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General => User Rides => Topic started by: Royce 67/87/97 on November 03, 2010, 12:38:46 AM

Title: Had to do it.
Post by: Royce 67/87/97 on November 03, 2010, 12:38:46 AM
As some of you know, the only cars I've ever driven in my life are Mercury Cougars:

Part of me died back in June when Ford officially announced the end of the line for Mercury. Like most of us...I always held on to the small glimmer of hope that the Cougar would rise again some day...

Well LONG story short - I decided if it can't be a Cougar, then at least it will be one of the last Mercurys.

May I present my new baby: 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis LS
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: TheEskimo on November 03, 2010, 07:01:01 AM
That is nice, I like the look of the grill on that one. Even the rims stand out, that has to be a comfy ride.
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: hwy73 on November 03, 2010, 07:11:07 AM
Very nice.  They are reliable cars.  You won't be dissappointed.  Good luck with it.
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: Royce 67/87/97 on November 03, 2010, 08:00:19 AM
I had been considering it for some time. Found out a few months ago that there were going to be "2011" models for sure. This made me think I had PLENTY of time to just keep considering it....then a few weeks ago I read an article (that was already about a week old) that the last Merc (for retail order anyway) had gone down the assembly line.  That plus the well-timed mailing from Ford of a $1000 voucher made me run to my local dealer the next day!

It was too late to "order" one. We had to search dealer inventory for my particular color combo/options. Had to match my Cougars' colors! And had to have ALL FIVE (!) options available. (More on that later. :D )
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: 5.0 tbird on November 03, 2010, 09:50:25 AM
You can't go wrong with a Grand Marquis, that was a good buy.
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: mcb82gt on November 03, 2010, 10:10:33 AM
I like it.  Is it torridor red?
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: RunninWild on November 03, 2010, 10:37:53 AM
That's a pretty sweet vehicle. If my explorer dies within the next year or so, I think I' gonna pick one of those up or a towncar. Not brand new of course....
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: sarjxxx on November 03, 2010, 11:28:21 AM
Sweet ride man. I've always wanted a grand mark. They're way nicer than the crown vics. I've always preferred Mercury's styling over Ford's, so its a real shame that they're all going to die.
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: tbirdsps on November 03, 2010, 12:06:57 PM
Gorgeous car in that color.  Well done.
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: Royce 67/87/97 on November 03, 2010, 04:24:27 PM
Quote
I like it. Is it torridor red?


Yes. It's official name:"Dark Toreador Red Clearcoat Metallic." The exact same color on my '97 from 14 years ago! I'm looking forward to a sunny day (rainy down here now) when both are maybe shiney at the same time for a group photo session!

Here's the wheels. (They were the optional ones.). The second pic is the "Ultimate Edition" badge, which is something of a mystery to me. This was an optional package on the Grand Marqs several years ago...but from what I can tell by scouring past years of online reviews and photos, Ford just decided to slap these bages on ALL 2010 and 2011 models.
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: Royce 67/87/97 on November 03, 2010, 04:28:28 PM
Mercury - New Doors Opened ;)
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: Royce 67/87/97 on November 03, 2010, 04:38:05 PM
See (most of) the rest of the options here:


And the final option (not shown here) is the "smoker's package." I don't smoke, but for $10 I got the lighter element and a little ashtray inside the pull-out cupholder. :rollin:
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: Royce 67/87/97 on November 03, 2010, 04:40:22 PM
See (most of) the rest of the options here:


And the final option (not shown here) is the "smoker's package." I don't smoke, but for $10 I got the lighter element and a little ashtray inside the pull-out cupholder. :rollin:
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: hwy73 on November 03, 2010, 04:53:37 PM
Single or Dual exhaust?
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: Royce 67/87/97 on November 03, 2010, 06:18:37 PM
Sadly, single. Upon inspection, the headers seem to each go to their own cat. coverter, then merge (is this called a y-pipe?) into one and go down to the ler and tailpipe.

Dual was available in very recent years, but dissappeared some time ago (don't have all my Panther platform details memorized yet - not even close!) I figure since some had it, there should be room to route it if I want to change it later, like after the whole 3 yr./36,000 mile thing.
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: daminc on November 03, 2010, 07:48:53 PM
The interior looks a lot like our Lincoln's ....I like it a lot, Royce
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: HAVI on November 03, 2010, 09:44:27 PM
That's a great car!  If I had to guess, ten years from now, you'll have never once regretted the buy.
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: hwy73 on November 04, 2010, 07:17:40 AM
Quote from: Royce 67/87/97;340418
Sadly, single. Upon inspection, the headers seem to each go to their own cat. coverter, then merge (is this called a y-pipe?) into one and go down to the ler and tailpipe.
 
Dual was available in very recent years, but dissappeared some time ago (don't have all my Panther platform details memorized yet - not even close!) I figure since some had it, there should be room to route it if I want to change it later, like after the whole 3 yr./36,000 mile thing.

