Pondering a Marauder purchase...

[Rep12]

Hi folks,

I need your help - I've been toying with the idea of purchasing a new 04 MM for the last 4 weeks now. Drove a silver one last week. Liked it, but not too impressed with the performance. (The last muscle car I had was an 87 Buick Grand National that I'd purchased in 1998. It had 6500 miles on it and it was one seriously quick car. I did a few mods, drove it up to 23,000 miles and sold it in 2002. I then purchased an 02 Lincoln LS V6. The car's been a joy. No problems at all, but I have no passion for the car. Hence, the desire for the MM) I like to do research - so...I came across this site tonight and I've been reading the various posts for about three hours and I'm getting the impression that these MM are laced with problems. Hard starts in cold weather, tic,tic,tic sounds from valves that need recalibrating, questionable paint jobs. I understand all vehicles have problems but the MM seems, well, a bit loaded with them. Is this the majority? How many folks out there have had trouble-free miles? More or less of you fine folks. Would you please let me know...Thanks.

I hope this post finds you all well.

Appreciate it.

Dave

[MapleLeafMerc]

Hi Dave, and welcome!

Prepare for the deluge. Strong opinions and lots of knowledge.

Paint quality (mainly black) has been unpredictable, and many have made changes to increase the car's low end power. But I appreciate it now as a unique platform, being the last big, RWD, totally North American sedan. It really can't be evaluated on a spreadsheet.

When we're finished you'll know exactly what to ask the dealer about and what to look for. Good luck!

Get 'im, guys. ;)

[RCSignals]

I understand all vehicles have problems but the MM seems, well, a bit loaded with them. Is this the majority?

No. it isn't the majority. By far the majority have no problems at all, but this is a web site discussion board, and while you will find posts from many people praising their car, those just aren't the majority of posts. You will notice while there are posts about problems, they are mostly from minority, but they get a lot of attention. Not everyone posting in thread about "ticking" or cold starts actually has those problems, and if you read through all the threads you'll find in some cases there was no problem at all, just new owners sensitive to every new sound or burp from their new pride and joy.

Now paint has been an issue for some, and as with everything the issues vary.

Go buy one, you'll love it.

[jettle]

You pick just about any car and go to a message board that is based on that car. There you will find that the people on the board are listing all the problems they are having with their cars. It’s a place to go to hopefully get some good and friendly advice. You have just stumbled across just that place for the Marauder. I have found that all these guys and gals are great and very helpful.

I did allot of research before buying my car last month. There just is not a better car that you can buy for the money.

If you buy it I can just about guarantee you won’t regret it. I don’t know of anyone here that does.

Good luck with your decision

[bigslim]

Dave, as you will read we all love our cars. There are some that have had different problems. You will find that most of us are happy and would do it again. In terms of performance, you will find a lot of upgrades in this site as well as the links to a variety of vendors that have performance parts. Anything from chips to superchargers. And speaking of superchargers, my friend has a supercharged MM and it has beaten up on a couple of Grand Nationals. Mid to upper 12's is pretty fast. Think hard on this. You won't be disappointed.

[67435animal]

Dave, I have 17,500 trouble free miles on mine. I had paint problems but they have all been addressed to my satisfaction. The car is a joy to drive and a pleasure on a long trip. I have not modified mine much. The only significant one is the programming by the Superchips Microtuner. I am very pleased with the results.

Buy one, you won't be disappointed.

Bob

[Big Joe P]

I haven't had any problems and would buy this car again in a minute....

[Marauderjack]

Simply the BEST new car I've ever bought!!!

END OF STORY!!!!! :rock:

Marauderjack :D

[miamisilvermm]

Three months with my silver 04, and the only problem is condensation on the left turn light casing. I spotted this on these forums as a common problem, so armed with this info I'll get it replaced at the next service. Joyful driving every day!

[Murader03]

Dave:

Welcome to the site. I echo the posts you've already read about your purchase. I doubt you'll be disappointed if you buy the car. Where esle can you get a car that will carry 5 people with bags for under 30K? If you feel the need for more performance, then mod away, as there are ample mods available and more coming. I went from a '99 Cobra to the MM, and never regretted the switch. The MM may not have all the performance of the CObra, but then the Cobra didn't have the ability to carry any people and bags to. I've got 45K+ on the car since new at 4 miles on 11/04/02. They have been trouble free miles! Paul Casey and a few others have more mileage, and are also pleased with the MM. When you buy it, enjoy it! ;)

[carfixer]

The dealership I work at has sold around a dozen and a half MM's. We only see them for regular maintenance. No engine ticks, no trans failures, nobody with paint issues. None, including mine.

