Marauder for 2004 -- Cancelled

[GordonB]

To all,
Just got his email from a reputable, but probably UNknowledgable LM dealer in my area. I've scheduled a test drive for Fri. 7/18/02 at 2pm with him on a 2003 Maruder and now I am concerned because of his apparent lack of good info! He says the car is discontinued for 2004. I sent him back info from my future son-in-law who is an avid Auto buff and also works in Detrioit for a certain Big 3 Auto Manufacturer (related to Henry F...). He said that he would check in to it when I said that the discontinuance was news to me unless it had just been announced in the last 2 weeks! We'll see. Just enjoy & chuckle!!! I'm afraid that I am already getting an attitude with this guy and I haven't even met him yet! I have xxxed out his real name because I intend him no embarrassment. However, I do expect TRUTH and HONESTY from car dealer people. If you don't know something, say so. Cut the Bull....

Gordon B.
----------------
" Hello, again, Gordon!

Thank you for your reply.

The dark blue pearl Marauder was sold, but we can locate another if one is available. We still have the silver and black.

Unfortunately, there will not be a 2004 Marauder. Like the Thunderbird, it will only be out for a limited time.

Best Regards,

S...... XXXXX
Director of Internet Sales and Marketing
Safford Lincoln Mercury
----------------------

[MAD-3R]

Truth is subjective. Facts arn't. Untill one shows up on the line at STAP, it can be canceled. Last word heard from someone from Mercury, is it WILL be produced in 04. THe blue will be dropped, but Red is added.

[Logan]

Again, I'll state that dealers don't know their ass from a hole in the ground. They're the absolute bottom of the totem pole.

Until you see a press release on http://media.ford.com that marauder has been cancelled, don't believe a word you hear.

[GordonB]

Logan and others,
I just thought it was very funny to read the dealer's remarks when I have info from Edmund's, Ford, etc. that shows what can be ordered for 2004 in a Marauder.
I suspect that this dealer like most others is CLUELESS!!! And the utter B.S that they express is worse than garbage.
I know I am ranting, but what happened to good old fashioned Truth?

Gordon

[MAD-3R]

He may honestly be under the impresion that it will be canceled for 2004, so he feels he is being honest. Just cause he doesn't know his @$$ from a whole in the ground doesn't mean he's dishonest. The fact he's a car dealer does, but not cause he's clueless.

[SILVERMARAUDER]

Hey guys it could be an honest mistake and he may have gotten the info from a sales manager trying to move the 03's? And if they stop the production on the 04's great for me because our cars are worth more now and in future!

[Logan]

Honest mistake my butt. Dealers are always talking out their ass like it's fact.

[jefferson-mo]

a wise man once said................



"Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear"


I think it was Marvin Gaye

[Constable]

Well, we'll all see IF and WHEN an '04 hits a showroom floor. Keep your eyes peeled, members. Everything I have heard has been that it's cancelled. Every dealer tells me the same thing. But that's just their way of selling the remaining '03's too. I'd tend to believe the info that the Trilogy open house provided. C'mon '04!!!!

[Dr Caleb]

Originally posted by jefferson-mo
a wise man once said................



"Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear"


I think it was Marvin Gaye

And nothing you read on the 'net. :lol:

I think that quote is older, perhaps Robert Heinlien.

[MAD-3R]

Not a Heinlien. Older then that. Twain

[merc]

Originally posted by MAD-3R
He may honestly be under the impresion that it will be canceled for 2004, so he feels he is being honest. Just cause he doesn't know his @$$ from a whole in the ground doesn't mean he's dishonest. The fact he's a car dealer does, but not cause he's clueless.

Jerry's L/M has a red and silver on order, but honestly that can drive them up thier A$$. I think the red is a 2004, but I have not seen the car yet.

[the fat bastid]

any one else notice that on mercury's site there is no mention of the marauder on the aniversry clearnce thing?

to me that either means:

1) the car is canned so no point in rebates for it.

2) 5000 was indeed thier 'black' mark for the car(as mentioned here before) so they figure 'hey, might as well get as much as we can from the rest we do sell'

/shrug
i tend to belive they will make it for one more year

[Constable]

Anyone see the anniversary sale commercials??? I spotted an MM grille, and thats it. They showed every other L/M car except a full (or even half for that matter) shot of the MM.

[Paul T. Casey]

Could be suble pressure to get you to buy one. If I were an unscrupolus (sic) salesman, I'd do that.

[Jeff]

Originally posted by Constable
Anyone see the anniversary sale commercials??? I spotted an MM grille, and thats it. They showed every other L/M car except a full (or even half for that matter) shot of the MM.

