Big Repair job!

[simcha]

So I just heard from the mechanic and I was informed the gears in my 03 MM are "shot"
The ball bearings in the front are no good, suspension this, bushings that,
Off the top of his head, $4500!
The body needs work as well. Issue with the trans, needs to be rebuilt?
Serpentine belt is half gone?
My head is spinning.
I will try to get pictures tonight or tom
But at that rate, I can't afford to fix it...
Once I get a detailed list of proposed repairs, I'll add it below:
///////////////////////////////

@whatsupDOHC


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[martyo]

If you want another shop outside of NYC, let me know and I will put you in the hands of someone really, really good.

[RubberCtyRauder]

But they bombed the ball bearing factory in Dusseldorf..I saw it on Hogans Hereos...Nevermind that it was before your time. There are no ball bearings, per se..Let us know the rest when you find out

[simcha]

If you want another shop outside of NYC, let me know and I will put you in the hands of someone really, really good.


I appreciate the offer.
Once I have a detailed list of the issues that need repair, I'll post it and accept offers on the car. I can't see myself putting in $5000 and then another $2000 into the body possibly after a paint job and some body work to have a car that would be worth $6000.
I primarily need a nice, clean, reliable car.
My tase may be a MM but my wallet disagrees....


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[Krytin]

Get another mechanic!

[whitey]

Just curiuos... is the shop called jiffy lube?

I would definitely get a second opinion on the fixes.

[fastblackmerc]

Did he use lube when he gave you the estimate?

I'd get a second & third opinion.

Find a good mechanic.

Contact Paul, Blackened300a

[WhatsUpDOHC]

Yowzah!
We can help you do better than that.

[Granddaddy Marq]

Sounds like a job for Curless Auto Repair Charities.

[Joe Walsh]

I appreciate the offer.
Once I have a detailed list of the issues that need repair, I'll post it and accept offers on the car.
I can't see myself putting in $5000 and then another $2000 into the body possibly after a paint job and some body work to have a car that would be worth $6000.

Sorry to hear that your Marauder needs significant repairs.

I primarily need a nice, clean, reliable car.
My taste may be a MM but my wallet disagrees....


:hmmm:

There is another member on here that doesn't think as clearly as you do.....:rolleyes:

[ctrlraven]

I appreciate the offer.
Once I have a detailed list of the issues that need repair, I'll post it and accept offers on the car. I can't see myself putting in $5000 and then another $2000 into the body possibly after a paint job and some body work to have a car that would be worth $6000.
I primarily need a nice, clean, reliable car.
My tase may be a MM but my wallet disagrees....


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Def take martyo up on his offer for a second opinion.

[BLACKMARAUDER04]

My rear control arm bushings failed causing the differential to shift.
I had to replace the rear control arms first ( Thanks Sparta).
Then after the test drive, the differential was still making a loud noise.
Everything was broken inside and needed a complete rebuild ( with all
new parts).

[RF Overlord]

So I just heard from the mechanic and I was informed the gears in my 03 MM are "shot" What exactly does "shot" mean?
The ball bearings in the front are no good, Ball joints? suspension this, bushings that,
Issue with the trans, needs to be rebuilt? Why the question mark? Is he not sure? What is the issue? Were you aware of a transmission issue before you brought it to him?
Serpentine belt is half gone? That's so minor it's not worth mentioning.
Off the top of his head, $4500! Get an exact list of what he says is wrong with the car and we'll help you sort it out.


12345678910

[Bluerauder]

12345678910

Now I am thinking that there is a really good reason why you were able to pick up this car for $200. With only 75,000 miles on it, it sounds like it lead a very hard life and was beat on considerably. Even if you fix the transmission, rear end and suspension and take care of the body work -- I suspect that you have not seen the end of your problems on this car. JMHO.

[simcha]

Thank You all for the advice. I just got the estimate emailed to me in PDF form! It's $5700. I am about to cry.
If you would like it emailed to you, send me an email to firstaccount at gmail.com




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[Jeronimojc]

Simcha,
Although the list of issues may seem overwhelming, these aren't big issues for someone with the right skills/experience. IMO you are doing the right thing by assessing the situation and considering selling the vehicle. Should you decide to sell, you may not make a killing, but you should recover your investment and then some.
Looking forward to some pics.

You can always keep an eye out for other Marauders for sale not needing work. In fact, one of the guys here recently bought a Marauder needing some serious TLC and is fixing it up to sell it.




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[clmrt]

What's up with the tranny again?

Is this your daily driver?

Can you wrench *at all*?

[Bluerauder]

Thank You all for the advice. I just got the estimate emailed to me in PDF form! It's $5700. I am about to cry.

They have your car listed as a 2008 Mercury Marauder. That may be an indication of a problem.

[simcha]

Simcha,
Although the list of issues may seem overwhelming, these aren't big issues for someone with the right skills/experience. IMO you are doing the right thing by assessing the situation and considering selling the vehicle. Should you decide to sell, you may not make a killing, but you should recover your investment and then some.
Looking forward to some pics.

You can always keep an eye out for other Marauders for sale not needing work. In fact, one of the guys here recently bought a Marauder needing some serious TLC and is fixing it up to sell it.




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A nice disabled vet told me he paid $5500 or so for his MM and plans on spending $10k to restore it!

I hear ya. I might have it brought to another mechanic in NY


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[simcha]

What's up with the tranny again?

Is this your daily driver?

Can you wrench *at all*?


