Are salvage Marauders worth it?

[CoreyM75]

I am looking at a one owner 2004 black on black Marauder that has a Michigan slavage title. The car is clean from the pictures that I have seen. The mileage is 60,000 and the owner is selling the car or 7500.00. Does this sound like a decent deal? I have read what to look for on Marauders specifically and have lots of Panther platform knowledge from the 5 that I have owned. I have looked at 100's of CVPIs and regular Crown Victorias before and can tell about body and frame damage. Any ideas would help greatly.

[RoyLPita]

I almost bought one but passed on doing so.

[sconut1]

This is totaly just my opinion, and I don't want to sway you either direction, but I've driven a number of written off and repaired vehicles during my former life as a used car wholesaler. I wouldn't freak out totaly about a written off car, but it does mean you need to do a lot of homework before you buy the car, and the car has to be a really good deal. $7500 doesnt sound too bad, it's less than 1/2 what I paid for my car used with roughly 40,000 mi. I would think that $6500 to $7000 sounds like a better deal. It's hard for me to talk price because what's realistic here in Alberta, will definitely not be the same in Michigan. When we bought these types of vehicles when we were wholesaing, they had to a) look perfect, b) be 1 to 2000 "back of rough book". We use something called the black book here. I belive the Kelly Blue Book is what's used in the US. As a retail customer I would not pay more for the car than the lowest category in the Kelly Blue Book and that assumes that the car "looks" perfect and passes my little tests below.

Some stuff, I would absolutely do before you buy it:

1. Check to make sure everything works inside the car. Also, (I've had this happen!!), watch for glass shards flying out of the air conditioner vents in the dash! If something doesen't work, get an idea of what it will cost to get it fixed to your liking. Of course, drive it and see if it drives out ok.
2. Get it inspected at the most reputable body shop you can find. Even if you have to pay a hundred or so dollars. You need to find out if the body work (and presumably frame damage) was adequately repaired.
3. Next, get it mechanically inspected.
4. Check with the DMV to make sure that you can indeed register the vehicle

If you your happy with the results of the above, then I'd say go for it. But also bear in mind that this car will be a tough sell when the time comes to sell it.

One other thing.... find out the definition in MI as to what a salvage title really means if you don't already know.

Here in Alberta, there are three categories "normal" (I can't remember what the proper name for this is), written-off (these cars were totaled cars that were written off, but can be re-registered after an inspection) and salvage (these cars can NEVER be re-registered in Alberta). I don't know if Michigan uses a similar system or not, but do find out what "salvage title" means if you're not sure. It would suck to spend $7000.00 for a driveway ornament!

[KillJoy]

Why was the car salvaged?

KillJoy

[baltimoremm]

+1 ^
i would want to figure out why it was salvaged, if it was wrecked, then it might be ok if it was repaired properly and has no suprises hidden. if it was a flood, then i would think twice about buying it.
get it checked out, go over it with a fine tooth comb, pull up the carpet, look at all the wiring harnesses for signs of corrosion, pull the headlamps/tail lamps door panels and peek inside, check all fluids, test everything and test drive it hard.

[Marauder2005]

This is totaly just my opinion, and I don't want to sway you either direction, but I've driven a number of written off and repaired vehicles during my former life as a used car wholesaler. I wouldn't freak out totaly about a written off car, but it does mean you need to do a lot of homework before you buy the car, and the car has to be a really good deal. $7500 doesnt sound too bad, it's less than 1/2 what I paid for my car used with roughly 40,000 mi. I would think that $6500 to $7000 sounds like a better deal. It's hard for me to talk price because what's realistic here in Alberta, will definitely not be the same in Michigan. When we bought these types of vehicles when we were wholesaing, they had to a) look perfect, b) be 1 to 2000 "back of rough book". We use something called the black book here. I belive the Kelly Blue Book is what's used in the US. As a retail customer I would not pay more for the car than the lowest category in the Kelly Blue Book and that assumes that the car "looks" perfect and passes my little tests below.

Some stuff, I would absolutely do before you buy it:

1. Check to make sure everything works inside the car. Also, (I've had this happen!!), watch for glass shards flying out of the air conditioner vents in the dash! If something doesen't work, get an idea of what it will cost to get it fixed to your liking. Of course, drive it and see if it drives out ok.
2. Get it inspected at the most reputable body shop you can find. Even if you have to pay a hundred or so dollars. You need to find out if the body work (and presumably frame damage) was adequately repaired.
3. Next, get it mechanically inspected.
4. Check with the DMV to make sure that you can indeed register the vehicle

If you your happy with the results of the above, then I'd say go for it. But also bear in mind that this car will be a tough sell when the time comes to sell it.

One other thing.... find out the definition in MI as to what a salvage title really means if you don't already know.

Here in Alberta, there are three categories "normal" (I can't remember what the proper name for this is), written-off (these cars were totaled cars that were written off, but can be re-registered after an inspection) and salvage (these cars can NEVER be re-registered in Alberta). I don't know if Michigan uses a similar system or not, but do find out what "salvage title" means if you're not sure. It would suck to spend $7000.00 for a driveway ornament!

Good advice.

[Shora]

This brings up a question. What type of damage causes a car to be titled as salvage?

I got in a fender bender (a little worse) last month. Does that make my Marauder a Salvage one now?

[sd8683]

This brings up a question. What type of damage causes a car to be titled as salvage?

I got in a fender bender (a little worse) last month. Does that make my Marauder a Salvage one now?


I believe the car has to be totaled to have a salvage title, I could be wrong though?

[vegasmarauder]

Each state is different but most say if the any combination of three of either the bumper, lights, hood/truck, core support, or subframe then it will get a salvage designaiton only if the insureance company calls it a total loss and pays off the insured. In some states if the insurance company takes the car and pays it off as a total loss, it gets a salvage designation. This can be frustrating when the damage is not all that extensive, but parts are costly to replace (like MM bumper covers).

