Things to look for when buying a Marauder.

[BadKarma]

I am looking to buy my first marauder and wanted to know what were a few things to look for or watch out for when buying


any help is appreciated

[O's Fan Rich]

What type of experience do you have looking at cars?

[Bradley G]

Burnt rubber in the fender wells!:burnout:

[Motorhead350]

The windshild wipers coming on at random is a big one.

I am still "fixing" mine.

[rayjay]

I am looking to buy my first marauder and wanted to know what were a few things to look for or watch out for when buying


any help is appreciated

Welcome aboard! Post up in the Carolina forum. Money says someone there will help you find the right car.

[vkirkend]

Make sure the one you buy is Black, that color has no problems...

[Bluerauder]

I am looking to buy my first marauder and wanted to know what were a few things to look for or watch out for when buying


any help is appreciated

Vehicle History (get CARFAX report and/or send PM with VIN to RoyLPita for OASIS)
Tear wear patterns (abnormal wear)
Blistered paint ('03 MM primarily)
Overall condition of body -- chips, dings, possible accident damage.
List of aftermarket modifications, if any
Condition of the engine compartment (does it look well-maintained)
Any oil, coolant or tranny leakage at all
Test drive handling, sound and performance (look for abnormalities in feel and sound) (e.g. steering pull to right or left, ticking or pinging sound on start-up)

Most owners here keep their MMs in spotless and flawless condition -- you will know if you see one of the "Other" ones that is not so well cared for.

[Egon Spengler]

Wipers coming on at random
Headlights coming on at random
Fog lights not working
paint flaking
Right size tires (rears should be bigger than the fronts)
Air suspension in good operating condition, I've had a compressor problem )These cars have rear air suspension by the way)

After that, just the normal stuff... I am sure that there is more that I am missing

[rayjay]

Make sure the one you buy is Black, that color has no problems...


Don't listen to this, he was an abused child.

[Peter]

Avoid Dark Pearl Blue Marauders at all cost.

[SC Cheesehead]

:welcome: from the Carolina Marauders!

There are no real pat answers to your question, so just some general things:

Earlier models (300A's) had some issues with axles. Also some of these had harder valve seals that resulted in some smoke on engine start-up.

Earlier '03 models (primarily the black ones) had crappy paint.

Running premium gas is a MUST, unless you get a tune for 87 octane, Engine knock can lead to major engine problems.

Various minor, but annoying electrical issues; some with the headlights, others with the wipers, LEDs on the door panel switches. Use the SEARCH function to check these out.

Front tires will wear out real fast (less than 10,000 miles) if running factory alignment specs. Again, use the SEARCH function to check this out.

Also, these are big, heavy cars, and in stock trim performance from dead stop isn't real impressive; however, once up in the power band they perk right up. A number of members have addressed this issue with 4:10 rear gears and a performance tune, will wake the car right up.

And for the most part, these are "old school," if you're looking for 21st century bells and whistles.....:shake:

On the plus side, well-maintained Marauders are running strong at 100,000+ miles, and we've got one member at 200,000+ miles who drag races regularly.

They are solidly built, and there are more than a few of us that can attest to their surviveablity in bad crashes.

The car also has a very loyal following and all of us (well save for maybe one or two ;)) are great people; lots of wonderful friendships have developed because of this car.

There's really nothing else on the road like it. Even six years after their intro, they still turn lots of heads, and raise lots of questions. I love mine, and plan to keep it for a long, long time.

[Bluerauder]

Avoid Dark Pearl Blue Marauders at all cost.

This ^^^^ is a BOGUS comment -- or maybe and attempt at humor. :rolleyes: The guy is asking for straight up advise --- lets not play games with him.

If he can even find one of these "rare" collectibles, he will probably pay a premium for it. :D

BTW -- There is NO evidence here or anywhere to suggest that Blue MMs have more problems than any other color.

[Peter]

I think the above pretty much sums it up, I would avoid the whole 2003MY all together and aim for a lightly used fully loaded 2004 Mercury Marauder; Black, DTR or Silver(Dark Pearl Blue was discontinued for the 2004MY)

It seems as if most, if not all the flaws were sorted out on the 2004 MY Marauder.


Keep in mind there are minor differences between 2003 and 2004 such as the following:

- "Short"(2004) vs "Long"(2003) overhead consoles. If you don't where sunglasses the 2004 is right for you.

- Dual knock sensors were introduced for the 2004MY.

- Moonroofs were available as an OEM option

- Map pockets eliminated in 2004.

So on and so fourth, doing a search would yield some really good answers to your questions. Also don't forget thanks to the current economy conditions you should be getting a sweet deal.

[CBT]

This ^^^^ is a BOGUS comment -- or maybe and attempt at humor. :rolleyes: The guy is asking for straight up advise --- lets not play games with him.

If he can even find one of these "rare" collectibles, he will probably pay a premium for it. :D

BTW -- There is NO evidence here or anywhere to suggest that Blue MMs have more problems than any other color.

