edeme
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Mercury Grand Marquis: Deal not Dud.
The Mercury Grand Marquis is one of the best automotive deals available! Call me crazy if you will. I’m well aware of the Grand Marquis’ apparent faults: It’s a living dinosaur, it’s boring, it’s for old people, the dashboard is ridiculous, it has a live rear axle, etc., etc. So what? Some of its faults are also its charms.

It may not drive like a BMW but it doesn’t need to. It is amazingly comfortable - especially on long highway drives – and has decent power. The handling is not nearly as bad as one might expect. I’ve owned an Alfa Romeo Milano, an Alfa Romeo Spider, two BMW 3 series, and a BMW 5 Series (all manual transmissions). I would also happily drive a Mercury Grand Marquis.

Extreme comfort is not the car’s only attribute. I like the way it looks (mostly). Its lines are uncomplicated and elegant. On the highway it is very easy to find yourself cruising along at nearly 90 mph. At such speeds the Grand Marquis is quiet and relaxed. As an added bonus, I imagine one is far less likely to be stopped for speeding in a Grand Marquis than a BMW.

Perhaps the main selling point for the Grand Marquis is it’s price. A nicely equipped, top of the line LS model (with leather, power seats, power adjustable pedals, traction control, ABS, etc.) is less than $30,000 brand new, not counting negotiations off of MSRP. There also happens to be a $5,500 incentive on the car at the moment.

I would be willing to bet if image and prestige were removed from the equation, that most people would be just as happy with a Mercury Grand Marquis as with a Mercedes-Benz S550. It’s just as comfortable, and gets better gas mileage on regular gas. The Grand Marquis will last forever and won’t cost anywhere near as much to repair. If you can live without a navigation system, or massaging seats, or the prestige factor; when it costs so much less to own, operate and insure, why not consider the Mercury over the Mercedes? You would save yourself $75,000 that could be used to buy a brand new Porsche.



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briankravitzbriankravitz - 6/6/2008 3:15:12 PM
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You're kidding, right?

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silver1silver1 - 6/6/2008 8:56:15 PM
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lol


EnnNorakEnnNorak - 6/13/2008 12:06:32 AM
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I had 3 Grand Marquis cars in the nineties and early this century. Ford blew it for me as follows:

The oil pan on the first one rusted out two weeks before the warranty ran out and eventually the frame rusted clean thru. The unibody that was bolted onto the frame with rubber mounts was holding up the frame. The second one was leased and its seats were too mushy. The third one's seats were too firm. BTW, I should also mention that the first one's clearcoat developed big white blotches (it was a dark blue car) and Ford refused to do anything about it (hid behind the warranty). Needles to say, I gave up on Ford and went back to Audi.


EnnNorakEnnNorak - 6/13/2008 12:09:11 AM
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Further to my comment above, I think Ford let Mercury slide down the toilet by not making the Marauder DOHC V8 standard on all models and by not offering practical goodies like biXenon headlights.


Maverick2020Maverick2020 - 6/6/2008 3:15:47 PM
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Was this written for AARP or for the auto enthusiasts who normally visit AutoSpies?

Just wondering.

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silver1silver1 - 6/6/2008 8:56:26 PM
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lol


EL34EL34 - 6/6/2008 3:19:22 PM
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One of my favorite cars :)

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montyz81montyz81 - 6/6/2008 3:29:50 PM
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Figures!


silver1silver1 - 6/6/2008 8:56:43 PM
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lmao!


StarStar - 6/6/2008 3:24:14 PM
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"why not consider the Mercury over the Mercedes? You would save yourself $75,000 that could be used to buy a brand new Porsche"

RIGHT, or you could buy a Mercury over a Rolls Royce Phantom and save $360,000 that could be used to buy a brand new Lamborghini Murcielago. You got to be kidding.

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silver1silver1 - 6/6/2008 8:57:12 PM
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lol


DexDiamondsDexDiamonds - 6/6/2008 3:49:09 PM
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I want the 1 minute and 45 seconds of my life that I wasted reading this back.... NOW!

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07G35J07G35J - 6/6/2008 4:36:14 PM
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LOL!


silver1silver1 - 6/6/2008 8:57:34 PM
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lol


TauronB2GTauronB2G - 6/6/2008 5:38:55 PM
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Very funny post. Question... Since there is a new Taurus/Sable twin coming next year, what would you guys say to the old (current Taurus/Sable) being slightly restyled and moving upmarket a little to become the new Crown Vic/Marquis. Its about as big and almost as comfortable plus with the addition of a V8 I think it would be the perfect replacement.
T

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edemeedeme - 6/6/2008 5:52:02 PM
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I don't know . . . the massive trunk and long powerful hood of the current model scream "Grand Marquis." While a nice car in its own right, I think the Sable is too round in shape to take over for the majestic Grand Marquis.


