New to the forums and MM's

R

RUJusten

New member
Just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Justen and I'm from the Washington, DC area. I recently have started researching different cars to buy as a daily driver and my buddy told me to look at the MM. After finding a few for sale and watching some YouTube videos...I AM COMPLETELY SOLD!!! This car is bada$$. I currently have a Ford F250 (w/ a 460 BB), Wellcraft Scarab racing boat and am in need of a DD that gives me the dose of muscle I need in my vehicles!

I look forward to doing more research and finding out about common issues/probs with the MM as all cars have them. I just want to make sure that I have money set aside for any known issues that are going to come down the pike. How do these engines hold up (granted the precious owner maintained the car)? Any known issues mechanically (not worried about the few paint issues I've seen discussed)?

Thanks for reading my long winded post and thanks in advance for the input!
 
Just so you know, there is a good chance alot of the Youtube videos show cars that are supercharged and might have $$$ in mods. Nothing wrong with the stock MM, other than it needs a tune from one of the vendors here thru a SCT device.

FRont and rear bumper covers are obsolete as are most if not all interior pieces. EATC can act up but can be fixed thru this forum, same with the Blower control module BCM, and Lighting COntrol Module LCM. Kind of random, but cylinder 7 and 8 can become overheated and bend some valves..There is a fix for it called the rear cooling mod. but many people have not done it and have 200,000 + miles..It's a cheap mod but requires the know how to disassemble parts and plumb it in.

Lot of knowledge and info here and plenty of members in your area willing to provide info and knowledge.
 
These cars are not bad fasst. They are slow,heavy, and broken. parts are rare and expensive. Although I enjoy owning one i would not do it again. If you like to hear things like...Crown vic with wheels, My grampa has one, it came standard with a blower, Cop car, ................ then get one. But bring money, every thing costs extra.
Unless you have mad skills like the zack or bob keep looking.
 
RUJusten said:
Just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Justen and I'm from the Washington, DC area.
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Where are you located in the DC area? I am in Northern Virginia. Our local club is called the Capital Area Marauders (CAM). Keep your eye peeled for activities in the CAM area. We'll be at Bert's 50s Diner in Mechanicsville, MD (40 miles south of DC on Route 5) in April. There will also be a very large MM gathering in Carlisle, PA for the "All Ford Nationals" (110 miles north of DC off Route 15) during the first weekend in June 2014. This event normally draws between 40-50 Marauders of all colors and mods.
 
RubberCtyRauder said:
Just so you know, there is a good chance alot of the Youtube videos show cars that are supercharged and might have $$$ in mods. Nothing wrong with the stock MM, other than it needs a tune from one of the vendors here thru a SCT device.

FRont and rear bumper covers are obsolete as are most if not all interior pieces. EATC can act up but can be fixed thru this forum, same with the Blower control module BCM, and Lighting COntrol Module LCM. Kind of random, but cylinder 7 and 8 can become overheated and bend some valves..There is a fix for it called the rear cooling mod. but many people have not done it and have 200,000 + miles..It's a cheap mod but requires the know how to disassemble parts and plumb it in.

Lot of knowledge and info here and plenty of members in your area willing to provide info and knowledge.
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Sounds good - thanks for the tidbits of information! I figured the ones on YouTube were modified, but this car definitely has more a$$ than a stock Crown Vic, Grand Marquis or Towncar...correct? The fascination for me is that I can get a comfortable 4-door car with a nice sized trunk that has a little under the hood that has a nice ride (and that you don't see everyone and their mother driving). I just want to make sure that these things aren't blowing up after 100k and I'll be buying a new car after owning it for a year. I will be using it as a DD and to take road trips in...not going to be racing it at MIR (Maryland Int'l Raceway) in the 1/4 mile. Are the 2004 models better than the 2003? Did they work out some of the kinks by the 2004 model?

captain said:
These cars are not bad fasst. They are slow,heavy, and broken. parts are rare and expensive. Although I enjoy owning one i would not do it again. If you like to hear things like...Crown vic with wheels, My grampa has one, it came standard with a blower, Cop car, ................ then get one. But bring money, every thing costs extra.
Unless you have mad skills like the zack or bob keep looking.
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Fair enough. However, I feel that if you want something that was going to get you from point A to point B in record time you should have bought a Z06, Viper or something of that sort. With all due respect, this is a 4 door, 5000lbs car...not trying to break speed records here, just want something a little rare with something under the hood when I need it. When you say bring the money, what are some common breaks/issues with this engine/drivetrain?

