As much as I've loved this car....

[Matt Johnson]

I have equal amounts of hate for it.

It's not my daily driver anymore - my 2009 Bullitt has taken its place.

But for a 2003 model car, the MM has given me more problems than any other vehicle I've owned.

It's only got 66,000 miles on it but since purchase it's required:

One new engine
One new transmission
16 new tires
A brand new headlight assemblies
A new LCM
One new battery
That's not even mentioning the horrible paint job this thing left the factory with.

Those are things that simply should not happen on a factory car built in the 21st century. No wonder Mercury is done.

I got a lot of joy, and still do, out of the Marauder.

But, as a machine it was not worth the money I spent on it.

(The Bullitt is a whole other story - might be the perfect car for the money.)

[Ozark Marauder]

Hey Bullitthead,

GEEZ........Quit bitchin..........If you think the Bullitt is such a "perfect car" then sell your Marauder to someone who will appreciate it and then buy yourself another Bullitt, and don't forget to join the:
http://www.imboc.com/forums/
(http://www.imboc.com/forums/)

[88LTDCV351]

Sorry to hear about your Marauder problems. I'm almost at 100,000 miles and have not had those problems, except the BCM and EATC which members here helped me save a bunch of money to fix. And the rear tires wear fast. I'm looking forward to many more carefree happy miles. :)

[fastblackmerc]

I have equal amounts of hate for it.

It's not my daily driver anymore - my 2009 Bullitt has taken its place.

But for a 2003 model car, the MM has given me more problems than any other vehicle I've owned.

It's only got 66,000 miles on it but since purchase it's required:

One new engine
One new transmission
16 new tires
A brand new headlight assemblies
A new LCM
One new battery
That's not even mentioning the horrible paint job this thing left the factory with.

Those are things that simply should not happen on a factory car built in the 21st century. No wonder Mercury is done.

I got a lot of joy, and still do, out of the Marauder.

But, as a machine it was not worth the money I spent on it.

(The Bullitt is a whole other story - might be the perfect car for the money.)

How about some cheese with that whine!

[Egon Spengler]

I have a ton of problems as well. The relationship between me and the marauder ebbs and flows. Sometimes I love my car and others I don't even want to look at it. Right now I don't even want to look at it. All I see is $$$$ when I look at it and drive it now.

The same is true about my motorcycle though. I find it hard to enjoy something when I owe money on it. I owned my other bike so I enjoyed it, but now I owe on the new bike, so it isn't as enjoyable...

[RR|Suki]

I have equal amounts of hate for it.

It's not my daily driver anymore - my 2009 Bullitt has taken its place.

But for a 2003 model car, the MM has given me more problems than any other vehicle I've owned.

It's only got 66,000 miles on it but since purchase it's required:

One new engine
One new transmission
16 new tires
A brand new headlight assemblies
A new LCM
One new battery
That's not even mentioning the horrible paint job this thing left the factory with.

Those are things that simply should not happen on a factory car built in the 21st century. No wonder Mercury is done.

I got a lot of joy, and still do, out of the Marauder.

But, as a machine it was not worth the money I spent on it.

(The Bullitt is a whole other story - might be the perfect car for the money.)

I agree, it's not a very good car for the money they sold for new. Makes me very glad I didn't buy one new.

[musclemerc]

I'm reading this and wondering were you the second owner of the MM? If so the damage could have been done by the original owner. Maintenance is up to the user of the product, but then again there is a lemon in every bunch. Maybe you got a lemon?

[W4LTD]

I have equal amounts of hate for it.

It's not my daily driver anymore - my 2009 Bullitt has taken its place.

But for a 2003 model car, the MM has given me more problems than any other vehicle I've owned.

It's only got 66,000 miles on it but since purchase it's required:

One new engine
One new transmission
16 new tires
A brand new headlight assemblies
A new LCM
One new battery
That's not even mentioning the horrible paint job this thing left the factory with.

Those are things that simply should not happen on a factory car built in the 21st century. No wonder Mercury is done.



If you're only getting 15k miles (approximation) out of your tires, perhaps you're a little too heavy on the gas pedal? :eek:

[Ms. Denmark]

I agree, it's not a very good car for the money they sold for new. Makes me very glad I didn't buy one new.
Not in my experience. Original owner of my car. Absolutely trouble free driving for 100,000 miles and counting. Really have never been sorry about the money spent upfront, not that I considered it an expensive car at the time. All paid off, and I know it's maintenance record. It's all good.