The "H-Pipe" for duals will bolt right on after the cats, then add the dual lers + tails from either a HPP or Police version.
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: 1Bad88tbird on November 07, 2010, 08:39:09 PM
Very nice car, congrats! My Grandfather had a couple the last one was a 92 and when he passed away my parents got it. It rode and drove nice but it felt like it floated down the road. And it was terrable in the snow, no matter what tires it had on it it didn't go. Not that you should have to worry about that.
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: Haystack on November 08, 2010, 02:02:18 AM
I thought long and hard about getting a newer grand marquis. I decided not to and got my 88 wagon instead. Love the big old fords. Had a 91 wagon when I was in highschool. I like the frame construction. I really feel that this is why they ride so much better.
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: bhazard on November 08, 2010, 06:30:37 AM
Wow I didn't know they were still selling panthers. Gotta be fords longest running platform at this point huh?
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: Royce 67/87/97 on November 08, 2010, 01:46:39 PM
Yeah. If Wikipaedia is correct:

Quote
Discontinuation
On June 2, 2010, Ford announced that it would end production of all Mercury vehicles by the end of 2010 as it discontinues the brand after 72 years. The St. Thomas Assembly plant in Ontario, Canada is slated to close the end of 2011. In continuous production for 35 years, the Grand Marquis was the longest-produced Mercury. Among Ford Motor Company models, only the Ford Econoline, Ford Mustang, Ford Thunderbird, Ford F-Series, and Lincoln Continental nameplates have been produced longer. The Panther platform served as the basis for Grand Marquis design for 31 years. Nearly unmatched by other automakers for longevity, the external appearance of the Grand Marquis continued in production largely unchanged for the last 18 years of its production life (the 2010 model still shares a number of body panels with the 1992 version along with the engine).


So counting the 2011 model year, it looks like 32 years for the Panther platform, and 36 years for the Grand Marquis nameplate.
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: BadTriumph on November 08, 2010, 02:11:13 PM
I had a 74 and a 99. Both were great! The 74 had a 460.... Not a good engine for a high school kid to stay out of trouble with!
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: RunninWild on November 09, 2010, 03:08:27 PM
It would been kind of cool if they did a Marauder for the last year the car was in production.
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: BadTriumph on November 09, 2010, 03:33:11 PM
Quote from: RunninWild;341057
It would been kind of cool if they did a Marauder for the last year the car was in production.


....and if it had the Cobra drivetrain in it for the last year. That would have been bad ass!
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: Royce 67/87/97 on November 09, 2010, 03:34:54 PM
I know! I would have loved that. When they were available in '03 & '04 I was wishing for one...but financially was not in the right place. (Not exactly there now, either, but better!) A neighbor just a few house down has a black '04. He's let me drive it.  It's sweet.
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: turbo_88_XR7 on November 09, 2010, 04:53:17 PM
Quote from: Royce 67/87/97;340338
As some of you know, the only cars I've ever driven in my life are Mercury Cougars


are you serious? you're missing out on a lot.. lol
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: 20thanniver-ls on November 09, 2010, 06:28:09 PM
Quote from: turbo_88_XR7;341076
are you serious? you're missing out on a lot.. lol

I don't think so. I've always driven Fords/Mercury's (and now a Lincoln :D ). I have only had 3 other makes besides theose. 1 GM car, a 1994 Grand Prix GTP and it was a piece of trash. Never again will I own one.  1 '92 Toyota Camry 5 speed which was actually a good car for it's purpose. And My truck, a '96 Dodge Ram, which I still have, but long for an 80's F-150. My point is, if you find a car/car brand you like and has done you right, why look elsewhere?
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: BadTriumph on November 09, 2010, 06:42:40 PM
So true.... I've owned almost 40 cars over the last 25 years or so and better than half have been Ford/Lincoln/Mercury. Very few have had problems of any significance. And that wouldn't prevent me from buying another of the same model. I've had a POS Mazda and a couple of GM's that weren't worth the metal they were made of (95 Regal, 94 Z-34). Those definitely eliminate any chance of ever owning one again for me. I've had some older Buicks that were cool, but FoMoCo will always be my favorite. I could see how someone would be hooked on Cougars.... :ford: :D
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: Bruce M on November 09, 2010, 08:46:56 PM
What kind of power plant does she have? Three valve 4.6? Four or five speed? Nobody has asked the most important questions.
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: Slinky on November 09, 2010, 09:48:50 PM
Go buy a car cover so you can protect that paint from the elements as much as possible. I've driven about 3 or 4 Crown Vics in the past few years and they are terrible about the paint peeling. Of course these have been patrol cars that have the shiznit driven out of them but still I would have thought their paint would have held up better.
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: turbo_88_XR7 on November 10, 2010, 12:15:38 AM
Quote from: 20thanniver-ls;341092
I don't think so. I've always driven Fords/Mercury's (and now a Lincoln :D ). I have only had 3 other makes besides theose. 1 GM car, a 1994 Grand Prix GTP and it was a piece of trash. Never again will I own one.  1 '92 Toyota Camry 5 speed which was actually a good car for it's purpose. And My truck, a '96 Dodge Ram, which I still have, but long for an 80's F-150. My point is, if you find a car/car brand you like and has done you right, why look elsewhere?


