back door member to the community

[karmakvisser@ya]

I recently lost my brother to a car accident. He lost in a head on collision with a Mercedes. I commute 66 miles every day with much of that spent on 2 land country roads so I wanted to find something that I fit in (I'm 6ft3 and not skinny) and something that would give me a fighting chance if involved in a heavy crash or hitting a bambi.

So I narrowed my search to the Crown Vic/Gran Marquis/Marauder genre of vehicles. I looked at some used cop cars but they were exactly that, used cop cars having lived hard lives. I then spoke with Tom Doan, my local Marauder nut. He had nothing but good things to say about the Vics/Gran Marquis/Marauders. He assured me that I could do anything I wanted, once I got to that Panther platform.

So after some searching (I did check here in the classifieds) I found a 2004 Gran Marquis with 32,000 miles for 12,800. It had lots of bells and whistles including a sunroof. I talked the dealership down more then a grand and drove her home.

So I now have a really nice Gran Marquis sleeper car. I'd like to start off slow and cautious and see where that goes.

So by that story, I feel I'm just inside the doorway, having a Mercury in the driveway. Now the question is how do I get to the Marauder part of the world without killing my gas mileage.

warm regards

ken

[Ms. Denmark]

Welcome Ken! :welcome1: We're so sorry about your loss. The Panther plateform should serve you well. Surprised you didn't go for a Marauder. Would have thought you'd have found some in that price range. The gas mileage isn't horrible so don't let that scare you.;)

[Bigdogjim]

Marauder is very close to Grand Marquis MPG's :) (if you can keep your foot out it:) )

[kernie]

So sorry to hear of your loss.

You are doing just fine with that grand marquis, nice car, a marauder is a step up in alot of ways but enjoy your GM!

:beer:

[69marquis conv]

Sorry for your loss. As others have said, the Grand Marquis is an excellent car in every way. They are both very reliable and comfortable and have a decent amount of power for a large car with a small V8.

[karmakvisser@ya]

Welcome Ken! :welcome1: We're so sorry about your loss. The Panther plateform should serve you well. Surprised you didn't go for a Marauder. Would have thought you'd have found some in that price range. The gas mileage isn't horrible so don't let that scare you.;)

I would have loved to have started with a Marauder. My problem was the need to find a car rather quickly and also fear of finding a Marauder that has been abused and not realizing it too late.

For now, I want to do some small things. I'm hoping to find some Marauder motor part upgrade throwaways. My buddy Tom was talking about starting with some chip updates and maybe a hotter cam.

We shall see. I know that I'm starting with some good bones with a one owner car, no accidents and really really clean.

regards

ken

[Bluerauder]

Now the question is how do I get to the Marauder part of the world without killing my gas mileage.

You should have gotten a Marauder to begin with. :o It'll cost you big bucks to get Marauder-like feel and performance out of a GM.

[TFB]

Sorry to hear about your brother...

As far as mechanical up grades there is little shared by the Grand Marquis two valve engine and the Marauder four valve power plant... You can benefit from a tune, exhaust system up grade(esp needed if it is a single), rear gears(which will require a tune), etc...

[kernie]

I would have loved to have started with a Marauder. My problem was the need to find a car rather quickly and also fear of finding a Marauder that has been abused and not realizing it too late.

For now, I want to do some small things. I'm hoping to find some Marauder motor part upgrade throwaways. My buddy Tom was talking about starting with some chip updates and maybe a hotter cam.

We shall see. I know that I'm starting with some good bones with a one owner car, no accidents and really really clean.

regards

ken

I gotta say... that grand marquis that you showed in the thumbnail is a fine automobile. I had a '94 GM that i drove and loved for 12 years, till it was stolen.

But if you want more you need to start with a marauder, then do some upgrades if you need\want to.

Just my opinion.

:beer:

[TAKEDOWN]

Nice car and I'm sure you'll be more than pleased with her. Take care of her and she'll take care of you. I tell ya the price of premium gas scares me at times, but I still love my MARAUDER.

[guspech750]

Sorry for your loss.
That is a great looking GM. Well maybe the future holds a Marauder for you. You have a nice GM for everyday now you can look for a Marauder. Or you can just supercharge your GM and be done with it. Im sure one of the vendors here could and would do that for you. Or check out www.torktech.com