Yes I did note the presence of the Marauder's absence. :D

[UncleLar]

When I got my original dealer sales training tape of the 2003 GM and Marauder my salesperson told me frankly no one at the dealership had viewed it and of that I have no doubt. Most dealers seem to either,don't know,don't want to know,or to just make up anything they think you'll swallow.

[jgc61sr2002]

GordonB - Welcome. The dealer is probably trying to sell the 2003 models before the 2004's arrive.

[Bigdogjim]

GordonB: Hi! Welcome. We kep you on tract.
That why I try to not to match wits with a salesman. No constest!

Poor sale pitchbut, better than nothin. Sad but true.

[RCSignals]

Well the 2004 Marauder Order Guide is still available for dealers

[71red]

I just got the bug to purchase a Marauder since I found out the cash backs or 0% applies to the MM too. Am now trying to get hold of a blue one. I am in NY and have had no success. Dealers would order for me, but would cost more. Anyways since then I have spoken to 10s of salesmen, mgrs and even a owners son. Have gotten mixed info as each of you that the 04's are/aren't going to happen. I ended up calling MErcury's main customer service...they said yes on the 04's. However even though they had literature on all 04 models including the Grand Marquis, they could not find anything for the Marauder exclusively. The 03's had their own brochure. Even the Impala SS though was thrown into the general all models brochure in 96, printed their own SS pamplet on the side. Gotta say the the MErcury customer service wasn't too informative...asked a few questions that they couldn't regarding production #s. As a matter of fact the rep didn't know the MM came in blue. I got that from a salesman recently and was shocked , but the Customer Service rep shocked me more because they are representing Corporate.

[RCSignals]

71red

If you are doing a search on the Internet of dealer inventory for a Marauder, don't just look under Marauder for the search. Many dealers have their Marauders listed under Grand Marquis, even though there is a separate section for Marauder.

[71red]

RCSignals

Thanks for the suggestion. When searching the MArquis, how would I be able differentiate? by the dark pearl blue color?
Also, the online search asked me for my zip and only gave me local dealers, would I have to find the zips for other states, areas as well? (Maybe I used the search incorrectly?)

[RCSignals]

yes you may have to just experiment with zips. it always seems to just want to direct you to closest dealers.
Usually when a Martauder is listed with the Grand Marquis it will be annotated as such. If not you can tell by the engine listed or the "V" in the VIN after "M75"

[GordonB]

Hi all,
Sorry if I got you all going about `04 being discontinued. I really thought the salesman pitch was comical in light of the Ford Order Guide having come out, Edmund's web site info and my future son-in-law's info (works for Ford). That's why I told the salesman that the 04 MM has NOT been discontinued UNLESS a corporate decision had been made VERY recently, like within the past 2 weeks.
I'll let you all know on Monday how the test drive with `Bozo' the Internet Sales person goes. ;) ;) :) :)

[Glenn]

I bought my MM three weeks ago and the F/M agency said the MM was canceled. After I heard that news I contacted the L/M Accessories Company and ordered a batch of MM items. I asked them and they also said they were notified that the prgram was canceled and they were selling everything until they ran out of the items. They were out of several shirts and jacket sizes, but they had 300 leather jackets left. I hope I was mis-informed - just stating what I heard. I got my MM and I am very glad to own a really great car.

[Dr Caleb]

Welcome Glenn! You like your Marauder now, but you'll love it the more you hang around here!

Glenn.

[Agent M79]

This thread is scaring me. I may need to be held and gently rocked.

[jessejames]

Here's an email I got from a local dealer...sure looks to be cancelled to me.

We received an e-mail indicating that you are interested in our stock #MD4152, a 2003 Mercury Marauder that lists for $34.695. Your bottom line price on this car with the dealer cash and factory rebate of $3500 is $27,614. Other rebates that might apply are L/M Owner Loyalty, $500; Member of AARP, $500; L/M Discontinued Vehicle, $500; and Active or Retired Military, $750.

I look forward to hearing from you.

[Agent M79]

I saw the word "might". I still cling to hope.

[jgc61sr2002]

Glenn - Welcome. Enjoy your new ride.:up:

[jgc61sr2002]

jessejames - Welcome. That sounds like a great deal and with possible additional rebates you could get the MM for less that $25,000. If you like the MM jump on that deal, don't wait.:up:

[RCSignals]

Originally posted by jessejames
Here's an email I got from a local dealer...sure looks to be cancelled to me.

We received an e-mail indicating that you are interested in our stock #MD4152, a 2003 Mercury Marauder that lists for $34.695. Your bottom line price on this car with the dealer cash and factory rebate of $3500 is $27,614. Other rebates that might apply are L/M Owner Loyalty, $500; Member of AARP, $500; L/M Discontinued Vehicle, $500; and Active or Retired Military, $750.

