So what should I be looking for??

[k_r_a_c_k_e_r]

Hey guys,

I'm new to the site (frist post) and I'm looking at picking up an 03 Marauder

I'v found one not to far from me and I'm wondering when I go to check it out, what I should be looking for? (problem areas, rust spots, ect.)

Mark

[DTRMiguel]

Buy Arenjays he will be selling his sometime soon. Hopefully......

[Ms. Denmark]

Welcome to the site. Great that you're looking to own a Marauder. My own car has been trouble free in general. The adjusable pedals quit a few months ago. There's a plastic gear that breaks. It's a common problem. Also the lights for the heated seats often blink or go out completely. The '03 Black paint is a problem, so the guys say. Haven't noticed any particular rust issues yet, but of course look in all the usual places. If you PM RoyLPita a VIN # he can give you some info on a particular car. If possible, see if a member has a car for sale. We generally take a great deal of pride in the car and tend to baby them. Good luck!

[RoyLPita]

Welcome aboard. Enjoy the site.

[lastdaze04]

Hi Mark::welcome: to thiis site.
There are a few TSB's out there in General for the MM.
1.) SOME of the early 2003's had a funky drivers side head. You can tell if when you start it, the left side (drivers side) tail pipe smoked just alittle bit on start up, its really nothing to worry about unless it starts to make a ticking noise that gets progressively louder.. Sooo when you go to test drive it watch in the side view mirror if it shoots a little blue on start up.

2.)A common problem is he LCM (lighting control module. When you test drive it, make sure you turn on the headlights and drive around for longer than 10 minuites, then go check to see if they are still on, because if it has a bad relay in the LCM the lights will turn off. If you are good with a soldering gun its a $3.68 fix, or you can have a stealership (dealership) do it for $400.00 to 600.00 dollars.
3.) Already mentioned are the adjustable floor pedals and,...
4.)heated seat light
5.) another common problem is soft axles. Again to check for this jack the rear end up and look where where the axles come out of the pumpkin and check for grease seeping out. If your experienced in this it will only cost you $200 - $300 or maybe more depaending upon the damage, if you NOT, it will cost 800.00 or more depending on if you want to upgrade.
And last but not least are,
6.) the MODS, ........ UNLESS YOU POSSESS EXTREME SELF CONTROL THE BUG WILL WIPE OUT YOUR POCKET BOOK, YOUR BANK ACCOUNT AND YOUR CHANGE JAR. however there will be a permanent smile on your face:eek:. And you will have the best forum to come to as there is a wealth of information here
7.) There are more but they fail to come to mind. Others wuill chip in for sure.
Rick



Hey guys,

I'm new to the site (frist post) and I'm looking at picking up an 03 Marauder

I'v found one not to far from me and I'm wondering when I go to check it out, what I should be looking for? (problem areas, rust spots, ect.)

Mark

[Blk Mamba]

Pinched electrical wires behind the drivers side cam cover, tires wear out to fast, drivers seat left cheek area thin cushion, maybe a worn spot, on and on and on.

[Pat]

Reading these responses can be discouraging, however, you did ask. Not every Marauder experiences every problem. Some can be easily fixed if you have a working knowledge of automotive mechanics, otherwise the dealers will be more than happy to "help" you.

Some other problem areas are the environment control panel assembly, clutches in the limited slip differential, transmission overdrive band and cooling system overheating.

In my case, an 04, the car has been characteristically reliable even with all my modifications, (Super charged, Nitrous, High Speed stall converter, dyno tune)

The only problem that I've had was a bad EGR valve.

I've enjoyed the car very much since I bought it new in 04. Now have 75K on the trip meter. Only raced it occasionally, mostly street driven with periodic highway trips.

Service is the key to any car's longevity. Oil changes, air and fuel filter changes and tyranny fluid changes, in a timely manner, are some of the things that people neglect to do and then seem surprised when the car fails.

Many of the things mentioned here cannot be seen or verified until one drives the car for a period of time, so look for the obvious and ask to see the maintenance records if available.