That's because no one can catch us and document anything:D.

[offroadkarter]

that color has no problems...


ha........

[bigmerc2003]

Find a car and if you like it buy it! The blues are rare, the black with light flint interior 04's are the rarest at 147 I think??? But find a nice car and look it over. The biggest problems are the paint, (just look at it you will know if it is bad or not), the rear ends because the axels are softer than the bearings and will howl like a hound dog (again when you drive it you will know the sound), and the radios stop working for no reason (put in an aftermarket and talk to POP's here, he can set you up). Good luck with the purchase.

BTW look in the marauders for sale section, there you will find the cream of the crop as long as the seller does not have 3 posts to him/her name and are only here to sell junk.

Not promoting anything but if I had the cash this would be in my garage right now

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=46256

[jgc61sr2002]

Welcome aboard.:D

[BadKarma]

thanks...the detailed info was helpful such as the wipers and headlights having issues...i didnt know about that.

as far as the regular buying info i am aware of that having purchased many vehicles in the past...i have been a mustang guy for years, just never really paid attention to the marauders til lately, i always thought they were great looking cars but just now i am interested in having one for a daily driver.


motor specs?...i know its the 4.6 4v right...wondering which you would compare it to the mach1 motor? or the earlier 96-98 4vs..and i am guessing it has the 4r70w in it..but i dont know what rear is in it.

lil stuff like that.


thanks for the quick responses and warm welcomes

[Marauderman]

:welcome: from the Carolina Marauders!

There are no real pat answers to your question, so just some general things:

Earlier models (300A's) had some issues with axles. Also some of these had harder valve seals that resulted in some smoke on engine start-up.

Earlier '03 models (primarily the black ones) had crappy paint.

Running premium gas is a MUST, unless you get a tune for 87 octane, Engine knock can lead to major engine problems.

Various minor, but annoying electrical issues; some with the headlights, others with the wipers, LEDs on the door panel switches. Use the SEARCH function to check these out.

Front tires will wear out real fast (less than 10,000 miles) if running factory alignment specs. Again, use the SEARCH function to check this out.

Also, these are big, heavy cars, and in stock trim performance from dead stop isn't real impressive; however, once up in the power band they perk right up. A number of members have addressed this issue with 4:10 rear gears and a performance tune, will wake the car right up.

And for the most part, these are "old school," if you're looking for 21st century bells and whistles.....:shake:

On the plus side, well-maintained Marauders are running strong at 100,000+ miles, and we've got one member at 200,000+ miles who drag races regularly.

They are solidly built, and there are more than a few of us that can attest to their surviveablity in bad crashes.

The car also has a very loyal following and all of us (well save for maybe one or two ;)) are great people; lots of wonderful friendships have developed because of this car.

There's really nothing else on the road like it. Even six years after their intro, they still turn lots of heads, and raise lots of questions. I love mine, and plan to keep it for a long, long time.


Rex, Very well said there my friend--You did good!and he ^^^is right!


This ^^^^ is a BOGUS comment -- or maybe and attempt at humor. :rolleyes: The guy is asking for straight up advise --- lets not play games with him.

If he can even find one of these "rare" collectibles, he will probably pay a premium for it. :D

BTW -- There is NO evidence here or anywhere to suggest that Blue MMs have more problems than any other color.

....again correct--just a bit of fun here and there on colors---but put straight for the newbee...good.... but ...

If your in Carolina--there is a very nice Blue one for sale here in Charlotte--Check the latest news on it--I know the car ==its our first Blue one in the Carolina Club--back in 03---

[rayjay]

thanks...the detailed info was helpful such as the wipers and headlights having issues...i didnt know about that.

as far as the regular buying info i am aware of that having purchased many vehicles in the past...i have been a mustang guy for years, just never really paid attention to the marauders til lately, i always thought they were great looking cars but just now i am interested in having one for a daily driver.


motor specs?...i know its the 4.6 4v right...wondering which you would compare it to the mach1 motor? or the earlier 96-98 4vs..and i am guessing it has the 4r70w in it..but i dont know what rear is in it.

lil stuff like that.


thanks for the quick responses and warm welcomes

The Mach 1 uses the Marauder motor. Same spec as the ATX Mach 1. Rear is 8.8, 3.55 trac lock. 03 is 4R70 tranny, 04 upgraded (?) to 4R75

[swc69]

Uhhh.....

Make sure the HVAC system works. Some fail and default to upper Defrost vents only. Make sure it can blow air out the floor and the dash vents. Common problem.

Make sure the Radio works. FM reception is a common failure. AM will work, CD will work, but FM won't. You might need to drive the car for 20 minutes or more to see if this happens.

Check the Air Suspension. With the car off, have two guys sit on the rear bumper / trunk opening, start the car It should pump the rear back to normal ride height.

