Sad news about my 2004

[DavidnotMD]

Bought a red 2004 in 2006, second owner. No mods. Have enjoyed driving it all these years. Recent front end accident (T-boned a Subaru at low speed) looked like minor damage to front left. Driveable. Insurance company inspector estimated around $3500 to repair. However, body shop says there was a bit more damage apparent once they got the bumper off. And to the point, told me that they have no way to get parts.:( Next step sounds like inspector returns, declares the car totaled, insurance pays me value of car, and its bye-bye. I am taking this as a message that it is time for me to give up the car, but I hate to think that it goes to parts. Any suggestions for a different outcome?

[a_d_a_m]

What is the 'bit more damage'? It might be worth rebuilding. Find it unlikely that parts are flat-out unavailable since it shares a lot of underpinnings with fleet Vics/GMQs.
Plenty of folks here have bought back totaled cars and rebuilt them. Sure, it's a branded title, but the car lives on.

[justbob]

I agree with buying it back and using the money to rebuild sourcing your own parts. The buy back is “elevated” scrap worth/guesstimated auction price.




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[DavidnotMD]

Photo of damage. Another reason for me to let it go is that I am 69, and as my father said about his Porsche 911 "I can no longer drive the car at a level of competence it deserves." Financially, I am willing to accept what the insurance company offers for totalling out the car, but I hate to think that it will then go to parts rather than find a new owner who wants to repair/own it. 50671

[Curless]

WTF??? That is NO WHERE NEAR totaled or $3500 in damage... good grief! Don let them total your car over that. Argue, fight, I mean seriously... did the air bags go off? Looks like headlight, marker light, possibly a headlight bucket... some good ole fashioned elbow grease on the bumper and some paint... If you are not concerned with new, I know a guy with parts.

[DavidnotMD]

Airbag did not deploy (low speed accident), no fluid leaks, no wheel being rubbed. BTW, milage is 56,000. Downside is that it has been parked outside since 2006, but no rust, as rarely driven in winter.

[Curless]

Airbag did not deploy (low speed accident), no fluid leaks, no wheel being rubbed. BTW, milage is 56,000. Downside is that it has been parked outside since 2006, but no rust, as rarely driven in winter.

NOT Totaled, by a long shot. Get a different quote from another body shop. I'm not saying to find a dumpy place to half azz it, just maybe a place that takes more interest in the car itself.

[Curless]

Reach out to Haggis (Gordon), he's in your area and probably knows a shop to help ya out.

[Ambitious1]

Absolutely not totaled. Your insurance is completely BS'ing you. Fight them. Hard. You can find aftermarket headlight assembly, left corner light, front bumper and (if needed) header panels on eBay and Amazon. You can use any 03-05 Grand Marquis header panel (not Crown Victoria) if you need it and probably find it at a local yard if not on eBay or Amazon. You are probably looking at $100 for a headlight assembly, $30 to 45 for a corner light assembly, $550 to $650 for an aftermarket front bumper (you may still be able to find an OEM one) and then you will have paint cost. Paint cost will vary depending on location. OEM parts will be more expensive. Probably looking at $2,000 to $2,500 to get it back right (with aftermarket parts).

