Need LOTS of help in deciding - appreciate it! =)

[biodole]

Hey guys - I used to be active and have an account on here several years ago, but I don't remember my user name/password or email account - so I had to make a new one.

Anyway - I bought a 2004 mercury marauder brand new off the showroom floor down here in south florida in 2004. Anyway - The car is now at 71,000 miles - and has quite a few problems and maintenance issues that need taking care of. Let me also let you guys know that I am unfortunately not very well versed in the finer points of repairing and maintaining cars. I can change oil, replace air filters, replace windshield wipers, top off windshield fluid, pump gas, and fix most electrical problems (I dabble in electricicity) - but that's it!

Here are the problems:


1. Air Conditioning Problem (not blower door actuator, that happened before and was already fixed) - The problem is most likely the temperature blend door actuator and/or control unit for the ac/heat. The problem is that the A/C blows cold or hot perfectly...but only through the defroster. I have talked to several techs and they all say that it requires fully removing the dashboard to get to the little $15 plastic gear inside. The job is going to cost between $750-$1000 at virtually any repair shop I have talked to.


2. Alignment/Power Steering Problem - I need a fully alignment job, but in addition to that, my steering wheel has to be cocked approx 45 degrees to the left to go in a straight line. In addition, the car always wants to pull to the left when driving. Moreover, I hear a very disturbing creaking/grinding sound coming from the power steering when I adjust the wheels at a standstill or a slow roll. No idea what this problem is, but repair shops have against quoted me between $750-$1000 to fix and align.


3. My car is at 71,000 miles and has not yet had a full fluids/filter exchange. I have only replaced the air filter with K&N and done oil changes every 3-4K miles. I need transmission, fuel filter/system, power steering, etc etc. I assume the full range of maintence fluid and filter changes should run me approx $250-$500.


4. BRAKES - I have not once had any brake work done - but now I am having 2 problems. The brakes have become muddy and grind a little bit - time for new brakes....but more scarilly....I get a random ABS red light on my dashboard when I brake hard...and I can feel the brakes lock. To make the matter worse - sometimes the car will actually SHUT OFF (literally) after braking hard. (all connections are perfect and there are no loose wires). I figure this is a $1000 job.


5. MISC - I need a new battery (constant corrosion), new paint job (so many scratches and some dumb SOB keyed my car really bad), new tint (my illegal stuff is peeling now), another oil change, etc etc. I figure that all of these will run a total of approximately $2000 (mostly the paint job).



Anyway - if you guys have made it this far...here is my dillema -


My car has a book value of approximately $10,500 in "good" condition. I probably won't get that with all the problems (at a dealer or private). Anyway...I have always wanted a supercharged marauder able to stomp the hell out of anything on the street.

So here is what I was thinking -


Brand new motor (maybe sean hyland 4.6 - 450HP?) approx $15K

Full marauder overhaul + trilogy supercharger kit + misc. approx $12K

Full marauder overhaul (leave it stock). approx $4-5K

Sell/Trade the car for something else?


Any insight would be greatly appreciated guys - also if you know a good, reliable, cheap shop down here in south florida, let me know.

Again, thanks, I really appreciate this. :)

[SC Cheesehead]

Ummmm, why have you waited so long to do routine maintenance on the car?

[W4LTD]

Donate the car to a charity as a tax deduction...

[justbob]

I wish you lived closer because I could take care of you. But if any of those are actuall quotes then you would save a heap of money just purchasing a Trilogy car in perfect condition. There is a few here that would certainately fit your needs for a very good price, just check the classifieds. However you will need to start giving alot more maintenance on a more powerful car.

[a_d_a_m]

Forgive me for speaking somewhat harshly, but I don't see a supercharged car or one making more HP as a wise investment based on the care you admit to giving your current vehicle...unless the plan is to start taking care of the car.

Fix the brakes and alignment/creaking first, they are safety hazards.

