Used 03 MM

[2003DOHC]

I need everybodys opinion. I test drove a 2003 MM last saturday. Early build date 05/02. Engine build date 05/24/2002. Car has 17,800 miles. Dealer asking 25,995 with a 2,000 discout to 23,995. Talked them down to 22,200 with no trade in. With my 97 CV LX as a trade 17,200. Car drove excellent. New tires all around correct size because car is a certified mercury used car and original tires were just below 50%tread. The wheels have only 1 small scratch and car is 1 owner. Interior in excellent condition original floor mats in trunk. I said no to buying it last saturday but dealer called tonite so will go back this saturday for a second look and test drive. car was titled early june 2002 has remaining factory warranty and a 6 year 75,000 mile drive train warranty also. Oasis report showed a reflash of the pcm. No other big warranty issues. Will try and call the first owner before this saturday. I would like everybodys opinion pro or con. Thank you, Steve

[Logan]

Not a horrible deal at $22000, but not an exceptional one either. The early 2002 cars are exceptionally well put together and typically have good paint too...

I'd put a fair market price tag of about $21k on it personally.

[gpfarrell]

Well, it certainly doesn't seem like a mistake. I've always thought that if you don't care what car you're buying it's important to get a great deal. If you car what car you're buying it's more important to get a great car.

Have you looked into Mrs. Marauder's car listed under cars for sale? That seems like a great deal and a great car!

[2003DOHC]

Thank you Logan & gpfarrell. Only 2 opinions??

[67435animal]

I agree with Logan although I'd be tempted to try to get them closer to 20K. They probably paid just over 18K for the car.

PS-my wife and I have family in Green Bay and will be up there in early June. Would enjoy meeting you.

Bob

[rookie1]

from Kelly Blue book - kbb.com Note, I used excellent condition and didn't add cd changer or heated seats.


2003 Mercury Marauder Sedan 4D


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<!-- /2056 Equip Replace table -->http://www.kbb.com/VehicleJPegs/CSMEMAR031.JPG (http://www.kbb.com/kb/ki.dll/kw.kc.up?kbb.IN;094141;IN089&46323;s ed;p&1308&BSMEMAR031.JPG;;2003%2520Mercu ry%2520Marauder&Mercury;Marauder;Sedan %204D&UCPCAT&0) http://www.kbb.com/VehicleJPegs/CSMEMAR032.JPG (http://www.kbb.com/kb/ki.dll/kw.kc.up?kbb.IN;606284;IN089&46323;s ed;p&1308&BSMEMAR032.JPG;;2003%2520Mercu ry%2520Marauder&Mercury;Marauder;Sedan %204D&UCPCAT&1) http://www.kbb.com/VehicleJPegs/CSMEMAR033.JPG (http://www.kbb.com/kb/ki.dll/kw.kc.up?kbb.IN;858915;IN089&46323;s ed;p&1308&BSMEMAR033.JPG;;2003%2520Mercu ry%2520Marauder&Mercury;Marauder;Sedan %204D&UCPCAT&2) http://www.kbb.com/VehicleJPegs/CNMEMARINT035.JPG (http://www.kbb.com/kb/ki.dll/kw.kc.up?kbb.IN;834340;IN089&46323;s ed;p&1308&BNMEMARINT035.JPG;;2003%2520Me rcury%2520Marauder%2520Instrum ent%2520Panel&Mercury;Marauder;Sedan%2 04D&UCPCAT&3) http://www.kbb.com/VehicleJPegs/CNMEMARINT039.JPG (http://www.kbb.com/kb/ki.dll/kw.kc.up?kbb.IN;519780;IN089&46323;s ed;p&1308&BNMEMARINT039.JPG;;2003%2520Me rcury%2520Marauder%2520Engine&Mercury; Marauder;Sedan%204D&UCPCAT&4) <!-- Place UC JPEGS -->

