About to buy a Marauder....

[69 Resto-Mod CP]

I'm about to buy a Marauder (In two weeks). Is there any reason I would want an 04' over an 03? I know they come loaded so what were the options on the car? What are the production numbers by color?.... any thing else I should look for???

Thanks,

TR

[Bluerauder]

Here's a link to the Production Numbers for 2003 and 2004. Clicky Here (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=11773)
Only options were: 6 CD changer, trunk organizer, and heated seats/mirrors. Some of the later models also offered a moonroof. Blue was only made in 2003. I believe that there were a couple "tweaks" (like the transmission) on the 2004's. The biggest difference is probably in price. You can probably get an '03 for $3K or $4K less than an '04 (for the time being).

Welcome to the MM.Net :welcome: and good luck on your purchase.

[Shaft333]

Someone here said it best... I forgot the exact details, but it basically came down to find one you like and buy it.
The early '03's have a few more gee-whiz gadgets. The 04's have dual knock sensors in the motor, heated seat and moonroof options and a slightly better trans.

[RoyLPita]

If there is one in question that interests you, PM me the VIN and I'll check it out through Ford's OASIS database.......FREE OF CHARGE!!! Let me know.

BTW, Welcome aboard.

[jgc61sr2002]

TR - Welcome aboard. :welcome:

[stevengerard]

either would do great, if you want a moonroof only the 04. But the 04 does have an upgraded trans and the dual knock sensors couldn't hurt, especially when s/ced

[David Morton]

I'm happy with my '04. The upgraded tranny, I'm told, is the one Ford uses in their trucks and for that alone I advise you get the '04. It's been truck stuff that's been winning and staying together for us racing gearheads since the first GMC blower was stuck on a flat-head Ford "straight-eight" back in the early '50s.

[69 Resto-Mod CP]

Thanks for the warm reception all.... Great site, I hope to add to it when I get my MM. I have always been a "Mustang" guy and still have a few of them but I need a hot rod that I can put the kids in the back of. I thought the MM would be perfect. I just found a black 03' with 1,500 miles out here in California. Hope its there in a week or two when I have all the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$:cool:

TR

[JACook]

Thanks for the warm reception all.... Great site, I hope to add to it when I get my MM. I have always been a "Mustang" guy and still have a few of them but I need a hot rod that I can put the kids in the back of. I thought the MM would be perfect. I just found a black 03' with 1,500 miles out here in California. Hope its there in a week or two when I have all the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$:cool:

TR As a fellow Mustang guy, I think you'll enjoy the MM. Yeah, it doesn't have quite the off-the-line grunt
as my '85 GT (at least not yet), but it still puts a silly grin on my mug every time I drive it. I'm really
impressed with how well this car handles the twisty stuff. My '85 has Eibachs and Koni Reds all
'round, and while it has sharper reflexes than my MM, Blue could teach the '85 a thing or two on the
high-speed sweepers.

Mine's an '03, but I also test-drove a couple '04s. I would have been happy with either year, but
once I saw Blue, it was all over. Apart from the dual knock sensors and the torque converter upgrade,
there's not much to compel one to buy an '04, unless you want a silver or red one, or a sunroof.
AFAIK, the only _documented_ transmission upgrade is the addition of a turbine speed sensor.

BTW, what part of Kalifornia?

[ckadiddle]

Welcome to the board! Take up RoyLPita on his offer to run VIN(s) on prospective (sp?) vehicles for you. He is a great asset to have at our disposal.

I had trouble finding one within an hour or so of home to go and test drive. By the time I had printed off several used Marauders on Friday, called dealers Saturday AM, they had already been sold. I jumped all over the one that had just come in as soon as we test drove it. Reading reviews online just doesn't compare with driving one. I was not in the market for changing cars at the time, just wanted to check one out to see if I wanted one in the future. The wife absolutely loves the Dark Blue Pearl, even after seeing the other colors available in person at a recent meet.