Help! Totaled my Blue Marauder. Need help with the Value.

[Speed Racer]

Hey Guys, I need your help with regard to a fair market value of my Blue Marauder. I totaled it Monday a week ago. It was in perfect condition with 71k on the clock. Progressive wants to pay me NADA retail which is only $12,000! After researching cars on the net, I submitted documentation to support a retail value of $18,000, which I believe to be fair and reasonable. I have argued the case of only 327 having been built, and with Light Flint and Heated Seats, I figured it was one of about 150, or so.
They are talking about getting an independent appraiser to come up with a better value for me. To me, 12k is an insult. Salvage value is $3600.
With what you all have seen in the market place, what do you think is a fair and reasonable value? Please post your opinions and any suggestions to get a fair value established.
Thanks, Sam Gant

[RR|Suki]

with 70k miles, 12k doesn't seem outrageous at all, sorry man. Good luck with the appraisal

[Speed Racer]

It seems to me that the values are going up. This is a list of cars posted on Autotrader. Most are from private sellers.

03, Black, 38k mi, $18,000
03, Black, 133k mi, $10,000
03, Black, 40k mi, $20,000
03, Black, 50k mi, $18,000
03, Black, 65k mi, $17,000
03, Black, 105k mi, $16,000
03, Black, 60k mi, $14,000
03, Black, 70k mi, $11,000 (salvage title)

[Speed Racer]

This car was in excellent condition. No wear on driver seat, all maintenance done, perfect paint, new tires, no issues, babied.

[Blackmobile]

Sorry for your loss, and I know how precious your MM was too you, but if you can get $14,000 ~ $15,000, you would be doing good. If I figure right, KBB doesn't change the value because of color. By the way, my payoff was less than your lowest denomination in your poll, for a Black 03 with 135K mi.

[Bluerauder]

Hey Guys, I need your help with regard to a fair market value of my Blue Marauder. I totaled it Monday a week ago. It was in perfect condition with 71k on the clock. Progressive wants to pay me NADA retail which is only $12,000! After researching cars on the net, I submitted documentation to support a retail value of $18,000, which I believe to be fair and reasonable. I have argued the case of only 327 having been built, and with Light Flint and Heated Seats, I figured it was one of about 150, or so.
They are talking about getting an independent appraiser to come up with a better value for me. To me, 12k is an insult. Salvage value is $3600.
With what you all have seen in the market place, what do you think is a fair and reasonable value? Please post your opinions and any suggestions to get a fair value established.
Thanks, Sam Gant

328 Blue MMs produced. 215 had Light Flint interior. 217 had Heated Seats.

Option breakout here >>>> http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=58208

Mine has 70,300 miles on it. I'd say $15K.

[MMBLUE]

Sorry for the loss:shake::mad2:.

[SC Cheesehead]

Sorry for your loss, and I know how precious your MM was too you, but if you can get $14,000 ~ $15,000, you would be doing good. If I figure right, KBB doesn't change the value because of color. By the way, my payoff was less than your lowest denomination in your poll, for a Black 03 with 135K mi.

I've got to agree with Eddie. As much as we love our cars, book value is book value. When my DTR got totalled in '05, I actually took a slight loss on it.

$14k would be good, $15K would be great, but unless you do a real sales pitch for the appraiser, don't count on much more than $12K.

BTW, from one Blues Brother to another, I'm real sorry to hear about your loss. :(

[breeze]

not a blue one. (tear)...but on kbb most if not all value at 12-13k.

[FordNut]

Bummer. Unless you have a special rider on your policy to cover extra value, you'll be lucky to get much more than book value. Best option is negotiate for the most you can get while keeping the car, then part it out. A couple of items you ought to keep even if you don't part out the car: floor mats and gauge pod. Both are quick & easy to remove and sell for a decent price. Get the VIN number to Brian (RoyLPITA) so he can update the list of deceased MM's.