Bluerauder said:
Where are you located in the DC area? I am in Northern Virginia. Our local club is called the Capital Area Marauders (CAM). Keep your eye peeled for activities in the CAM area. We'll be at Bert's 50s Diner in Mechanicsville, MD (40 miles south of DC on Route 5) in April. There will also be a very large MM gathering in Carlisle, PA for the "All Ford Nationals" (110 miles north of DC off Route 15) during the first weekend in June 2014. This event normally draws between 40-50 Marauders of all colors and mods.
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I am in Springfield, VA - boat on the Potomac (Occoquan/Belmont/Alexandria/Georgetown). Good to know there are some MM owners in the area and some quality groups to get involved in. My dad has a 1967 Chevelle SS (true 138 car) and has found being a member of a car club is very helpful and fun. I will try to start making it out to some of the local events.
 
Just like any car, regular maintenance...fluids, filters etc..2003 years could possibly have worn rear axles due to a bad heat treat from vendor..and usually shows up near 100k by leaking out the axle tube..not all do it though. Yes maraduer is engine wise different than CV, Gm..those are 2Valve, these are 4 valve..pretty much the same motor as the mustang Mach I..but NOT Cobra in terms of internals... memerb here MarauderJack has 250,000 on his and over half of that supercharged. Plenty of cars here have over 100k and run just fine and are used for daily drivers. 2004 cars have traction control and I think late year 2003..early 2003 do not...traction control cars must maintain about a 3% diffference in tire height front to rear or it will activate unless you turn it off eveytime.. 2004 have dual knock sensors and both years need 91 min.preferably 93 octane..The best bang for the buck for a stock Maraduer is the tune from MO's speed shop or Lidio at alternative auto...uses SCT plug into obdII port and wakens up the car with 20 hp and much improved shift schedule..best $400 ish you will spend..
 
You asked.
Want to learn the defects....This site has been around long enough to log em all.
From paint to tires. its all in here.
 
RUJusten said:
I am in Springfield, VA - boat on the Potomac (Occoquan/Belmont/Alexandria/Georgetown). Good to know there are some MM owners in the area and some quality groups to get involved in. My dad has a 1967 Chevelle SS (true 138 car) and has found being a member of a car club is very helpful and fun. I will try to start making it out to some of the local events.
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Sounds good. I live down in the Woodbridge/Occoquan area and work at Tyson's Corner so I travel through Springfield every day. There are a few other MM owners in the area in Dumfries, Leesburg, Fairfax, and Ashburn area plus several more in Maryland.

When the weather breaks this year, some of us will gather occasionally at the Manassas Burger King off Route 28 near the 234 By-Pass. The Bull Run Street Rods have a weekly cruise-in there every Saturday afternoon starting at about 3:00 PM beginning in April through late October.

Other cruises and events in the area are here >>>> http://capitalcruisin.com/
 
RUJusten said:
Sounds good - thanks for the tidbits of information! I figured the ones on YouTube were modified, but this car definitely has more a$$ than a stock Crown Vic, Grand Marquis or Towncar...correct? The fascination for me is that I can get a comfortable 4-door car with a nice sized trunk that has a little under the hood that has a nice ride (and that you don't see everyone and their mother driving). I just want to make sure that these things aren't blowing up after 100k and I'll be buying a new car after owning it for a year.
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They have a nice ride if you rebuild the suspension. They are, after all, 10 years old. Also, the rear end needs rebuilding about every 100K or so, or new axles at a minimum. Again, true for any car (or 1/2 ton truck) with this type of axle.

The engine and transmission are actually quite reliable with a few minor exceptions. The burned/bent valve issue is, as far as I know, pretty uncommon. The 2004 model year has a slightly improved transmission, 4R75W vs 4R70W. And these transmissions do appear to be extremely reliable and long-lived given regular fluid changes.

They are great cars, I love mine. Just be prepared to do some maintenance on an old car.
 
captain said:
These cars are not bad fasst. They are slow,heavy, and broken. parts are rare and expensive. Although I enjoy owning one i would not do it again. If you like to hear things like...Crown vic with wheels, My grampa has one, it came standard with a blower, Cop car, ................ then get one. But bring money, every thing costs extra.
Unless you have mad skills like the zack or bob keep looking.
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....WHAT? :confused: everything in this post is just... wrong! I had a crown vic, ill tell you right now, this is most definitely not a crown vic with wheels! I dont understand the part about these cars being "slow and broken." yeah they're heavy, but the power difference from a 2v sohc v8 to the 4v dohc v8 is more than impressive. I love my Marauder, and Id do it again, and again, and again, That way Id have one of each color!
 
