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2004 Mercury Monterey
Invoice: $26,601 - $31,763
Miles Per Gallon
City: 16 MPG
Highway: 23 MPG
Body Style: N/A
Engines: 4.2L V-6 201 HP
For the first time ever, Ford Motor Co.'s upscale Mercury Division has a full-size minivan to sell. The 2004 Mercury Monterey replaces the Villager minivan, which was developed through a joint venture between Ford and Nissan and built at a Ford plant in Ohio. (Nissan's version of the van was the previous-generation Quest; it since has been replaced with a dramatically styled all-new minivan of the same name.) The Villager was never considered a full-fledged minivan. It was far smaller than traditional minivans and in earlier generations it was extremely underpowered and carried a hefty price for its smaller package. Ford Motor Co. is trying to breath new life into the Mercury division. However, it is doing so by feeding it vehicles that are basically Ford Division models. Such is the case with the Monterey, which is essentially a rebadged Ford Freestar, which in turn, is an updated and renamed Windstar. The Monterey is a highly competent minivan. It's extremely quiet underway, on par with the new Toyota Sienna. Its ride is smooth, and steering and handling are responsive. Its 4.2-liter V6 is the largest displacement engine for a minivan and delivers adequate power. It has an upscale interior loaded with features such as heated and cooled front seats, a third row that easily folds flat into the floor, and a park-assist system. Safety features abound, though some are optional, and the Monterey is expected to perform well in a crash.
Purchasing an older vehicle, such as the 2004 Mercury Monterey, makes good financial sense. You're able to avoid the steep depreciation rates that occur with brand new vehicles. This essentially gives you the advantage of getting a 2004 Mercury Monterey for less money than when it was new. If the 2004 Mercury Monterey was properly maintained, you also have a good chance of steering clear of problems that would have developed when the car was new.
The amount you pay for an older car depends on various factors. One important element is where you buy the vehicle. You're likely to get a better deal if you buy it from a private party, as opposed to a dealer. On the other hand, a reputable dealer will normally have some kind of limited warranty, so you can drive away knowing that if the car breaks down right away, you'll be covered. Another factor that may affect price on a 2004 Mercury Monterey is whether it's "certified" by the manufacturer. A certified vehicle will cost more because warranty service is provided that normally doesn't come with a used car.
Another dynamic that will play into the purchase price is the resale value. A used vehicle with a high resale value will obviously cost you more. It is expected that the 2004 Mercury Monterey will have a good resale value. This assumes that the 2004 Mercury Monterey is in good condition and has a reasonable number of miles.
Find a used 2004 Mercury Monterey for sale at CarsDirect.