[SC Cheesehead]

Forgive me for speaking somewhat harshly, but I don't see a supercharged car or one making more HP as a wise investment based on the care you admit to giving your current vehicle...unless the plan is to start taking care of the car.

Fix the brakes and alignment/creaking first, they are safety hazards.

+1. Like Adam said, if you can't stop the car safely, no sense in trying to do anything else to it.

[a_d_a_m]

Cut a hole in the floor?
http://www.pipeline.com/%7Ebkyaffe/altfuel/image/fnwincar.jpg

:lol:

[SC Cheesehead]

:laugh:


Cut a hole in the floor?
http://www.pipeline.com/%7Ebkyaffe/altfuel/image/fnwincar.jpg

:lol:

yeah, that, and an http://www.fotosearch.com/bthumb/PDS/PDS027/TR007150.jpg :rofl:

Seriously though, biodole, get the basics up to snuff first before considering any mods. After that, you might want to start with 4:10 gears, a tune, CAI, and U/D pullies; you'll be surprised how much those will wake up the car.

[Blk Mamba]

Ever see the Miller beer commercials, keep it up and we're going to take back your MM.

[Glockafella]

Ever see the Miller beer commercials, keep it up and we're going to take back your MM.

:bigcry::flamer:

[biodole]

Hey guys -

I don't really see what you mean by me not doing routine maintenance? The car was regularly serviced during the 36,000 mile period of warranty. Since then, I have had several problems all of which were fixed immediately. Also I have been getting oil changed every 3-4K miles and use a K&N air filter.

I was under the impression that major fluid and filter exchanges were supposed to happen at 70,000 miles....I am at 71,000 miles...

All I was saying is that I personally do NOT perform my own maintenance - I pay a garage to take care of it (wherever I end up going).


So continuing on...more advice and less ragging on me would be great...thanks



edit:

In addition, all of these problems happened virtually all within the same week. First the SOB that keyed my car, then the A/C went out, then the power steering/alignment problem, as well as the random red-light ABS problem...I'm not kidding...literally all happened this week - bad luck?

[Bluerauder]

Sell/Trade the car for something else?
I'll be the one to cut to the chase. Trade in the MM and get a Honda. They do not need any maintenance forever for the life of the car. ;)

[Blk Mamba]

Two words, Preventative Maintainance.

[BAD MERC]

Where in Florida do you live? We have a high concentration of members that know their way around the car. The alignment is a common problem, the steering wheel can be straightened at that point, 70K miles on the paint in Florida? Excusable. The creaking in the steering could be a $15 tie-rod end. The fluids are ignored (dif and trans) by MOST people. The A/C issue sounds like a simple broken vacuum line. The brakes could be a matter of pads and rotors off the parts-store shelf - change the brake fluid while she's apart. So - you can get together with a bunch of guys here and get HONEST answers or you can go to a garage where their interest is making money. Not one soul here will screw you - it's a brotherhood.

[TiTo35]

Well spoken...:beer:


Where in Florida do you live? We have a high concentration of members that know their way around the car. The alignment is a common problem, the steering wheel can be straightened at that point, 70K miles on the paint in Florida? Excusable. The creaking in the steering could be a $15 tie-rod end. The fluids are ignored (dif and trans) by MOST people. The A/C issue sounds like a simple broken vacuum line. The brakes could be a matter of pads and rotors off the parts-store shelf - change the brake fluid while she's apart. So - you can get together with a bunch of guys here and get HONEST answers or you can go to a garage where their interest is making money. Not one soul here will screw you - it's a brotherhood.

[biodole]

Where in Florida do you live? We have a high concentration of members that know their way around the car. The alignment is a common problem, the steering wheel can be straightened at that point, 70K miles on the paint in Florida? Excusable. The creaking in the steering could be a $15 tie-rod end. The fluids are ignored (dif and trans) by MOST people. The A/C issue sounds like a simple broken vacuum line. The brakes could be a matter of pads and rotors off the parts-store shelf - change the brake fluid while she's apart. So - you can get together with a bunch of guys here and get HONEST answers or you can go to a garage where their interest is making money. Not one soul here will screw you - it's a brotherhood.