all 3 you named are  in my opinion.. i'd never consider any of the 3 lol
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: FLSTCI71 on November 10, 2010, 01:28:22 PM
Sharp car!! I really like those interior/exterior colors together. You have done well. :-)
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: bondocougar on November 10, 2010, 11:30:22 PM
Wow!  Looks real swell, and that new car smell can't be beat.  Knowing you, I bet you already have every accessory item associated with the car already on order so it can be neatly displayed in the trunk at the next car show!

The car cover is not a bad idea, unless the new baby is pushing out the Cat's from the garage?
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: turbo_88_XR7 on November 10, 2010, 11:47:30 PM
Quote from: RunninWild;341057
It would been kind of cool if they did a Marauder for the last year the car was in production.

it would have been a smart move.. that would take mercury out with a bang.. but, ford doesn't care, 'why bother wasting money on a specialty car for a make we're shutting down' is what they'd say if someone suggested it
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: Cougars 2 go on November 11, 2010, 09:15:05 PM
Quote from: Royce 67/87/97;340359
I had been considering it for some time. Found out a few months ago that there were going to be "2011" models for sure. This made me think I had PLENTY of time to just keep considering it....then a few weeks ago I read an article (that was already about a week old) that the last Merc (for retail order anyway) had gone down the assembly line.  That plus the well-timed mailing from Ford of a $1000 voucher made me run to my local dealer the next day!

It was too late to "order" one. We had to search dealer inventory for my particular color combo/options. Had to match my Cougars' colors! And had to have ALL FIVE (!) options available. (More on that later. :D )

 
OK, so the OCD tendencies in me would be having that thing preserved because of all that you just said.  Save all the newspaper articles, window stickers, etc.  Nice car and congrats.  Looking forward to the pictures with your Cougars.
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: Royce 67/87/97 on November 11, 2010, 10:18:44 PM
Quote from: turbo_88_XR7;341076
are you serious? you're missing out on a lot.. lol

Um, no, I don't think so. I'M HARD-CORE! [SIZE="1"]...and it's not like I haven't actually driven other (people's) vehicles...[/SIZE]
 
Quote from: Bruce M;341104
What kind of power plant does she have? Three valve 4.6? Four or five speed? Nobody has asked the most important questions.

Plain old 2V 4.6L that's been around for awhile. First used in the 1990 Town Car if my research is correct. Been used in the Grand Marquis since '92. Pretty much the same engine as in my '97 Cougar. This new one is "Flex-Fuel Capable" however. Don't have any stations selling E-85 anywhere near me. May try it out some time, though, just to see.

Quote from: FLSTCI71;341165
Sharp car!! I really like those interior/exterior colors together. You have done well. :-)

Thank you, sir.
 
Quote from: bondocougar;341237
...Knowing you, I bet you already have every accessory item associated with the car already on order so it can be neatly displayed in the trunk at the next car show!

The car cover is not a bad idea, unless the new baby is pushing out the Cat's from the garage?

Hmmm.... I guess you do know me pretty well...(see my next post in a few minutes)

Quote from: Cougars 2 go;341384
OK, so the OCD tendencies in me would be having that thing preserved because of all that you just said.  Save all the newspaper articles, window stickers, etc.  Nice car and congrats.  Looking forward to the pictures with your Cougars.

I am kinda like you, except I try to keep it under control at least a little bit! I've decided to drive it and enjoy it...and of course take care of it exceptionally well to the best of my ability along the way!
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: Royce 67/87/97 on November 11, 2010, 10:56:28 PM
okay, here you go:

[LIST=1]
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: Royce 67/87/97 on November 11, 2010, 11:05:40 PM
and a few more:
[LIST=1]
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: Bruce M on November 11, 2010, 11:05:46 PM
Quote from: Royce 67/87/97;341395
okay, here you go:

[LIST=1]
  • Mercury Cap (matches Polo)
  • Mercury T-Shirt
  • Mercury Polo (matches cap)


SWEET! I want the bottom one.
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: Royce 67/87/97 on November 11, 2010, 11:14:13 PM
And the last:[LIST=1]


Guess I'll share my source: www.fordcollection.com (http://"http://www.fordcollection.com")

An "official" merchandise seller for Ford. I found them through a link on Ford's website, actually. I pretty much got one of everything they had with "Mercury" on it. Figure they probably won't keep much of anything with that name on it in their store soon.
Title: Had to do it.
Post by: Eliminator on December 03, 2010, 10:05:34 PM
yeah Ford hasnt "wasted" any money on Mercury for years why start now? LOL Im trying to score some signs from my local Mercury dealerships..
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