[Matt In Detroit]

I think 12-13k is ok. Lets get real here, we like these cars but in the realm of things they arent big collector cars or anything. However, using your math, I like what my 30k mile pristine blue would value at....If you want it for a replacement, I will give you a deal, you can have it for $20K ;)

[sailsmen]

Keep doing what you are doing. Search to find what a similar MM has sold for, even going back a year.

Most Auto policies are "ACV", which means everything is taken into account.

Beware of "Stated Value", which means you have stated the value which the insurance company will not pay more than.

"Agreed Value" means you and the insurance company agree on the value.

[Rockettman]

Sorry to hear about the car loss brother.
Up here in Ontario, I don't know about the U.S., if one can prove with documentation (as you have), that the "going price" is "x" amount, the insurance companies almost always get very close to that.
Remember...the companies are trying to SAVE THEIR MONEY; not give it to you! They always low-ball because most people just take the offer handed to them. If you prove the value wrong, they usually move.
Good luck.

[Matt In Detroit]

This is a good reason to get an appraisal on you car and have a copy on file with your ins co, and make sure it is listed as ACV as mentioned above.

[LordVader]

Sorry to hear about the loss of your "Blue". Thinking between 14-15K would be fair value. Looking at recent sales the value is slipping a bit.

[1of997]

Like many people have said...$14,000 is doing great! Keep in mind that the cars online are simply asking prices and unfortunatly not what they are selling for. Good luck with everything and stick it to the insurance compay the best you can!

[Zack]

You should be happy if they give you 10k.
BTW shame on you for ruining a BLUE

[Motorhead350]

Insurance companies are the scum of the world.

Pay so much a month for protection and when you need them they find anyway they can to give you the least amount of money.

Sorry for the loss. 12K sounds right, but I would keep pushing for the value that you find. Tell them you want another blue.

[Spectragod]

Hey Guys, I need your help with regard to a fair market value of my Blue Marauder. I totaled it Monday a week ago. It was in perfect condition with 71k on the clock. Progressive wants to pay me NADA retail which is only $12,000! After researching cars on the net, I submitted documentation to support a retail value of $18,000, which I believe to be fair and reasonable. I have argued the case of only 327 having been built, and with Light Flint and Heated Seats, I figured it was one of about 150, or so.
They are talking about getting an independent appraiser to come up with a better value for me. To me, 12k is an insult. Salvage value is $3600.
With what you all have seen in the market place, what do you think is a fair and reasonable value? Please post your opinions and any suggestions to get a fair value established.
Thanks, Sam Gant

Take the 12K AND the car, part it out, get another 4-5K for it.

Dibs on the floormats.

[ctrlraven]

You should be happy if they give you 10k.
BTW shame on you for ruining a BLUE
I'd be thrilled if my insurance company would give me that much for mine.

I think 10k-12k is fair value range. If you can get more, go for it!

[LeoVampire]

But the guys have given some great advice. Push for as much as you can get and as part of the deal the car actualy has to stay with you so you can part it out and make some more of your money back on it.

Maybe if you had an evaluation of value done before the accident you ould have had more ground to stand on for getting top dollar on your Blue Marauder but without it there is definatly a fight ahead of you.

[GAMike]

When I lost my black one in 2007 I settled at just shy of $14K WITH 93K mi. and it was Progressive....

Depending on who's at fault will have something to do with what you settle for as well...... If you were at fault, I'm thinking that number does not move......

If the other guy was at fault, Progressive will do the same thing you are doing to them.... They will go to the other insurance company, and argue for a higher value than what the company offers. If they can get more $$ from them, and you to settle for a number less than what the worked out, then they have made a profit off your situation..... They do have a certain amount of time to do this however, and will be more inclined to negotiate the closer you get to that date.

Also major insurance companies do not look at the Marauder as a "collectible". To them its just another car..... Paint colors ect. will not do much at all to sway them. This you will not change so don't even try......... Retail prices of similar cars in your area will.

If it was collectors insurance this would be a different story. Good luck & sorry for your loss.