First of all, thank you very much for the helpful response - I was expecting more snide comments and insults...so I am pleasantly surprised someone actually is looking to help out - I appreciate it. Also, I live in Palm Beach County, FL


Alright, so with these things in mind - what should I do? Is there a garage down here in South FL that will take care of these things for a reasonable price? I would be willing to spend a little more on labor obviously - but I don't want to get screwed.

If you guys don't know of anywhere, I will keep shopping it around...

As far as the A/C goes - I have looked this problem up at various sites and all of them seem to agree that the unit not switching from defrost to vents/floor is a matter of the controller unit or the actuator - not the vacuum hoses? However, I will take this into consideration and see what I can do.

As far as paint goes - anyone know of a good paint shop who can take care of it for me? In addition, I was thinking of doing a full black-out paintjob, or attempt the really gorgeous blue paint that only 300 or so marauders had.

Alright, any more insight and help is appreciated! Thanks :beer:

[BAD MERC]

First of all, thank you very much for the helpful response - I was expecting more snide comments and insults...so I am pleasantly surprised someone actually is looking to help out - I appreciate it. Also, I live in Palm Beach County, FL


Alright, so with these things in mind - what should I do? Is there a garage down here in South FL that will take care of these things for a reasonable price? I would be willing to spend a little more on labor obviously - but I don't want to get screwed.

If you guys don't know of anywhere, I will keep shopping it around...

As far as the A/C goes - I have looked this problem up at various sites and all of them seem to agree that the unit not switching from defrost to vents/floor is a matter of the controller unit or the actuator - not the vacuum hoses? However, I will take this into consideration and see what I can do.

As far as paint goes - anyone know of a good paint shop who can take care of it for me? In addition, I was thinking of doing a full black-out paintjob, or attempt the really gorgeous blue paint that only 300 or so marauders had.

Alright, any more insight and help is appreciated! Thanks :beer:



A lot of senior members here are your neighbore, Cobra25 and Ghost03 for two examples. We have about 8-10 MORE right across the alley from you. I am PRETTY sure that 10 or more experienced guys can help you keep your investment in perfect shape. If you sell it - somebody else will be benefitting. Taking your dashboard completely out is quite simple - Carfixer and I did my blend actuator in less than an hour. He is magical....

[biodole]

A lot of senior members here are your neighbore, Cobra25 and Ghost03 for two examples. We have about 8-10 MORE right across the alley from you. I am PRETTY sure that 10 or more experienced guys can help you keep your investment in perfect shape. If you sell it - somebody else will be benefitting. Taking your dashboard completely out is quite simple - Carfixer and I did my blend actuator in less than an hour. He is magical....

Well that is certainly a good thing - however I still won't be able to do this work myself. I really do not have the time or know-how - although I'd be glad to pay someone to do it for me. If any marauder owners/mechanics down here are interested, let me know.

[imorb1994]

As far as the A/C goes - I have looked this problem up at various sites and all of them seem to agree that the unit not switching from defrost to vents/floor is a matter of the controller unit or the actuator - not the vacuum hoses? However, I will take this into consideration and see what I can do.
Alright, any more insight and help is appreciated! Thanks :beer:

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=36922&highlight=jacook
Look in this thread for the a/c problem its a Very common problem.

[biodole]

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=36922&highlight=jacook
Look in this thread for the a/c problem its a Very common problem.


Just checked it - that's actually not my problem...I had that problem once before...this one is quite different.

The A/C Works fine - cold/hot all fan levels, everything is perfect - only problem is that it will NOT switch between defrost to floor to vents....it only blows from the defrost. Its the actuator or controller I'm 99.9% sure given all the research I've done on it.

From what I understand it requires removing the dashboard (airbags included I think?) and finding the little gear and replacing it.


Either way, I am still not attempting this fix on my own - I don't trust myself given my lack of automotive repair skill.

