MM Winter driving

[Eric91Z]

OK, I am currently researching for a "new" vehicle to replace my 12 year old Honda Accord with 263,000 miles on it for a daily driver. I want something with more room and 4 doors to fit the family in, I would like something with a V8 and rear wheel drive, preferably with traction control, and of course good looks.

In today's market, for me, that narrows it down to a MM or CV LX Sport. Now, I think I could live with the LX Sport as it is a little cheaper than the MM used, but I would always want more in the horsepower field - I am sure.

My biggest concern comes down to winter driving and just plain old using the MM for a daily driver and putting that many miles on it. I know cars are meant to be driven and that is what I would do. But how about some input on the MM in the winter? Iowa can get it's share of snow and ice and I commute about 80-90 miles per day (400+ per week) and that concerns me some with a MM/CV in the winter, although I have spent 95% of my driving time driving rear wheel drive cars year round.

Just curious on input for driving the MM in the winter. I would, of course, go with a winter wheel/tire package from Tire Rack or Discount Tire Direct with dedicated snow tires (plus, save the MM factory wheels). So how do they do? And with the air ride rear springs, how do they handle added weight in the back (ie: sand bags)? Or is it even needed with the TC and dedicated winter tires (Blizzak or similiar)?

Any and all input would be appreciated. Also, to those of you that do currently own or have owned the MM, I am envious and hope some day to join your ranks.

[rayjay]

I bought my MM with full intent of it being a daily driver year round. I have driven CVs with traction control for years in the winter at work and have been able to get around ok. In our county we receive 200+ inches of snow per winter along with the below zero temps and ice. I purchased a winter tire/wheel package from the TireRack. $472 delivered. I went with Firestones WinterForce tires as they have an aggressive tread design for snow. I work nights and the plows are off the road 1/2 hour before I leave for work. I have no interest in performance driving in the winter, it ain't gona happen where I live. Snow can start as early as 02 October and end in May. We received 3" of snow on 20 May 2003, I remember it well because I was stuck out in it for a detail...

[QWK SVT]

Is there any chance of getting 15" wheels on this car? I have a set of blizzaks (approx. same height), off my old Cougar, with less than 2500 miles. It'd be really nice if i could slap them on, come winter time. I have a feeling I'm gonna have to sell them, though...

[Logan]

Ack! We're already talking about winter again?

[Joe Walsh]

Originally Posted by QWK SVT

Is there any chance of getting 15" wheels on this car? I have a set of blizzaks (approx. same height), off my old Cougar, with less than 2500 miles. It'd be really nice if i could slap them on, come winter time. I have a feeling I'm gonna have to sell them, though...

I doubt that the 15" rims would clear the brake calipers....but there is only one way to tell for sure.

[TripleTransAm]

Hey Eric,
Small world. I remember your name from the F-body mailing list(s). I don't see the Z in your sig, do you still have it?

Given the choice between the two, the answer is hands-down the Marauder. It really does inject a megawatt or two of excitement into the Panther line. For the price difference, I think you'd be regretting the choice of the LX Sport, especially given your performance background.

About winter driving... I'll know for sure in a few months. We get our share of snow up here but it's usually cleared fairly quick (especially easy for me considering the highway driving that I do). I have traction control on my car, so the choice of tires is more restrictive... I have to maintain the front/rear size ratio in order for the TC system not to freak out and think I'm spinning. So that limits the choice of tires somewhat.

[Eric91Z]

Thanks for the replies, all. This is making it easier and easier to want to get the Marauder over the CV. Besides, if I went with the CV, I would wanting to do an AED supercharger, exhaust, gears, etc anyway. I would be better off from a performance stand point to start with the Marauder. Besides, that is another reason I want to get rid of my Accord - lack of power and to expensive to try and make fast.

Steve, I no longer have any F-Bodies. In the year after getting married, I sold my F-Body, sold my Triumph motorcycle, got rid of my 4x4 truck, and decided to try and get back in the IT field after being out of it for 6 years. Just trying to work my way back up the ladder and start making some money again to get my toys back and have some fun.

I was also looking at the new Chrysler 300C and Dodge Magnum RT with the Hemi, but the lack of performance upgrades, lack of reliability track record, and slight concern with Dodge/Chrysler build quility had me concerned. I really need something that will be reliable with the proper maintenance. So here I am back looking at the Ford/Mercury offerings and I really like the Marauder.

[cyclone03]

Originally Posted by Logan

Ack! We're already talking about winter again?

Don't worry 'bout it Logan.Austin gets about 2 days a year with Ice,they just closed down the city,it's great.

[Fourth Horseman]

We don't get very bad winters here in Utah, so maybe my attitude would be different if I lived somewhere else. However, I've been through two winters with my '03 now (no traction control) and had absolutely no problems. Do I have to be careful? Sure. But I'd be careful if I had a 4x4, too. Last winter we only had one really bad day, where I ventured into work before the snow plows had a chance to catch up. On my way I passed all manner of vehicles that had slid off the road, front-wheel and four-wheel drive vehicles included. The Marauder and I just kept it nice and easy and made it there and back with no issues.

In my opinion it comes down more to the driver than the vehicle.

My two cents, for what they're worth.