HyundaiHyundai - 6/6/2008 5:45:11 PM
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"I would be willing to bet if image and prestige were removed from the equation, that most people would be just as happy with a Mercury Grand Marquis as with a Mercedes-Benz S550."

You mean, like if an S550 were as stale, cheap, and just all-round shitty as the Mercury, people wouldn't care which one they'd buy? Well, that's obvious..

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204E60204E60 - 6/6/2008 6:31:50 PM
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I sort of see Edeme's point. Maybe the Mercury Grand Marquis is the ultimate stealth car. Order it in black, and you've got an updated Blues Brothers-mobile. However, I have had the misfortune of renting one of these boats. It had plenty of grunt, but after 20 minutes, the no-shape front bucket seats were killing me. After an hour and I didn't want to go any further. I'll go for the S550, higher costs and all. In that particular instance, you definitely get what you pay for.



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0to600to60 - 6/6/2008 7:03:33 PM
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The only cool thing about this car is if you get one in white or silver, everyone will slow and move out of your way thinking your a cop

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edemeedeme - 6/6/2008 7:12:19 PM
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That feature is worth its weight in gold, and it's standard equipment!


0to600to60 - 6/6/2008 7:34:59 PM
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edeme , are you and mercury guy the same person?


t_bonet_bone - 6/6/2008 8:09:11 PM
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Why not buy a 2-year old one for about $7,000?

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damikcodamikco - 6/6/2008 10:45:04 PMView My AgentSpace
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It is a good car, not my favorite, i have a brain so i wont bash your opinoin.

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huu76huu76 - 6/7/2008 1:07:31 AM
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I love this car!

Can't beat American muscle. Full size, indestructable chassis, fully loaded at a relatively low price (real cheap used) and can tow just as much as a pickup truck.

The Mercury Marauder VT was the king, 0-60 in 5.1sec. It eats yuppies for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

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StickShiftCamryStickShiftCamry - 6/7/2008 2:06:31 AM
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But the Marauder was slow as hell - it only made sound not speed.


huu76huu76 - 6/7/2008 1:08:29 AM
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Oh yeah, optional 6-passenger layout.

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huu76huu76 - 6/7/2008 1:11:18 AM
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And this car's balls can be put to good use, as the chassis is designed to tow unlike some European diesels that have torque but a chassis made from spaghetti.

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huu76huu76 - 6/7/2008 1:13:44 AM
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And if you're lucky, you can pick up a used one that was an old police cruiser in its previous life.

Further reinforced chassis along with reinforced body panels, turbocharging and if you're even luckier, an armor plated gas tank.

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egogegog - 6/7/2008 11:55:55 AM
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I'm young and I wouldnt mind having one of these. One of my freinds has a drive way full of them and they all run great and are comfotable. I'm also really big 6'5" 320 lbs. and any other big car out there costs so much that I wouldnt be able to afford it. and most tuning parts for a mustang 4.6L can be used on them too.

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GeorgemiaGeorgemia - 6/12/2008 5:34:28 PM
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If you want reliable, comfortable transportation, there's probably nothing cheaper to operate, even with today's fuel costs, than a Marquis or Towncar.

On the other hand, if you want a date, it might not be the most powerful chick magnet on the planet, unless you live in an assisted living community

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mercuryguymercuryguy - 6/14/2008 4:33:30 AM
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Long Term Review: (Driven them since I was 25)

Great Car, despite what the so-called experts say.
This is the cheapest car to insure because of its decade long safety record.

Yes, This car is good on gas for its roomy size, because it is 2 wheel drive. It gets better mileage than many smaller all wheel drive vehicles, especially on the highway where it was born to run. Its mileage although not impressive for the city, is still manageable.

Engine is smooth, quiet and powerful, even on long grades. Trunk space is huge, the car almost doubles as a mini pickup truck.

TRIPPLE 5-STAR CRASH RATING
held title for Over 10 Years running for Frontal, Side-Impact, Rear-Impact and Roll-Over.

The Full frame is strong and safe giving this car a top of the line crash rating.

This engine idles at highway speeds where V6 and 4 cylinder engines vibrate and rev to produce the same power. The engine has just the right amount of horsepower.

The 2008 Models are now Flex-Fuel.

Among the very few Cars that offer a Full Sized Spare Tire anymore.

The Full frame means you can jack the car from almost any spot on the frame. I like having real steel beams underneath me for safety.