[SC Cheesehead]

I'll be the one to cut to the chase. Trade in the MM and get a Honda. They do not need any maintenance forever for the life of the car. ;)


Two words, Preventative Maintainance.

I don't think the comments were meant as snide, just some surprise at the at the mileage without servicing the fluids. I usually base my servicing on condition rather than time or mileage, especially coolant and transmission.

Also, if you're getting grinding noises out of your brakes it sounds like you're past the pads into the rivets.

Regarding my comments about mods, just something to consider, a highly modded car is going to require more attention than a stocker; and it just sounded like you're a laissez faire kinda guy on the maintenance stuff.

[a_d_a_m]

As far as the paint is concerned, I had v e r y good luck with the Turtle Wax Black Box kit (click for pictures of my results) (http://mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=53334). Available at Auto Zone, probably other stores. I hated it at first but had awesome results the 2nd time around.

Spend 4 hours on a wash/wax and it might save you from having to paint the car, seriously.

I had some deeeeeep scratches in my paint and some chips in the hood. The Black Box was able to remove or conceal many of them.

If it doesn't work, at least you're only out 20 bucks versus the price of a new paint job...


I don't think the comments were meant as snide, just some surprise Absolutely. No malice intended, dude.


Either way, I am still not attempting this fix on my own - I don't trust myself given my lack of automotive repair skill. It's already been said that there are like 8 or 10 people in your general area who would possibly be able to help. That extends further than online support. I've helped people with their cars and had people drive to my house to help me with mine. Share an afternoon together, drink one or more of your favorite frosty beverages, learn something about the car, make a new friend...and save a ton of money in the process! :banana2:

[John Nero]

First of all, thank you very much for the helpful response - I was expecting more snide comments and insults...so I am pleasantly surprised someone actually is looking to help out - I appreciate it. Also, I live in Palm Beach County, FL


Alright, so with these things in mind - what should I do? Is there a garage down here in South FL that will take care of these things for a reasonable price? I would be willing to spend a little more on labor obviously - but I don't want to get screwed.

If you guys don't know of anywhere, I will keep shopping it around...

As far as the A/C goes - I have looked this problem up at various sites and all of them seem to agree that the unit not switching from defrost to vents/floor is a matter of the controller unit or the actuator - not the vacuum hoses? However, I will take this into consideration and see what I can do.

As far as paint goes - anyone know of a good paint shop who can take care of it for me? In addition, I was thinking of doing a full black-out paintjob, or attempt the really gorgeous blue paint that only 300 or so marauders had.

Alright, any more insight and help is appreciated! Thanks :beer:

in live in boca raton, i use goodyear in pompano (Fed and copans) great shop - or you can go to Margate Lic/Mercury - Mark who is the service Manager own 2 Marauders and is a member of this website is a good person and will take care of you. if you have any more questions (PM me) or stop by the tower shops (Davie) on friday nights and meet the gang - my son in law repainted my car and Shora's car and his own - live near tallahassee and is a cert body and paint man his screan name is mills marauder

[Shora]

I can...pump gas...!


Sorry, I couldn't read the rest of the post after reading that you "can actually pump gas."

When I stop laughing, I will read the rest of the post and hope that I can help in one way or another.

Welcome back to the site and thanks for the laugh.

[Blk Mamba]

My comments are not meant to be snide, I waited 5 years to be able to buy mine, and it just concerns me that an original owner doesn't care enough for this automobile to keep up with the maintainance. I'm not saying you have to do it, but have it done, God knows I send mine out for repair, even wash sometimes, but it's always done.

[n00bkiller944]

Sell me the car!!!! Please?!?!

[Shora]

Sorry, I couldn't read the rest of the post after reading that you "can actually pump gas."

When I stop laughing, I will read the rest of the post and hope that I can help in one way or another.

Welcome back to the site and thanks for the laugh.

Ok, that was good.

Here is the deal.