[Bigdogjim]

I know a very valid question was asked.

I just need to remind everyone now and again it not you per se but, the OTHER guy you need to worry about.

Just keep that in mind

As a "professional driver" for 20 years + I would rather drive in snow than rain

Most people show no respect in the rain as opposed to snow

My Marauder is NOT my every day ride! I have a Ford F-150 to beat up

[BillyGman]

You can get a new Marauder now forless than some of the CV's out there as lomg as you find a dealer w/atleast a few of them on their lot. There's a lot of people buying the Marauders for $26k now and there's even a couple of people who have bought them for a mere $24K (new). So I don't see any reason for you to choose the CV over the Marauder now.


As far as winter driving, I drive mine in the snow w/four 16" Michelin Arctic Alpine snow tires, and the car goes as good in the snow as wrong-wheel drive cars do. Infact, I went up a snow covered hill last winter and right around a front wheel drive car that was stuck. Those tires make a major differnce even before the roads are plowed (atleast in up to 12" of snow). I drove up every hill I can find just to put them to the teat, and they came out shining.

[Eric91Z]

Billy,

Have you driven the MM in the snow with the Trilogy SC on there? Just wondering if it made slippage any harder to deal with.

Yes, I know bad weather driving can be driving with about anything if you are careful, use your head, and know your vehicle. This winter will be my first winter out of the last 4 without 4 wheel drive. I think I kind of got spoiled. Did I think the 4 wheel drive helped on ice, no. But I know that a 4800 pound 4x4 full size truck with 33" ProComp X-Terrians will go through a foot or 2 of snow without any problems. I guess I just think back to what that truck was like in 2 wheel drive and it would go no where.

Then I think about the 6 F-Bodies (3 2nd Gens, 2 3rd Gens, and 1 4th Gen) that I drove in Iowa and Colorado winters and only got stuck one time and that was backing in to an unplowed parking lot and stopping movement. Shoot, my 4th Gen with regualr M&S tires when through a 16 inches in 4 hours snow storm in Colorado without a problem. Plus, rear wheel driver can be a little funner in the snow. I guess I just get a little concerned with my daily commute to work, especially since I am on the road each morning by 5:45am. Oh well, just being paranoid. My current schedule could very well change by the time I get a replacement car any way.

OK, enough rambling. I do appreciate everyone's input so far. It makes me feel better that the MM is what I want to get, that it can be driven in the winter successfully, and it is OK for a daily driver and to put miles on it. Besides, I am so anal about my cars, usually the only way you can tell the miles is by looking at the odometer. My current Accord is a perfect example. Except for a worn floor mat, 4 door dings, and some rock chips on the front, the car almost looks like it just came off the lot. Hope the MM will hold up that well.

[Mike Poore]

Welcome Eric. I went looking for a Crown Vic Sport and ended up with the Marauder, because of the discounts ~ 10K. That made it a better deal than the CV, not to mention all the extra stuff which makes it a hell of a bargain. There's lots of them at various dealers, but if you want one, you'd better get cracking, as this is the last year of production. The 04's have traction control.

[Eric91Z]

Thanks for the input. I would love to buy new right now and that prices are good right from the dealer, but I have yet to find a dealer within a 100 mile radius here in central Iowa that has a black MM. There is one near by with a silver one, but I want back.

Besides, my current plan is to get through this winter and having another kid with my current car, then find me a cherry, unmolested, unmodded black '04 MM to call my own. I will buy used. And then I will go from there to make her mine. Because of this list, I am already starting a list of mods for the car:

1) Trilogy Motorsports SC and tuning
2) Upgraded tires for the factory wheels along with winter wheels/tires
3) Tinted windows (will probably go 5% like usualy for me)
4) Alarm and remote start
5) Upgraded brakes front and rear
6) Suspension upgrades (still researching this one)
7) Lastly, probably some stereo upgrades at some point.

I think that would make for a nice daily driven MM. Again, just dreaming and planning for now and hoping I will find what I want when the time is right. And I am in no hurry, just doing the research ahead of time like usual. I will take my time to find the right car, from the right buyer, with documented history and go from there.

[Bluerauder]

Originally Posted by Eric91Z

My biggest concern comes down to winter driving and just plain old using the MM for a daily driver and putting that many miles on it. I know cars are meant to be driven and that is what I would do. But how about some input on the MM in the winter? '...snip..." Just curious on input for driving the MM in the winter.

Eric,
I am in Northern Virginia and we do get our share of snow beginning in mid-to-late November. Last year I had no real problems in the snow. I used the OEM tires all winter; but they were almost new. The main roads here get cleared pretty quickly so most of the time, the hassle was only on residential side streets.

That said, I would rate the Marauder as only OK (read "fair" in the snow). To be honest, my '94 Thunderbird handled the snow better and was probably rated as good. With the MM, it is pretty easy to lose traction on the rear on packed snow and definitely on ice. You gotta be comfortable driving in snow with the Marauder. My best snow car was a FWD '89 Buick Regal. It was great in the snow; but basically sucked wind on every other count including having a door drop off in the driveway!!!!

I agree with BigDog about the rain and snow thing with the exception of SUV drivers who think that 4 wheel drive on ice and snow make them invincible -- until it comes time to stop......