Soon to be new owner in Kansas

[Fastbob]

Greetings all. I am from South Central Kansas and I am about to embark on a new adventure owning a 2004 Mercury Marauder Silver Birch with 23,000 miles. I have wanted a Marauder since they were first introduced, but ended up in a 2008 new Bullitt Mustang and later a used 2006 Corvette that I still have. I also have a real nice 2003 Mercury Gran Marquis, 2013 Ford F-150 Lariat 4X4 and the wife drives a 2009 Infinity G37x sedan.

I found the Marauder at CarMax in Memphis, Tn and it is in the process of being transferred to my local CarMax at Wichita, Kansas. I can hardly wait for it to get to Wichita. If the Marauder looks a nice as a 23,000 mile car should, I will buy it on the spot, might even trade my Velocity Yellow Corvette for it.

I am looking forward to the discussions here on mercurymarauder.net. I am an avid do it yourselfer and can repair almost anything so I should fit right in.

Thanks
Bob

[chief455]

Good luck Bob!
You have plenty of cars to compare that Marauder against, should love it.
I wonder what your driving impression is on your 2006 vette? Harsh ride compared to the 2003 Grand Marquis? Or the Infinity?

[Fastbob]

Good luck Bob!
You have plenty of cars to compare that Marauder against, should love it.
I wonder what your driving impression is on your 2006 vette? Harsh ride compared to the 2003 Grand Marquis? Or the Infinity? The Vette is stock and is very fast. I would say the ride is "sporty" rather than harsh. Me and the wife put 900 miles on it in 2 days and found it to be very comfortable. Certainly her Infiniti would have been nicer to take on the quick business trip, but the Corvette wasn't bad.

My 2003 Mercury is just a big old boat. It floats down the highway, is quiet and the split bench is like sitting on the couch. I call it my "old fart's car". I'm 60 so I might just be an old fart. The Gran Marquis will be sold or traded when I do the deal on the Marauder. I hope that the Marauder has a firmer ride than the Gran Marquis and from some research I have done I believe it will.

Bob

[03blackvegas]

Not only "Firmer", but WAY firmer.

[Fastbob]

Not only "Firmer", but WAY firmer.Way firmer and a little bit of exhaust note will be perfect.

[chief455]

The Vette is stock and is very fast. I would say the ride is "sporty" rather than harsh. Me and the wife put 900 miles on it in 2 days and found it to be very comfortable. Certainly her Infiniti would have been nicer to take on the quick business trip, but the Corvette wasn't bad.

My 2003 Mercury is just a big old boat. It floats down the highway, is quiet and the split bench is like sitting on the couch. I call it my "old fart's car". I'm 60 so I might just be an old fart. The Gran Marquis will be sold or traded when I do the deal on the Marauder. I hope that the Marauder has a firmer ride than the Gran Marquis and from some research I have done I believe it will.

Bob
Umm, my brother has an 05 Grand Marquis, non air ride, and my Marauder is not really much 'firmer' or 'harsh'. More that it is tighter handling and sporty feeling, but, mine has all new suspension and upgrades, the GM is all stock.
Marauder will be more spirited by engine, trans and rear gear - but the highway ride might be 'old man' as well.

Not only "Firmer", but WAY firmer.
I stepped out of a beefed 4th gen Trans Am into my Marauder, thinking a C6 vette will ride somewhere inbetween = sporty, firm, but tolerable on full day trips.
I'm 52 and the T/A was old after 3 hours in the seat. I can drive Marauder for 10 hours without even stopping. :D

[71cyclone]

Hey OLD "G'' 60 [Fart] , Remember 'EASY' not ..GREASY.. Welcome to the CLUB MM LORL ..

[Fastbob]

Hey OLD "G'' 60 [Fart] , Remember 'EASY' not ..GREASY.. Welcome to the CLUB MM LORL ..That would be Mr. Irritating old Fart to you, thanks for the welcome! Wish I had a 71 Cyclone....

[Gryphonzus]

It sounds like a good find. I think you will enjoy the ride. Look forward to seeing you on the site and hearing about your opinions on the ride.

[chief455]

Zero Marauders are currently listed on Carmax site......do you own it?

[Fastbob]

Zero Marauders are currently listed on Carmax site......do you own it?No, it should be parked at the Memphis, Tn CarMax lot (out back) waiting for the auto transport to haul it to Wichita. Could take up to 3 weeks to get it. One of the neat things about CarMax is they do a great job keeping up with their website and when a car is sold or put on hold they immediately remove it from the site.

