Do Marauders still have the same effect on you?

[justbob]

Think about it and answer truthfully. It just dawned on me how much I actually don't even like them much anymore when I seen a bone stock, pretty clean, but lightly weathered one yesterday. I cringed at even the thought of having to build another to my liking! Don't get me wrong, my head is all over the place when it comes to different set ups, and even mine is still far far far from where I'd like it to be but I am just a tad burned out working on cars for a while and it seems like I blink and another $1,000 GONE..



But the joy I get in mine, and a few other member's rides when we trade off, or even a joyride for that matter is very deep and passionate, and a very special vehicle. Almost one I couldn't see going without... But a totally unmolested one? No way, no interest, no longer "feeling it". Sad if you ask me. There was a day, or a few years for that matter, back in '04-'09?? Where I not only drive a 100% stock one, but LOVED it and everything it represented! Passion is gone, except for a few examples in which case are more addictive than I have ever been and it continues to grow.



It's really got ZERO to do with H.P., blowers, turbos, manual, really none of that means squat to me. It's all in the first look / appearance / how it's represented, it's aggressive attitude, and perhaps sound. This carries into the whole package I.e. Interior, lowered, too many stickers/badges, tint, tires, grille, ETC. I think I immediately check to see if its lowered or still riding like a damn pick up truck, then overall stance, top of front wheel close to even with the fender, rear tucked up and in slightly, badge less, and perhaps tint. If all that is complete then I'm intrigued to see what else is hiding! If it's not even lowered.... Moving on. An absolutely 100% free mod that changed everything for me. The one mod that has always been my favorite one.



Soooo. Be truthfull, have you kept the passion alive? Or have you personalized yours to the point interest in others is gone? Do you hold on to yours with hopes and dreams of someday ripping into it but always under financial constraints? Believe me, I've been there! The first 4-5 years I owned it I was dead BROKE. I took a good lump out of a 2nd mortgage to do my first mod (my used Trilogy). Then I enjoyed that for a year just to be laid off for over a year! I'm still playing catch up on that purchase five years later as well as being laid off four years ago with a family of five... So I get it! But do you have deep passion or are you dying for a change?



Also, I guess this really goes out to owners who have had them for years, because if it's still fairly new to you I'm quite sure you love it.



So

A) I love all of them! Like seriously, I have issues!



B) I guess your right Mr. Biscuits, I have become perhaps a tad biased and really didn't see it till now.



C) I kinda swing both ways... :eek:





Self proclaimed Builder Of Badassery.

Buy it, Break it, Build it BETTER.
"Since 2004"

[da'law]

If it is you, JustBob, I get to swing both ways with, then I am in!! Literally and figuratively!! :D

My car has been sin torage since Mid October and it will come home today and I do have mixed feeling about keeping it. I guess once I get to driving again that may change. For now though it is still a very cool car that very few people own and that is what I liked about when I bought it.
Like you I have put great sums of money into it to make the MM the car I think it should have been from the factory. Will I stop doing this or will I sell it, only time and a diminished fun factor is going to be the determining factor.

[justbob]

Hey Jeff! Long time buddy! We need to catch up sometime.


Self proclaimed Builder Of Badassery.

Buy it, Break it, Build it BETTER.
"Since 2004"

[Pat]

Silverback still lights my fire. Even after major expenses these past few years that have exceeded the sale value of the car X 2. There's nothing else I want. The size, power and laid-black-ness are my favorite features. The Z cars, Chally's and Stangs are all fun to look at and drive, just so many of them and too small for my mature frame. Besides the surprise on their faces when I walk away at the stop light is priceless.

I haven't dragged race for years, I fall's asleep at the 1/8 mile mark, so it's just a street/highway cruiser, but people look up when I apply a little throttle.
Regards,

[marauderthis]

In storage here is what I would do first especially if the car was exposed to temperatures in 40's and below.
Forget what the coolant reservoir is showing I would remove that COT plug and check to see if the COT is void of coolant or very low.
Remember if you remove the COT plug do not open the cap on the reservoir.

Get all the air out of the system or pay the price very quickly.



My car has been sin storage since Mid October and it will come home today and I do have mixed feeling about keeping it. I guess once I get to driving again that may change. For now though it is still a very cool car that very few people own and that is what I liked about when I bought it.
Like you I have put great sums of money into it to make the MM the car I think it should have been from the factory. Will I stop doing this or will I sell it, only time and a diminished fun factor is going to be the determining factor.[/QUOTE]

[loud2004marquis]

Interesting thought...


Thinking the process of modding does this to us.

Hope this doesn't sound too weird, and don't get me wrong I have Ford panther blood in my veins...

But after going from completely stock, to doing the initial SCT tune, then 4:10's, then Exhaust and now Eaton Swap I feel like a Marauder with these mods or similar is an actual regular Marauder.

Hearing what Ford originally wanted to offer it as drove me nuts hearing that it came so much less then that.