Good luck and you should be happy with a Marauder.

[k_r_a_c_k_e_r]

Thanks for the replys guys!.

I'm heading out soon to take a look at the 03, let you know how that goes..

[Spectragod]

And last but not least are,
6.) the MODS, ........ UNLESS YOU POSSESS EXTREME SELF CONTROL THE BUG WILL WIPE OUT YOUR POCKET BOOK, YOUR BANK ACCOUNT AND YOUR CHANGE JAR. however there will be a permanent smile on your face:eek:. And you will have the best forum to come to as there is a wealth of information here

Rick

Ain't that the truth, had mine a year, over 10K in mods now, I got -0- self control........ or rear tires. :lol:

[CBT]

Check the paint. Make sure there isn't any black, silver, or red showing thru the BLUE:P HA! Eat it!

[k_r_a_c_k_e_r]

Thanks for the help guys!..

I went and check it out ...WOW.. beautiful cars! (never seen one up close before, only on the road)

checked everything you guys said, minus the rearend, was kinda hard to see and couldnt get it jacked up, but the underbody was as clean as the rest of the car.

just waiting to hear from the bank, and hopefully its in my driveway by the weekend!

[RoyLPita]

sometimes it would not hurt to have an OASIS report on this vehicle. PM me with the VIN.

[tjg442]

Have over 80,000 on mine, never raced, got rid of the tires and wheels, and no problem with tires any more ! Cost, or wearing out any more. Good luck, with the purchase.

[k_r_a_c_k_e_r]

well, deal is done!.. picking it up on friday!

[bobsawyer7]

well, deal is done!.. picking it up on friday!

Cool!:banana:

[k_r_a_c_k_e_r]

Just got her home!.. looked like rain out so I made some space in the garage.. fits in there with 3 inches to spare.. lol

[Ms. Denmark]

congratulations on your new toy!!!!!!! You'll love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[guspech750]

:banana2::banana2::banana2::ba nana2::banana2::banana2::banan a2::banana2:

:party::party1::cuke:

:congrats:

[TAKEDOWN]

Alright!!! Enjoy, I know you will!

[k_r_a_c_k_e_r]

I got out to take some pictures today.. mind you its 100%.. so nothing special..

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y201/k_r_a_c_k_e_r/2003%20Mercury%20Marauder/096.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y201/k_r_a_c_k_e_r/2003%20Mercury%20Marauder/100.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y201/k_r_a_c_k_e_r/2003%20Mercury%20Marauder/103.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y201/k_r_a_c_k_e_r/2003%20Mercury%20Marauder/097.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y201/k_r_a_c_k_e_r/2003%20Mercury%20Marauder/108.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y201/k_r_a_c_k_e_r/2003%20Mercury%20Marauder/111.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y201/k_r_a_c_k_e_r/2003%20Mercury%20Marauder/113.jpg
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y201/k_r_a_c_k_e_r/2003%20Mercury%20Marauder/117.jpg

and my personal fave.. just peekin' around the corner..

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y201/k_r_a_c_k_e_r/2003%20Mercury%20Marauder/105.jpg

[Blk Mamba]

Wow, looks just like mine, looks good sitting next to that Fastfrate.

[Marauderman]

Congrats......looks like she is ready to bite some Axx... FOR SURE!! Have fun and keep us posted...!!

[max454]

is it me or the tires are all the same size. btw, i like it that way .

[k_r_a_c_k_e_r]

is it me or the tires are all the same size. btw, i like it that way .

What are the stock sizes of the tires?..

I know this is the second set of tires put on the car.

[Got_1]

hey where in ontario do you live?

[Mac-MerC]

nice ass lookin car

[k_r_a_c_k_e_r]

hey where in ontario do you live?

Im in Mississauga..

We need an Ontario Marauder meet!

[GordonB]

That looks like a NICE lookin' car! Congrats.
GordonB

[in2deep]

Congratulations on the purchase!