I don't know! I actually drove it and didn't notice anything on that end. I'm not a pro in the least but The guy said it needs to be rebuilt.




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[Jeronimojc]

Hang in there. Just saw your mechanic is charging over $2k to re-build the trans. A used transmission would cost a fraction of that! Who knows if some of those things really need to be repaired. A second opinion would be great!


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[Jeronimojc]

They have your car listed as a 2008 Mercury Marauder. That may be an indication of a problem.


Yeah, those are very rare!! Hard to find parts.


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[clmrt]

I don't know! I actually drove it and didn't notice anything on that end.

Exactly.

Nix the tranny work. Check the fluid, replace the fluid if it's burned and do the filter as well.

You have a volt meter - does it indicate 14v when the car is running? Does the car start normally?

Just do the belt yourself.

The front suspension can be done when you're ready, not critical. Brakes and steering are critical.

[clmrt]

Any experienced owners in Brooklyn able to stop by and check out the ride?

[clmrt]

https://www.facebook.com/globexperformance

Looks like a place the rich kids bring the jeep daddy bought them for graduation to get lifted.

Look - if it ain't broke, wait for it to break for real. If your rear end is truly shot, have it done. Spend the grand and go with it for a while. Shove $100 a month into the parts kitty and when it blows up, upgrade.

[Comin' in Hot]

That shop is charging you double the cost of the front control arms, using Moog parts, the uppers should be about 50 and the lowers about 150. An experienced mechanic could change them in 1 hour, 2 if he had lunch in between sides.

[L.Mark]

I took my 03 Impala to my trusted mech and he said it needed over $1500 worth of front end parts. This car tracks straight n true either when acclerating or stopping with no hands on the wheel. No vibrations etc...they may say it needs something but just because it's not a new part...do what these guys say. Get a second opinion of someone that isn't out to just replace stuff...Marty...then repalce as you can...

[Comin' in Hot]

I just looked at the rear rebuild and you are getting ripped off there too.

[simcha]

What's up with the tranny again?

Is this your daily driver?

Can you wrench *at all*?


This is my dream car. My daily driver is a 99 grand marquis that is primed for the junk yard.
I can not really "wrench" I can watch other people do it and ask many questions to the mechanic ;)
I'm handy but not when it comes to large automobiles.


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[martyo]

I'm handy but not when it comes to large automobiles.


So can you fix a Smart car?

[simcha]

So can you fix a Smart car?


Ha!

I'd say my yellow Tonka cement mixer from 30 years ago was the extent of my capabilities.


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[simcha]

Ha!

I'd say my yellow Tonka cement mixer from 30 years ago was the extent of my capabilities.


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http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/30/aseva6az.jpg


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[whitey]

Dont be afraid to wrench on it man! Get a ~160 piece tool set from craftsman, and swap out the easy stuff first. Like tranny fluid and filter. Never done an alternator before, but a new belt is easy too. If you dont try, you cant succeed. If you do try, dont be afraid of failure.

[martyo]

Those puppies are worth coin today!

[simcha]

Those puppies are worth coin today!


$550 worth of coin here:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/390251189400
Minty Mint!
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/30/4atyruze.jpg


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[whitey]

Those puppies are worth coin today!

There you go!, sell that thing and buy a tool set with the money.

[lifespeed]

You bought an old car, it is going to need work. They are nice cars and are worth it. Your mechanic may be priced somewhat high, and you can certainly prioritize what repairs need to be done now, and what can wait for later. It is good to look into it carefully and get an idea of what will need to be done over the long term and decide if a Marauder project is for you. Ideally you learn to do at least some of this yourself or it will get really expensive.

Is the front (and rear) suspension worn? Probably yes. Do you need to replace it right now? Maybe not, check for catastrophically worn parts and if they are safe to drive start saving for a rebuild down the road. Are the tires wearing unevenly? Tires can get expensive . . .

These cars need the rear ends rebuilt about every 10 years/100K miles or so. It is just the nature of the design and you bought one that needs it. This probably can't wait.

Find out what (if anything) is up with the transmission. That is pretty expensive also and can turn into a car-doesn't-go problem quick enough.

Get a second opinion and see if you can handle the expense. Surely you didn't think a $2K 10 year old car would not need repairs?

[stevengerard]

That's for a trailer queen - we drive our cars and cement mixers


$550 worth of coin here:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/390251189400
Minty Mint!
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/30/4atyruze.jpg


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[WhatsUpDOHC]

$550 worth of coin here:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/390251189400
Minty Mint!
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/30/4atyruze.jpg


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I should have put my money into toy cement mixers instead of Limited Production Vehicles? [emoji35]

[marauderthis]

If you had this since childhood and sell it - you will not stop thinking about it - it will hurt. But... if you get the Panther running it will quell the pain










$550 worth of coin here:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/390251189400
Minty Mint!
http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/05/30/4atyruze.jpg


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[blkZooM]

Bro, you live in NYC you can find someone to do it a whole lot cheaper than what they quoted you. Do things one step at a time from smallest to largest take ya time, some of the things you mentioned can be done yourself. Like someone said don't be scared to work on your car, its the start of summer enjoy it. Where in Bk you located if you don't mind me asking?

[simcha]

@blkzoom I'm by ocean pkwy and foster ave area


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[simcha]

@blkzoom, but you are right.
I will look into other options first.


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[RF Overlord]

Do NOT let one wildly over-priced estimate get you down. If you really want the car, learn to do whatever you can on the car yourself...ask some gear-head friends for advice...ask the local Mustang club who they use for repairs...