These mods I listed have been and are becoming even more and more common to do on Marauders alone. Don't see too many other Panthers doing this, even though they're all cool in my book.

You've done a lot to your car and did your own work. I'm starting to see what you mean, but am not as far down the road as you.


It reminds me a little of the ending of the Lord of the Flies.

All the crazy things those boys did and who they were before, then at the end of the movie, when faced with the grown men in the search party...They ended up crying.

Sorry if it sounds crazy, just vacuumed the pool so I'm thinking a little deep and probably got too much sun.

We will never sell the car though...Wife and I consider it part of the family after all we've been through. :banana2:

:twocents:

[Zack]

I pray I find the inner strength to let go someday, because I've been bored with the same platform for a long time

[jwibbity]

its those plain jane marauders that bore me, yes the car is rare but why have them all look exactly the same, grab a chin spoiler, black out the wheels, put some subs in, paint it purple,.....

I like personalizing every car I own so I enjoy it everyday. I hate driving my wife's sonata but I put components speakers, 2 12" subs, and 20" chrome wheels to make the car more enjoyable for me.

[Jeronimojc]

Reminds me of this.: Meaningless, meaningless, everything is meaningless...

"I denied myself nothing my eyes desired;
I refused my heart no pleasure.
My heart took delight in all my labor,
and this was the reward for all my toil.
Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done
and what I had toiled to achieve,
everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind;
nothing was gained under the sun."




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[IwantmyMMnow!]

Passion is still alive and well here; doesn't matter if I see a bone stock or boosted up one like CDUB's, DOOM's, or justbob's ride. Even though I've only done a few minor mods and am still N/A, I still love getting in mine and cranking it up...I think this is mainly due to having an exhaust setup producing the sound I love hearing. It's not the loudest, but dammit, it sure makes me tingle down there when I hear it. Black is so damn sexy at night, DPBs and DTRs really pop in the sunshine, and SBs look great both day (except when it's overcast) and night. It sure doesn't hurt that there's a great bunch of folks behind these machines as well and we get together several times a year to hangout and have fun. Lots of great mechanical talent here that I wish I had some of. Right now, I just don't see myself giving up my MM unless I had absolutely no other choice....

[Ms. Denmark]

__________________

[da'law]

You have my number, just text or call. I have plenty of time now that I am retired. BTW, was my buddy any help to you?



Hey Jeff! Long time buddy! We need to catch up sometime.


Self proclaimed Builder Of Badassery.

Buy it, Break it, Build it BETTER.
"Since 2004"

[da'law]

I appreciate the advice but, I have been storing her every winter since I got her.(Going on 10 years) She gets some moderate exercise when the weather permits while stored. Once home she will be driven a couple of times a week and all fluids checked. If needed they are either topped off or replaced with the exception of engine oil and filter which is always replaced regardless of the condition.




In storage here is what I would do first especially if the car was exposed to temperatures in 40's and below.
Forget what the coolant reservoir is showing I would remove that COT plug and check to see if the COT is void of coolant or very low.
Remember if you remove the COT plug do not open the cap on the reservoir.

Get all the air out of the system or pay the price very quickly.



My car has been sin storage since Mid October and it will come home today and I do have mixed feeling about keeping it. I guess once I get to driving again that may change. For now though it is still a very cool car that very few people own and that is what I liked about when I bought it.
Like you I have put great sums of money into it to make the MM the car I think it should have been from the factory. Will I stop doing this or will I sell it, only time and a diminished fun factor is going to be the determining factor.[/QUOTE]

[HBTMD]

After all these years I really like my mostly stock MM with Baer Front Brakes and DR cold air intake. :banana2:

If I had a Trilogy SC I could be persuaded to be in love with it again. :bows:

[RichardP]

After a month of riding around in a FI rauder I will never go back to a stock set up. I will keep mine all stock on the outside, but under the hood is a different story. I can't stand any flashiness whatsoever.

[Mr. Man]

Nothing out there in my price range that makes me want to relinquish it so it's stayin'.

I concur with Pats thoughts as well.

[joe mosely]

I haven't had mine long, just bought it last October (and it sat all winter). I've put three tanks of gas through it. But I've wanted one since I first saw them advertised for sale. I was starting my family, my second child was on the way. I had a job, school, a wife that was finishing her degree, so there was no chance at buying a car I wanted. We were scraping by to pay for a miled-out Caravan and rent.

I'm in a little better shape financially now, but not much. But I finally got my Marauder. Its high mileage, its got scratches and a couple little dents but I love it.

A Marauder period is rare to see here, doesn't matter about stock vs modded to me.

[lji372]

I love all three like children.
Silver is a pita, never ending project, proof a car is never DONE
Black when motor wasn't broken was quite enjoyable and will be again soon
Blue. Very nice to look at but IMHO n/a stands for not acceptable, that little tard will get blown or sold. If your even thinking s/c DO IT

They are all eye candy though......well as long as the dtr's are hidden in the back row :D

[CWright]

I definitely get bored with her every once in a while. If it wasn't for modding I might have already turned it loose. I have to say there is something special to me about the car. It's hard to pin point. I've def sunk tooooooooo muuuccchhhh into it but she's still fun. Even the little gremlins that show up don't bother me too bad.

