Email Received
Jan. 6, 2022
Hello!
I recently inherited my late father 2003 Mercury Grand Marquise
LSE.
Other then the gas consumption which is killing me, I absolutely
love this car.
When I cruise around the neighbood people are always
staring at the car. My dad always said the same thing, he thought people
thought it was a cop car—But I think people just stare because of how
beautiful it is,. As well as rarity these days.
My
dad was always very anal about his cars. He never let anyone, not even my
mom drive them.
I went with him to the dealer the day he bought it. It
cost $46,000 Canadian.
That was 20 years ago, and was a bloody fortune.
But when my dad wanted something he only got the best, damn the price!
After got home from
the dealer, he let me drive it around the block once.
That was the only
he ever let me drive it until around 2017, but only to take my mom grocery
shopping..PERIOD!
The car is in great shape mechanically and interior
wise.
There was very light surface rust along all 4 wheel wells which is
to be expected. However the last couple years the entire roof became covered
in rust bubbles…
Anyways after he passed. I had the wheel wells done, and
the entire roof repainted. There were no holes not even pin holes so that is
great
Unfortunately, I could not afford to have the entire car repainted,
but I will some day.
I plan to baby this car, as it really is the only
physical thing(other then memories) I have left from him.
I actually
don’t think my dad knew his car was 1 of 3,089 LSE models built.
Perhaps
yourself as a fellow MGM LSE knowledgeble owner can help me?
The car was bought new from the dealer lot in Black.
However, as I began
to learn about the 2003 LSE model, I discovered it was NOT offered in black.
A member of one of the MGM groups on Facebook posted a picture of a pamphlet
for the MGM in 2003, and it clearly states not available in black on the
LSE.
And that kind of makes a little sense perhaps, since the next tier
up would be the Marauder, which I believe ONLY came in black.
Anyways, Wondering if up have any knowledge our thoughts about a black LSE,
that apparently was not available.
Any idea how many more of the 3,089
LSE;s made in 2003 were black?
I truly believe these cars will skyrocket
in value. They truly are the last ‘Full Size’. Rear wheel V8s made. And
there will never be anything like this made again
Thanks for
listening to my babbeling!
Cheers
Adam
Jan. 8, 2018
Ray, I couldn’t resist commenting on your site as I
think it well done and very informative!! Your vehicle is immaculate
and I’m impressed by the details your site provides. Yes, the LSE’s
seem to be rare, but ironically there’s another one just like mine touring
around in my neck of the woods. Regarding your LSE, you should be able
to fetch a great price for the condition it’s in particularly from someone
who knows the product line. I’d love to have this type of research
performed on my vehicle.
I’m providing the links below because I’m forwarding a
“blind copy” to a Ford Dealer representative who’s assisted me in remedying
the vehicles mechanical deficiencies as they may be too interested in your
webpages.
I
purchased my 02 LSE new in May of 2002 and is now approaching 16 years of
reliable service. The paint scheme is remarkable in that depending on
surrounding light conditions the car seemingly changes color. I fully
detail this vehicle twice annually (photo DSC00073.JPG) and since the date
of the photo (August, 2011) I’ve added tinted windows, installed
manufacturer contoured splash guards, installed chrome tips each exhaust
pipes and exchanged Goodyear tires with Michelin Defenders. The
Michelin’s vastly improved the ride and handling characteristics and
tire/road noise was noticeably reduced. My vehicle just turned over
94,XXX miles and I recently completed nearly $2,600 in badly needed repairs…
and I’m not quite finished $$$. At this stage of my life’s journey, I feel
my efforts are substantially more cost effective than the purchase of any
new car. I’ve driven and owned many new cars and none of them compare
to this LSE. I intend on getting another 100,000 miles out of it. By
then I’ll be much older and greyer than I am now
J
Replacement of upper and lower ball joints including an
alignment (all boots were torn)
Power flushed the engine cooling system
Performed 100K tune up
Performed complete brake fluid flush
Turned the
front rotors for more even braking
Performed a differential flush
Replaced serpentine belt
Replaced oil pan gasket, oil sending unit and
oil filter adapter plate (these developed leaks)
Replaced windshield.