[PAPAJOHN]

I have wondered about the MM owners who have had "problems" , if there is a relationship to the number of miles on the car when it is picked up???
I'm at 4,000 miles on my 04 -- and "zero" problems -- like many others , I love this car!
I insisted on getting a car that came right off the transport. My dealer called all ove r the state, and all he heard was " as soon as those cars come in, everybody, the mechanics, the salesmen, customers --- want to DRIVE THEM!
Now, we can have a whole new thread on "break-in" miles, but I am sure that the first 20 -30 miles is not the time to "test the performance"
Someone test drives a Grand Marquis, and its a nice comfortable, gentle ride around the block. Someone test dirves a Marauder, and it's "What will this baby do?"
I picked up mine with 7 miles -- still no knowledge of how those 7 miles were put on, but I know that the whole neighborhood didn't drive it.
By the way, my dealer did find this at another dealership 80 miles away, and he allowed me to go with the salesmen to pick it up myself ( rare)

[jabird56]

The only true decision to make, regards whether or not you live in snow country? If you do, you should consider buying a set of snow tires and wheels that have been mentioned in other threads on the website. Bottomline the stock high performance tires SUCK in snow.

This is the first car that I've bought since 1988 (88 Cougar), and I LOVE IT!!!!

[sailsmen]

I have 17,500 miles and only problems; air bag lite - bad connector / squeaky seat - titen track / balky shift into reverse - fixed it'self.

I think the paint is thin and soft, but it has no blemishes.

For less than $1,500 in installed mods my 1/4 time of 14.27 is faster than most stock muscle cars according to:http://www.geocities.com/carpics427/thelist.html

I have owned several high performance German vehicles and the problems I had with them were extensive.

I would by the MM again in a heart beat. :D :D

[greyghost]

REP12, I echo what has already been posted.

I bought the Marauder because I wanted a large 4dr rwd sedan. I bought it because it has a personality right off the show room floor. The last sedan was a CV sport but, like your Lincoln it had no personality. For a big car it really drives small and with a few upgrades it is even better. I had one small problem with mine. The passenger seat heater didn't work. Took it to the dealership and now we just drive it, to much. Took delivery on 11/21/03 and getting ready to go ove 7000 mi. Long trips, in town, no fatigue driving, need power to pass hit the throttle and go. Not the fastest but for a 4200 lb sedan it is respectable.

Go buy one and enjoy it.

[Petrograde]

Drove a silver one last week. Liked it, but not too impressed with the performance.

I thought the same thing. But,.. after the break-in (about 2500 miles or so) it became a different car! Once the driveline loosens up a bit, it's sheer pleasure! :up:


I understand all vehicles have problems but the MM seems, well, a bit loaded with them. Is this the majority? How many folks out there have had trouble-free miles? More or less of you fine folks. Would you please let me know...Thanks.

I'm approaching 12,000 miles on mine. I've only had one legitimate problem. At 900 miles my driver's side window motor died,.. right after I got my windows tinted. hmmm.....

I love this car! IF by some chance I start to develop some of the above mentioned problems,.. I'll simply take her back to the dealership and get them resolved.

I think the key thing is this: can your dealership support the Marauder? Many can't! Should you decide to buy one I'd ask the Service Dept. Manager how much experience they have with them... it makes ALL the difference in the world!

Welcome to site! I hope this helped a bit.

Tom

[LNYTUNS]

Hi folks,

I need your help - I've been toying with the idea of purchasing a new 04 MM for the last 4 weeks now. Drove a silver one last week. Liked it, but not too impressed with the performance. (The last muscle car I had was an 87 Buick Grand National that I'd purchased in 1998. It had 6500 miles on it and it was one seriously quick car. I did a few mods, drove it up to 23,000 miles and sold it in 2002. I then purchased an 02 Lincoln LS V6. The car's been a joy. No problems at all, but I have no passion for the car. Hence, the desire for the MM) I like to do research - so...I came across this site tonight and I've been reading the various posts for about three hours and I'm getting the impression that these MM are laced with problems. Hard starts in cold weather, tic,tic,tic sounds from valves that need recalibrating, questionable paint jobs. I understand all vehicles have problems but the MM seems, well, a bit loaded with them. Is this the majority? How many folks out there have had trouble-free miles? More or less of you fine folks. Would you please let me know...Thanks.

I hope this post finds you all well.

Appreciate it.

Dave
Dave,

I bought my Marader about a month ago and I love it!! So far no problems. It does start hard in below zero weather that Wisconsin has been having latety. I keep a trickle charger on it during the week when it is not being used. I have not made many mods and don't plan to make many more. I would buy this car again. It is 100 times better than my POS Ford Ranger that I traded in and much more fun to drive.

[woaface]

Hey...where'd Dave go?

[ADE 1000]

Like some have said, you will find a lot of posts about problems people are having with their cars. And I think that is the case with most automotive boards, it is a place for people to ask questions. Rarely will someone post about how they actually enjoy their car. I recall visiting the Lincoln LS board when I was in the market for one and there were several posts that disturbed me.