Thanks for this thread Bob!! I've had this on my mind for while anyway. :beer:

[BigM460]

I definitely get bored with her every once in a while. If it wasn't for modding I might have already turned it loose. I have to say there is something special to me about the car. It's hard to pin point. I've def sunk tooooooooo muuuccchhhh into it but she's still fun. Even the little gremlins that show up don't bother me too bad.

Thanks for this thread Bob!! I've had this on my mind for while anyway. :beer:

Thought it was the clock in the dash!? :D

[RubberCtyRauder]

I've only had mine 3 years..Was supposed to be a commuter car, daily driver year round upgrade from a CV Sport. I've never modded for performance..engine stuff,etc..My past was 4 X 4 trucks, lift kits and tires and rims. maybe a K & N or a "chip" back then.

Well, thanks to you all, my bank account is lower due to the mod illness and then I go and recently buy another one because it had a Trilogy..i wanted one when they announced no more after number 250 and could of had one, but couldn't justify the $6500 plus for it at the time so went with a non-intercooled centri a member was selling that he never installed. So these are my first experiences with performance mods for power, braking, exhaust etc. Went to a cruise in tonight with lots of late model 5.0 stangs and boosted ones, a couple shelby GT500 and camaros and challengers. made me kind of jealous seeing all these clean late model cars with nice seats and stuff, but Marty assured me today that my latest acquisition is a really nice car adn the re-tune is almost done and in a few weeks, I'll go pick it up and it'll be a like a new car to me.

[CWright]

Thought it was the clock in the dash!? :D

LOL!! :D

[Guittard22]

I feel like since I've got a new job I've been so busy haven't really had time for the Marauder but with that said that it's still not stop me from trying to buy parts for this amazing car . And I love telling people about a marauder that have no clue what it is or who made it .


I love to drive it more but it's just been siting :/ I parked it on oct 30th I think with 80,030 and now has 80,035 lol

Needs a bath but I will never stop loving this car !

Ask me again in 15 years I tell you the same thing ... This car never gets old !


But I better be on CWright Level of beast mode x5

[camelgrundle]

I know I still love my marauder. I hate tiny cars and have always owned boats for cars. Every time I park it i catch myself looking back at it. If you don't do that then it's time for a new car!

[justbob]

I know I still love my marauder. I hate tiny cars and have always owned boats for cars. Every time I park it i catch myself looking back at it. If you don't do that then it's time for a new car!


You missed the whole point. I love MY car and a few others, but looking back at a now ten year old totally stock example I would pass.


Self proclaimed Builder Of Badassery.

Buy it, Break it, Build it BETTER.
"Since 2004"

[8UWITH6]

Nothing wrong with hating stockers Bob LOL JK. Especially when you have one nasty beeeyotch! ;) What you start with is a blank canvas so to speak. I too have to personalize a completely stock ANYTHING to my liking just to be able to sleep at night. Call it car evolution why would you go back to what you started with? :beer:

[VMARAUDER]

I have owned mine four years now and have adored the Marauder since I first saw one. It's a full size (big) car and that's what I have driven since I was 14. I have owned Town Cars and Grand Marquise for the past 20 years and have just loved the comfort but they lacked aggressiveness on the road. I enjoy seeing the different mods and that what makes it exciting. I really like mine though it doesn't have the real power mods and I will be keeping my Marauder. I feel it's a fantastic vehicle and I especially hope that all you guys will hold on to your passion for the Marauder as it would be a great great loss to see you fade away.
Bob, Zack , Marty, Chris....hell there is too many to name that are too valuable.
One last thing, our Marauders still command attention...example 16 year old girl working the drive through window gets all stary eyed when she asked and I said yes "it's a MARAUDER"
MARAUDERING FOREVER

[TooManyFords]

Won't buy another. My car is just a means to an end and the only goal is to keep racing it. If it ever hits the wall, I'll move on to something lighter.

(Unless someone offers me enough money to take it off my hands now. hint, hint)

[Bluerauder]

I've had mine since October 2003 and I am still thrilled when I see one on the road since it is such a rarity even in this densely populated area. It makes no difference whether it is bone stock or highly modified, I like 'em all for what they are. No two are ever the exact same, since most everyone has done a little something to customize to their personal tastes. Now that there are less than half of the original production still on the road, it makes the ones that are left all the more special.

I have a tremendous amount of respect for the guys like justbob, Shermanator, Triple Threat, martyo, Zack, DOOM, Marauder TJA, Too Many Fords, DEFYANT, Joe Walsh, cruztaker, Blackened300a and countless others who have pioneered the way in the state of the possible with these cars in both the S/C and N/A form. I ogle their cars at MM Events and am awestruck at their performance; but have no personal interest, skill, or desire to compete at their level.