[jasona]

Sorry to hear about your accident, hopefully nobody got hurt!! Grab the money and you can buy mine for $18,500 with only 11,200 miles

[Zack]

Sorry to hear about your accident, hopefully nobody got hurt!! Grab the money and you can buy mine for $18,500 with only 11,200 miles

Is it BLUE?

[Matt In Detroit]

Just talked to my buddy who is an auto appraiser for Allstate, he said they would be in the 12-13 range.

[jasona]

my 03 with 11,000 miles is black on black, see my ad for sale and email info and I can send you pics if interested

[Da Dark Jedi]

Sorry to hear about your accident, hopefully nobody got hurt!! Grab the money and you can buy mine for $18,500 with only 11,200 miles



Now I wonder how much mine is worth. 2004 DTR 3100 miles, chrome rims, 4:30 gears...

[LANDY]

sorry for your lost man, you should be able to get close to $14k from the ins.
i got $13,800 for my 86k black 03 MM

[twin03]

I glad to see that you made it alive in the blue Marauder. It is a blue Marauder for sale in Maryland right now. http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?tracktype=usedcc&csDlId=&csDgId=&listingId=35840346&listingRecNum=0&criteria=sf1Dir%3DDESC%26alMdI d%3D21449%26mkId%3D20074%26stk Typ%3DU%26mdId%3D21449%26rd%3D 30%26crSrtFlds%3DstkTypId-feedSegId-mkId-mdId%26zc%3D20706%26rn%3D0%26P Mmt%3D1-1-0%26stkTypId%3D28881%26sf2Dir% 3DASC%26sf1Nm%3Dprice%26sf2Nm% 3Dmiles%26alMkId%3D20074%26rpp %3D50%26feedSegId%3D28705&aff=national

[CBT]

I glad to see that you made it alive in the blue Marauder. It is a blue Marauder for sale in Maryland right now. http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?tracktype=usedcc&csDlId=&csDgId=&listingId=35840346&listingRecNum=0&criteria=sf1Dir%3DDESC%26alMdI d%3D21449%26mkId%3D20074%26stk Typ%3DU%26mdId%3D21449%26rd%3D 30%26crSrtFlds%3DstkTypId-feedSegId-mkId-mdId%26zc%3D20706%26rn%3D0%26P Mmt%3D1-1-0%26stkTypId%3D28881%26sf2Dir% 3DASC%26sf1Nm%3Dprice%26sf2Nm% 3Dmiles%26alMkId%3D20074%26rpp %3D50%26feedSegId%3D28705&aff=national

Oh snap, it's got the Cobra badges AND the Police Interceptor badge, double cool. :rolleyes:

[SC Cheesehead]

Oh snap, it's got the Cobra badges AND the Police Interceptor badge, double cool. :rolleyes:

"Beige" interior...;)

No engine pics? :dunno:

[CBT]

"Beige" interior...;)

No engine pics? :dunno:

You don't need an engine with those emblems. The car is propelled by other peoples fear.

[LIGHTNIN1]

I agree with most of the other guys, if you get book, maybe a little more, that is about it. Insurance companies don't look at that "INTANGIBLE" Value. It is like the lady thing. There can be several out there all with equal assets and looks but what makes one more valuable than another to the average guy. From the surface you want be able to tell.

[Bluerauder]

I think you have your answer after 115 votes:

Median Value = $14,500
Mean (Average) Value = $15,0030.43
Standard Deviation = $1,373.76

[CBT]

I'm the only person that said 19 thousand. Haters.

[Bluerauder]

I'm the only person that said 19 thousand. Haters.

I thought we were pricing HIS .... not yours or mine. ;)

[CBT]

I thought we were pricing HIS .... not yours or mine. ;)
Hmmm...true, we don't know how it looked before. Either way, I feel bad for him. Charlie I honestly don't know what I'd get to replace mine if I totalled it. I guess I'd be buying another Marauder??? Well, after I finished crying that is.

[knine]

Well, after I finished crying that is.

So then, when's the new purchase? :lol:

[Motorhead350]

Mine is worth less than scrap value.

