Marauder Gurus What Do You Think?

[bosscj72]

Hi Everyone,

I own a Black 2004 and the bug has bitten me again to purchase another one. This one I am considering is a Silver 300B 2003. Here are the details briefly:

GOOD: The paint is in excellent condition with very minimal wear. The interior looks almost brand new and is light flint which would be cool down south where I live. The engine runs very well with no blow by and synthetic oil has been used since it was new. Tires & wheels are very good and the right size.
All items work (gauges, 6 disc CD changer, lights, EATC was replaced less than 1 year ago and works great, power seats (not heated) etc... Lights work great too.

BAD: The car has 149,000 miles!!!! This is a concern. Also when I started it I heard a slight rattle/banging/knocking etc just for 1 second when cold. The gent who is selling it claimed the Catalytic converter has come loose in the chamber. The exhaust shop claims they can replace the converter and it would take care of it. It did sound like it was from under the car. It didn't sound like bearing knock so has anyone hear of this?

Please let me know:

1. How many miles have you seen these engines last?

2. What else would be an issue for a 2003 B version?


Thanks for the suggestions. :beer:

Dave

[Pat]

Get an OEM CAT assy, expensive but aftermarket units are prone to premature failure.

Other than usual wear items, brakes, filters etc, the other items that may fail are the BCM (blower control module) located in the A/C duct in the engine compartment, Passenger side firewall. Cost about $80.00, easy to replace if you are mechanically inclined. Wacky wipers, mainly on 300A models, Emergency brake shoes, not wear just frozen to axel due to non-use.

You said you already replaced the EATC, good. Keep the fuel filter changed out every 15K miles.

Headlight control module is an issue with older cars.

The idle control unit on top of the engine, right behind the throttle assembly can cause hard starting, erratic idle due to carbon build up.
a cleaning usually takes care of that.

If the engine is not ticking or clanking or billowing smoke then it's good for another 150 K.

The tranny has no endemic problems, but 150K automatic on a 300HP car will at some point need refreshing of clutches and such things. Same for the limited slip clutches in the rear end. This is just normal wear and tear but expensive nonetheless.

Have fun with the two Marauders, Try and make some of our regional/national events.

[SC Cheesehead]

Hi Everyone,

I own a Black 2004 and the bug has bitten me again to purchase another one. This one I am considering is a Silver 300B 2003. Here are the details briefly:

GOOD: The paint is in excellent condition with very minimal wear. The interior looks almost brand new and is light flint which would be cool down south where I live. The engine runs very well with no blow by and synthetic oil has been used since it was new. Tires & wheels are very good and the right size.
All items work (gauges, 6 disc CD changer, lights, EATC was replaced less than 1 year ago and works great, power seats (not heated) etc... Lights work great too.

BAD: The car has 149,000 miles!!!! This is a concern. Also when I started it I heard a slight rattle/banging/knocking etc just for 1 second when cold. The gent who is selling it claimed the Catalytic converter has come loose in the chamber. The exhaust shop claims they can replace the converter and it would take care of it. It did sound like it was from under the car. It didn't sound like bearing knock so has anyone hear of this?

Please let me know:

1. How many miles have you seen these engines last?

2. What else would be an issue for a 2003 B version?


Thanks for the suggestions. :beer:

Dave

If properly maintained, the engines will go well over 200,000 miles. We've got one guy that drag races his regularly and has around 230K on the clock. There are multiple guys running superchargers that have in excess of 150,000 miles that are still going stong.

A rattling cat could be making that sound, IMO, would be worth having an experienced mechanic looking at it to confirm.

Marauders are noted for numerous small (typically electronic) issues, LCM relay failures, wacky wipers, ETAC, LEDs in the window controls, etc., but all are easily repaired (or as you've noted, already been addressed in the car your're considering).

If the car's in good shape, don't let the mileage scare you off.

[bosscj72]

Thanks for your input.

My wife thinks I need another car like another hole in my head (I have 8 now!) but maybe I will sell one to make her happy! :)

I doubt it!!! LOL

The day I drove it it was rainy. When I passed a truck up hill the Track Lok seemed to work very well (the owner was freaking a bit!:)).

Thanks again,

Dave

[Blk Mamba]

8 cars, I thought you were talking about holes in your head?

[Mr. Man]

If the car is in really good shape and the price is right I'd consider it. If the motor goes you can always get a crate motor.

[Bigdogjim]

Thanks for your input.

My wife thinks I need another car like another hole in my head (I have 8 now!) but maybe I will sell one to make her happy! :)
Trust me it will never work:)
I doubt it!!! LOL

The day I drove it it was rainy. When I passed a truck up hill the Track Lok seemed to work very well (the owner was freaking a bit!:)).

Thanks again,

Dave

What else in your garage/yard/driveway?

Selling price will make a big impact on pass or grab it:beer:

[RF Overlord]

Modular motors in taxi use can see 300,000 miles easily, even after starting life as police cars. Mileage means nothing if the car is well maintained.

[RoyLPita]

Always run an OASIS report for what warranty work was done previously.

[Pat]

Thanks for your input.

The day I drove it it was rainy. When I passed a truck up hill the Track Lok seemed to work very well (the owner was freaking a bit!:)).

Thanks again,

Dave


Our cars are known for swaping ends in slippery conditions, I'm just saying, in case you have not seen some of the posts on the subject. Be safe.

[MOTOWN]

Our cars are known for swaping ends in slippery conditions, I'm just saying, in case you have not seen some of the posts on the subject. Be safe.


i learned that the hard way on i-95 in the rain headed to fayetteville, n/c:burnout:

[bosscj72]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for all of your input. I think I am going to make an offer tomorrow.

My cars: 1992 Crown Vic LX, 1973 Cougar XR7 Coupe, 1967 Cougar XR7 Coupe, 1971 Cougar XR7 Convertible, and 1972 Cougar XR7 CJ Convertible. Then a Boss 351 Mustang and a 2007 Mustang Convertible. Last but not least is my 2004 Black Marauder. I should open a dealership! ;)

What is the Oasis Report? Can someone advise me how to search that? Thanks!

I am not too impressed with those Toyo rear tires. I think my spare set of BFG's may be swapped in.

I am thinking a J Mod would be good for this Marauder too.

Take care and thanks again,

Dave

[Mike]

hi everyone,

thanks for all of your input. I think i am going to make an offer tomorrow.

My cars: 1992 crown vic lx, 1973 cougar xr7 coupe, 1967 cougar xr7 coupe, 1971 cougar xr7 convertible, and 1972 cougar xr7 cj convertible. Then a boss 351 mustang and a 2007 mustang convertible. Last but not least is my 2004 black marauder. I should open a dealership! ;)

what is the oasis report? Can someone advise me how to search that? Thanks!

I am not too impressed with those toyo rear tires. I think my spare set of bfg's may be swapped in.

I am thinking a j mod would be good for this marauder too.

Take care and thanks again,

dave

pm roylpita

[RoyLPita]

PM me the VIN and I'll give you an OASIS report.