Basically, I am happy with my MM "as is". :) I like the way it handles. I like the sound of the stock exhaust. I like the way that it commands respect on the roads. The Marauder catches peoples eye as something a little different even though it has police car and taxi cab roots. For me, it is still fun to drive even though mine was retired 2 years ago to weekend and car show/cruise duty.

My 2012 Taurus SHO has taken over daily driver duties. It is certainly quicker than the Marauder and it has more bells and whistles than the Marauder. But in reality, it really just looks a lot like every other jellybean cars on the road today. Nobody really looks twice at it. Few even know what it is even though the car is much rarer than the Marauder (only 1,808 SHOs made in 2012 and only 417 in Tuxedo Black). And that damn EcoBoost emblem on the rear makes people think it is a Hybrid or something.

Given the choice, I much prefer driving the Marauder (with just a tune and some appearance mods). :D The only reason it was retired was to reduce the daily exposure to the idiots drivers in Northern Virginia where rear-enders is becoming a common occurrence.

I had a fantastic opportunity to get S/C'd in 2006 with a Trilogy and I purposely declined for personal reasons. :o

So, to answer the question --- YES the Marauder still has the same effect on me. :up:

[guspech750]

It's cool.


Sent from The White House on taxpayers dimes.

DTR + 4.10's + Eaton swap = Wreeeeeeeeeeeeeeedom

[1stMerc]

You missed the whole point. I love MY car and a few others, but looking back at a now ten year old totally stock example I would pass.


Self proclaimed Builder Of Badassery.

Buy it, Break it, Build it BETTER.
"Since 2004"

That's the lament of "Builders Of Badassery". It's the "tinkerers curse". Once you add most or all of the mods that you wish had come from the factory to make it your personal statement, stock just doesn't have the same affect. You still like/love the Marauder as a whole, but there is something about a modded one that grabs your attention more. Maybe your next idea for yours or something you can do better.

Whether performance or cosmetic.
Modded ones make you think more.

[mnrauder]

They don't make cars like it anymore. Go test drive some new full size cars and you'll see. Chevy ss maybe but it's 45k and looks like a Malibu.

[mnrauder]

Charger might work

[loud2004marquis]

Every time I park it i catch myself looking back at it. If you don't do that then it's time for a new car!

http://img.memegenerator.io/meme/140602/pfrzm3.jpg

[lji372]

http://img.memegenerator.io/meme/140602/pfrzm3.jpg

This^^^^^^^^^ :banana2: :banana2: :banana2:

[L.Mark]

Totally into my NA...it ate up all my play money in the first year...I wouldn't pass on a bone stock obviously because mine isn't...yet...will be when time, meaning money, is right...then at that point I'll prolly be...man NA's are such a pieces of s**t...:D...kidding...I will someday prolly agree with Chris or Bob when hopefully mine is further along...but till now...one mod at a time till you can look at mine and say, oh yeah, I know who's car that is...it's all in the personalization's!!!

[ncmm]

I like mine stock except for window tinting.
I do know that Marauders are few and far between in my area.

[fastblackmerc]

Charger might work

Wife has a 2007 Charger R/T with the optional R/T package... not even close......

She gets pissed when I have people chasing my Marauder down to see what kind of car it is.

[Marauderman]

AS one of the few original owners , my MM has had its ups and down, but it stil grabs me when I drive it.. Now its been relegated to little use as my new truck took its place in the garage--so it sits outside under its own car cover. I started out as all with bone stock but back then we (Martyo, TAF and I had a little "who could up the antsy" and do a different mod --it was fun and before you know I was out of control. Today my MM sits with a supper built motor and a race car or grocery car --whatever I choose --and with out a doubt--never ever not get the looks and what is that stuff from someone every time out---Just have to always allow a good 10 more minutes when getting gas before returning home as someone wants to hear all about it and them.

So yeah Bob, just when I think its time to mover her out and let someone else enjoy here, I take control and the WOW factory hits me again. The difference today with the bone stock MM then and todays cars is about all todays cars come with 300 + HP or near and some are 6 cylc.. where as the MM was the ONLY one then---unique--YES---Today NO---way too many that are quicker--See Bluerauder's comments--but it has a WOW factor that others just cannot produce---its so unique it cannot be said other than --WOW!

[vkirkend]

I like it so much I now have two!!!! And the great thing is going to the track and having all the racers and fans admiring the car AND the amount of performance it produces. And when you tell them it's a stock motor with just bolt on's they are further amazed. Two racers came up to me last week and said I'm their new hero...:beer::burnout:

[RR|Suki]

I wouldn't even want to drive an NA Marauder at this point :puke:

[ChiTownMaraud3r]

Like you Bob, I've also come to see how un-interested I am in plain jane stock Marauders. If I had not eaton swapped it this year, I may have kept it but would have bought a new car to play with. I can't wait to get my issue figured out and get some miles on it because it sparked up the passion again.