(accidentally cracked by dealership and they covered the replacement cost)
Rick McGee
10/4/15
Hello my name
is Justin Connors and I came across your web page on Mercury Grand Marquis
LSE's.
I have loved
panther cars ever since I was a kid. I owned 3 town cars, 3 mercury's and
one crown vic. I recently bought a 2002 Grand Marquis LSE in March and I
came into a situation where I need a minivan more for hauling sound
equipment. I was wondering if you know anybody looking to buy my car. It is
very clean with 99k miles on it, 4 new 80k mile tires, new a/c compressor
and accumulator. New brakes, steering knuckle has been replaced. Brand new
starter. I hate to get rid of it but I did buy a van and this car is just
sitting. I would like to see 4000.00 for it. You can email me or call or
text me at .... I am in the Buffalo Ny area. Hope to hear from you soon
thank you.
12/26/13
I saw your website. Another member of MercuryMarauder.net sent you info
on a 2003 he purchased in Las Vegas recently. I looked at that same
car, it is nice. I bought another LSE earlier this year and sold it to a
friend of mine. When I had my friend at Ford print the build info it shows
this car was built in May 8,2002. The VIN sequential starts with 610XXX.
Which is right for a May/June 2002 build. (We have a Marauder built June
22,2002 starting with 622XXX.
According to info I read pre-production 2003s were mixed with the final run 2002s on the same assembly line. Based on build date I think this car is one of those. The in-service warranty date is Nov 8,2002. This makes sense because all pre-production cars are not sold until later in the model year after they have been looked over by a facility for Ford to make sure there are no assembly errors.
As far
as similarities , they are virtually identical in construction other than
engine and trim. Same wiring and equipment. The Marauder is an LSE Marquis
with stiffer front springs ( prob due to heavier engine) and a different
steering rack (faster ratio on the MM).
Pre-production cars (May build
2003s) were held back from sale for quality control purposes. There were 50
pre production Marauders with 6000XX VINs built and held back about 6 months
and sold in November 2002 after regular production units. Someone on MM.net
posted documents from Ford the PP cars were sent to a vendor and inspected
before release for sale in November 2002. This was done for liability
reasons since the assembly line was still learning to build 2003s with new
frames and suspension.
This makes sense for my LSE since Ford shows the
warranty start date as November 8, 2002. Warranty start date is date of
first sale.
I did find on this LSE the adjustable pedal assembly was
installed and crimped the harness for the shift interlock when it blew the
brake light fuse. When I looked at a June build Marauder I saw the harness
had been rerouted over the pedals away from where it could get cramped
during assembly. That was the purpose of the PP cars, to see if any problems
come up during the build.
If you like, I'll get better pictures of thus
LSE and more info to you. The car is in Seattle, WA until about Jan/Feb.
Take care and thanks for the info.
12/19/13
Hi
I like your Grand Marquis
LSE. Looks great !!!
I tried to sign up on crown
vic .net but they did not activate my account and tried re registering but
they said a user already had that email address ((yes me )) ((( So it
looks like i never will be able to register .))) I live in Canada
about 20 minutes from the now closed Ford plant where they were made.
I also have a 2003 LSE. My car is a silver birch 2003 LSE , grey
leather ,(( all original )) , (( no mods .)) My dash is a little
different than yours it has GRAND MARQUIS where your clock is. Also my front
seats do not have storage pocket .
I thought you might like my
fender badge idea. The 2013 GMC Terrain has a chrome c pillar badge SLE but
you can move the letters. They are not attached to make LSE.
Again car looks great !! I
am on the Marauder forum as MERCURY 2003 LSE
Jason
8/9/13
Hi,
I just bought a 2002 LSE and I love it!
My previous was a 1997 Grand Marquis and it was quite
nice.......But this 2002 is great.
