As a owner of a low mileage Marauder I often wonder what the values of the cars are? There seems to be a very large fluctuation in pricing. Are we as owners in any position to make a change in the value of the rare cars. Keeping in mind as the years go buy they become more rare and many become total loss vehicles. As members of this club are we in any position to stabilize or increase value? Being the cars a limited edition .We all cherish our Marauders and want the most value if we ever have to deal with a total loss or a selling scenario. Please share your thoughts.:cool4:
MARAUDER PRICING
- Thread starter Sask_Mrdr
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kartherma
Senior Member
At risk of being accused of blasphemy...
The harsh reality is that outside these hallowed halls, the Marauder isn't much more special than any other garden variety special edition car.
It isn't exotic in any way. Rare is a stretch, limited sure.
Take, for example, the BOSS versions of mustangs.
To the enthusiasts, they are great machines and worthy of much admiration and immediately increasing resale values. To the rest of us, it is just another mustang with some extra stuff from the factory.
Marauders? just another Grand Marquis/Crown Vic variant with extra stuff from the factory.
If anyone has visions of rising resale values, I hope they have long pockets to store the vehicle, not drive it much, maintain it regularly, document all the maintenance, get Elvis to drive it and have pictures taken, etc.
Beyond that? The MM is an expensive hobby that has gotten a little cheaper now that there's a gob of them in the 150K+ mile range.
Yes, we all (mostly) want to see our lovely MM's go to good homes. We all also probably want max dollar for the car when we sell it. But the market isn't there for it in big enough numbers to support much more than what this group right here on this board is willing to support.
Problem with this group? There is one... What appears to be a majority here is people who understand cars on a much deeper level than the average person walking on a dealer lot choosing between colors for their next car.
I see most (well, all) members here as shrewd car buyers who know the differences between what a car is worth and what the list/asking price a dealer or private party starts out with.
As for this group being in position to stabilize or increase value? As much as it can, it already has. This group has served the purpose of fanning the flames of enthusiasm and as such has encouraged many folks to keep their cars far longer than the usual life span of ownership. This has limited the churning of the Marauders in the market place.
Outside of that, this group would be among the most difficult to get a premium price paid for an average condition Marauder, with the exception that this group would probably contain those members who might pay a premium for the cherry when it comes available.
The harsh reality is that outside these hallowed halls, the Marauder isn't much more special than any other garden variety special edition car.
It isn't exotic in any way. Rare is a stretch, limited sure.
Take, for example, the BOSS versions of mustangs.
To the enthusiasts, they are great machines and worthy of much admiration and immediately increasing resale values. To the rest of us, it is just another mustang with some extra stuff from the factory.
Marauders? just another Grand Marquis/Crown Vic variant with extra stuff from the factory.
If anyone has visions of rising resale values, I hope they have long pockets to store the vehicle, not drive it much, maintain it regularly, document all the maintenance, get Elvis to drive it and have pictures taken, etc.
Beyond that? The MM is an expensive hobby that has gotten a little cheaper now that there's a gob of them in the 150K+ mile range.
Yes, we all (mostly) want to see our lovely MM's go to good homes. We all also probably want max dollar for the car when we sell it. But the market isn't there for it in big enough numbers to support much more than what this group right here on this board is willing to support.
Problem with this group? There is one... What appears to be a majority here is people who understand cars on a much deeper level than the average person walking on a dealer lot choosing between colors for their next car.
I see most (well, all) members here as shrewd car buyers who know the differences between what a car is worth and what the list/asking price a dealer or private party starts out with.
As for this group being in position to stabilize or increase value? As much as it can, it already has. This group has served the purpose of fanning the flames of enthusiasm and as such has encouraged many folks to keep their cars far longer than the usual life span of ownership. This has limited the churning of the Marauders in the market place.
Outside of that, this group would be among the most difficult to get a premium price paid for an average condition Marauder, with the exception that this group would probably contain those members who might pay a premium for the cherry when it comes available.
kartherma
Senior Member
Another example-
I recently had the pleasure of buying/driving/flipping a Maserati Spyder.
Brilliant car, Ferrari 390+HP naturally aspirated engine, fun to drive, convertible, stock exhaust note amazing, fast, quick, exotic.
The one I had was actually a bit more appropriate to call rare.
We all think the blue MM is 'rare' but it really isn't, it is just another Marauder with a different color- no special feature other than how the paint reflects light.
The Maserati? almost all of them were sold with the Cambio Corsca set up- an F1 transmission that had shift paddles and no clutch pedal. The extreme majority was the GT with the 6MT transmission which was a gated 6 speed manual transmission with a clutch pedal.
Over the entire production run of several years, less than 400 were made with the 6MT. The Maserati guys think of it almost as a unicorn- especially since not all of them shipped to the US.
I can tell you flat out- the only way to capitalize on that rarity is to be able to sell it to another Maserati guy. The open market sees it just as another Spyder and couldn't care much less.
I recently had the pleasure of buying/driving/flipping a Maserati Spyder.
Brilliant car, Ferrari 390+HP naturally aspirated engine, fun to drive, convertible, stock exhaust note amazing, fast, quick, exotic.