I have also been happy with my Marauder. It fired up this morning after sitting in sub zero temperatures without a hitch. I thinl compared to other cars out there, it is a pretty solid piece. Most of the problems you see here are minor annoyances, not major mechanical problems.

[Rep12]

Hi Folks,

What a great bunch of people. I want to thank you all for taking the time to respond. I really appreciate it. We used to say "Go Fast with Class" in the Grand National forums and it also certainly rings true here. {I'm also impressed with the mix of age groups. Young and old, you all "get it" about cars. I'm 53 and have had a passion for cars my whole life. From my first car, a "62" Corvair, ("Hey, I was from a poor family") to my current Lincoln LS, with Mustangs, BMW's, The GN,Chevy trucks and Blazers, Rx7's & Firebirds in between,nothing pleases me more than getting up on a summer Saturday, coffee in hand, to settle into a few hours of washing, detailing, tinkering.}

I've heard that the car gets to "feeling its oats" in the 3000 mile range so thanks for verifying that. I'm not into going to the track so I don't thing I'll be doing any mods. to this car. But, who knows. I just want to get the passion back into driving and I think the understated, yet apparant, power of the MM fits my taste. It's also has the shape appeal I'm looking for. Everything on the road looks like it was baked in the same oven, re:cookie cutter. The new BMW's being designed by the yound Bangle are just to "over the top". I've also vowed to "buy American" so no more Europeans for me. It's just a personal choice. I'm making no judgements.

Anyway, thanks again for the imput. I'll do a little more research and make a decision soon .

Hmmm, black or silver? Decisions, decisions...

Dave

[nslatin]

Silver. It really is like a stealth mobile. No body notices you on the road until the last second and then they move out of your way.

[RF Overlord]

I've also vowed to "buy American" so no more Europeans for me. It's just a personal choice. I'm making no judgements.

Hmmm, black or silver? Decisions, decisions...

Dave: Here's 2 more cents into the pot...

Yes, there are cars with more low-end, and cars that may have more cachet than the Marauder, but they're either a LOT more money up front or they will cost a LOT more in repairs down the road (i.e. BMW M-series, Lexus Q-ship, AMG Mercedes, etc). The MM has much more class than ANY of the above-listed cars, in addition to being (North)American-made... (good for you!)

Black or silver? Well, when I first found out about the MM, I wanted a silver one, as we then owned a silver T-bird SC...the dealer got an unexpected delivery of a black one that we could have immediately, or we could wait 3 more months for the silver. We took the black...when I finally saw a silver one in person, I was actually glad we took the black, as the silver made the car look too much like an airport limo to me (no offence intended to all the happy silver owners out there!). This is my first black car, and I would never have considered owning a black car before, but IMHO, it's the ONLY color for this car (again, no offence to my blue and DTR brothers & sisters!).

[valleyman]

I've owned mine for a year and a half - no paint problem, no cold start problem, no "tic-tic-tic" problem, no squeaks ANYWHERE, no fogged-up headlights, no shifting problems, no abnormal tire wear, no dashlight problems, no slow power window problems, no subwoofer problems, no idle speed problems, no transmission problems, etc. When the 4.10 rearend was installed a slight scratching was found on one of the bearing surfaces on one of the axles. There was no sound coming from the axle and no damage was found on the bearing mated to it. L/M paid for the part.

I'd buy another one of these cars in a heartbeat. BUT -- to really make the car what it should be the OEM EEC chip needs to be modified, mainly to adddress the insane fuel economy minded shift points in the transmission. I got mine from Rienhart, and I am very happy with it but there are many other options available too. Drive somebody's MM who has changed their chip and the word "unimpressed" will not pass your lips.

The most edifying description I've read anywhere about this car is Cobra213's post on this website on 12/01/03. It's right on the money.

[TAF]

The most edifying description I've read anywhere about this car is Cobra213's post on this website on 12/01/03. It's right on the money.
I agree...so here's the link http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?p=85280#post852 80

[Silver_04]

Hmmm, black or silver? Decisions, decisions...

Dave

Get the silver :up: No major problems at all with mine. I only have 2500 miles on mine but it's already laying down a good bit more rubber than @ 500 miles. And, this is by far the most enjoyable vehicle that I have ever driven.

Get off of the computer and get one of these things in your garage! :D

[gonzo50]

For the most part of my ownership, I have no regrets....only that I wanted one as soon as they hit the showroom floor and didn't really benefit from all the rebates and discount they're now offering. Now is the time to buy one at unbelieveable prices, anywhere from $24,950 to $29,000 or even better, depends where you're from.

Shop around for the best deal in town, a 2003, 300A (Black) is a steal but if you want another color than you have to chose between Silver, Blue or DTR.