The LSE reminds me of my 1962 Pontiac Gran Prix!
But the 2002 LSE is much more modern.
I plan to keep this LSE for a long while and I would like
to know more about the build and history of this car.
Are there any clubs or groups that can provide more information?
Now I have a feeling that my engine may be in trouble and
every where I check the later engines are not interchangeable with the 2002.
I would like to know what engine I can just drop in, in case my 2002
is bad. I
would like a 2006 or 2007 (or newer) to put in. This way I
can keep this car longer.
If I got the later engine, I would opt for the
transmission as well, to keep it all the same.
Another question, when did Ford/Mercury stop making the
LSE (floor shift version)? That
would be the car I hope to get in the near future.
I just like the way my 2002 handles and rides.
I would like the Marauder, but it is mostly in Black and I
prefer the lighter colors, mine is a forest green goldish color.
I do not know the exact color name......anyway it looks good.
Thanks for listening.
7/10/13
Hello!
I just bought a 2003 LSE, am very pleased so far! It came with Mich
HydroEdge tires, but I see one of them has a bubble on the sidewall, so for best
handling, I think I'll need to replace all 4. Do you still like and use the
Turanza? My garage mech has Sumitomo Touring LSTs on his regular Grand Marq, and
his boss uses them on his Crown Vic/Grand Marq taxi cabs. But he'll get me
anything I want. Any recommendations?
Clay
11/14/12
Hello there Sir,
I'm the owner of a 2001 version of this automobile. I was working at Venice
Lincoln Mercury in Venice, Fl. back in 2005 and sold the one and only '05
Grand Marquis LSE I saw, had to go all the way to Hollywood, fl. to pick it
up. Are you selling your car? Please give me a shout, I'd love to chat with
you about this?? Mine is about all wore out and I still Love It!
8/20/12
I have a 2003 LSE I we bought new off the showroom floor but it did not come
with the “LSE” emblem on the sides. Only states Grand Marquis LS at the
rear. Was the “LSE” side emblem on the 2003 and if so, where could I get on?
Never noted it until I saw your post. No sun roof, no stacking CD and no
heated seats but full size spare, full leather, 1/2 rag top roof and
driver/passenger air bags. I guess all other option are in place. THANKS,
7/20/12
Hello My name is Denny and I live in New Jersey
about 40 miles north of Atlantic City. I was surfing the web and found your
great website about the LSE. We bought the same identical car back in
January of 2003 and still own it. At the present time the car has about
108,000 miles on it. I was wondering if you had any additional information
about the shocks on the car. I find that the ride has diminished somewhat
over the past few years and I am looking into replacing all the shocks on
the car. I am also considering a new set of tires. I am currently on my
second set. I have had the rear shocks checked and they seem to be
working properly, but the ride is not what it was compared to when it was
new. Can you possibly help me with this problem ? thanks
6/18/12
I am buying a 2003 Grand Marquis. I believe it is an LSE,
after reading your site. It has twin tailpipes and the floor shifter but no
LSE badges on the front fenders.
Did you add yours? It is possible that the previous owner
removed them, but I surmise that they did not come on the 2003's.
I have NEVER seen a Grand Marquis with a floor shifter.
Mercury Marauder, of course, but never on a Grand Marquis.
The car is in another state and I will not see it in
person for a few days. Your input would be appreciated. The dealership
selling it has no idea what they have!
Sincerely,
4/23/12
your car.
honestly, you have t-h-e nicest mgm i have ever seen. the
mgm spoke wheels are especially nice.
normally, the mgm has a to much chrome for me but it looks
good on your car. what a keeper !!
cvn.net
user1
3/13/12
Where did you get your LSE badges? I'm looking for some, and the only
one's I've seen are from a Suburu, and a Lincoln.
Also, do you know
who might make replica floor mats? My car must not have the orginal
floor mats, but I do have the orginal window sticker showing the LSE option
:D
Thanks,
Joe
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