Even though I swore to keep mine forever, and always thought built is better than bought, after driving around an exotic for a day and night...given the opportunity to trade for one, the MM would be gone in an instant.

[gdsqdcr]

Mine is N/a, thought not quite stock.
I love driving it and the looks people give you. At a car show on Sunday, several folks came over took a look and made comments "wow ... you dont see these every day", "that is a real sleeper", "not your every day average car". Those comments keep me interested. Like many of you, I can not leave a car stock. Not going to happen ... Not even my wife's 06 base model MT Accord. But each car is unique and has it benefits and joys.

I like my truck, for what it can do. I love the car, for what it is.

[Odinson]

No one will ever make another frame muscle car with a real back seat.
No one will ever make another car based on a platform with SO much time and testing.
No one will ever make another car with SUCH an under-tuned engine.

It was never exactly what I wanted. I wanted a convertible but it never came out. But in a way that suits the marauder. As pointed out, it's a blank canvas. Other cars just aren't.

As a guy who JUST bought a new custom e350, one of the last. The Ford long American lines were unique. Cars and trucks with a long past and a longer list of potential mods. THATs what made them special. When Ford got it right they just kept tweaking! I put a 4x4 system and a luxury interior on a van that was built to be an airport shuttle. And it works. Hell I did that one inside the Ford system.

Unibody platforms can be used beyond their intended use and spec, but only to a point. They're toasters. I cringe in horror at doubling the horsepower on ANY other car. That's what I see when I see a stock marauder. A car that is truly mine. I can make it into anything I can imagine, it still will be practical and dependable, and I don't have to ask permission.

And it's gone. They threw it away. :eek:

[tbone]

I've owned my MM for 6 1/2 years. Longest I've ever owned anything in my life except a house. That pretty much sums it up for me. And I never plan on selling it. Ever.

[Odinson]

Look at it this way if you want a big car that goes fast, buy a hellcat challenger.

In 2040 when your kids get the marauder, every modern car in 2040 may have a 800hp electric motor at every wheel. You try to install that in the challenger and you have to start with a tube frame or the car will rip in half. Not with the marauder. It doesn't matter if the battery pack you drop in the space where the gas tank was is 600lbs. Just drill a hole. You can modernize it to whatever.

It is yours in a way that something that's just a little stronger than the intended use could never be.

2000hp engines a dime a dozen? Retrofit. Mr fusion? No problem. Convertible? More power to ya.

It's the last yank tank. That's how I see it. New stuff, they don't make em like they used to.

[sflrainmaker01]

I get what you are saying Bob. However, it's cool when I see another Marauder on the street driving around, just due to the rarity of the car. However, if I was ever to buy another, it would be even more modded than Rescurauder (either s/c'd or turbo'd). No more N/A stuff. Not even worth looking at.

I think it's really cool that we can have power levels exceeding 5 or 600 HP and still keep the car looking pretty stock. A true sleeper.... :burnout::burnout:

[a_d_a_m]

I like mine a lot still. I take pride in it, enjoy talking to people about it, etc...

But I don't see myself owning another one. If, for example, mine got totaled...I think I'd move on to a newer Mustang or Challenger, or an older car (into Torinos and Cyclones these days). Maybe a S/C Marauder, if the price and condition were right, and it had all the suspension goodies installed already.

[mnrauder]

New stuff, they don't make em like they used to.

I was shopping for a new car recently and was really surprised at how many cars are using a 4 cylinder turbo instead of a 6

[Motorhead350]

I will always love my Marauder, no question and keep it on the road as long as I can, as you know.

The first few years it was transportation with style. I recall from the first day I got it, I got a complement on it when it had 70 miles on it. When it was brand new, not even old enough to burn though a tank of gas yet. It was special from the very start.

As time went on, life changed and so did the car. I found the Marauder to be the only thing loyal. People died, friendships ended, got kicked out of bands, pets died, carrier paths changed, but the car was always around. Around to take me away from everything I slowly learned to loath about the world. I could have the worst day without getting lucky and the dog dying the next day, the Marauder would always start and the radio always worked. It was truly the only thing that had never let me down and always made me happy. Call it anti-social behavior if you want.

When the blower went on at first, things were even more fun. Not only did I have a car I loved, but a car that could beat anything stop light to stop light. It was great, the car gave me even more joy. Even just a drive was enough to bring me out of a bad mood. People loved it. Not only was it special, but a ultimate sleeper. It even won a few races at track, but off the track was always more fun because it was a true street car. The only time it was on a trailer is when it was broken.... or when I thought it was.

As time went on the baby got ugly. When I upped the boost from 12-16 it was breaking small parts all of the time. It was breaking when there wasn't even racing going on, with the exception of the last time (and ONLY TIME) I ever completely blew up an engine. It was getting 5.5mpg in the city even if I was cruising, NOT FUN. WOT was always a scare in fear it would blow up for good and it did.