I'm just under 11,000 miles now on mine with no major problems what so ever, no paint issues, just the simple things like condensation in Headlights, and the cold start issue but that was corrected with the updated software download from the dealership. I'm a happy Marauder owner. :D :up:

[JDC 302]

Dave, After taking a good look at this car I knew I had to get one. I have always been a fan of performance cars. The one thing I came to learn real quick after driving this car is it always seems to keep impressing you in an off guard type of way. It just does things in ways you would not expect from a car of this size. It brings with it some kind of "mystery" to drivers of other performance cars who just got a quick lesson on toying with "THE BIG BLACK 4 DOOR" in the other lane. Even in stock trim this car really hustles....This is not the fastest car on the road by any means, but
has been very fun to own. The only problem my car has, is the passenger seat makes a popping noise that has been bugging me!! The paint on this car is awsome and I get complements on it all the time. I feel that this car qualifies more as a ROAD WARRIOR than STREET FIGHTER off the showroom floor. but with some aftermarkets It should do both equally well. Oh and this car is backed by a STRONG bunch of knowledgable
people on this web site.

[kurly]

Hi!
Our Marauders are so special that it is difficult to put it into words! When you drive your sweetie any where, you can be sure that you are noticed. I have had soooo many unsolicited compliments its almost unbelievable and almost embarassing, or humbling! These BABES may have a freckle or two but they are so different and so COOL that no matter what you pull up to at a stop light against (z28 camaros, pontiac transams, corvettes, bmw's) whatever, you are so proud and loyal that is hard to discribe. These beautiful machines are just like the supercars and monster cars of the past. Most of us feel obligated and honored to do everything we can to insure that these HONEYS represent their siblings with pride and respect. Which means that these machines are infinitely and enthusiastically modifiable, just like their younger sisters, the smaller Mustangs! :burnout:

[studio460]

I've had a LOT of "little" problems with my '03 Marauder, and most surfaced within the first 24 hours of ownership. Notably, the power steering pump failed the first night. Then the trans temp sensor the next day. Then there were the paint defects . . .

BUT . . .

This car was a LOT cheaper than a BMW M5 or a 7 series. And still much less expensive than the Lincoln LS V8. To me, it was the only remaining option. To me, it was the ONLY American RWD 4-door V8 sedan worth considering (and there aren't that many of those). Sure, I wish the quality assurance was better on these cars, but you still get a lot of car for the money, IMO. To summarize . . .

1. You'll LOVE the car no matter what.
2. You'll ALWAYS wish it were "just a bit" faster.
3. You'll LOVE modding the car (like you used to do to cars when you were a kid).
4. You'll get to know many of your service personnel by their first names because any little thing wrong with it will drive you nuts until they fix it!
5. You'll STILL love the car no matter what.
6. Everyday, SOMEONE will ask you what kind of car it is.
7. Every guy you meet at the gas station/supermarket/bank/etc. will want to talk to you about your car.
8. And then, every once in awhile, some guy will be screaming to you from the next lane in heavy traffic asking, "Hey, what kind of car is that?"

[Marauderman]

Well, If your not convinced by the last 27 post, nothing will ....as for me ...well just in one year,, mine has gone from new to almost totalled to reborn and then modded up three times to where it is now....with no problems --other than my foot ..it is so difficult keeping out of that boost side of the gauge......when the needle goes into that range ..the gas gauge goes in the opposite postion..real quick...oh well...at least they off set each other--..means all is working ok....

Just go buy the MM----you will not be sorry!!!!!!!.

[tomd]

I love the car! It is one of the best cars I have owned and when it comes time to move on to another vehicle I'll be :bigcry:

[Billatpro]

There is really reason to make another post to all this but I just can't help myself. Buy this car! make it BLACK cause that's color it was meant to be and then just go out and have fun! The only remaining issue here is "Will I have to buy her one too"

[jgc61sr2002]

Dave - Welcome to the site. Your question was answered many times over. Although some have had problems the majority have had none. As stated above this is probably the best bang for the $'s. Buy the Marauder you won't be sorry. :D :up:

[greyghost]

Dave, all this talk for you and it has me thinking I should get the wife her very own Marauder cause she doen't like me messing up the car. Oh well, that's life.

It won't be Silver or Black.

[Smokie]

Anyway, thanks again for the input. I'll do a little more research and make a decision soon. Dave
Dave, If the car does not move you, if simply looking at it does not create passion in you, if the test drive left you unimpressed. This may not be the car for you. What we tell you is not important. What you feel or don't feel is all that matters.

I wish you the best in making your decision, welcome to our forum.

[TripleTransAm]

Well said, Smokie...
I should have realized it myself, back in Nov 2002 when I saw the first one up close and in person, at the Montreal Auto Show. I had no idea it was going to be available in Canada at all. Looking back, I find my reaction very interesting... I was freaking out over the look of the car and how bada$$ it looked on the display floor.