[JES]

I think you have your answer after 78 votes:

Median Value = $14,750
Mean (Average) Value = $15,083
Standard Deviation = $1,474


Since the poll only started at $14,000 wouldn't that cause these figures to be inflated?

[Bluerauder]

Since the poll only started at $14,000 wouldn't that cause these figures to be inflated?

Do you like this projection better?

It puts a 2003 MM @ $11,220 and a 2004 MM @ $13,200. I suspect the real answer is somewhere in between the poll and the chart. :D


http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/1/8/9/1/MarauderDepreciation.jpg (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/showimage.php?i=5580&c=3&userid=1891)

[Joe Walsh]

Hey Guys, I need your help with regard to a fair market value of my Blue Marauder. I totaled it Monday a week ago. It was in perfect condition with 71k on the clock. Progressive wants to pay me NADA retail which is only $12,000! After researching cars on the net, I submitted documentation to support a retail value of $18,000, which I believe to be fair and reasonable.
I have argued the case of only 327 having been built, and with Light Flint and Heated Seats, I figured it was one of about 150, or so.
They are talking about getting an independent appraiser to come up with a better value for me.
To me, 12k is an insult. Salvage value is $3600.
With what you all have seen in the market place, what do you think is a fair and reasonable value? Please post your opinions and any suggestions to get a fair value established.
Thanks, Sam Gant

First off, I am sorry to hear that your Blue Marauder is totalled. Glad to hear that you are all right!

I would make sure that you find an independent appraiser, otherwise the insurance company will find their "independent" appraiser.
I am going through this with an insurance company for diminished value to my Marauder due to an accident caused by their policyholder.
They offered me $824.00 for diminished value.
I argued that the amount offered was not sufficient.
They asked that I send in further documentation for my claim of higher value.
OK, so I had an independent appraiser appraise the Marauder ($325.00 cost) and got back a report with a diminished value of $4,200.00
Then they called me and said; "We have a problem." The insurance company now wants to have their appraiser look at my Marauder.
Guess what?...No matter what their appraiser comes up with, I will guarantee that it will be significantly less than $4,200.
I'm not going to accept what their appraiser comes up with because he is employed by them...talk about a vested interest!
Let the wrestling match begin!

BTW: I would seriously consider buying the car back and parting it out if you have a place to store/keep the wreck.


This car was in excellent condition. No wear on driver seat, all maintenance done, perfect paint, new tires, no issues, babied.

Do you have pictures and any documentation of your Marauder's condition prior to the accident?


This is a good reason to get an appraisal on you car and have a copy on file with your ins co, and make sure it is listed as ACV as mentioned above.

Absolutely!

Remember that an insurance company is not a 'non-profit' organization. I'm not against them, they are just doing their job.
Their job is to collect as much money as possible through premiums and pay out as little money as possible in claims.
Your job is to make sure that you get the maximum fair value from your claim.

[Pat]

I think your starting point for a commercial transaction is too high.
KBB = $9.6K for a private party sale, $7.7K for a trade in and $11.7 for a dealer sale.

If a certain party values a particular Marauder you may command a better price but this is really a "commercial" transaction and as such book values regin supreme, IMO.

[BurpyTurtle]

Take the $12,000, buy back the wreck, and sell us the interior and other good parts. There's a lot of your car that some of us could use.

I know if I had a DPB and had to replace a body part I'd much rather the replacement came off another DPB than from an old CVPI.

[Speed Racer]

Hey Guys, Thank you so much for all of your input. After much discussion with the Reps from Progressive, we settled on $14, 026 plus tax. I argued the fact that you cannot buy a Blue MM anywhere for $12k, so they averaged 03's on the net with 70k mi +/- 10k, and came up with the 14 figure. In addition, due to the fact that there is no MM near me for sale, and transportation would be involved in retrieving the vehicle, they waived my 500 deduct. Cut me a check for $14,775. I feel that this was fair and reasonable and took the deal.
As far as buying the car back, I couldn't find anyone in MS or LA that wanted any of it, so I let the IAA have it. Sorry guys, but I just didn't want to mess with trying to part it out myself. They wanted 3600 for it, and I needed the $$ to buy another MM. Wish me luck in finding a good deal!