Engine: V8 4.6 Liter
Trans: Automatic
Drive: Rear Wheel Drive
Mileage: 18,000

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</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><!-- button links --><!------EQUIPMENT TABLE-----------><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=470 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD colSpan=2>Equipment </TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD align=left width="10%"> </TD><TD vAlign=top align=left width="30%"><!-- equip -->Air Conditioning
Power Steering
Power Windows
Power Door Locks
Tilt Wheel
</TD><TD vAlign=top align=left width="30%">Cruise Control
AM/FM Stereo
Cassette
Single Compact Disc
Dual Front Air Bags
</TD><TD vAlign=top align=left width="30%">Front Side Air Bags
ABS (4-Wheel)
Leather
Dual Power Seats
Alloy Wheels

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<!----TRADE REPORT CONDITION TABLE----><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=5 border=0><TBODY><TR vAlign=center><TD align=left width="50%">Consumer Rated Condition:</TD><TD vAlign=center align=right>Excellent </TD></TR><TR><TD align=left colSpan=2>"Excellent" condition means that the vehicle looks great, is in excellent mechanical condition and needs no reconditioning. It should pass a smog inspection. The engine compartment should be clean, with no fluid leaks. The paint is glossy and the body and interior are free of any wear or visible defects. There is no rust. The tires are the proper size and match and are new or nearly new.<!-- Excellent Text --> A clean <A onclick=\"PartnerLink('carfax','ppsrepor t_bottom','kbbeccarfax',this); s_s_gs();NewWindow(this.href,' name','800','400','50','50','y es');return false;\" href="http://wsf.carfax.com/cfm/general_check.cfm?partner=kbb_ 7&price=20920&zipcode=46323"><!---->title history (/kb/ki.dll/ke.kb.rm?kbb&&775&/kb/ki.dll/ke.kb.sp?kbb&46323;sed;p&&CTcarfax_PPSreportbottom;click thru&20920).<SCRIPT language=JavaScript> <!-- // //<!-- //*** example Partner logos and links that display **** --> //<!--format is AddPartner([partner Name], [pagename_description],[Omniture Suite]) // call for each link that displays--> AddPartner('carfax','ppsreport _bottom','kbbeccarfax') // --> </SCRIPT> This is an exceptional vehicle.

</TD></TR><TR><TD align=left width="50%">Private Party Value</TD><TD align=right>$20,920 </TD></TR><TR><TD align=left colSpan=2>Private Party value represents what you might expect to pay for a used car when purchasing from a private party. It may also represent the value you might expect to receive when selling your own used car to another private party. <!-- ucp feedback survey --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[RoyLPita]

I could run the VIN for you if you like. $22000 isn't a bad deal, whatsoever.

[Marauder]

I could run the VIN for you if you like. $22000 isn't a bad deal, whatsoever.
$22000 is a great price!!! That's what mine cost with 13,291 miles on it.

[stevengerard]

Since I've just gone through this myself it sounds like a pretty darn good price. I was debating between used 03 and new 04. About time I took dealer rebates I was down in the uper 20s for a loaded 04 (w/moonroof) I eventually gave up the 2500 with 3.35% for the 0% since it ended up being lower monthly payments. I liked the fact that I am breaking in the enigine and not abusing it. Though most modern engines I feel you don't need to worry like you did in the 60s and 70s. I also think buying used is smarter econimically. But with 0% financing you can't beat that - a dollor is worth more than tomorrow and 59 of my payment will be made tomorrow:pimp:

That said if you can be patient (i wasn't) you can probably get even better pricing on the 04's a few months from now and the 03's will be less since there will be more of them being turned in from leases. Yeah, I know, the 04s are at the end of their run, my gut is because of that dealers around me aren't so fast to give them away but just wait, there will be plenty sitting out there in a month or two.

[Ross]

If it was an early build, it will be a 300A, so you will get the full size spare. Mine was built just after yours, in June '02, and I've had very few complaints, and those were minor in the overall scheme of things. Does the car have a maintenance record? Regular oil changes early in a car's life can mean a big difference in how well it holds up over time. I would see if you can find any records.

[gohogs]

I'd be tempted to buy it if you don't. I have a 06/03 build and prefer it over the de-contented later models. I've looked around and most dealers think $25k is a good deal, but I don't. 22k sounds good. For some reason, prices seem to be firming lately....because it's being discontinued?

One MM is good.....two's better!