Your A/C problem sounds like the controller unit to me. It sounds like the same problem that most have been having with them. You are lucky that you are in FL. There are about 100 members of the Sunshine State Marauders and all you need to do is ask if anyone near you would be willing to meet and try their working A/C controller in your car. If it starts blowing from all the vents, then you will know whether the problem was with the A/C controller or a bland door.

It take 5 minutes total to switch out controller units. It's very easy to do.

Brakes and alignment. Contact RoyalPITA, he works at a Ford Dealership in Del Ray and can set you up. His people know how to align according to Carfixer's specs and relpacing the brakes and pads is not "thats expensive" and much less than $1,000 (don't worry, they will also bleed the brake fluid for you).

New Trans fluid should only run you about $100-$150 max.

Again, there are a bunch or good people who work with RoyalPITA and they won't take you to the cleaners. You can trust that RoyalPITA will make sure that you are treated fairly.

As for paint. Mills Marauder, another Sunshine State Marauder, already painted 3 Marauders here in FL (one is mine). He does GREAT work and is a heck of a nice guy. He is someone you can trust.

Don't give up. All your issues seem minor and less expansive than you thought. Start with the important issues and work your way back to restoring the Marauder to near perfect condition.

We are here to help.

[Green96]

The creaking in the steering could be a $15 tie-rod end.

+1 on the tie-rod end. My parents have an 05 CV that was creaking BAD. It was just a tie-rod end. The allignment shop changed it, all 4 shocks replaced with KYB's at dad's request, and an allignment. His bill was relativelly high because of the shocks, but I would expect about $150 for a tie-rod end replacement and allignemnt. No big deal.

I also did not hear anything in your list of issues that made me think you need a new motor. There is a slight chance that you have a transmission issue since it sometimes dies after a hard stop. The motor is most likely fine in my opinion.

If you really want to get rid of it, I will take it off you hands for $1000 as is (since I know how many problems you have) ;)

[fastblackmerc]

Just checked it - that's actually not my problem...I had that problem once before...this one is quite different.

The A/C Works fine - cold/hot all fan levels, everything is perfect - only problem is that it will NOT switch between defrost to floor to vents....it only blows from the defrost. Its the actuator or controller I'm 99.9% sure given all the research I've done on it.

From what I understand it requires removing the dashboard (airbags included I think?) and finding the little gear and replacing it.


Either way, I am still not attempting this fix on my own - I don't trust myself given my lack of automotive repair skill.
Sounds like a vacuum leak to me.

[biodole]

thanks for the help so far guys.

Talked to maroone ford margate (Mark) - his prices are the same as other lincoln mercury dealers - so I don't think I can take my car there without expecting to pay several thousand dollars.

As far as routine maintennce...maybe I am just ignorant - can you guys give me some insight?

When should I be performing maintenance? I mean I know the oil gets changed every 3-4K miles...but what about all the other fluids and filters? Could someone give me a little cheat sheet to use for the future?

I feel like I'm really stupid given all the knowledge you guys seem to have for this car. My expertise lends itself for electronics, electricity, and virtually anything having to do with a PC - but cars are defintiely a weak point for me.

I might try that turtle wax blackbox kit as well...I'm really not very good at meticulously washing and waxing - but I'll give it a shot.

As far as the actual work on the car goes - I'll keep poking around and seeing what I can do. But I'm getting the brakes, power steering, and alignment taken care of on wednesday with a local mechanic who's pretty inexpensive.

Ok last question now -

I know I probably goofed with the maintenance schedule for this car..and I will be sure to use the cheat sheet (if any of you give me one) to the fullest.

However now is the question in regards to upgrades for the car. I realize I will need to put more attention into the car...and this IS my daily driver - so I don't really want to do anything that is going to cause me a problem or massive failure. With the exception of a completely new motor - any other upgrades worth doing to a daily driver? I was considering the Trilogy S/C - but it seems that for the price and all the possible problems etc I might as well just go with a new 450HP SH motor at the 71,000 mile mark. Maybe I'm just being ignorant again.

Thanks!