The one I had was actually a bit more appropriate to call rare.
We all think the blue MM is 'rare' but it really isn't, it is just another Marauder with a different color- no special feature other than how the paint reflects light.
The Maserati? almost all of them were sold with the Cambio Corsca set up- an F1 transmission that had shift paddles and no clutch pedal. The extreme majority was the GT with the 6MT transmission which was a gated 6 speed manual transmission with a clutch pedal.
Over the entire production run of several years, less than 400 were made with the 6MT. The Maserati guys think of it almost as a unicorn- especially since not all of them shipped to the US.
I can tell you flat out- the only way to capitalize on that rarity is to be able to sell it to another Maserati guy. The open market sees it just as another Spyder and couldn't care much less.
the fat bastid
Kneel before Zod!
Attachments
RubberCtyRauder
Weißbirke Plünderer
if you are concerned of value in the event of a total loss, purchase collector car insurance with an agreed value, not a book value. It can be pricey, it can be cheap, most require it to be a non daily driver, nor work vehicle.
kirk
Member
In the 35 years I've had my 406 car I've seen the value go up and down. It always seemed valued less than I thought it was worth no matter how high or low, but I am an enthusiast. If rare meant dollars, my car would be worth millions.
I see the gen-4 car in much the same way. It is unique and high performance, not your every day car. I see it as Mercury's last great muscle car, but production (and I assume demand) dropped way off in 2004.
I think my 2003 will end up much like my 1963, value = demand / supply, and my 1963 is rare because nobody wanted them back then...
and that hasn't changed much.
I see the gen-4 car in much the same way. It is unique and high performance, not your every day car. I see it as Mercury's last great muscle car, but production (and I assume demand) dropped way off in 2004.
I think my 2003 will end up much like my 1963, value = demand / supply, and my 1963 is rare because nobody wanted them back then...
and that hasn't changed much.
kartherma
Senior Member
Here's a great comparison:
2003 BMW 5 series- a vehicle that listed for near double the MM.
Today, the 5series at about 110K miles goes for between 4-5K. Some with lower miles (45-55K) list for as much as 6k, but still sell for something that starts with a 5.
The Marauder with 110K is being offered at 7 or 8K with PLENTY of folks listing at 9, 10, or more (as long as it wasn't trashed or salvage).
The Grand Marquis and Crown Vic? 2500-3000 (even for newer 2007's with 80K on the clock).
Selling a 100k mile Marauder for 7K is a friggin victory.
Thinking a 50K mile Marauder *should* sell for 15 or 20K might get you more money if you offer it at that price then wait for 'the right buyer'. (put the car on the market at that higher price now because it will take a while- and if someone comes along and wants to pay that... sell it quick if making the most money when you sell is the priority... people willing to pay such a premium don't come along often).
2003 BMW 5 series- a vehicle that listed for near double the MM.
Today, the 5series at about 110K miles goes for between 4-5K. Some with lower miles (45-55K) list for as much as 6k, but still sell for something that starts with a 5.
The Marauder with 110K is being offered at 7 or 8K with PLENTY of folks listing at 9, 10, or more (as long as it wasn't trashed or salvage).
The Grand Marquis and Crown Vic? 2500-3000 (even for newer 2007's with 80K on the clock).
Selling a 100k mile Marauder for 7K is a friggin victory.
Thinking a 50K mile Marauder *should* sell for 15 or 20K might get you more money if you offer it at that price then wait for 'the right buyer'. (put the car on the market at that higher price now because it will take a while- and if someone comes along and wants to pay that... sell it quick if making the most money when you sell is the priority... people willing to pay such a premium don't come along often).
justbob
Sick-Speed play toy
Most here do what they can to de-value the Marauder from what I've seen over the years! I seriously wonder sometimes if they are contemplating buying said car they put the value low on or if they are just that dumb not realizing what they are doing to their own car for future sale..
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kartherma
Senior Member
That's very insightful Justbob...
I am in the market for a Marauder. I am working on a blue one here that has 142K miles- and the price is 8k. I'm begrudgingly willing to pay 8k because here on island it will cost me 1500-2000 to ship one from the states.
As far as the de-value discussion- Sucks that truth and reality doesn't always work in the favor of our pocket books, dreams, or desires.
Mercury Marauder = fancy Grand Marquis/Crown Vic. It is bound to the GM/CV whether we like it or not. Eventually we might see it divorce (more than it already has- it sells for more than double a comparable GM/CV does right now) completely and actually start to rise in value. Probably need a few more decades of run time for that to happen though and I want to drive a car today- not in the late 2020's.
Oh, and lest I forget...
This entire board is populated by people who feverishly seek out discounts and 'group buys'... Not exactly the spends freely crowd.
I was reminded of a situation I thought quite funny when a member here developed an air dam replacement. Then made a few extras and shared with some other board members. Soon many people wanted one- and with no shame they pestered him with requests for group buys and discounts... and this poor dude was making them essentially for his cost plus a few bucks for his time to actually make them in his garage.
I agree justbob, the board isn't interested in paying a premium for anything, much less a Marauder of garden variety quality.