Check tire wear on the inside fronts.

Stupid as it sounds - make sure all power windows work.

Check trans fluid to see if it has ever been changed. (Nasty? or OK)? Depends on mileage, I suppose.


There ya go!

[Spectragod]

Make sure the one you buy is Black, that color has no problems...

Except the paint falling off of them!!!:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl :

[Tom Kuznicki]

I think the above pretty much sums it up, I would avoid the whole 2003MY all together and aim for a lightly used fully loaded 2004 Mercury Marauder; Black, DTR or Silver(Dark Pearl Blue was discontinued for the 2004MY)

It seems as if most, if not all the flaws were sorted out on the 2004 MY Marauder.


Keep in mind there are minor differences between 2003 and 2004 such as the following:

- "Short"(2004) vs "Long"(2003) overhead consoles. If you don't where sunglasses the 2004 is right for you.

- Dual knock sensors were introduced for the 2004MY.

- Moonroofs were available as an OEM option

- Map pockets eliminated in 2004.

So on and so fourth, doing a search would yield some really good answers to your questions. Also don't forget thanks to the current economy conditions you should be getting a sweet deal.
I'm sorry but I don't think that your statement is a fair one concerning the 2003 models. If that is the case, he should avoid any year with a supercharger on it, since it was probably beaten to death on a daily basis. See, that is a harsh statement also and we all know that neither is true. As long as the car is sound and clean, there should be no problems with any year or style.

[DOOM]

Make sure the mirrors fold in.

[Motorhead350]

Make sure the mirrors fold in.

Nice.

I will say one thing though. Make sure the mirrors are painted. Mine has been in a few crashes and the first time they put on a Crown Vic mirror that was black plastic with no paint. Be sure the mirrors are painted to match and also you will know that the chances of it being in a wreck are less likely.

[stryker]

Avoid Dark Pearl Blue Marauders at all cost.:confused: Why PETER ?

[GordonB]

One more thing to consider. If you want a daily driver and STOCK at that, get an '04. The '04 just plain runs better than any stock '03. I have both and the Dyno plots to back it up.
No Flames intended. Just depends what you want and how you intend to keep it.
GordonB

[freakstatus]

Watch for condensation in the headlights. If it was never fixed by a previous owner, it may be an issue.

[drobin]

Try buying one that is not for sale, like mine...........


drobin

[Mike]

I'm sorry but I don't think that your statement is a fair one concerning the 2003 models. If that is the case, he should avoid any year with a supercharger on it, since it was probably beaten to death on a daily basis. See, that is a harsh statement also and we all know that neither is true. As long as the car is sound and clean, there should be no problems with any year or style.

^^ Not a true statement to all who own superchargers. I have one and I haven't beaten it at all ^^ :beer:

[Tom Kuznicki]

^^ Not a true statement to all who own superchargers. I have one and I haven't beaten it at all ^^ :beer:
Why do you just hilite that statement? you realize that if you read the whole post you would see that I stated that it was not true.

[tjg442]

ha........
NO "hah" ?? ALL THE ONES WHO OWN BLUE ONES, AROUND US, HAVE PROBLEMS WITH BIRD POOP ON THEM FROM ABOVE. THOSE OF US WITH BLACK, RED, AND SILVER DON'T ???

FIND A NICE ONE !!!! YOUR CHOICE, YOUR CAR, YOUR RIDE, YOUR COLOR, and !!!! "YOUR MONEY" GOOD LUCK.......SEND PICS WHEN YOU GET IT :)

[rayjay]

Badkarma you really should check this car out: http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?p=721256#post72 1256

[BUCKWHEAT]

Find one with a rootes-type supercharger, make sure the owner can hand you a bunch of drag-strip time slips, find some dry pavement for a test drive & let her rip. The owner will have taken care of it because he cares how it runs...at the top end, not as a grocery-getter. Two-thirds of the advice you have here sounds like it is from the polisher side of the spectum, not the performance side. Decide what you want & go for it. These cars look good and can go fast. They take a licking and keep on ticking (no not the #8 cylinder). Either way you will be extatic. Best of luck & welcome.

[Ms. Denmark]

Check the adjustable pedals. They often don't after while. Everyone has given you the low down. Bottom line, you're going to love your new car and all the new friends that go with it.:burnout:

[jgc61sr2002]

Go for one with low mileage and you won't have any problems.
Remember you get what you pay for.

[rayjay]

Buy John's and you'll have no problems :D

[jgc61sr2002]

Buy John's and you'll have no problems :D

Thanks Ray:D

[rayjay]

Thanks Ray:D

Your welcome John. The guys from your end of the state that I've met say your MM is immaculate. :up:

[jgc61sr2002]

Your welcome John. The guys from your end of the state that I've met say your MM is immaculate. :up:


It is immaculate.:D
I purchased a new Convertible and promised the bride that I would downsize the fleet.
That is the only reason the Marauder has to go.:(