[04MEMA]

FYI - In October or November 2003 I found a dealer with a silver/birch MM left on his lot. With the A plan (Ford employee discount) price, almost $7k in rebates plus the dealer pitching in more discount, the total for a brand new one was $24,500.00 out the door - including 6% sales tax. Yes, the dealer was dying to get rid of this car, but nonetheless that was the going rate. Now when I look at all these used ones with 10 - 20k miles listing around $24 -25k I feel that either they're asking too much or I passed on a great deal. Regardless, the truth about MM's is that despite being sweet rides, they're duds in terms of sales. Ford planned on selling 18k of them last year and sold less than 8k of them. They're cancelling the production because they aren't selling (I'd bet a factory supercharger would have saved it, but Ford's wasn't willing to step up). I bet if you went to trade a MM in, most dealers would explain to you how no one wants these cars. The rebates on the 2004's was almost $5,000.00 last week. You can be sure that they will be high come year end close out in the fall. If you can wait, maybe you'd be better off buying a new one then. Otherwise, I'd be cautious, because the truth is Ford can't sell these cars, so why should the used ones hold their value? Hammer the dealer down on price. If the car sells to someone else, oh well. But if it doesn't, keep pestering the dealer until you get an outstanding price. The new and used car market sucks for retailers right now, so take advantage of this! Good Luck!

P.S. No offense to any MM owners out there, I love the car and I plan on picking one up at the end of the model year, I'm just trying to tell it like I see it and help a fellow member out.

[jgc61sr2002]

FYI - In October or November 2003 I found a dealer with a silver/birch MM left on his lot. With the A plan (Ford employee discount) price, almost $7k in rebates plus the dealer pitching in more discount, the total for a brand new one was $24,500.00 out the door - including 6% sales tax. Yes, the dealer was dying to get rid of this car, but nonetheless that was the going rate. Now when I look at all these used ones with 10 - 20k miles listing around $24 -25k I feel that either they're asking too much or I passed on a great deal. Regardless, the truth about MM's is that despite being sweet rides, they're duds in terms of sales. Ford planned on selling 18k of them last year and sold less than 8k of them. They're cancelling the production because they aren't selling (I'd bet a factory supercharger would have saved it, but Ford's wasn't willing to step up). I bet if you went to trade a MM in, most dealers would explain to you how no one wants these cars. The rebates on the 2004's was almost $5,000.00 last week. You can be sure that they will be high come year end close out in the fall. If you can wait, maybe you'd be better off buying a new one then. Otherwise, I'd be cautious, because the truth is Ford can't sell these cars, so why should the used ones hold their value? Hammer the dealer down on price. If the car sells to someone else, oh well. But if it doesn't, keep pestering the dealer until you get an outstanding price. The new and used car market sucks for retailers right now, so take advantage of this! Good Luck!

P.S. No offense to any MM owners out there, I love the car and I plan on picking one up at the end of the model year, I'm just trying to tell it like I see it and help a fellow member out.


I think you passed on a very good deal. :(

[Cobra25]

When I purchased my 03 I paid $23500 and it only hard 2010 miles on it from a Mercury Dealer. My production date is 6/03. Now a 03 built in 5/02 with 17800 miles on it I would think some where between $20-21000 max. If it is cert. and in great shape. Now I don't know your price range but I was at Pines Lincoln Mercury today and they had a 2004 Dealer demo Silver / dark interior with 3700 miles on. I know they are asking $29900 but I'm sure you can get it for about $26000 if it is in your price range, (954-620-2000) It was the new car manager's car.

[jaywish]

I think if the sailsman called you back they are willing to sweeten the deal a bit.

Maybe you can upgrade the 7/75 to premium coverage and knock off a few hundred on the price. Maybe not but you can try.

I think you are in range to close a deal with a little more negotiating.

Sounds nice, new rubber, warranty, 6disk?

[2003DOHC]

Thank you one and all for your opinions just what I asked for. The car is a 300A with the 6CD player and full size spare. Of course salesman said they all have the full size spare and I informed him of the change to the donut spare.
Talked to the one and only owner today and he said car was serviced regularly by the dealer and he had no problems with the car. The dealer did align the car under warranty and the alignment shop did not scratch the wheels. I am going to a dealer 90 miles south of here tomorrow after work they have a NEW 2003 MM 300A left. I am not sure what I may end up with.