[W4LTD]

I feel like I'm really stupid given all the knowledge you guys seem to have for this car. My expertise lends itself for electronics, electricity, and virtually anything having to do with a PC - but cars are defintiely a weak point for me.

I might try that turtle wax blackbox kit as well...I'm really not very good at meticulously washing and waxing - but I'll give it a shot.



Hey, you're not stupid!

You came here for advice, a very smart idea! Like yourself, I am not too knowledgeable about cars -- my expertise is also in electronics, communications, et. al. -- and I came here for the same reason as you... to gain assistance with my Marauder, even before I purchased one.

Many, many people herein are extremely helpful, especially RoyLPita (Brian) and HotRauder (Dennis) and many others who have assisted me with what I personally deemed as "silly questions".

In radio we have a saying to newbies, "There's No Such Thing As A Stupid Question!" and that applies equally to other hobbies as well, cars included.

If you are going to try the Turtle Wax "Black Box", I would suggest that you click on the link below and watch the video first, it is very informative!

http://www.turtlewaxblackbox.com/appprocess.aspx

Best of luck with your Marauder...:beer:

[justbob]

[quote] I was considering the Trilogy S/C - but it seems that for the price and all the possible problems ect [quote]

What possible problems? Some MM's have had the snot beat out of them and are running just fine.

[omarauder]

When should I be performing maintenance? I mean I know the oil gets changed every 3-4K miles...but what about all the other fluids and filters? Could someone give me a little cheat sheet to use for the future?



For a cheat sheet you could use the "Scheduled Maintenance Guide" that would have come with your Owner's Manual, which also is worth reading. There's a copy of the OM available near the beginning of this forum.

[a_d_a_m]

+1 on the Black Box video!

[biodole]

For a cheat sheet you could use the "Scheduled Maintenance Guide" that would have come with your Owner's Manual, which also is worth reading. There's a copy of the OM available near the beginning of this forum.

The scheduled Maintenance Guide is not contained inside the Owners Guide. I do not have this.

Can someone help?

[RoyLPita]

I work for Ford in Delray Beach. I believe that at 71k, a trans, brake, and coolant flush would help things. You would need a new a/c Control head to fix the all to defrost problem. As for alignment, we can check to see what is needed and we also have Carfixer's specs to remedy the alignment wear issues.

[biodole]

I work for Ford in Delray Beach. I believe that at 71k, a trans, brake, and coolant flush would help things. You would need a new a/c Control head to fix the all to defrost problem. As for alignment, we can check to see what is needed and we also have Carfixer's specs to remedy the alignment wear issues.


Thanks....what about radiator flush, fuel filter, and spark plugs? Do I do those also?

[Stranger in the Black Sedan]

The only right way to recondition weathered and worn paint, is to have it professionally revived with a rotary and abrasive compounds. Wax will hide scratches but they just come back when the wax evaporates. A professional detailing job, which will not be cheap, will remove the outermost layer of paint that has most of the blemishes in it, exposing a newer layer of the clear coat that will, as long as the paint is not too damaged to be revived by buffing, look great. Although with the "really bad" keying you are probably on your way to a respray.

[RoyLPita]

Thanks....what about radiator flush, fuel filter, and spark plugs? Do I do those also?

Plugs are good until 100k unless the performance is way down. The coolant flush includes the radiator too. A fuel filter with an induction flush couldn't hurt, either.

[DJCV]

Is this thread for real? Or is this a goof??

[BLACKMARAUDER04]

I have eclipsed the 93,000 mile mark on my Marauder. Fuel filter should be changed every 30-35000 miles. Trans flush at about every 30,000 miles has been good to me. You can feel the tranny slip with older fluid.
I did rear brakes at 65000. Fronts still look good. I changed all for "shocks" at 60000 with KYBs. I am aproaching the differential and coolant flush at 100,000 miles. I replaced the battery with one from Costco about a year ago. I need new rear tires ( out of stok till June ). I have alligned the car once when the front Shocks were replaced to carfixer's specs. I have a tune and replaced the plugs at 65000 with copper colder ones than the platinum. I plan on replacing those at the 100,000 mile mark. Don't forget the PVC valve. I have replaced that at about 40,000 mile intervals. For inexpensive motorcraft parts, I have used rockauto.com on one of the members recomendation. Their prices are unbeatable.