[justbob]

Wow, sorry to hear of your troubles. I guess i've been quite lucky and I wouldn't go as far as saying that I have babied it by no means! So far just the axles and the LCM for me at 72,000. Total $290.00.

[tbone]

My car has 110K and drives, runs like new. I've spent some money on mechanical issues, not unusual, and it's the best car I've ever owned. Paint does suck though. But I've fixed most of my paint issues.

[4play]

Mines at almost 170,000 miles all that's been done is idler pulley, tires, eatc O rings, serpintine belt. And that's it. Oh ya and one rear axle seal. I must of gotten a good one. Even the brakes are orininal

[lastdaze04]

I'm reading this and wondering were you the second owner of the MM? If so the damage could have been done by the original owner. Maintenance is up to the user of the product, but then again there is a lemon in every bunch. Maybe you got a lemon?

Don't wish to start a pissin match but in early 2003. the Eatc, the axles, the lousy paint jobs, the lousy left side cylinder head that allows oil to seep in thus a person shoots the blues, the LCM, the wacky wiper syndrome, and a few more that don't readilly come to mind are NOT Maintenance issues, I have had all but the wiper problems. It is crap from the factory and has nothing to do with the previous owner. Also in some cases, NOT all, the dealership refused to make right. ALL of these issues are not low buck issues when you take it to a stealership. If it weren't for the fine mechanical skill of some on this forum I would have set the d@#n car on fire and sent it over a cliff:eek:. I have a supercharger on this car and the things I expected to have problems with have not surfaced "yet" knock on wood. I have my flame suit on you can flame away:D:beer:. I am off my:soapbox:box.
Rick

[Bluerauder]

I have equal amounts of hate for it.
Sorry to hear about your troubles with your Marauder. Your experience seems pretty atypical of what I have seen and heard here for more than 6 years. Sounds like you are ready to give it up. Good luck !!!

[DarthMarauder]

Don't wish to start a pissin match but in early 2003. the Eatc, the axles, the lousy paint jobs, the lousy left side cylinder head that allows oil to seep in thus a person shoots the blues, the LCM, the wacky wiper syndrome, and a few more that don't readilly come to mind are NOT Maintenance issues, I have had all but the wiper problems. It is crap from the factory and has nothing to do with the previous owner. Also in some cases, NOT all, the dealership refused to make right. ALL of these issues are not low buck issues when you take it to a stealership. If it weren't for the fine mechanical skill of some on this forum I would have set the d@#n car on fire and sent it over a cliff:eek:. I have a supercharger on this car and the things I expected to have problems with have not surfaced "yet" knock on wood. I have my flame suit on you can flame away:D:beer:. I am off my:soapbox:box.
Rick
Totally agree with you. These are some of the reasons I just couldnt take keep my MM. I took mine to the dealership with 55000 miles with the axle problem and they said I was out of warranty so they werent touching it unless I paid and its there fault. Good thing I work on my own cars but I put new axles on my dime plus all new bearings. Had the crappy paint. Its was so bad my 98 Audi looked brand new next to it. Just let me down after 5 years I just got sick of it so it is now gone.

[musclemerc]

I hear you but I have'nt seen 1 of the issues you listed with my MM and if I did it would have been covered from my ESP which run's out this year ($50.00 ded. 7year/100,00mi). I'm efficient with my tools so I can also fix everything you listed if they come up after the warranty goe's out. No Flaming from me. :cool:




Don't wish to start a pissin match but in early 2003. the Eatc, the axles, the lousy paint jobs, the lousy left side cylinder head that allows oil to seep in thus a person shoots the blues, the LCM, the wacky wiper syndrome, and a few more that don't readilly come to mind are NOT Maintenance issues, I have had all but the wiper problems. It is crap from the factory and has nothing to do with the previous owner. Also in some cases, NOT all, the dealership refused to make right. ALL of these issues are not low buck issues when you take it to a stealership. If it weren't for the fine mechanical skill of some on this forum I would have set the d@#n car on fire and sent it over a cliff:eek:. I have a supercharger on this car and the things I expected to have problems with have not surfaced "yet" knock on wood. I have my flame suit on you can flame away:D:beer:. I am off my:soapbox:box.
Rick

[breeze]

my paint sucks, had my tranny overhauled within a month of ownership 56k miles(warrant paid), left upper control arm going bad. maybe ppl think the car should be trouble free. nothing but a big machine that runs off computers, its only a car ppl!!!