I look forward to hearing from you.

What I see is a dealer trying to sell you a 2003, not saying the 2004 is canceled.

Good deal on the '03 too, you going to buy it?

[jessejames]

I read a discontinued vehicle as a no longer produced vehicle...a 2003 should be called last years vehicle not a discontinued one. I've never seen a "model year end" sale called the "discontinued sale". JMO YMMV

I am trying for all $2250 beyond the the quoted price. Stay tuned.

[jgc61sr2002]

jesse - Good luck on the rebates. The deal sounds almost too good to be true. Go for it. keep us posted.

[tomd]

Originally posted by GordonB
" Hello, again, Gordon!

Thank you for your reply.

The dark blue pearl Marauder was sold, but we can locate another if one is available. We still have the silver and black.

Unfortunately, there will not be a 2004 Marauder. Like the Thunderbird, it will only be out for a limited time.

Best Regards,

S...... XXXXX
Director of Internet Sales and Marketing
Safford Lincoln Mercury
----------------------

THIS IS THE 1ST LETTER HE WROTE TO GORDON. But it ended up in the waste paper can. :D

Hello, again Gordon!

The dark blue Marauder that we never had is sold, but we can locate another if one is available. We still have the silver and black. We need to sell the sliver and black so can you get your butt in here today!

Unfortunately, there will not be a 2004 Marauder (need to sell the damn 2003's!).
Like all car salesman I need cash today! I don't want to have to wait until the 2004 Marauder comes out and the owner wants these 2003 Marauder OFF the LOT NOW before the 2004 Marauders comes in!

Best Regards,

S...... XXXXX
Director of Internet Sales and Marketing
Safford Lincoln Mercury
:lol:

[tomd]

01 Jul 02 - MERCURY MARAUDER ROCKETS UP SALES CHARTS – EVEN BEFORE IT GOES ON SALE
IRVINE, Calif., July 1, 2002 – The all-new 2003 Mercury Marauder is off to a high-speed start, as more than 5,200 vehicles were sold to customers and dealers prior to the first vehicle being delivered to showrooms. Today marked the official first day of sales for the car, but the excitement started with the unveiling of the Marauder concept car in 1998 and grew from there.

:lol: What happened?

[RCSignals]

Unfortunately, there will not be a 2004 Marauder (I think?). Like all car salesman I need cash today! I don't want to have to wait until the 2004 Marauder comes out and the owner wants these 2003 Marauder OFF the LOT NOW before the 2004 Marauders comes in!

Hmmm

There won't be a 2004 (I think) But we will be getting 2004s in!
So hurry and buy a 2003 while you still can.

[RCSignals]

Originally posted by jessejames
I read a discontinued vehicle as a no longer produced vehicle...a 2003 should be called last years vehicle not a discontinued one. I've never seen a "model year end" sale called the "discontinued sale". JMO YMMV

I am trying for all $2250 beyond the the quoted price. Stay tuned.

I read that as "2003 are no longer in production" end of model year inventory discount.

I hope you can somehow qualify for all those discounts, Quite the coup and quite the deal!

[studio460]

Hmmmm . . .

That was a pretty compelling e-mail . . . Didn't someone post a Ford Motor Company press release regarding the changes to the new 2004 Marauder in a thread here somewhere? I remember reading: dual knock sensors, new transmission, new torque converter, etc.? Searched Ford/LM websites--couldn't find it.

[MI2QWK4U]

NBC, I know what your are refering to. Thats what Steve Babcock said at the Trilogy open house. He indicated that the 2004 model would be produced. He said that 2005 and 2006 would be Marauderless, with a return possible for a 2006 1/2 model.

[joflewbyu2]

http://MEDIA.FORD.COM/products/model.cfm?vehicle_id=955

[studio460]

Yup. That's the one! Thanks, Jo . . .

[GordonB]

Tomd and all others who replied,
Thanks for all of your insight.
Drove 2 MMs Friday, 1 MM Saturday. Ordered/located a Dk Blue Pearl witrh Lt Flint interior on Monday and drove it home last nite!!! This car will be fine. Built 05/03.
Dealers only think one thing: the Here and Now. That's why they don't have any interest and finding out the details of 2004, etc.
BTW, got $5000 rebate -- $3500 Ford, $500 AARP, $500 Owner Loyalty Discount (own a Linc Mk 7). Also used the X-Plan as my company is a Ford Supplier. Worked great. Long evening -- arrived at 8:10 and left at 10:50pm with car!

