Any owners of Mercury Mariner?

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My boss is getting a Mercury Mariner and I know that it's alot like the Ford Escape.Since I'm considering getting a replacement for the Explorer this year,was also considering the Mercury Mariner also.

Any owners of the Mercury Mariner here? Likes /Dislikes? problems,etc,lemme hear'em.
 
I personally like the mariner as much as the escape, the interior is a bit more upscale. The I-4/Auto/AWD would be a great choice for south dakota I bet.
 
Originally Posted By: FL_Rob
Dragrace, you're a RWD FORD man,what happened?


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I'll be happier with a smaller style SUV,then what the Explorer brings to the table.

But, I will admit,I'm not a real fan of front-wheel drive vehicles.With that said,the only way I'll have a Mariner or Escape,will be in the 4x4 version ONLY.

From what I've noticed so far is,the Mercery Mariners have nicer appearing interiors? I'm just basing this on what vehicles I've seen for sale online so far.
 
Originally Posted By: rudolphna
I personally like the mariner as much as the escape, the interior is a bit more upscale. The I-4/Auto/AWD would be a great choice for south dakota I bet.



100% correct
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It scored last because of poor performance in performance categories. IE slalom, skidpad. The only real knock that applies to real world use is the rear drum brakes which create a slightly longer than class average stopping distance.
 
Originally Posted By: LS2JSTS
I thought this thread was about outboard motors....doh.


You weren't the only one. I've really liked my Mercury Marine outboards.
 
My friends 02 Escape [3.0 FWD] has 130K miles on it [he bought it used at 40K miles] has no issues with it except the a/c...He had that repaired for just 90 bucks.

I actually like the looks of the Escape much better then the Mariner..I also like the Ford looks a lot better then all the other Mercury clones...That is just IMHO.
 
What year? New? I've had 2 of them. The 4wd (yes -- they call it 4wd) is excellent in snow, and has the same ground clearance as an Explorer. The 09+ have more HP, and 6 spd auto. Previous years have the weak CD4E -- that's best suited to the 4-banger. My 07 was a 2.3 fwd. My 08 was a 3.0 4wd. I would highly suggest the 3.0 in these model years. The 2.3 just doesn't have enough power to pull them up hills, pass, etc. The new 6 spds have some issues with front axle shafts, seal, and tranny cases? Much info can be had on "Escape City".

I actually preferred the ride/handling of my 07 better than the 08. The 08 was too soft, and had lots of body roll (like C&D stated). The 08 was more quiet though.
 
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Originally Posted By: rudolphna
It scored last because of poor performance in performance categories. IE slalom, skidpad. The only real knock that applies to real world use is the rear drum brakes which create a slightly longer than class average stopping distance.


Point taken but keep in mind it placed dead last in the comparo, not in the middle, not near the bottom, but ON the bottom. That says it all to me. In short any of the others would be a better choice.
 
Originally Posted By: LS2JSTS
I thought this thread was about outboard motors....doh.
Thats what I thought too and wondered why it wasnt in the marine section, lol
 
Originally Posted By: RTexasF
Originally Posted By: rudolphna
It scored last because of poor performance in performance categories. IE slalom, skidpad. The only real knock that applies to real world use is the rear drum brakes which create a slightly longer than class average stopping distance.


Point taken but keep in mind it placed dead last in the comparo, not in the middle, not near the bottom, but ON the bottom. That says it all to me. In short any of the others would be a better choice.


So I guess you only buy what places first in every magazine comparo? I read car magazines for entertainment -- not gospel. Same for CR. Buy based on the features you care about -- not some C&D editor. They stated the Mariner was the most comfortable highway cruiser, (although I tend to disagree having lived with 2). They drive them for a few days (unless it's a long-term test). We have to live with them for a few years.

I know this is getting off topic, but it's kind of like CR's tire tests. They rate them based on 3 season driving. The #1 tire may be horrible in snow/ice. Thus, they even state in the article to buy the best one for your needs.

I do agree that the Mariner does have too much body roll. I have not driven any of the others in the test. I'm sure they are all good in their own way.
 
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My GF has a 2005 V-6 AWD. It averages 17-18 MPG, just OK. But keep in mind it weighs 4500 lb. The motor uses no oil, and is a fairly easy vehicle to service. The ATF fluid is easy to drain and fill due to a drain plug. The steering is very accurate and nicely weighted, with no kickback from road imperfections. It even provides a modicum of real feedback from the road. It is extremely easy to park due to its short length, and has good sight lines. Does real good in snow, and slush. Choice of tires make a difference also. Destination LE's are much better than the OEM's.

The not so good include several service issues. Transfer case replaced at 35K. Suspension bushings shot at 40 K. Power window hardware came loose inside of door, window would not roll up. All covered under warranty. The seats lack long trip support. Very squishy, like sitting on a sponge feeling. Small fuel tank a bummer, always buying gas. Factory OEM tires really sucked, replacement tires totally changed character of the vehicle. And I guess they hold their value well. Needs more small item storage about the interior. The GF says she would buy another one. Me, not so sure.
 
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