Back to N/A is something I wish I did years ago. With nearly all most effective bolt on's, this is the most fun the car has ever been. It still have the power to have fun, but slow enough to not break pullys or belts every month. Plus the MPG is back up a little. I will leave it like this as long as it's mine. I will go homeless before I sell the car.

Modified Marauders are cool to look it, but I usually see them apart more often than together. Respect is given to Zack, John, Justbob, anyone that modifies and makes a fast Marauder, however, no matter how much money goes into these things, they are never as dependable as they were when 100% stock. I like driving mine. It's slow enough to depend on for a road trip, fast enough for a quick stop light race. It's in near perfect mid range for my liking.

The people I have met of the is outstanding. I have met people from all around the country that have had no problem meeting up for a bite to eat on a long haul, help if I need it and the gatherings are something I look forward to every year. This car truly changed my life.

The Marauder is more meaningful than ever. It's the last of the American cars. Full size V8 RWD sedan. The last of the era. Even a cable driven throttle is becoming old school. It stands out no matter what. People still do not know what it is. Parts are dirt cheap and as I am learning, this car is easy to work on. Say what you must about me personally, but the Marauder is the car I have learned off of. It's my friend, my teacher and my therapist.

There will never be another car in my life this meaningful. I will keep it around no matter what. I do not care how many engines I eat. Even if 50 years from now, if it has to run on batteries because there is no oil left (I doubt) it will be running on whatever source we have. I love this car. Hardly anyone understands, but not one of us wears the same pair of shoes.

[LSp8]

Even wit all the ridiculously high powered cars out now I still LOVE my car. Sure I want a Charger SRT or CTS-V as my next toy but the MM will not get traded for one. This car has really been a blessing to own. I've been all the way up to Boston, over to Ohio, and as far down as Atlanta and Savannah with absolutely NO worries and hauled the mail getting there. Super reliable and comfortable. I don't think I'm gonna go nuts modding as I once planned to. Not sure if I wanna spend the money on supercharging a car with this many miles and spending the thousands that I need just to get over 400 hp to the wheels with so many options we have today. This car will be the one car I owned for the longest and I will continue to drive til I see 500,000k and brag about it everyday.

[71cyclone]

"Well said" from another Silver Burch Cousin !!!! [

[boatmangc]

Struggling trying to fall in love with mine again.....

So far it ain't working....

:bigcry:

[chief455]

Struggling trying to fall in love with mine again.....

So far it ain't working....

:bigcry:
Don't know what you've got until it's gone.
That is keeping me from going ahead with any sale of mine.
Snow storm tomorrow will put it in lock down for 6 months - I'll have sold and bought a dozen different newer cars - in my head ;)
MM will be waiting in the spring, clean, gassed up and ready to make me happy once again.

[Spectragod]

I know what I've got, I know what I'll have when it's gone...... about half of what I have in it, I couldn't build another for what I can sell this one for "right now", but I'm not going to live forever either, I might just say ****** it and let her go, at least I'll be able to buy lots of alcohol with the funds from the sale.........:alone:

[lji372]

I know what I've got, I know what I'll have when it's gone...... about half of what I have in it, I couldn't build another for what I can sell this one for "right now", but I'm not going to live forever either, I might just say ****** it and let her go, at least I'll be able to buy lots of alcohol with the funds from the sale.........:alone:


Struggling trying to fall in love with mine again.....

So far it ain't working....

:bigcry:


^^^^^^you guys should race for pinks! one will be in love again :run:

[tbone]

I will die with mine in my garage. Then my son gets it with instructions to save it for his son or daughter.

[Spectragod]

^^^^^^you guys should race for pinks! one will be in love again :run:

Really?????? Mines a DTR, I'd need like a 3 day head start......:D

[Blackmobile]

I’ve got a jewel in the garage (Fruit Punch) and a daily driver that still turns heads at 11 years old and 171K on the clock, and has the power to blow your eardrums out (Lemon Aide). My last serious love was a 1981 firebird formula that I had for 13 years before we parted ways. I still have a long way to go to just equal that experience and since the Marauder is modularized pert near every part is designed to be replaced. New doesn’t mean all that much since it gets old after 1 year, but classic stays that way if you desire to keep it that way. Building the Marauder up to its designed power is the LOVE. Driving the said Marauder is the FUN, and complaining about repairing the Marauder is the norm. All this from a diehard Firebird guy who, with the help of a certain friend and other good friends who just so happen to be SSM members , has become a Mercury man. My next ride will be a supercharged Bentley, but until the day comes when I can actually afford one, these Monster Marauders will do the trick.

Carry on Gents!

[cer0413]

You talked me into 4.10s, tune a s/cing it, so now I won't rest until its done :)

[boatmangc]

^^^^^^you guys should race for pinks! one will be in love again :run:

I sure as hell don't want two! :flamer:

[Bradley G]

About the only thing that turns me off about marauders is seeing one all hagged out , neglected and abused.
Pride is pride , no matter which way you slice it.