Gordon B.

[prchrman]

Congrats GordonB...you are in the "Marauder Tribe"...a tribe that is not easily swayed by the sentiment of the masses...choose their own way...a royal race that rides the road masterfully...have their own language-"Marauderan"...rule over ricers and all other inferiors with a heavy foot...normally peaceful but are mighty warriors when provoked...can become uncivilized even brutal if lesser tribes become hostile to "Marauderland"...common traits are agility, stealthness, power and individuality...dispersed throughout the USA and Canada they come together in strange rituals of communication and displays of power and beauty...arriving washed and shining in their finest attire...now sit in your leather seats, start her up, grab hold of your leather steering wheel and pull her in gear and you too will learn know the feeling of being a "Marauderan"...

[Marauder57]

Originally posted by GordonB
Tomd and all others who replied,
Thanks for all of your insight.
Drove 2 MMs Friday, 1 MM Saturday. Ordered/located a Dk Blue Pearl witrh Lt Flint interior on Monday and drove it home last nite!!! This car will be fine. Built 05/03.
Dealers only think one thing: the Here and Now. That's why they don't have any interest and finding out the details of 2004, etc.
BTW, got $5000 rebate -- $3500 Ford, $500 AARP, $500 Owner Loyalty Discount (own a Linc Mk 7). Also used the X-Plan as my company is a Ford Supplier. Worked great. Long evening -- arrived at 8:10 and left at 10:50pm with car!

Gordon B.

GREAT NEWS!!! Way to join the other cool people with Blue.....Hey JrzyGrl we got another one....only need get 982 more to even the score with Black.... :D

I hope the ride home was a good one.....Enjoy the new way of life!

[MM03MOK]

Originally posted by prchrman
"Marauder Tribe"... That was beautiful, Willie!!!
http://smilies.sofrayt.com/1/g0/claps.gif

[Dr Caleb]

Originally posted by prchrman
Congrats GordonB...you are in the "Marauder Tribe"...

*sniff* brought a tear to my eye.

Now, let's vote RF off the island. :lol:

[tomd]

Hey GordonB!

Am delighted you got your Blue Pearl (great color!) Marauder and welcome aboard you’re going to love driving this car!

[GordonB]

To all,
Thanks for all of the kind replies.

Looking forward to enjoying this new ride and getting acquainted with it.

I've been reading this site for some months now and was delighted to learn of the gradual refinements that Ford has made. Would like to have had the upcoming 2004 Tranny/Torque converter improvements and possible Factory Sunroof, but ... if my wife and I waited, then we would not have been able to get BLUE! She saw it Saturday at a dealer 30 miles from home and that's pretty much what convinced us that the color has enough LIFE that you can distinguish it from Black in a garage, in the sunlight, or at nite (last nite in our garage!!).

Gordon B. :) :) :)

[RF Overlord]

Originally posted by Dr Caleb

Now, let's vote RF off the island. :lol:

I heard that...

:censor: :uzi:

[Dr Caleb]

Enjoy the car Gordon! Just try to wipe the smile off your face!


Originally posted by RF Overlord
I heard that...


Oops, were those my out-loud-fingers?

[jgc61sr2002]

Gordon - Congrats and good luck with your new ride. Enjoy.:up:

[KSMM03]

Is it me, or did I not see a sunroof amongst the options available??

Didn't someone or maybe L/M suggest that may be coming in the future??? Or is the "amber waves of grain" fumes getting to me out here in KS??

[rkk]

Without searching this whole website, I recall reading from one of our members, that he saw a red Marauder and that's how he knew it was a 2004. So what's all this about '04 being cancelled?

[RCSignals]

I was at my dealer today, and as far as they are concerned, the '04 is not canceled

[MI2QWK4U]

Back in June when I did the St. Thomas tour, they pointed out a Silver 2004 Marauder that was one they were testing in preperation for beginning the 2004 production. It was one of a few they were assembling, however I was not close enough to give it a good going over. Steve Babcock was sure that the 2004 was going to be done, because he listed a few upgrades being done for the new model year..... this cancelled bull***** is like an urban legend, something people have heard or read, but no one has direct knowledge or proof of!

[jgc61sr2002]

I was also at my dealer today and they stated" they have 2004 MM's on order."

[Logan]

I do believe it was Mustangs & Fast Fords Magazine that started that rumor in last month's issue.

[Marauder57]

Just my opinion here...but updating corporate websites is a pain....too many levels to go through approvals etc.....So to me the fact that Ford has updated the web at their media and Fleet site leads me to believe 2004's are moving forward......

[Logan]

They definately are, there's no question about it.