Here are some links to help you get started:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/For-2003-2004-2005-Mercury-Marauder-Headlight-Headlamp-Pair-Set-Replacement/323770266993?_trkparms=ispr%3D 1&hash=item4b62363571:g:wb8AAOSw NXpcqoqc&enc=AQAEAAACUBPxNw%2BVj6nta7CK Es3N0qWQb%2FVXV%2F7J%2BMY8E3Pc mr%2B%2FWAhXQwVfZ5BIacL8VNQ%2B PoAEGJurvYBCJaGsI%2FnLZnjPG4NF fSTtvMeEM1NAIpB0giJz%2B3d6XD9s zG7cgxsEsLp00XUUdX3IozcWZxpVny lHZMwuXqcZq97NOwFLW%2FvvHeKwHy P3A60kE5By%2BYXVMweOx1HpfGrT9Y 8bA%2BcbzjLcHPWeMFhARmcOpBYxJ1 0FbXL2z5OsFiXkSbmS5Xihye%2FE9H c7Y4%2FDWD5AsNrkVpYC7Xv%2BSVz6 8X8JHoSr9tdRxVS1QIssVLVgVRof%2 FWvO3v2mKpRnt1Wj9qYUlG2uF11jJz ToLaXVO5OrFxx61ehvsX2glDxjuqbd c%2Bmh%2BGITei%2FCL%2B9XCFzW5V MtizZGvxb2tUPLWuXCHwlAAS9dt4OJ KFfCIyebMfkKLNgHdD%2FAEvy5afn4 4IqaFhej1ERweESCtxobJCB3GoTkbl F%2FmbEc14IZ28x%2BWLtx8k5%2Fgz 2wHs%2ByQYVVLchc8%2Bx4UiFh5E%2 FM30if%2B5Ne%2FmHKhLiVkD%2BoE7 BgIqOAoUS4wU5xRCVEacD6Rryn2Sx3 83PuqrH%2BqjvNNSEjC9ivVMLD2FJj MyQEl4wq0wZvNxZZwkBC8gjmVEUgrX tiZj1I50C0bEP0PH4M%2F%2BeMTWGZ gkHUhyXs2G8cETa9JIs0ur0kUPypCb dZRYAfelM2bthWH3ID9vJiyixWe6QL m2t0Je1SyxlLvdQZTXYX0zNnAikxJu %2BLQqlMQ%2FvCM69bFWgUWwXB6ePa M6Y%3D&checksum=3237702669930389552d4 9a6441496d92424746e9d83&enc=AQAEAAACUBPxNw%2BVj6nta7CK Es3N0qWQb%2FVXV%2F7J%2BMY8E3Pc mr%2B%2FWAhXQwVfZ5BIacL8VNQ%2B PoAEGJurvYBCJaGsI%2FnLZnjPG4NF fSTtvMeEM1NAIpB0giJz%2B3d6XD9s zG7cgxsEsLp00XUUdX3IozcWZxpVny lHZMwuXqcZq97NOwFLW%2FvvHeKwHy P3A60kE5By%2BYXVMweOx1HpfGrT9Y 8bA%2BcbzjLcHPWeMFhARmcOpBYxJ1 0FbXL2z5OsFiXkSbmS5Xihye%2FE9H c7Y4%2FDWD5AsNrkVpYC7Xv%2BSVz6 8X8JHoSr9tdRxVS1QIssVLVgVRof%2 FWvO3v2mKpRnt1Wj9qYUlG2uF11jJz ToLaXVO5OrFxx61ehvsX2glDxjuqbd c%2Bmh%2BGITei%2FCL%2B9XCFzW5V MtizZGvxb2tUPLWuXCHwlAAS9dt4OJ KFfCIyebMfkKLNgHdD%2FAEvy5afn4 4IqaFhej1ERweESCtxobJCB3GoTkbl F%2FmbEc14IZ28x%2BWLtx8k5%2Fgz 2wHs%2ByQYVVLchc8%2Bx4UiFh5E%2 FM30if%2B5Ne%2FmHKhLiVkD%2BoE7 BgIqOAoUS4wU5xRCVEacD6Rryn2Sx3 83PuqrH%2BqjvNNSEjC9ivVMLD2FJj MyQEl4wq0wZvNxZZwkBC8gjmVEUgrX tiZj1I50C0bEP0PH4M%2F%2BeMTWGZ gkHUhyXs2G8cETa9JIs0ur0kUPypCb dZRYAfelM2bthWH3ID9vJiyixWe6QL m2t0Je1SyxlLvdQZTXYX0zNnAikxJu %2BLQqlMQ%2FvCM69bFWgUWwXB6ePa M6Y%3D&checksum=3237702669930389552d4 9a6441496d92424746e9d83

https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-OEM-Mercury-Marauder-Head-Light-LH-Driver-Side/293219385326?fits=Model%3AMara uder%7CMake%3AMercury&hash=item44453cbfee:g:uLMAAOSw Zs1ddov7


https://www.ebay.com/itm/Corner-Light-For-2003-2004-Mercury-Marauder-Set-of-2-Left-Right-Incandescent/351978450503?fits=Model%3AMara uder%7CMake%3AMercury&epid=1572707721&hash=item51f38cee47:g:~dkAAOSw Ey1d03qf

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fits-2003-2004-Mercury-Marauder-Front-Bumper-Cover-101-00495/283720299618?fits=Model%3AMara uder%7CMake%3AMercury&epid=1117812151&hash=item420f0c3462:g:KCYAAOSw Y75eAMic

[RubberCtyRauder]

At min. See if anyone here will buy it for the buy it back price if you do not want to mess with it.. buy it back is prolly around $800 or so and don't take insurance first offer. Find other marauders listed for sale with 50-75k miles and see what they are listed for.