The three youngsters that crashed in Detroit a couple weeks ago makes me realize , the car is a Hugh responsibility even stock.
That owner had 30 minutes of fun with his buddies.
I celebrated eleven years of passion , yesterday was her birthday.
Something the three from the Motor City won't get to experience .
Signed,
Mr. Stock ride height

[cer0413]

About the only thing that turns me off about marauders is seeing one all hagged out , neglected and abused.
Pride is pride , no matter which way you slice it.

The three youngsters that crashed in Detroit a couple weeks ago makes me realize , the car is a Hugh responsibility even stock.
That owner had 30 minutes of fun with his buddies.
I celebrated eleven years of passion , yesterday was her birthday.
Something the three from the Motor City won't get to experience .
Signed,
Mr. Stock ride height
Well said and good morning

[Bradley G]

Well said and good morning

Happy New year Bro!

[1Marauder]

10 years in the making, Almost 2 years and 1 year respectively of ownership...

AND NOTHING (except _____) can clear my head and soul of the inner clutter from stressful work than pulling a spotless "BAIN" out of the garage, hearing the rumbling exhaust note warm after a minute or two... idling my way out to the boulevard where I basically coast a mile and a half letting the trans lubricate, ROMPING (near WOT) up a mile long three turn elavation changing freeway onramp and LUNGING out onto the freeway scaring unwwitting motorists silly.

The first exit has the reverse mile long exit and elevation changes (think "over the river and through the woods")... and deposits me back onto the Boulevard.

Sometimes I do it thrice.

A month ago my 14 year had a 1.5 hr basketball practice on a Friday night. He didnt want me to stay--so I CRUISED with nowhere to go, for an hour and a half. A completely tricked out and EXTREMELY LOUD Mustang was surprized he didn't "pull away" a few times. A guy in a Camero, and a guy in a new blacked out Hemi Challenger both gave me the "nod" after remaining next to them repeatedly after a few moderatly quick starts.

!.5 hours. No phone, no agenda, and I got to listen to my favorite house band "Resonator Delete."

I hadnt cruised aimlessly in 20+ years.


Yes sometimes I think about the other thinngs I could do with the time and financial expense of working on the Marauders, and when I do--I simply wash/wax and punish one of them.

My thrill, is searching for fresh Marauders... and I still hope to find the retired 81 year old Grandpa who wants to sell his 11,542 mile perfect Marauder (with all Sticker, all service, jacket and car cover) to me for the substantial sum of $5,762 because that is what the Ford Delaership offered him...

And starting the entire process over again.

[1Marauder]

PS

A freind come over for our 30th year anniversary Thanksgiving Day Soccer game, and drove a BEAUTIFULLY restored Italian car he'd had since back in the day. He showed me everything he'd done, drove me around in it for a few minutes, and while doing so asked me what I'd been up to (car-wise). I pulled out Bain out of the garage, and repeated the above taking him on the "loop."

He could NOT BELIEVE the freight train "lunge" from 35ish boulevard to 75ish (note to moderators--these are the posted Californiua Speed Limits) freeway onramp.

He asked to do it again!

And while there is no comparative bewteen the two autos (his auto buys my two Marauders many times over) mine are comfortable and (moderately) FAST and both have toured Western Route 66.

I couldnt see doing that in his.

[Professor]

At 11 years old, the Marauder is comfortable and familiar. I still enjoy driving it. I haven't found anything that makes me want to get rid of it yet (although some mechanical issues have tempted me ... but once they are repaired I'm back to the content feeling it gives me). It feels like home.

Let me clarify ... I am not make loyal. I've owned a number of muscle cars, some sports cars and a few quirky exotics. Currently, my garage includes a turbo VW Passat (one of the most balanced cars I've driven) and a Hemi Challenger R/T that runs 11.20's.

But my Marauder is my axe, my steed, my daily ... whether I am commuting in bumper to bumper redlight traffic, out cruising through the curves and hills of the Ozarks or on a 1200 mile road trip ... the Merc does it all. It does it while being able to include the wife and kids in comfort.

Now the caveat ... is there an American 4 door sedan that does what the Marauder does as well as it does it? Yes and no. The Chevrolet SS is much more sophisticated, damn good looking and will fly. It will drift on command, it handles like a BMW 3 series, the good manners of a Cadillac CTS-V and the ballz of a Vette. However, the interior feels cramped compared to the Merc. With two long legged kids (and being 6'4" myself) ... it just doesn't work. Egress and ingress in the back seat is problematic.

However, I drove a 2015 Charger R/T Road & Track with Super Track Pack and was quite impressed. The 8-speed transmission seems to put this car always in the right gear and always on the torque curve no matter whether you are in commute mode or passing at highway speeds. The car handles ten times better than the Merc. The paddle shifters are a fun distraction, but not necessary. The car is well mannered around town, but put the loud peddle to the floor and a beast awakens. The Scat Pack version of this is a good value and has great manners. The only thing that holds me back from trading the Merc for the Charger is the styling. Don't get me wrong ... the Merc is fundamentally a Panther with a blacked out grill and a great raked stance ... but the 2015 Charger is a bore from the windshield forward. The new Dart nose is just ... pedestrian at best. However, the drivetrain on that car is what I hope the Marauder would be today had Mercury survived.