I hope this one goes better than the last encounter I had with them....several months ago they had a 2004 MM SB at the San Antonio, Tx store and I grabbed it to transfer to Wichita and the dirt bags in San Antonio sold it out from under me. That one had 46K on it. The salesman and manager in Wichita were furious and told me they owed me a free transfer from anywhere. The latest MM turned up on a search I had setup on their website. It was only listed for a day before I snapped it up. I am only obligated to go look at it when it arrives.

http://view.exacttarget.com/?j=fe59177677620c747510&m=fefa1279756105&ls=fdf5107275620174731d7074&l=fea215707460047a75&s=fe301d7675670579761772&jb=febd16737d6d0d7e&ju=fe2a107477640775771377

Bob

[8UWITH6]

I hope the car turns out to be what you are looking for. Low mile cars are getting tough to find. I bought my blue sight unseen with 30K miles on it and unfortunately have about 80 to 100 hours in paint cleanup/touchup/buffing/polishing, etc. It was worth the trouble though.

Welcome fellow Kansan!!! Keep us updated. You are going to love these cars. I have put 20K miles on mine in less than 2 years which is unheard of for me.

[chief455]

No, it should be parked at the Memphis, Tn CarMax lot (out back) waiting for the auto transport to haul it to Wichita. Could take up to 3 weeks to get it. One of the neat things about CarMax is they do a great job keeping up with their website and when a car is sold or put on hold they immediately remove it from the site.

I hope this one goes better than the last encounter I had with them....several months ago they had a 2004 MM SB at the San Antonio, Tx store and I grabbed it to transfer to Wichita and the dirt bags in San Antonio sold it out from under me. That one had 46K on it. The salesman and manager in Wichita were furious and told me they owed me a free transfer from anywhere. The latest MM turned up on a search I had setup on their website. It was only listed for a day before I snapped it up. I am only obligated to go look at it when it arrives.

http://view.exacttarget.com/?j=fe59177677620c747510&m=fefa1279756105&ls=fdf5107275620174731d7074&l=fea215707460047a75&s=fe301d7675670579761772&jb=febd16737d6d0d7e&ju=fe2a107477640775771377

Bob
they took it from viewing and are transporting it and you have not paid anything? who pays the transfer fee if YOU reject the car upon delivery?
just thinking about using them one day...good luck with it - you'll love a Marauder!

[Fastbob]

I hope the car turns out to be what you are looking for. Low mile cars are getting tough to find. I bought my blue sight unseen with 30K miles on it and unfortunately have about 80 to 100 hours in paint cleanup/touchup/buffing/polishing, etc. It was worth the trouble though.

Welcome fellow Kansan!!! Keep us updated. You are going to love these cars. I have put 20K miles on mine in less than 2 years which is unheard of for me. Thanks for the welcome. My main concern is paying 18 Grand for a 10 year old car and its condition. I think the money is on the high side of what it's worth. When it arrives it will get a very close inspection. I would sometime like to see your blue MM.

Bob

[8UWITH6]

Anytime in your in Kansas City feel free. What color interior on the Silver Birch?

[Fastbob]

Anytime in your in Kansas City feel free. What color interior on the Silver Birch?Better be dark charcoal. Gray might be a deal breaker, but it was listed as black.

[Fastbob]

they took it from viewing and are transporting it and you have not paid anything? who pays the transfer fee if YOU reject the car upon delivery?
just thinking about using them one day...good luck with it - you'll love a Marauder!I am responsible for the transfer fee which is paid up front. The transfer fee is paid whether you buy the car or not. There are many free transfer options from CarMax stores that are nearby. If you do one of the transfers that are free you are obligated to go and look at the car, but you are not obligated in any way to purchase it. This one is free to me since they screwed up the last one.

Bob

[chief455]

Better be dark charcoal. Gray might be a deal breaker, but it was listed as black.
listed as black you should be safe it will not be light flint ;)

I am responsible for the transfer fee which is paid up front. The transfer fee is paid whether you buy the car or not. There are many free transfer options from CarMax stores that are nearby. If you do one of the transfers that are free you are obligated to go and look at the car, but you are not obligated in any way to purchase it. This one is free to me since they screwed up the last one.

Bob
that makes sense, thanks!

[1Marauder]

If it is clean... You stole this car! Good luck!!!!!

[Jeronimojc]

A bit pricey, but then again it is a SB and miles are low. Moonroof?


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[Ms. Denmark]

Hope the Silver Birch deal works out, welcome!

[Fastbob]

A bit pricey, but then again it is a SB and miles are low. Moonroof?


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkMoonroof, Heated seats, have not seen photo of the car. Hope it does not have the dealer installed spoiler. I had them do a walk around to make certain it has factory wheels. I also told them that if it had any door dings, scratches or noticeable body repair I wasn't interested. A car with 23k miles should look like it.

Bob

[chief455]

Moonroof, Heated seats, have not seen photo of the car. Hope it does not have the dealer installed spoiler. I had them do a walk around to make certain it has factory wheels. I also told them that if it had any door dings, scratches or noticeable body repair I wasn't interested. A car with 23k miles should look like it.

Bob
+1
Don't settle at this price point and buying the miles. Although, moonroof? I could forgive minor blems to have this;)
Does seem like fair price and they are not falling from the sky anymore.

[RubberCtyRauder]

Moonroof, heated seats, silver birch, dark charcoal interior...hmmm sounds just like my car, although I found one with some perfomance upgrades as well with 45000 miles, right Geoff? lol

[RubberCtyRauder]

And congrats on the possible purchase!!!!

[chief455]

Moonroof, heated seats, silver birch, dark charcoal interior...hmmm sounds just like my car, although I found one with some perfomance upgrades as well with 45000 miles, right Geoff? lol
AAAAEEEEEIIII...

[8UWITH6]

If its a silver birch with a moonroof and heated seats and dark charcoal I think you found "the" car right there man. Keep us posted and post pictures!

[Fastbob]

If its a silver birch with a moonroof and heated seats and dark charcoal I think you found "the" car right there man. Keep us posted and post pictures!Question??? Do they all have heated seats? Disregard I found the info.

[Jeronimojc]

Moonroof, Heated seats, have not seen photo of the car.


Now we are talking! SB Marauders with moonroof are hard to find. Low mile ones are rarer. It seems only some 1,214 Marauders with moon-roof were produced. The SB you are considering is approx one of 336 produced.

Good luck. Make sure to keep the Silver Birch Society updated. Record the VIN number even if you don't buy the car.


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[Jeronimojc]

Question??? Do they all have heated seats? Disregard I found the info.


Nope. Mine is SB, dark charcoal interior with moon-roof, but no heated seats. Disregard the response. Didn't read the entire post.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Fastbob]

Now we are talking! SB Marauders with moonroof are hard to find. Low mile ones are rarer. It seems only some 1,214 Marauders with moon-roof were produced. The SB you are considering is approx one of 336 produced.

Good luck. Make sure to keep the Silver Birch Society updated. Record the VIN number even if you don't buy the car.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Hell, maybe it IS worth $18K after all. How do I tell what sound system it has?

[RubberCtyRauder]

The sound systems are all the same, option being trunk mounted cd changer. The stock radios are common to lose Fm signal over time, A common change/upgrade and keeping the factory look is the change to a Audiophile unit from a Ford explorer, mercury Mariner. They are plug and play and will power the subwoofer and steering wheel controls. It WILL NOT play cd's if car has trunk mounted cd changer, HOWEVER, they have a 6 disc in dash cd player

[Fastbob]

The sound systems are all the same, option being trunk mounted cd changer. The stock radios are common to lose Fm signal over time, A common chage/upgrade and keeping the factroy look is hte chang eto a Audiophil eunit from a Ford explorer, mercury Mariner. They are plug and play and will power the subwoofer and steering wheel controls. It WIL NOT play cd's if car has trunk mounted cd changer, HOWEVER, they have a 6 disc in dash cd playerGotcha, Thanks!

[chief455]

Hell, maybe it IS worth $18K after all.
Condition = excellent, no excuses, no repairs needed
History = clean, minimal owners
miles = 23,000
options listed = yes, it's worth $18k

[Fastbob]

Condition = excellent, no excuses, no repairs needed
History = clean, minimal owners
miles = 23,000
options listed = yes, it's worth $18k2 owners, clean auto check. Car came from the Chicago area (original owner). I don't have access to the CarMax listing now. Will try to get the vin. Should have written vin down when I still had access to the page.

Bob

[Fastbob]

Got the Vin number. it is 2MHHM79V34X670309

[chief455]

price compare = you did well...
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=95759

[8UWITH6]

See if the grill is black or silver birch. There was a guy selling a low mile silver birch here in the last year with low miles but the grill had been painted wrong. Dont remember any other details about the car. This information is probably not related to the car your looking at but it just popped in my head.

[Fastbob]

See if the grill is black or silver birch. There was a guy selling a low mile silver birch here in the last year with low miles but the grill had been painted wrong. Dont remember any other details about the car. This information is probably not related to the car your looking at but it just popped in my head.On a SB car the grille should be SB, correct?

[RubberCtyRauder]

SB cars, the bars are black and the surround is sb, on the other colors, the entire grille is painted the body color., Some have painted there SB grilles all SB..It's a matter of preference..I personally do not like the all SB grille

[8UWITH6]

What he said ^^^^^. All silver birch grill is not factory.

[chief455]

What he said ^^^^^. All silver birch grill is not factory.
And that was a good design decision....

[handmouth]

I bought my 03 dark blue pearl five months ago and I love it. 64k on the odometer and cost me 14k.
I put a tune on it and the car just got better. These cars are the perfect mix of comfort and performance.
All the black women at work always want me to take them for a ride in it. lol

[1Marauder]

Don't let anyone tell you (if it is clean) that this is not a good deal.

You can look for YEARS and NOT find one that meets YOUR needs.

If it is very clean, and a great detail can get it back to a 9+ out of 10. Buy and enjoy.

Seriously, for a retail price this is as good as you can hope for.

If you don't want it, call me and let me know... DIBS!!!!

[1Marauder]

PS great find. Good luck! Keep us all posted we are dying to know, and see photos etc...

[Fastbob]

PS great find. Good luck! Keep us all posted we are dying to know, and see photos etc...We will soon see how great the find is. Should be here in 1 to 2 weeks and I will take pictures and post them whether I buy or not. I did find a very small picture in an old sale advertisement (front view) that showed the grille is the proper factory color and the wheels are correct.

Just a pipe dream, but wouldn't it be cool if it was a Trilogy car?:banana2:

Bob

[wannaMM]

I've got one of the 336 '04 SB (Moonroof,Heated seats,Trunk org) that I bought with approx 140,000 on the clock for 7500.

Has a few hail dings,1 small handlebar dent and minor blemishes that can be expected with the use.

Car was well loved by the 2 previous owners,first owner (up to 60,000) being a corp. car,had Passport SR-7 radar system installed so I'm assuming it was used primarily on the highway.

The second owner (that I purchased car from)Got car from his employer (Carmax) when it was sold onto lot. He is a mechanic, so drilled and slotted brakes were installed, as well as a "Superchips" hand held tuner applied.

Car currently has 168,000 and I'm still grinning every day I turn the key and hear her start. I have a 35 min commute 1 way to work, so I'm getting plenty of smiles -per -mile.

I waited 12-18 months for the right car to show up on market, Joined MM.net and educated while waiting.

At $18.000 and the milage you're buying at...in MY opinion you can't go wrong...

If anything (Heaven forbid) were to happen to mine,I would start the search again, as I know I've found the one for me.


Good luck with your purchase, keep us posted as to your impressions along the way.

[fastblackmerc]

Just a pipe dream, but wouldn't it be cool if it was a Trilogy car?:banana2:

Bob

You don't know if it is?????

[Fastbob]

You don't know if it is?????
Pretty sure it's not, but you never know. Keep in mind I have not yet seen the car.

[fastblackmerc]

Pretty sure it's not, but you never know. Keep in mind I have not yet seen the car.

You bought it with no description or pictures?

[MERCULES]

You bought it with no description or pictures?

I believe he has a hold on it thru CarMax who are shipping to his town for viewing and potential sale. His if he wants it, or he can decline after viewing.
:cool:

[Fastbob]

I believe he has a hold on it thru CarMax who are shipping to his town for viewing and potential sale. His if he wants it, or he can decline after viewing.
:cool:You are 100% correct sir.

[RubberCtyRauder]

I have one of those 336 SB with moonroof and heated seats and I have a Trilogy in it!!!..tucked away for winter now. it's my choice to put it away for winter..those who drive theirs,i'm happy for you, i choose not to so no need to lecture me on it.

[2mercs]

I have one of those 336 SB with moonroof and heated seats and I have a Trilogy in it!!!..tucked away for winter now. it's my choice to put it away for winter..those who drive theirs,i'm happy for you, i choose not to so no need to lecture me on it.
Need a like button.

[chief455]

I believe he has a hold on it thru CarMax who are shipping to his town for viewing and potential sale. His if he wants it, or he can decline after viewing.
:cool:
Original Carmax ads have 31 or so pictures - did it not have an engine pic? You must have seen enough to want it! ;)

[Fastbob]

Original Carmax ads have 31 or so pictures - did it not have an engine pic? You must have seen enough to want it! ;)The Marauder popped up on my Car Max search I had set months ago. I get an e-mail when the search finds a matching vehicle. The Marauder was posted on the website for sale before pictures were taken. Within about 3 hours I call Car Max in Wichita and told them I wanted the to transfer the car from Memphis, Tn. to the Wichita store.

The cars that are sold or held for transfer are immediately removed from their website so the Marauder was dropped from the website before pictures were posted / taken. I did get to read the full vehicle description while the car was listed and that is how I know it has heated seats, sunroof and Silver Birch. Supercharged was not listed and at that time I didn't even know a Trilogy Marauder existed.

One good thing about Car Max is they keep up their website and if a car is listed it is usually available. Also Car Max is very careful about what they sell and all vehicles are very closely scrutinized. Downside is no haggle pricing and a $199 documentation fee. I actually purchased my Velocity Yellow 06 Corvette from them almost 4 years ago and have not had 1 single issue with it. Most likely I will be trading it for the Marauder if I choose to buy it.

Bob

[fastblackmerc]

Also Car Max is very careful about what they sell and all vehicles are very closely scrutinized.

Bob

If so... there probably isn't a supercharger...

[Fastbob]

If so... there probably isn't a supercharger...I would bet money there is not a supercharger involved, but you never know.

[Comin' in Hot]

I would bet money there is not a supercharger involved, but you never know.

If there is, make sure you hold your poker face :cool:

[Fastbob]

If there is, make sure you hold your poker face :cool:LOL, probably just faint and fall on the floor.

[chief455]

Way to jump on a low miles Marauder listing! I can't wait to read how it looks in person, and your hopeful purchase.

[1Marauder]

Don't forget my DIBBS!

[Fastbob]

Don't forget my DIBBS!If I don't buy it you will be notified. Setup a search on carmax.com and cause never know when a lower mileage Marauder will pop up there.

[Fastbob]

The Marauder has arrived in Wichita. My son and I are going to take it for a test drive tomorrow (Sunday) morning. If I trade for it I will post pictures.

[8UWITH6]

Post pictures regardless. Someone in the KC Metro area might want it if you pass. There is a carmax down the street from my house. :) Good Luck!

[8UWITH6]

Well? What's the news?

[MERCULES]

Well? What's the news?

There is a separate thread saying he purchased the car, and the details of its condition.

[8UWITH6]

Saw it thanks

[Fastbob]

Pictures and info at the new thread.

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=95856

[NXSBOB]

Post pictures regardless. Someone in the KC Metro area might want it if you pass. There is a carmax down the street from my house. :) Good Luck!
A black one in KC.
http://kansascity.craigslist.org/for/4752494331.html

[Jay Blakk]

Greetings all. I am from South Central Kansas and I am about to embark on a new adventure owning a 2004 Mercury Marauder Silver Birch with 23,000 miles. I have wanted a Marauder since they were first introduced, but ended up in a 2008 new Bullitt Mustang and later a used 2006 Corvette that I still have. I also have a real nice 2003 Mercury Gran Marquis, 2013 Ford F-150 Lariat 4X4 and the wife drives a 2009 Infinity G37x sedan.

I found the Marauder at CarMax in Memphis, Tn and it is in the process of being transferred to my local CarMax at Wichita, Kansas. I can hardly wait for it to get to Wichita. If the Marauder looks a nice as a 23,000 mile car should, I will buy it on the spot, might even trade my Velocity Yellow Corvette for it.

I am looking forward to the discussions here on mercurymarauder.net. I am an avid do it yourselfer and can repair almost anything so I should fit right in.

Thanks
Bob



Whats going on!? I found my marauder in dodge city at Lewis Automotive when I was living in Hays, ks...

[NXSBOB]

Is it this one??
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?ownerId=6 9172299&searchRadius=0&listingId=377536292

[Fastbob]

Is it this one??
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?ownerId=6 9172299&searchRadius=0&listingId=377536292Nope, mine has a sunroof , is not currently for sale and is sitting in my driveway.