[Mr. Man]

Reach out to Haggis (Gordon), he's in your area and probably knows a shop to help ya out.Haggis is in Maryland. This guy is outside Boston. I know there are members in the Boston area, but screen names aren't coming to mind.

[Peace2Peep]

Factory Reconditioned bumper on Ebay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-FRONT-BUMPER-COVER-FITS-2003-2004-MERCURY-MARAUDER-FO1000529/361244464405?_trkparms=aid%3D5 55018%26algo%3DPL.SIM%26ao%3D1 %26asc%3D60973%26meid%3D0db5c6 a69ab944f09320f1cc2fb45b9c%26p id%3D100005%26rk%3D5%26rkt%3D1 2%26sd%3D283720299618%26itm%3D 361244464405%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3 D0%26pg%3D2047675&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

[88LTDCV351]

I've found that these places get lazy when it comes to finding parts that are still around. For instance, I was looking for a part from the Ford parts counter and he quickly said discontinued obsolete. I made him give me a part number. Went on ebay, and wha la. The clip I was looking for was on ebay. Usually same thing with google, parts voice, Vintage Parts, Greens Sales Company, rear counter, dennis carpenter, etc. Normal places will not bother with the research and searching.

[88LTDCV351]

Even if the car is totaled, you can get a salvage title moved back to regular. My brother did it when his 1988 Grand Marquis was totalled a few years ago. He fixed it up, did the extra steps to have it inspected at a Brake and Light inspection station, etc., and brought it back to life and legal to drive on the road.

As Dennis Gage said, "Restore em, don't crush em".

[88LTDCV351]

Photo of damage. Another reason for me to let it go is that I am 69, and as my father said about his Porsche 911 "I can no longer drive the car at a level of competence it deserves." Financially, I am willing to accept what the insurance company offers for totalling out the car, but I hate to think that it will then go to parts rather than find a new owner who wants to repair/own it. 50671

Wow, that is not much damage at all. My brothers old Grand Marquis had trunk, quarter panel, bumper, tailight bashed in. He found some old shelf stock parts at Green and had to get the rest from Pick N Pull. Back on the road. Seems like yours would be even easier to fix.

[a_d_a_m]

Jeez, I'll pony up scrap value for that!

[Turbov6Bryan]

Wished you were closer, I would buy it and put it back on the road.
If you want it loved at a forever home, message me.

[sailsmen]

The first question is do you want the Marauder?

[Blakshukvw]

Wished you were closer, I would buy it and put it back on the road.
If you want it loved at a forever home, message me.
Message this man. He loves the DTR.

[DavidnotMD]

Thanks to all for information and support. I have decided to sell the car (again, getting too old to drive it as it deserves). On Monday I hope to have an exact description of extent of damage. And then will follow up with insurance company about how to complete my damage claim while retaining ownership. Intent is to sell as is rather than trying to find a shop that would tackle sourcing the parts and fixing before selling. Massachusetts law is that a repairable car totaled out can by issued a Salvage title. And appears that if passes inspection, can be insured. Photo is rear of car, pre-accident, after December snowstorm. 50674

[Mr. Man]

Before you settle with the insurance co. find out what they are offering then see if anyone here will match it. Better to sell with a clean title. What color is the interior? Does it have a sunroof? How is the rest of the car?

[DavidnotMD]

Photos of damage posted at maynardlifeoutdoors.com Will be talking to insurance company today. The autobody shop I have the car at estimated the repair at $5,400 (parts, body labor, paint labor, tax), which is why insurer totaled it out.

[Peace2Peep]

Again...this is going to be a great project car for someone! I'm excited to see how our Marauder community comes together to get this buggy back on the road!