I am in the market for a Marauder. I am working on a blue one here that has 142K miles- and the price is 8k. I'm begrudgingly willing to pay 8k because here on island it will cost me 1500-2000 to ship one from the states.
As far as the de-value discussion- Sucks that truth and reality doesn't always work in the favor of our pocket books, dreams, or desires.
Mercury Marauder = fancy Grand Marquis/Crown Vic. It is bound to the GM/CV whether we like it or not. Eventually we might see it divorce (more than it already has- it sells for more than double a comparable GM/CV does right now) completely and actually start to rise in value. Probably need a few more decades of run time for that to happen though and I want to drive a car today- not in the late 2020's.
Oh, and lest I forget...
This entire board is populated by people who feverishly seek out discounts and 'group buys'... Not exactly the spends freely crowd.
I was reminded of a situation I thought quite funny when a member here developed an air dam replacement. Then made a few extras and shared with some other board members. Soon many people wanted one- and with no shame they pestered him with requests for group buys and discounts... and this poor dude was making them essentially for his cost plus a few bucks for his time to actually make them in his garage.
I agree justbob, the board isn't interested in paying a premium for anything, much less a Marauder of garden variety quality.
Turbov6Bryan
I miss whitey here
Some of us just wait for the good deals. Neil got a 48k 300a with a blower kit in the trunk all in for 10k
My dad bought a 69k silver birch that's a awesome car with tons of mods and a vortech v2 all in for 8k
I bought a aluminator 2.3 whipple car that has 130k, silver birch for less than the average guy pays for in parts for a eaton swap
I bought a slightly wrecked DTR for 2500.... God it's ugly too!
No way would I ever pay 10k for a 118k sun fried Florida car...
They can ask all they want,... just wait for the right buyer and sell for a good price
My dad bought a 69k silver birch that's a awesome car with tons of mods and a vortech v2 all in for 8k
I bought a aluminator 2.3 whipple car that has 130k, silver birch for less than the average guy pays for in parts for a eaton swap
I bought a slightly wrecked DTR for 2500.... God it's ugly too!
No way would I ever pay 10k for a 118k sun fried Florida car...
They can ask all they want,... just wait for the right buyer and sell for a good price
crownvic97
New member
Rare certainty does not equal valuable. The rarely driven low mile immaculate cars will be worth good money, everything else is a crap shoot.
Gerry24
New member
For the members that own MM for a DD, I think we just want to own something you don't see everyday. The 03-04 MM to me is the last modern classic car out there that has the rep of a Grand National or an Impala SS. I don't mind driving a high mileage MM, doesn't make it less of a MM. I adopted mine and had to put in that work on her & for me it's worth 10k but to the next guy is worth 7k or less. :burnout:
Spectragod
Willing to meet up half way
^^^THIS^^^ there are very few on this board that will lay out decent money for parts or a car. Everyone wants a deal blah blah blah. Then they berate the person who is providing the parts, because they are making a profit.
My beater will be for sale in a couple of months, I'll list it high, and sell it for whatever as long as an enthusiast gets it. I can see the $8 offers pouring in right now.
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kartherma
Senior Member
Spectragod
Willing to meet up half way
stevengerard
Senior Member
These are 4-door modern cars that in the end were compromised by the bean counters. Under powered, over priced to begin with and few bells and whistles for that price. All make for less than a future valuable. But you never know. As others have said rare doesn't always mean valuable - there are reasons few want a 1970 4 door chevelle with a 3 on the tree. If its out there it won't get much.
Not sure the GM, Crown Vic comparison will matter in the future either - a Marauder is a different car same as a 442 is from a Cutlass, GS/Skylark, Tempest/GTO and Chevy Deluxe 300/Chevelle SS . There is a big difference in the price of each of those
Not sure the GM, Crown Vic comparison will matter in the future either - a Marauder is a different car same as a 442 is from a Cutlass, GS/Skylark, Tempest/GTO and Chevy Deluxe 300/Chevelle SS . There is a big difference in the price of each of those
Merc-O-matic
Senior Member
What is it worth?
A Marauder "is what it is". The real value and pleasure comes
from driving the car. An old style Body-on-frame...V-8 Rear wheel
drive, an American Icon. A big old dinosaur by today's standards, where
most would like to see it off the road. And to others (like us) the value is
"priceless" which is the enjoyment that comes from driving it and
owning a piece of Americana.
Gotta Love It!:bandit:
A Marauder "is what it is". The real value and pleasure comes
from driving the car. An old style Body-on-frame...V-8 Rear wheel
drive, an American Icon. A big old dinosaur by today's standards, where
most would like to see it off the road. And to others (like us) the value is
"priceless" which is the enjoyment that comes from driving it and
owning a piece of Americana.
Gotta Love It!:bandit:
marauderrocks51
New member
I just bought a 2004 silver one from Maryland .65k 2 owner . diamond in the rough . just dirty, well maintained . couple of whiskey bumps in the rear . guy was 80 years old , and now gone . paid 7500.00 . IMO that was a easy 10-11 k car . interior is new condition , bone stocker .