I recently purchase my 2009 MGM. A carfax report revealed that it was a Calif Rental. Still it was in excellent condition and the price was right. I have since discovered that Mercury had 2 different LS models which are the retail model which is sold as new at dealers, and the fleet model which were mainly rentals. I have discovered these differences:
1. Driver's seat is 6 way power, but the front passenger seat is manual.
2. There are no Fog Lamps.
3. No Rear Speakers.
4. The Rear Air Suspension has been replaced with Coil Springs.
5. And this is the kicker.
There is a badge on the front fenders that say: ULTIMATE EDITION.

Apparently Ultimate Edition means down grade.

Would I have bought it if I had known this? Yes, it was still a good deal for the price, but I think Ford should issue a recall and pull the Ultimate Edition badges off and replace them with DOWNGRADE EDITION which would be telling the truth.

 

ultimate edition is more of the sport version and not the luxury model... not all had air ride and such on them

 

It seems to have stiffer springs & shocks, as it rides a lot firmer than any Mercury I have driven. It does handle and corner a lot better, but it loses the Mercury ride quality.

 

I too have a 2009 GM LS 'ultimate edition', which means 'fleet'. I have rear speakers.

Personally, I can live without the air suspension. My Crown Vics had some issues with air suspension.

I like the fleet version. Price was right, and the leather seats are nice.