[Matt Johnson]

I'm the original owner. It's a 300a. And the problems, well, the BIG ones like engine and tranny, didn't start really happening until AFTER the mods went on and the warranty expired. But it's not a maintenance issue - the car was maintained like clockwork, on schedule, all documented.

Last time I took it in for an alignment, they told me the ball joints needed replacement!

These are things I would not expect to happen, even after bolt on mods.

That's all.

I obviously still love the car. It's been up for sale, but the offers I have received are so low ball that it's ridiculous to let it go - I have bicycles that are worth more on the market than this car.

No, it was not expensive if you measure the cost in horsepower per dollar but it continues to require the kind of vigilance you would expect to have to give to a car twice its age and has gone very wrong too many times in the past for me to not look at it with some bitterness and even regret.

Funny, though, how some interpret these criticisms as "whining" or "bitching" when I'm just offering critical analysis of an inanimate object that I purchased, still own, and still drive... sometimes.

As far as the Bullitt being the "perfect car" - I didn't say that. I said it was the "perfect car for the money." Which, I still believe, the Marauder was not.

The "perfect car" costs more than I'm willing or able to spend....

[4play]

Is that a pic of you in your dp?

[4play]

You should buy one of those new cameros and join the cool car club.. I guess if you drive the *****t out of a car, 60k miles is about avarage

[purduecmpe]

2004 MM @ 88k here runs just like a top... All stock of course... Garage kept at home and work here in Texas.

The tires life/prices suck but this is a performance automobile. Ask your BMW friends what they spend on tires and you will feel better...

Also had the EATC oring issue. Thanks to mm.net fixed myself...

My Co-Workers ragged on Ford's quality rep when I bought the car in 04 but I have to say I have been happy...

[lastdaze04]

I guess my MM and I have a love hate relationship. I will say this. In the past I have bought a 1 owner 89 Mustang 5.0 that I modded and beat the tar out of and like a "Timex" it took a licken and kept on tickin. The only thing I had to replace was the clutch. Then before that I bought an 86 Ford LTD the downsized version with the 3.8L V-6. It had 32,000 when I bought it and when I finally sold it, the car had 308,000 miles on it. At 280,000 the tranny went, that was the only thing I replaced on it. So with those Ford Products in the past I thought the MM would be money well spent. Wrong. The only reasons I keep the car for now is that I refuse to sell the car and still owe money on it after the sale. And that the fun factor is off the scale. (Blew away a cocky kid in an 08 turbo balt (chevy cobalt) Sat pm. When the fun factor goes and I can sell it and at least break even, the car will be probably be history. Matt I understand your frustration. I do believe however that if I had waited and held out for a 2004 Trilogized MM I would not have had many of the problems that I had experienced. Better heads, beefier tranny, and a better built rearend.
Just my :twocents:.
Rick

[Big Black Beast]

Sorry for your troubles. The fact is, two cars can leave the factory hours apart and one can have no problems and the next can have all kinds. And all cars have their own "common" issues. Sounds like you just got (un)lucky.

[freakstatus]

Coming up on 100,000 KMs. The only thing I've had to replace is the steering shaft and two back tires. Guess I got one of the good ones.

[yes_officer?]

I love my car, however, there have been a bunch of recent anamolies listed as follows:
LCM
Mass Airflow Sensor
Right-side windows work intermittently
Brake service lights for no reason

I have about 120,000 miles on her. I just spent about a grand at my Ford dealer putting plugs, 2 iginition coils, and the mass air flow sensor installed. They couldn't fix the buggy brake light warning in the dash. It only comes on when it wants to, though. Runs great now. Initially I thought I had transmission trouble because it sputtered around second gear. Runs like a champ. No complaints about the money spent because at this mileage, a tune-up was inevitable.

[CBT]

I love my car, however, there have been a bunch of recent anamolies listed as follows:
LCM
Mass Airflow Sensor
Right-side windows work intermittently
Brake service lights for no reason

I have about 120,000 miles on her. I just spent about a grand at my Ford dealer putting plugs, 2 iginition coils, and the mass air flow sensor installed. They couldn't fix the buggy brake light warning in the dash. It only comes on when it wants to, though. Runs great now. Initially I thought I had transmission trouble because it sputtered around second gear. Runs like a champ. No complaints about the money spent because at this mileage, a tune-up was inevitable.
Hi, sailor!:wave:

[Bradley G]

