How many miles is too many miles?

[ghost261]

Unfortunately the one I was going to buy was sold. It had about 70k miles on it. The only other two I see that are reasonable when it comes to mileage are 99,769 and 122,035. Both are overpriced in my opinion at 22k and 18k, considering the one I wanted to buy was selling for about 15k. Here (https://carthusiast.com/inventory/44515/view/6462/Angier-NC/2003-Mercury-Marauder) is one and the other doesn't have any pictures. I am in PA so I can't easily go see either one of these. So, I am trying to figure if it is even worth it at the mileage, or if I just wait and hope one comes up for sale with relatively low mileage. The lower mileage one looks very clean so maybe it was taken real good care of and considering it is 20 years old the mileage isn't actually that high. I'm just wondering how much money will have to go into it at that point versus the one I was going to buy.

[JVD]

Hard to say off the bat. Highway miles vs city miles. Was the car driven hard, maintained well, etc etc. Some lower mileage cars have lots of hidden problems. In person inspection is the best if possible. Cold start-ups will also let you now if a timing job is needed (big deal for these cars)

[ghost261]

Yeah this question is not really an easy one to answer. I contacted both dealers so I guess we shall see. If I can get one for 10k and put 5k into then that would not be a problem. It just sucks not knowing how much I would have to put into one.

[Comin' in Hot]

Allentown, no ****…. Condition is everything I wouldn’t worry about the miles if it’s well maintained. I daily a supercharged Marauder with 268,xxx miles on it, it looks like crap on the outside, but very well-maintained and very reliable.

[ghost261]

Dude wants too much. Won't budge from 20k. I offered 16k but he said he has more money in it than that. Now I did find an LX Sport Vic for 15k with 110k miles.

[Comin' in Hot]

You will be disappointed with a vic sport unless you are planning an engine swap. To be 100% honest, even stock Marauders are slow, imagine 50 less hp in a vic sport.

[ghost261]

It was just a thought. I still want a MM. I found another one that I might be able to make work. I planned on getting the ole marty tune and 4.10 gears if I am dissatisfied with just the tune.

[BAD MERC]

I see these occasionally with 200K on them. The mechanical parts, cooling systems, A/C, suspension and steel stampings are EASY to get and repair. However, if you find one that needs seats, console, and steering wheel/shifter leather you can add ~$5,000 to have all that reupholstered because it's all obsolete and those sitting on those parts won't be too eager to sell them. If you need front or rear bumper cover expect to pay well over a grand for OE used stuff. Look at center caps as an example. If you need those, you'll be AT LEAST $400 right out of the gate. You can be $10,000 in just cosmetic replacement parts and materials if you find a deal too good to be true. If you had to buy a used one - find a loved and documented one. Mine is insured through Hagerty for $37,000 but it would take a LOT of encouragement before I even entertain any consideration.

[offroadkarter]

You seen this one yet?

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/202227652567259/

[azgolfrat]

I bought my 2003 with 160K miles for $4000 back in 2019.

[NXSBOB]

None.......

[kirk]

Patience!!!
If you are willing to wait you will find something.
Miles are much less important than condition and documentation (knowing the history)
A low mile car could still be treated like crap and have been repaired many times
A high mile car could have been taken care of meticulously with no wrecks

[1Marauder]

Everyone is different. My acquisition mileage max was 25,00. Now it is 50,000, if showroom clean.

[ghost261]

I have not and thank you very much for the link. I have never used marketplace. I shall inquire.

[Prospect62]

I bought my 2003 from a guy in Vegas for $5000 and had it shipped to me in NY. It had 306,000 miles on it. The guy had the timing set redone but other than that it was all stock. The car ran like a sewing machine. Smooth and all the beans were there when you asked for them. I had so much anxiety driving that car just waiting for her to pop but she never did.

Outside of the motor I think we all know that this car is a CVPI underneath and those things are indestructible. Replace parts as they wear out for cheap and go. Mileage isn't a factor except for the engine.