Thanks again for all your input!

[CBT]

Sounds reasonable, good luck with the hunt. :beer: Too bad about the parts, tho. I'm sure something could have been salvaged. :( Did you take any pictures of it?


Hey Guys, Thank you so much for all of your input. After much discussion with the Reps from Progressive, we settled on $14, 026 plus tax. I argued the fact that you cannot buy a Blue MM anywhere for $12k, so they averaged 03's on the net with 70k mi +/- 10k, and came up with the 14 figure. In addition, due to the fact that there is no MM near me for sale, and transportation would be involved in retrieving the vehicle, they waived my 500 deduct. Cut me a check for $14,775. I feel that this was fair and reasonable and took the deal.
As far as buying the car back, I couldn't find anyone in MS or LA that wanted any of it, so I let the IAA have it. Sorry guys, but I just didn't want to mess with trying to part it out myself. They wanted 3600 for it, and I needed the $$ to buy another MM. Wish me luck in finding a good deal!

Thanks again for all your input!

[Matt In Detroit]

Sounds great, glad to hear it. You did well IMO.

[musclemerc]

Hey Guys, Thank you so much for all of your input. After much discussion with the Reps from Progressive, we settled on $14, 026 plus tax. I argued the fact that you cannot buy a Blue MM anywhere for $12k, so they averaged 03's on the net with 70k mi +/- 10k, and came up with the 14 figure. In addition, due to the fact that there is no MM near me for sale, and transportation would be involved in retrieving the vehicle, they waived my 500 deduct. Cut me a check for $14,775. I feel that this was fair and reasonable and took the deal.
As far as buying the car back, I couldn't find anyone in MS or LA that wanted any of it, so I let the IAA have it. Sorry guys, but I just didn't want to mess with trying to part it out myself. They wanted 3600 for it, and I needed the $$ to buy another MM. Wish me luck in finding a good deal!

Thanks again for all your input!

I'm not far from you Speed and could have used alot of parts. I know you met my Wife a long time ago while she was driving my Merc maybe one weekend we should meet up and toss back a few beerz. :burnout:

[Joe Walsh]

Sounds reasonable, good luck with the hunt. :beer: Too bad about the parts, tho. I'm sure something could have been salvaged. ?
I thought for sure that you'd ask about the floor mats....


Glad to hear that you've got the insurance matter settled to your satisfaction!

[BurpyTurtle]

Glad it worked out for you.

[MMBLUE]

Sounds reasonable, good luck with the hunt. :beer: Too bad about the parts, tho. I'm sure something could have been salvaged. :( Did you take any pictures of it?

Here it is.
https://www.iaai.com/Vehicles/vehicleimage.aspx?auctionid=0&itemid=9604552

I'm going to try to look into getting it and bring it back from the dead.

[mungce]

I totaled my 300A in 06. Car was perfect w/ 36K. I screwed up by not getting insurance that would have paid sticker price. When I said totaled, I mean completely, the engine even was busted up with the right head sitting in the firewall. Wrecker guy said he never saw a car that crashed and anyone lived. It was the 1st time I had wrecked a car with an air bag, and I think it knocked me out, I did have my belt on. I vaguely remember hearing " were gonna have to cut this one out", and they did. I was flown by helo to the closest hospital, waking up 3 days later, asking WTF ? Giegco settled with me for 26K. Always buy the extra insurance....sure wish I had ! I've been driving an 05 Grand Marquis with as many Marauder parts as I can get...less the complete engine.....and I have insurance that will cover the price I paid for it. It's no Marauder, but it's what I have, and I know how tuff these cars are. Now that Ford has killed Mercury, hopefully Marauders will increase in value, but you have to find a person who knows the difference between a Marauder and a GranMarquis......

[609heavy123]

sorry for your loss but take the money ,buy the car back and have it fixed depending on mileage and color wrecked mm do 5-6 grand wrecked by me