drive a MM. If you think it is fun, and you want a safe, luxurious car that gets a little above 20MPG, get it and drive it. Ask yourself if you'd rather be in the Marauder or the VW. To me, a VW bug = marginally safe tin box with no air conditioning. Economically, I don't know what bugs get for mileage, but I doubt it is much more than mid 20's. They were great on gas--compared to a 2 ton American car at the time: EFI has minimalized the difference. The VW has and will have a bigger following, so demand means appreciating collector value and increasing prices.
Get a very realistic cost to restore the VW and then compare to the payments for a Marauder you can drive now. I'll tell you rust repair on a uni-body car gets costly very very quickly.

To recap:
MM will hold its value better than average. The VW will likely increase in value.
MM has superb driveablilty and luxury and safety. The VW is underpowered and under-braked by today's standards and is the automotive version of "roughing it."
Economy of gasoline: probably a wash.
Economy of repairs, nod to VW.


Whichever you decide, drive and enjoy your car(s). Life is not a dress rehearsal.

Michael

[BAD MERC]

You know - they built MORE 1963 Corvette split-windows than 2003-2004 Marauders.

[sd8683]

HONESTLY WHO CARES!!!
Did you guys buy your marauders to make a profit? I know I didn't!! I bought mine because I loved the way it looked and drove! I mean if they sky rocket in price 20 years down the road great! But I'm not gonna think about it because I don't care!

Sean

[bluesky636]

In 50 years ill be 71 years old:geezer:.
By then I hope to see my marauder worth big bucks.:twocents: Maybe ill keep it so long my kids can inherit it. Who know 80 years from now it could be worth millions….:rolleyes::rolleyes:


In 50 years, I'll be ...... crap...... 104! Guess I'll just enjoy driving it now ..... when my wife lets me.

[Bradley G]

Yes it will.
Mine is for sure! :P

[justbob]

http://www.carmax.com/enUS/view-car/default.html?AVi=5&id=5191036&D=90&ASTc=2004%20grand%20marquis&zip=60190&No=0&Ep=VRT&Rp=R&PP=20&sV=List&Q=d342b507-fa18-4382-be96-ce6c8a4353ff

http://www.carmax.com/enUS/view-car/default.html?AVi=0&id=5137767&D=90&ASTc=marauder&zip=60190&No=0&Ep=Results%20Page&Rp=R&PP=20&sV=List&Q=6c188cc6-21a8-42a2-b22b-96b3099d9cc9

I'm sorry did some people say no to being a collector? It seems to me that if that was the case then there wouldn't be more than a 100% mark up between these two compareables with almost identical mileage and identical years. This was pulled from Carmax's website today, this is also where i bought mine four years ago with only 13,000 miles on her for $22,500. Like i said before i knew it was a good smart buy at the time and history has proven that. As for impala ss forget it they made way too many of them to compare.

[Marauderman]

Welcome to the board. According to a guy I know that is a collector, yes in the years to come it will be. As has been stated here in the past, the most sought after will be stock. As for color, the more rare, the more collectable.

BY 2030 --think about it--how many will be STOCK!! in any fashion--probally not many --if ANY-----imiagine that--

[TAKEDOWN]

BY 2030 --think about it--how many will be STOCK!! in any fashion--probally not many --if ANY-----imiagine that--

I know mine won't be stock!

[Bluerauder]

Mine is already a collector's item. Just look how many people are looking for Blue MMs. :D

[Ms. Denmark]

Just looked at the carmax web page. There were lot's of DTR, Silver Birch and Black MM's for sale. Didn't come across any Blue. ( oops, only looked at 2004):o