[pem]

Opinions are like a-holes....everybodys got one....I respect what everyone said and the mods they chose to do....I purchased my '04 brand new and love it as much today as "way back when"....never had the intent to modify it but am so jealous when I see the ones that are....someday might do the 4.10's and lowering but right now still have my '70 Cyclone and "70 Cyclone Spoiler with factory sunroof, both 429 and CJ429 4 speed cars to play around with...."R E S P E C T"....I truly respect what you've done, please respect what I haven't done.

[Professor]

Opinions are like a-holes....everybodys got one....I respect what everyone said and the mods they chose to do....I purchased my '04 brand new and love it as much today as "way back when"....never had the intent to modify it but am so jealous when I see the ones that are....someday might do the 4.10's and lowering but right now still have my '70 Cyclone and "70 Cyclone Spoiler with factory sunroof, both 429 and CJ429 4 speed cars to play around with...."R E S P E C T"....I truly respect what you've done, please respect what I haven't done.

Well said.

[Leadfoot281]

Last year I drove a little over 800 miles total. I rode nearly 20,000 miles on my motorcycle though.

My Marauder will probably be sold this spring. It's got 71k miles and is 99% stock. I've only put 900 miles on it since '09.

Probably gonna use the money to get another bike. :D

My girlfriend has a new BMW (something or other) and one of those new 5.0 Mustangs with the 6 speed and I haven't driven either one of 'em. Cars are boring. I don't know what the appeal is anymore.

I did put about 40 miles on the Marauder this summer and while it ran fine it's still no where near as much fun as a cycle. I think what it needs is 750 Hp, no power steering, no power brakes, no radio, no doors and no windshield. That'd help it a lot.

[tbone]

I get a little zinger up my leg every time I make even a small improvement to my car. Always on the lookout for something to make her "better, stronger, faster" and restored to like new condition.

[yjmud]

Still like it but I don't love it. I think I'm going to work on my Olds this year if I can

[tbone]

Still like it but I don't love it. I think I'm going to work on my Olds this year if I can

You're gay.

[stevengerard]

Still like it but I don't love it. I think I'm going to work on my Olds this year if I can

Great Idea:D

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=40 766&stc=1&d=1421523310

[slickster]

every time i wash it

[stevengerard]

Professor ^ summed it up for me. I appreciate any of these cars in stock, modded or completely crazed out. Up to the owners. I have a large family, not tall just many - 6 of us. There are not many vehicles that are fun to drive and can carry a family or many client's this comfortably.

I will say there is nothing quite like cruising around in a vintage muscle car, especially a convertible. There is also nothing quite like pushing a modern sports car (or sedan) to its limits on a track. The Marauder is neither but a nice middle of the road combo - especially with my mods.

I have been test driving a bunch of cars of late as well and the new cars are incredible, but the MM is just old enough and rare enough it fits the bill of both worlds - relatively modern yet relatively rare and its getting more unique as time goes by.

I hope to keep mine forever as I'm the original owner but in a few years I hope to add an even newer car to the stable, be it a CTS-V, a Challenger or a Mustang - or who knows what else may be out (by then Buick GNX?). There is something to be said about modern engineering, safety and reliability. And when you add the financials into it, my car is paid off, yes upkeep adds up but at this point its still cheaper than 5-7 years of car payments.

[ChiTownMaraud3r]

I still love mine. It's more of a love hate thing but don't think I could get rid of it. I was however looking at new cars to replace my daily, and think the 2015 Chrysler 300S reminds me of the Marauder the most. 365hp, 390lb-ft tq, rear wheel drive, sits 5, and looks great with the monochromatic treatment and rear lip spoiler. Looks to be a great everyday cruiser.

Now am looking at 2015 5.0 mustangs again..decisions.

[yjmud]

You're gay.
Only for marauder owners in crystal lake

[1Marauder]

Great Idea:D

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=40 766&stc=1&d=1421523310


Wow, I love that OLDS!

[Cobra25]

I purchased mine with only 2010 miles on her on December.1,2003 and has been garage kept since . I now have 41,000 miles on her and put over $45,000 thousand dollars in the car. I meet a guy named Firedab in early January of 2004 and a few months later we asked MM.net for our own forum the SunShine State Marauders and was granted it. The tower Shops was our meeting place for many years and I've met some really good people along the way. Many of them I consider family now . To this day I enjoy the car alot and plan on keeping her a long time. Even though the Marauder numbers have went way down, the meets have got smaller ( local & national ) people still love this car. Some member's have sold theirs to buy something newer and still the bond of friendship hasn't changed. They come too the meets with their new rides and are welcomed with open arms, so what does that tell you ? The friendships made with these car's are special and will last a life time. What other car could you ever say that about !!!!