[jgc61sr2002]

This brings up a question. What type of damage causes a car to be titled as salvage?

I got in a fender bender (a little worse) last month. Does that make my Marauder a Salvage one now?



1. It's not the type of damage, but the cost of the repairs.
If the cost of repair meets a certain # (computed by ins co.) they will
total the vehicle.

2. No is is not.

[Aren Jay]

Truthfully it doesn't matter why it was salvaged. If it was repaired properly it is a Marauder and should be fine.

We have all seen damage to Maruader that makes them salvage and many here would have no problem with buying one of these after it is restored.

Again when it was salvaged would help determine just how much had to be written off and would tell you how bad the incident was.

Do a Carfax on it, maybe an Oasis, see RoyLPita for that.
It should explain when it was and why it was salvaged.


is it this one: http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/inview/detail.jsp?ct=u&car_id=248358236&dealer_id=1394954&car_year=2004&dealership_view_name=roadrunne rautosalesmi&first_record=51&sort_type=make_modelASC&pager.offset=50&cardist=0


Post the Vin# here and you can get all your answers and more advice.

Thing to remember when you buy a salvage title you may end up doing some of the repair work.

[Georges93LX]

Each state is different but most say if the any combination of three of either the bumper, lights, hood/truck, core support, or subframe then it will get a salvage designaiton only if the insureance company calls it a total loss and pays off the insured. In some states if the insurance company takes the car and pays it off as a total loss, it gets a salvage designation. This can be frustrating when the damage is not all that extensive, but parts are costly to replace (like MM bumper covers).

A very true statement. Even a theft recovery that has no damage but has had a claim paid for it will also be a salvage vehicle. DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Never pay retail and don't expect to get retail for any vehicle with a salvage or branded title. This company has sold many salvage Marauders over the last couple of years. http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/in...t=50&cardist=0 (http://www.autotrader.com/dealers/inview/detail.jsp?ct=u&car_id=248358236&dealer_id=1394954&car_year=2004&dealership_view_name=roadrunne rautosalesmi&first_record=51&sort_type=make_modelASC&pager.offset=50&cardist=0) Happy hunting.

[playtoyregal]

I bought mine from the insurance. My friend owns a body shop, and after about 5 months and a lot of hard work, I had me a nice running DTR Marauder. I chose that way because I could pay for it cash, and have no loan on a very nice car. The key would be take it to a GOOD body shop, Make sure every thing works, make sure the car was fixed with good parts, and then do what you want. when you are driving it down the road nobody will know it was wrecked, also get all the recipets they have. I have about 60 of them in a file, in case I wonder at a later date what I fixed.
Good luck
Jeff

[lastdaze04]

I bought mine in Tennesee it was a salvage title. It is against the law to try and sell a car without telling the buyer that it 'was' a salvage car. To look at mine you would not tell the difference untill you look close. I bought the car 2 years ago and have had no structural or alignment problems with it. But i did have it checked out before i bought it. I am satisfied with mine, and yes, it still after 2 years turns my head. Just my 2 cents worth.
Rick

[whd507]

I have seen "totaled" cars that were scratched during delivery to the dealer. a friend of mine got a brand new 1988 dodge dynasty that had a transport driver lower the upper ramp across the roof. it was a $1000 fix, but he got it from the auction for less than a $1000 with 2 miles on it.

[Motorhead350]

All the term totaled means is it cost more to fix the car than it's value. My Marauder has been totaled twice and my Blazer is currently totaled. Both ran and drove fine and my truck still feels 100% fine except for the current body damage.

[TAKEDOWN]

I think you can get a better price for it.

[sconut1]

<P>I'd check carefully with your state as to what is and who determines written-off or salvage titles.&nbsp; I'll bet every state and province does this differently.&nbsp; </P>

[Aren Jay]

I think he is in hiding.

[CoreyM75]

I looked at the car and it was not fixed with good parts, some were from CVPI and the wheels were cheap aftermarket parts. Diabolical1 CC, that was the car that I looked at. They has another MM in SB that was hit in the front and repaired not very well. I talked the dealer down to 8300 with the original rims from the silver one. I took the car to a friend in Warren and he looked it over for two minutes and told me that the frame was still bent and would need a lot more work. The interior was pretty clean, but the car just was not worth it. I was orginally thinking about 6500-7500 for the car, but they would not go down that far. I am going to do it right and look for a 04 with low (20-30k). I was wanting to pay cash and that was why I was looking into a salvage car. My wife and I are now debt free (thanks to following Dave Ramsey) and do not want to go into debt for a car.

[captain]

Salvage title means plenty when you try to unload it. (our)Dealership wont take it at any price. I lost 6000 dollars on mine. But that car was perfect in every other way, and a hoot to drive. I put about 1500 miles on it...6000 divided by 1500 = 4.00 per mile.....Hmmmmmm

[Aren Jay]

You might want to look at a high mileage 04 Marauder. More than likely it has highway mileage given it's age and you could pick one up for a good price. You might have to do some repairs to it, restoring the engine or the like, but it would not have a salvage title and would be worth alot more for resale, particularly with a new or refurbished engine.

See Vast for easy listings of Marauder or any other cars....

http://www.vast.com/cars/body-Sedan/used-for-sale-Mercury.Marauder

[CoreyM75]

I can have the money to get a nice low mileage MM in 6-9 months. I think that I can wait until then, mostly since my wife will not let me get 2. I am already having trouble convincing her that I will need another car to drive in the winter so I would not have to drive the Marauder. I will lurk here when I can and soak p the info that everyone has to offer.