Wholley Molely,
I have had lots of service issuses with the Marauder.
Almost all the regular stuff; LCM twice,multifunction switch, headlamp housings sweating, slow windows, axle & (pinion seal leak twice) air ride compressor & ride height sensor, eatc module, Really bad paint!
four sets of brakes & full flush , five or six sets of tires @ 100K
30 + oil changes 4 trans services and five sets of plugs later,...
I love this car! :D

[Tom Kuznicki]

Mines at almost 170,000 miles all that's been done is idler pulley, tires, eatc O rings, serpintine belt. And that's it. Oh ya and one rear axle seal. I must of gotten a good one. Even the brakes are orininalwhat is the eatc o ring fix. never heard of that and purchased a new one for our Marauder. please enlighten me because I still have the old one.

[Vortex]

Bought mine new in 04 and I took it in under warranty for a buzzing rear speaker. Thats it. Might grenade tommorrow but so far, so good.

[RocsMerc]

what is the eatc o ring fix. never heard of that and purchased a new one for our Marauder. please enlighten me because I still have the old one.

It's easily fixable with a $5 bag of o-rings. There's a sticky about it in the "Shop Talk" section.

EDIT: Here's the links.

This is the original thread.
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=36922

Here's the pics that are suppose to accompany that thread.
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/browseimages.php?do=member&imageuser=2897

[Tom Kuznicki]

It's easily fixable with a $5 bag of o-rings. There's a sticky about it in the "Shop Talk" section.

EDIT: Here's the links.

This is the original thread.
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?t=36922

Here's the pics that are suppose to accompany that thread.
http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/browseimages.php?do=member&imageuser=2897thank you, much appreciated.

[youngrauderlvr]

Sorry for your troubles. The fact is, two cars can leave the factory hours apart and one can have no problems and the next can have all kinds. And all cars have their own "common" issues. Sounds like you just got (un)lucky.
Dont buy a car that rolled off on a Friday. The workers are ready to go out for the weekend, and dont get one that rolled of on a Monday...they're all hung over.;)

[Pat]

The problems I've had are the usual things that are bolted on, like plugs, COPS, Vacuum line, ETAC, BCM, most of which I fixed myself with help from the membership. The drive train, interior equipment, running gear are all still working OK

Rear tires quickly wear out at 15 K, fronts last well over 35 K.

Almost 93 K miles now, it's a daily driver too, a little racing, and service kept up religiously.

I just love pulling away from the traffic in this big, aggressive, no nonsense sounding, high revving, eye catching street and road cruiser.

[boatmangc]

Hmm lets see
In 1 year
1 motor
4 tires
air ride compressor
cops
rear axles
brakes
speakers
head unit
amp
addcos
subwoofer
alignment X2
tranny flush
oil pressure gauge
tints
this weekend it gets new Kappa 6X9s all around.
I have more money in it than the window sticker was new......
39000 miles on it.

Still Grin every time I see it in a parking lot or every time Trilogy screams!

[yes_officer?]

As of today, we can add an idler pulley to my aforementioned list. The hits just keep on-a-comin'!

[MrBluGruv]

As of today, we can add an idler pulley to my aforementioned list. The hits just keep on-a-comin'!

LOL, welcome to the Marauder club.

One thing I've come to find with these: if your car is ****ed, it's probably REALLY REALLY ****ed.

[burtreynolds]

I have equal amounts of hate for it.

It's not my daily driver anymore - my 2009 Bullitt has taken its place.

But for a 2003 model car, the MM has given me more problems than any other vehicle I've owned.

It's only got 66,000 miles on it but since purchase it's required:

One new engine
One new transmission
16 new tires
A brand new headlight assemblies
A new LCM
One new battery
That's not even mentioning the horrible paint job this thing left the factory with.

Those are things that simply should not happen on a factory car built in the 21st century. No wonder Mercury is done.

I got a lot of joy, and still do, out of the Marauder.

But, as a machine it was not worth the money I spent on it.

(The Bullitt is a whole other story - might be the perfect car for the money.)

I just got my car in July, sits at 90k today. Problems we have had/fixed.

Bad paint, had roof repainted.
Torque Converter separated, replaced with stall unit
MAF went bad, replaced with blow through unit on large pipe
Rear end went bad, 4.10s
Front tires wore weird, so replaced all 4 with a bit wider out back(by a bit, i mean steam roller 275/50/18)
Camshafts were looking too normal, probably going bad...replaced with FR500 valvetrain and cams
rear cats clogged, replaced with headers and built 3 inch back exhaust system to the stock mufflers, where cut outs are and steps down to stock exhaust side.