Welcome to the forum and (potential) welcome to the CAMmers! You haven't purchased your Marauder yet, have you?

I'm in Leesburg.

sent from a Samsung Galaxy far far away..
 
The RU in your screen name doesn't happen to stand for Radford University, does it?

sent from a Samsung Galaxy far far away..
 
This car bone stock is an EXCELLENT and fun daily driver. Put a tune on it cheaply and you have a more fun daily driver. The room is there, trunk space, fuel economy(for the size of the car 18-23mpg is what I get with a lead foot), the ride and most importantly the fun factor...it's all there. Plus you'll have a solid spring board to mod the hale out of it if that's the way you go...Had mine a little over a year and don't regret at all buying it...:D:banana:

...pull the trigger and get one...
 
Welcome to the site and good luck finding one! Dont be afraid to travel to get the one you really want. I recommend finding one already built with a SC otherwise a nice stock one with a tune would be sufficient. If its your daily then tune, 4.10s, long tubes if your area allows it are a good first step. CAI/exhaust are good for sound...lol

Cheers!
 
RUJusten said:
I just want to make sure that these things aren't blowing up after 100k and I'll be buying a new car after owning it for a year.
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There are many here with over 100k and minimal problems. Mary (MM03MOK) has over 180k on hers, and Marauderjack has over 250k, most of them with a blower. Paul Casey (RIP) had over 200k on his, with a boatload of trips down the 1320. Have no fear.
 
Mebot said:
Welcome to the forum and (potential) welcome to the CAMmers! You haven't purchased your Marauder yet, have you?

I'm in Leesburg.

sent from a Samsung Galaxy far far away..
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I have not purchased one yet. I have been looking on Auto Trader and have no problem traveling to purchase. I would fly out, inspect, test drive and then have it shipped home (depending on where it's at). If it's in CA, I'm not driving cross country - If it's in NC, I would go and pick it up. I am going to take my time and try to find the perfect one. The worry I have with buying one already modified is that it has been ragged...and I don't want that. I'd rather buy one that has been babied and put all the modifications on myself.

Mebot said:
The RU in your screen name doesn't happen to stand for Radford University, does it?

sent from a Samsung Galaxy far far away..
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Hahahaha - It sure does my friend!!! The best 4.5 years of my life - boy oh boy did I have some fun at that school - 2003-2007 :beer:

L.Mark said:
This car bone stock is an EXCELLENT and fun daily driver. Put a tune on it cheaply and you have a more fun daily driver. The room is there, trunk space, fuel economy(for the size of the car 18-23mpg is what I get with a lead foot), the ride and most importantly the fun factor...it's all there. Plus you'll have a solid spring board to mod the hale out of it if that's the way you go...Had mine a little over a year and don't regret at all buying it...:D:banana:

...pull the trigger and get one...
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That's what I've been taking from all the posts I've seen and threads I've followed. Was very surprised to find someone say they would never do it again. For the needs/wants of my situation, this just seems like the perfect fit.

I wish I could respond to every persons response because I really do appreciate each and every one of them. Thanks again folks - and I will update everyone on the search!
 
RUJusten said:
Hahahaha - It sure does my friend!!! The best 4.5 years of my life - boy oh boy did I have some fun at that school - 2003-2007 :beer:
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You're my new favorite member.

I graduated from Virginia Tech (05) but all my roommates went to Radford. Had some fun times at old RU (Quadfest, hockey house, BTs, numerous apt parties)

I spun on the radio station at Tech (WUVT) on Saturday nights so Friday night was fun at Radford and Saturday everyone came to our place at Foxridge.

Hurry up and get your Marauder so we can meet up and swap stories
 
Mebot said:
You're my new favorite member.

I graduated from Virginia Tech (05) but all my roommates went to Radford. Had some fun times at old RU (Quadfest, hockey house, BTs, numerous apt parties)

I spun on the radio station at Tech (WUVT) on Saturday nights so Friday night was fun at Radford and Saturday everyone came to our place at Foxridge.

Hurry up and get your Marauder so we can meet up and swap stories
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Roger that! I lived in the apartments connected to the rugby house across from Kappa Sig (on clement street) did many a keg race with the Hockey House and had quite a few bros that lived there. We def need to swap some stories...you'll be the first to be notified when I buy my MM.
 
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