Nice woodgrain interior. Many cars at 3 times the price don’t offer a rich wood interior. You have to spend big on Audi’s A8 to get a few select pieces of wood interior. Towing capacity is high as the car will take a full Class IV frame hitch. Seating is spacious. This is a great vacation car or a great business car. Battery is in front for easy service.

Visibility on this sedan is great. There is a lot of glass to see out. The mirrors work better with a 1” convex circle added to both sides to aid in seeing beyond the C-Pilar, but the c-pillar blind spot is not really that bad, worse on other cars I’ve driven (Chrysler 300).

I bought a new 2004, it runs perfectly with no repairs to date except oil changes. I also own a 2005 Chrysler 300. The Mercury is far better in terms of ride quality, power, comfort interior and trunk space. To be fair, the 300 has the underpowered base V6.

If a Camry or Chrysler 300 is too small for your needs, this is an affordable car that feels impressive. A great alternative to a bland econobox or car that has miser written all over it.

I actually like the live axle. You can feel the road and the car shifts smoothly. My 300 has wheel sensors and stability control which I hate. It makes the car feel artificial, and it feels like the power gets robbed in comparison to the Grand Marquis. I’m not sure why people find live axles as humorous. It is reliable and works for me, but to each his own.

The base GS has the best Heater/AC. The analog dials make it easy to dial in your settings without looking away from the road. The floor only vent is among the best if you like heat on your feet and not in your face. Many cars seem to not handle this as well for some reason (Chrysler, Hyundia). I actually

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mercuryguymercuryguy - 6/14/2008 4:36:11 AM
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cont...

prefer the analog base system over the top end digital dual climate control on my Town Car.
Ford offers accessories for the Trunk, like a floor pan organizer. It is a full insert compartment the full width of the car, not canvas junk like other cars I’ve seen.

PROS:

Safe, Cheap to Insure

Smooth, quiet, Horsepower

Woodgrain Dash, door panels

Power Lumbar driver Seat – standard

HEATED MIRRORS – Standard (How many cars even offer this as standard equipment)

Full-Size Spare, and Ample Space

Cornering lamps (Turn Signal turns on side headlight to light up street corner, it also alerts drivers for intended lane changes)

Full Gauges (Water temp, Oil Pressure, Tach) Oil pressure was replaced recently by the tachometer, I’d rather have both.

4 Wheel-Disc brakes (Anit-lock)

Run Cool-safe (engine will shut 2 cylinders down to pump out heat if the engine looses coolant)

5000 LB Towing Capacity


CONS:
Power Windows. The Steels Window regulators were replaced with bicycle cables and nylon pulleys adopted from VW cars. This is a junk concept, designed to reduce weight. It wears out if you open and close the windows often over time.

Incandescent Bulbs in tail lights need to be
redesigned to LED.

No triptronic (Semi-Auto) Transmission)

Transmission needs updating to 6 or 7 speed but Final
Drive ratio is still not bad in overdrive.

Bench Seat, Buckets might be better, although I have a steel RAM-Mount covering the center hump to mount my laptop.

Snow Tires are needed on the back 2 wheels for winter. The car is only slippery with all-seasons.
I have Snow tires on extra factory rims, so installation is only a 10 minute job in the driveway.

Ball Joints are now the non-grease type. The older grease joints lasted far longer if you kept them greased. Most cars are like this today anyways.

Summary:
Of course this car is not on Par with a BMW, but if you don’t have the money for a high-end car or if you have to provide your own company car for work, this is a great car at a price that would force you into an econo-box at this price point. How many people want to make a first impression picking up clients or your boss in an econo-box?

This is all the car this tech-savvy guy will ever need. Ford just doesn’t promote this relatively unknown car. I also had a 1996, and I will likely buy a 2009 if they build them.


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mercuryguymercuryguy - 6/14/2008 5:01:12 AM
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With a Half Million Dollar Liability policy, this car is dirt cheap to insure.
I almost fell out of my chair when I got my insurance quote. I had to ask if they made a mistake. And I’m talking New York State, the highest cost state for car Insurance.

People who can’t afford a new car might be able to swing the overall cost of ownership of this car. The myth of it not being a young person’s car might be meaningless if it fits into a tight budget, especially with so many young couples on the verge of bankruptsy today. It is still an alternative over roaming the used car lots looking for a clean car.

Cars loose resale within the first year. If you don’t pay a lot, you don’t loose a lot at trade-in.

Yes, I test drove Kia and Hyudia, they don't have heated mirrors at that pricepoint, and those tiny tires don't handle potholes very well.

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