What I am getting at is everything that goes bad you just replace with something better. What Bullitt is going to give you all the go you want with plenty of woah while still being able to haul 3 dead strippers in the back and 4 buddies to help you bury them?

[MrBluGruv]

I just got my car in July, sits at 90k today. Problems we have had/fixed.

Bad paint, had roof repainted.
Torque Converter separated, replaced with stall unit
MAF went bad, replaced with blow through unit on large pipe
Rear end went bad, 4.10s
Front tires wore weird, so replaced all 4 with a bit wider out back(by a bit, i mean steam roller 275/50/18)
Camshafts were looking too normal, probably going bad...replaced with FR500 valvetrain and cams
rear cats clogged, replaced with headers and built 3 inch back exhaust system to the stock mufflers, where cut outs are and steps down to stock exhaust side.

What I am getting at is everything that goes bad you just replace with something better. What Bullitt is going to give you all the go you want with plenty of woah while still being able to haul 3 dead strippers in the back and 4 buddies to help you bury them?


Damn John, you've been busy. ;)

[RF Overlord]

I just spent about a grand at my Ford dealer putting plugs, 2 iginition coils, and the mass air flow sensor installed. :eek: Wow. That's about $250 worth of parts and an hour's labour if you did it yourself.

[boatmangc]

As of today, we can add an idler pulley to my aforementioned list. The hits just keep on-a-comin'!
Thanks for the reminder, one of mine is singing away too.
Gotta fix that before SSHS10

[ctrlraven]

Besides tires and brakes, I've had to replace the rear diff and fan motor module/shroud. that been it as far as repair. 148k miles strong and growing. Oh well count the driveshaft since one of the weights are starting to peel off, got a used CVPI MMC. Look about less than $1400 in repairs in the past 5 years, not including maintenance wearing items.

[yes_officer?]

[ :eek: Wow. That's about $250 worth of parts and an hour's labour if you did it yourself. ]


Yeah, I know but I have never changed plugs on an engine like this. The plugs in my 1996 mustang was much easier.

[yes_officer?]

Thanks for the reminder, one of mine is singing away too.
Gotta fix that before SSHS10


Keep an eye on the voltmeter. If it goes to 0, the belt slipped off! You don't want to overheat your engine.

[RacerX]

The plugs in my 1996 mustang was much easier.
Do it a couple times and it's just as easy! I timed myself swapping out 24# injectors for 39#rs WITHOUT removing the intake or anything else except CAI in 1 Hour! I'm not a mechanic, just mechanically inclined. Engine swap took 4 days. Two to remove, two for install... Broken engine was my fault! :D
Self Repaired for little if no $:
EATC
Air compressor
Wiper motor
LCM
Window switches
Tensioner pulley

[boatmangc]

Keep an eye on the voltmeter. If it goes to 0, the belt slipped off! You don't want to overheat your engine.
Thanks, I'm going to change both belts as preventative maintenance too.

[tbone]

I I just spent about a grand at my Ford dealer putting plugs, 2 iginition coils, and the mass air flow sensor installed.

I would never go to that Ford dealer again!:eek:

[tbone]

The only problem I have with the Marauder is the paint job. My '94 Probe also had a bad paint job, with the same blistering. You would think Ford could have figured out the problem by 2003. All else is just maintenance and occasional freaky things.

[CBT]

The only problem I have with the Marauder is the paint job. My '94 Probe also had a bad paint job, with the same blistering. You would think Ford could have figured out the problem by 2003. All else is just maintenance and occasional freaky things.

I'd still like to know who approved the name Probe.

[tbone]

Probably the Japs. It was really a Mazda.

[RacerX]

I'd still like to know who approved the name Probe.
Shhhhh... It was "Them"...:poke:

[mrjones]

[QUOTE=Matt Johnson;937238]I have equal amounts of hate for it.

It's not my daily driver anymore -


I could've written this, as it all applies to me, although my car has never been a daily driver. It's definitely been a love/hate relationship.

[BUCKWHEAT]

I've had two, one new & one used. Never went back to the dealer for warranty work with either. My view is the car was for my fun & I would stand up for my own abuse. Fixing the stuff that goes wrong gives me something to do and an opportunity to talk with friends here. Big lumps that broke include engine, transmission, & pinion gear-all related to my driving habits. Still love it & am driving it heavily now ahead of the snow.