[Paul T. Casey]

Cheat Sheet (seems to work for me).

Oil- 5K miles change oil and filter. Use the Motorcraft 5W-20 and motorcraft filter.
Transmission- I do the flush about every 25K miles, but I'm hard on the tranny.
Plugs- I throw away good ones once a year.
Air Filter- I clean and re-oil mine about every 25K. I have a spare so I just put the new one in and do the other one when I get to it.
Fuel Filter- I do mine at 50K.
Brake fluid- I have 208K on mine and it still stops. I shoulld have done this earlier.
Paint- Keep it waxed. I just used the Meguiar's Clay Bar and it worked well. Wash it when it's dirty, remove brd poo immediately.
Interior--Keep the rugs vacuumed, and the leather and plastic clean and protected. I use Meguiar's and Turtle Wax products.
Other Engine- I Seafoam mine about every 5th oil change. Sometimes I can feel a difference.


Copy and print this out, it's a good start.

[biodole]

thanks very much for all the info guys - I will apply this in years to come. Right now the car is at a local ford dealer getting the full job done for a VERY fair price after a good deal of haggling + some coupons. The paint is a huge problem though...the scratch along the side of my car (some ******* keyed me for no apparent reason) - is all the way through the paint and into the metal...There is NO paint left where they scratched the car. This requires touch up or full repainting.

A full stock black clearcoat paintjob is approx $3,500-$4,000. I simply can not afford this. Would you guys advise touch up paint? Or would the "Black Box" be sufficient?

[biodole]

UPDATE:

I brought the car into a local ford dealer who worked with me on pricing.

They performed the following:

1. Fuel System cleaning ($180) + Filter ($50)
2. New Battery ($80)
3. Transmission Flush and Service ($130)
4. 4 wheel Alignment ($80)
5. New Tie Rod ($100) + Install ($120)
6. New A/C Controller Unit ($600) + Install ($280)
7. Synthetic Oil Change ($23)
8. Replace cluster gauge lights ($Free)
9. Repaint entire driver side panel for the keyed scratch ($250 deductible, geico paid the other $750 - vandalism...god I love it when insurance pays off)
10. Complete detailing, waxing, polishing ($free)
11. Mounting and balancing of two front tires that I purchased online ($free)

$1643 + 6.5% tax ($106.80) = $1749.80
+ $250 Geico deductible ($250) = $1,999.80 Total

And I also get $150 off (with a coupon I have) + another $10 off for owner advantage

For a grand total of $1,999.80 - $160 = $1,839.80.

This is a FAR cry from the original $4,000 - $5,000 that I was quoted from firestone and the $3,000 from another local ford / lincoln / mercury dealer.

Overall I think I did pretty well - only downside is that they have had the car for 5 days now and it will take them until monday to finish it.

Either way, thanks again guys.

[justbob]

Sounds like you will be in good shape for quite some time.

[Baaad GN]

Geee all you guys replacing parts, brad replaces motors at 30,000.

[ledzilla]

I noticed no one brought up the issue about the car stalling out after hard braking. I haven't looked it up, but the MM should have a fuel shutoff switch that operates when the car stops too hard (inertial switch). My old Lincoln had one (and boy did I give that switch a workout). If you're stopping too hard, the switch activates and shuts off the gas, mostly as a safety measure. If you get in a bad crash, you won't have fuel pumping out all over the place, which would especially handy if the fuel line was damaged in the impact(s). So, in a nutshell, there's nothing wrong, you're just tricking your car into thinking it had a crash (without the airbag deployment).

[W4LTD]

It's great to hear that you got it all worked out -- your Marauder will be FUN to drive again!:2thumbs: