Driving my new Marauder in B'ham Alabama

[Davco]

Last week I drove 3 hours away to pick up a Marauder. I have always loved the look of the black with those amazing 18 inch wheels and beautiful pipes out the back. I bought it from the 3rd owner with 106k miles on it. I'd post up pictures but I am going to wait for my detailing guy to clean it up. Unfortunately the previous owner had the chrome fender/wheel dress up pieces on and removing them proved to be messy.
I got it for a good price knowing there were a few issues. I've encountered a slight overheating issue so I took it to the dealer for service (I was injured in a wreck and can't work only cars right now)...I went to the dealer so I don't have to try to explain the burping procedure. I just had the coolant changed and new thermostat installed. I also had them drop transmission pan and change the filter. Unfortunately it had never been serviced but the fluid wasn't black or burned up. The high mileage is why I didn't go with a full flush. Unfortunately the guy said they found metal shavings in the pan...he couldn't tell me how much they found. It shifts fine so I guess we will see what happens.
Here is my pros and cons:
Pros-- smooth ride, beautiful look, great sound, fun to drive with room for the whole family
Cons--slow (gears on the to-do list), transmission always wants OD (tune on to-do list), cup holders, stereo, transmission dipstick is hard to reach.

I love it.

[Granddaddy Marq]

Welcome! I'm not far from you in Guntersville. I have family in Birmingham, maybe we'll run across each other. If your ever around Guntersville look me up.

[RubberCtyRauder]

An easy stereo upgrade is swapping to the 2005,2006 ford escape audiophile unit. It sounds better, steering wheel controls work, 6 disc in dash cd. Trunk mounted cd change will no longer will work but you have 6 disc in dash so no biggie. If you want a part number to search for the correct one, let us know. They run $100 on the low sid and average $ 150 or so. Tune will fix the trans issue as you know. All trans have metal shavings and that comes from the break in period and with it original fluid, I would not sweat it . Congrats!

[Davco]

I forgot to mention it's a 2003. I actually haven't seen a cd changer in the back...I don't think I have it. I have read a little about Ford Escape head unit. Does it have a hook up for iPhone? That is really all I use for music.

Granddaddy-- I actually drive through Guntersville a few weeks ago on the way to Harmony Park Safari. I have noticed a few people on these boards from Alabama. It would be cool for people to get together.

[RubberCtyRauder]

I'm not sure about plug in for iPhone as I don't think iPhone was even out in 05,06. It's plug and play. No dash board tear apart required . Slide out and slide in with a couple of plugs in the back

[Davco]

I didn't think it would work with iPhone....specifically newer ones. I see a ton of Alpines on these boards (double din). That interests me but I don't know if I want to spend that kind of money when all I need is to play my phone. I haven't really decided on how I will proceed.

[Nightcrawler]

I use a Sony head unit, it has Bluetooth, and a USB connection for music. I usually just use the USB with a flash drive.

[super3960]

I swapped out my radio for a Kenwood that supports all the new technology. The steering controls still work and total was $200. Look around you can always find a deal. Good luck with the new ride.

[JBeezy]

Hey man, congrats! I'm in Gadsden, Al. Not too far from you. We have been talking about getting something together for us in Alabama to maybe meet once a month as they do in Atlanta. Let me know if I can help you with anything. Welcome!!

[guspech750]

I forgot to mention it's a 2003. I actually haven't seen a cd changer in the back...I don't think I have it. I have read a little about Ford Escape head unit. Does it have a hook up for iPhone? That is really all I use for music.



Granddaddy-- I actually drive through Guntersville a few weeks ago on the way to Harmony Park Safari. I have noticed a few people on these boards from Alabama. It would be cool for people to get together.


Years ago I bought a Pie Auxiliary adapter. It simply plugs into the rear of the stock radio. I have it Velcro'ed under the drivers side dash and ran my cord under the center console so it is hidden in the console compartment. I've been using it on my iPhone 3GS , 4S and 6 now. It charges them and the steering wheel controls control some music functions on my phones such as next song back or forward plus volume.

I did have to buy another Apple adapter so my iPhone 6 would work with the older set up I have. Sounds great, charges and works awesome.

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/08/20/ae58bc331f5f898d4c165a49de9073 8b.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/08/20/0581f425ecf8fed585e5e5136839de 51.jpg


Sent from The White House on taxpayers dimes.

DTR + 4.10's + Eaton swap = Wreeeeeeeeeeeeeeedom

[Davco]

Gus--that is definitely an option. Thanks. I usually buy my stuff from crutchfield and I have never paid over $200 on a HU. My needs are basic.

jbeezy--thanks for the welcome. I've seen some of your posts as I've researched tires. My car has the same size on all four corners (smaller size) and they need to be replaced. What sizes did you settle on? BTW, by your sig, you go big on your cars! I had an 88 GT and 99 cobra....both were close to stock except for exhaust and a few bolt ons.

[LIGHTNIN1]

Hope you enjoy your new wheels. Lotza you Bama guys. I used to live down the road in Tuscaloosa.

[wannaMM]

Welcome to the MODNESS....Just down the road in Mercedesville,maybe we'll see each other at dealership

[JBeezy]

Gus--that is definitely an option. Thanks. I usually buy my stuff from crutchfield and I have never paid over $200 on a HU. My needs are basic.

jbeezy--thanks for the welcome. I've seen some of your posts as I've researched tires. My car has the same size on all four corners (smaller size) and they need to be replaced. What sizes did you settle on? BTW, by your sig, you go big on your cars! I had an 88 GT and 99 cobra....both were close to stock except for exhaust and a few bolt ons.
I wouldn't say I go big, but I do what I can, when I can. 3 kids first, then whatever I have left. As far as tires, I am running 295's in the rear and stock in the front. I went with widened rears. Haven't seen a wheel that I liked over stock wheels.

[MyBlackBeasts]

I'm not sure about plug in for iPhone as I don't think iPhone was even out in 05,06.

All that is needed is an AUX input jack.

[redmercy04]

Good to hear its another marauder rider in BHAM with me. Only seen 4 others around town. 3black 1 silver. Also 1 black one at a small dealership that keep popping back up at the lot every 3months or so for sale again.So if u never see a DTR Marauder wit the trunk spoiler that's me

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[redmercy04]

Did u get the Marauder from a car lot on Lomb Ave

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[Davco]

Jbeezy -- I agree with the kids thing and the wheel thing. I love these wheels and wouldn't change them either. I've always been the kind of guy to stick with factory rims on most cars. I just like to upgrade to newer factory rims. The Marauder needs nothing (wider looks great though). I'll probably buy factory size tires for mine. Debating on 255/55 on the rear but I probably won't.

Myblackbeasts -- Aux input would work. I'm not sure if the escape HU has it or not. I've found the HU I want to buy from crutchfield. I just haven't decided to pull the trigger.

Redmercy -- I'll keep an eye out for you. I saw a black Marauder at Jim Skinner the day I had mine worked on. I haven't seen any DTR around here. I drove down to Eufaula (outside of Dothan). I never even knew about one on Lomb ave. how is it advertised?