After enjoying every minute of ownership of my Lightning, I may have to get something different that will allow me to carry a few more passengers. The L have been absolutely flawless and has given me probably the most fun for the $$$ spent, but sometimes compromises have to be made.

There are two other vehicles that I'm considering as possible replacements for the L:

2003 Mercury Marauder
Pros:
Roomy (sits 5 people very comfortably)
Good Power
Looks Good

Cons:
It's not a Lightning

or

2002 Harley Davidson F150
Pros:
Sits 4 people
Great power - I could use my 4 lb lower and a 2 upper to bring it up some more
Can re-use most of my mods from the L
Has small cargo bed to carry stuff

Cons:
Looks good but not as good as the L
I don't like all the HD badges, pin stripping, or wheels

I can get both vehicles with X-Plan for about the same money but I'm having a tough time deciding which.

What do you all think?

Thanks,
JC
01 Lightning
00 GT Vert
97 Cobra

 

Since you liked your Lightning so well and the HD is the most like the Lightning, I'd say go with the HD. Plus, as you said, as an added bonus you can reuse some mods.

 

Then again, you could go with the Marauder, and be a little different than everyone else............you know that at some point you should be able to bolt on a Vortech S-trim on there.......that'll give you some serious OOMPH!!! If I didn't buy a L, I'd be looking at a Marauder for sure

JC

 

Personally, I would have to do the HD. I do like the Maruader a lot though.

The HD is much more useful if you need to pull a trailer or haul something.

 

I like the Maruader i think it looks awesome. Plus im sure there will be mods coming out for it. The HD's are nice and they new ones do have the Lightning Engine ,which please dont get me started on that, at least its detuned . Plus i really like that new grey color for the harleys. It really all come down to do you want a car or truck. Since they both offer plenty of more room for you.

 

I like the Marauder, but I would wait for an '04 if you can hold out that long. The '03 is only 302 hp, and the torque is less than the old Impala SS. End result? A '96 Impala SS is quicker off the line. The '04 is supposed to have a blower and push 340- 350 hp.

 

I'm going to test drive the Marauder tomorrow and maybe drop by the local FORD dealer to see the HD up close...

This one is going to be a tough decision !!!

I'm going to miss the L a whole lot...

JC

 

I don't see why you just don't keep the Lightning.
Put some straps in the back for passengers to hold on to.
Also run a cord back there attached to a bell so,
they can ring it when they want to get off.

Problem solved.

 

Yes, that would solve the problem nice and easily!

 

Go with the Harley. You said it yourself about the mods. Reuse them and you will still have a seriously fast truck. And for the wheels and badging etc., they are nothing that can't be remedied.

JMO

Pete

 

I'd say Harley. That Dark Shadow Gray looks killer. Re-use your mods and enjoy similar performance. Like others said the badging, pinstripes and wheels can be changed.
Jeff

 

The HD would be my choice to nearly match power and add two big seats; but, if you can settle for less power and go the luxo pretty powerful black sedan thing, that Maruader is freakin' beautious!

 

They are both really nice. Both real sweet rides. I like the marauder alot but it's not fast at all. I'ts the wrong motor in the car because it has no low end trq. Someone already said on this post that the marauder is supposed to be s-charged in 04'. I would wait for the 04' marauder if it will be charged.

 

Have you considered the new Cobra Mustang? 390 HP and 390lb torque ain't shabby. I guess you could seat 4 people in pinch. Maybe five?

Or, keep the Lightning and buy a low-end Ford product as a general utility vehicle.

I bought a Subaru WRX just for that purpose. Drive fast, seats four, and AWD for nasty weather.