[Mr. Man]

Photos of damage posted at maynardlifeoutdoors.com Will be talking to insurance company today. The autobody shop I have the car at estimated the repair at $5,400 (parts, body labor, paint labor, tax), which is why insurer totaled it out.Repair cost is irrelevant, we just need to know what you want for it with an as is clean title. If there is no interest here then settle with the insurance people. My assumption is a clean title would be more desirable than a salvage title.

[1Marauder]

Ask to buy it back. See what/how much. They probably checked for an OEM headlamp.... And BAM, totaled it.

[DavidnotMD]

There may be an option with the insurance company to declare it repairable rather than totaled-repairable. If the first, I get less from the insurance company (estimated cost of repair versus retail value) but it would make the car more valuable to a prospective buyer "as is" because it would come with a regular title rather than salvage. Waiting to hear back from insurer. Anyone with access to an intact front end would just be looking at labor.

[Grimrepairman]

Keep us posted.
My brother and I are interested in bringing it back to life and having a clean title would certainly be nice.

[justbob]

I just totaled out a Ranger and bought it back for $680 and the title never left my possession.

Same for GusPech’s Marauder.


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[Mr. Man]

Forget the insurance co for a second. What do you want for the car as is as if you were selling it outright?

[Dragcity]

^^^^ Exactly. ^^^^

Sounds to me like someone at the insurance company wants the car for himself....

[Rocknee]

I just had a low speed t-bone when guy ran stop sign. Body shop estimate Trailblazer damage at $3300. His insurance came back and said estimate too much so redone the estimate at $3050. His insurance totaled it. I get a check for $3600 (minus $344 to buy it back) to get salvage title and get it fixed for $3100. My damage was bowed hood, bumper, grill and L fender. I have driven it since Christmas and like yours no leaks or mechanical damage. 2002 with 153,000 miles.

[DavidnotMD]

As of 18th, still waiting on insurance company decision. One option: declared totaled, I buy back with salvage-repairable title, sell it as is with salvage title. Second option may be smaller payment, but I continue to own the car with a clean title. If the latter, I will list the car for sale here and contact all the people who have PM'd me. From the body shop I have their list of parts needed and estimate for labor. I do not intend to repair and keep the car. Go to www.maynardlifeoutdoors.com to see what it looks like with the front end off.

[NXSBOB]

Go to www.maynardlifeoutdoors.com (http://www.maynardlifeoutdoors.com) to see what it looks like with the front end off.
I do not think that header panel on the rear seat is a good thing.

[Lowndex]

Sad to hear, indeed. I hope you can save her. Our Marauder girls are getting too rare to lose.

[BAD MERC]

I got this one a few years back and the fix was quite simple. This also needed a core support.

[crownvic05]

I do not think that header panel on the rear seat is a good thing.

Agree here 100%. Don't want to do demage to interior which looks pretty decent.

[DavidnotMD]

Still waiting to hear from insurers' total loss team on potential for clean title versus salvage title. Yeah, trunk full of parts, back seat (not damaged) and front seat ditto. Interior is good/great condition. No smokers, no pets, most of the time just me in the car.

[marauderrocks51]

like i said how much cash and ill come for it , no more advice just cash thanks

[DavidnotMD]

I just posted details of plan to sell at Classified, but post appears to have vanished. Will try to fix that. Briefly, Jan 30th - insurance company has NOT totaled car (reversed their decision after they reassessed cost of damage versus value of car). Intent is to sell as is.

[marauderrocks51]

text mess. sent thank you .

[Turbov6Bryan]

Someone is going to get a decent deal and fix her up. Wished you were closer. If you cant strike a deal with any local buyers, i could have it shipped to kansas city. Depends on price of the car.

[DavidnotMD]

UPDATE: Getting offers from not too far away, so car will be sold soon. Very glad that it will be repaired rather than to go parts. All parts taken off the car by the body shop go with the car, so if buyer has an existing front end to install, will have parts to sell into parts world.

[DavidnotMD]

CAR IS SOLD to a person who intends to repair. My appreciation to mercurymarauder.net.

[Peace2Peep]

So glad this was concluded well within the forum! Godspeed!

[MMcactusflower]

I hope you decide to fix the MM following the ideas presented here on our site...you would have a nice and fun vehicle to drive again for not too much $...good luck with your decision from an M D.