[brucem3]

I'm considering a white 2010 Mariner Premier at a local dealer that has exactly everything I'd like, EXCEPT that the dealer installed the side step bars which I really don't want. The salesman claims that they can't remove options to make the sale. I'd even be willing to buy it as-is and remove the side step bars myself but from my searches here it looks like the rocker panels are removed to install the steps so I don't believe the rocker panels are still on the vehicle. I guess a couple of questions:

1. Would appreciate confirmation that the rocker panels are removed when the side step bars are installed.
2. I can see the dealer not wanting to remove a factory-installed option, but a dealer-installed option?! Anyone had a similar scenario and got the dealer to remove an option?
3. If not, anyone out there in Florida with a white 2010 Mariner that would like to exchange their rocker panels for a brand new set of side step bars?

TIA,

Bruce...

 

[tang]

1. Would appreciate confirmation that the rocker panels are removed when the side step bars are installed.
2. I can see the dealer not wanting to remove a factory-installed option, but a dealer-installed option?! Anyone had a similar scenario and got the dealer to remove an option?
3. If not, anyone out there in Florida with a white 2010 Mariner that would like to exchange their rocker panels for a brand new set of side step bars?

TIA,

Bruce...

1. The side step bars and rocker panels are in fact two separate panels. You get one or the other. If you wouldn't mind a few days of awkwardness, there are plenty of people on this forum interested in a set and I'm sure a swap can be arranged. You would be riding around naked and without rocker panels though. :lol: The only downside to switching with an Escape or Tribute is that you end up with non-body-colored panels.
2. Now this puzzles me. Are they the OEM style or are they something aftermarket like the chrome bars? Usually dealer-installed options are, like, rubber floor mats, OEM spoilers, or window tint (with state law, obviously)... but I have seen some strange ones such as vinyl striping and chrome aftermarket wheels. Could be just because it is too big of a hassle (labor is a birch if you fir what I am trying to say) to go through the process or that they are too confident they can sell it to someone one who could careless or actually use the step bars.
3. See #1. =)

Hope this helps...

 

[brucem3]

Thanks, Tang.

1. Yup, I'd definitely want the white Mariner panels if I'm going to swap.
2. Yup, from what I can tell these are the factory side steps but were installed by the dealer. See pics.

 

[oskerb]

Holy crud that is expensive for side steps. See if they can at least cut 1/2 that or 2/3 of the price for the panles.

 

[tang]

They're only $350 in the factory! Interesting.

Holy crud that is expensive for side steps. See if they can at least cut 1/2 that or 2/3 of the price for the panles.

You could always tell the dealership that you will stop complaining if they charge you 50% of the cost.

Worse come to worse, you could always purchase a set of panels to paint and install, and then sell those step bars. You probably won't get that $445, especially since they are only $345 on FordVehicles.com...

 

[brucem3]

Thanks guys - great info. Maybe I'll see if the dealer will throw in a set of rocker panels for free or cheap, I'd get them painted, and sell the side step bars.

1. Anyone have (or can point me where to find) the part number(s) and pricing for the Mariner rocker panels? If the steps are only $350 then I'd think the panels are significantly less.

2. Did the 2010 panels change at all from '09 or even '08? Just trying to figure out who I'd be able to swap panels with.

3. Any central-Florida-2010-stepless-white-Mariner owners out there looking to get a free set of new factory side step bars in exchange for their like-new, white, Mariner rocker panels?
:beer:

 

[Dasha]

I love the Mariner in white! I don't see a lot of them around. :thumb:

Good luck solving your dilemma! Personally, I love the side steps but to each his own! :beer:

 

[brucem3]

Agreed - I really like the Mariner in white, too! And in sunny/hot Florida we probably have a few more than other places.

 

[tang]

1. Anyone have (or can point me where to find) the part number(s) and pricing for the Mariner rocker panels? If the steps are only $350 then I'd think the panels are significantly less.

2. Did the 2010 panels change at all from '09 or even '08? Just trying to figure out who I'd be able to swap panels with.

1. According to fordparts.com, the pieces are approximately $220... each. I couldn't find a whole part number/ID for ya though.

2. Nope, so any Mariner 08-11 will be able to suit your needs! You can also find Escapes with the Sport Appearance Package and then try to prime and paint those.