I need your Honest Opinion

[d4mo]

I am very interested in getting a 1999 MTX v6 Cougar. But I have read MANY bad things about the cougar. Lots of mechanical problems, and it being a money pit. So I need to know if all these bad things are common, or just a couple of people making a big deal about it. Please help.

[cougar0]

i have a 2000 cougar and have not had any problems with it

[HKSCougar]

As far as I know, that's not the case for most people... sort of. My Cougar is a money pit, bu tnot because it is always breaking or anything - just because I've put in $3000 of stereo equipment, $1200 of suspension upgrades, $1500 of transmission upgrades, tires, rims, brakes and a custom one-off HKS turbo kit. All the money I've spent is because I wanted to, not because I had to. But then again, any car that isn't properly maintained is a money pit. But many of the things I have done are extra and custom; custom=more money. The aftermarket is continuing to grow fo rthe Cougar, but it's not nearly as big as DSM or Honda.

As far as known problems, the biggest are the fuel pump - for which there is now a voluntary recall - and the alternator. Search through the boards here and look at how many members there are and how much they love their Cougars and the community we've built.

I say the Cougar is a good bet. Just make sure it's been cared for and you'll love it - go for it.

[wadespencer99]

I have had no problems at all with anything on my car. It is a 99 with almost 70,000 miles.

The things people have problems with are the sunroof if you have and earlier model, the fuel pump, and the alternator.

The Cougar is a fun, sporty car that is a rip to drive, gets decent gas mileage, and can always turn heads. Good luck.

[azbobbybooshay10]

Originally posted by: wadespencer99
and can always turn heads.

This is almost an understatement. I dont think I can go anywhere without driving by people at bus stops, etc., and people looking at me as I drive by. I can read their lips as they say "Damn" as I go by. If I see them looking early enough, Ill floor it as I go by and let them hear my kittie roar. If you are single, its a good car to try to pick up girls in, too.

[POSRCOUG]

I've had my car since 99 and bought it when it had only 8k miles on it. It now has 78K and the only things I've replaced have been the brakes and tires. Infact, over the last 5 years I've had my car, I can't remember a single thing that has ever gone wrong with it. And I don't exactly baby the car either.

[h8beingbored]

it is a good car . . . but like all cars you will run into an occasional problem . . . i have about 55k miles on mine right and have not had any major problems . . . the only problem that really drove me nuts with my 99 was those damn headlights fogging up . . . it is an awesome car . . . just be careful, once you start spending money on it... it can become addicting :cover:

[h8beingbored]

OH! and take a glance in the "Problems" section to what sort of things people are dealing with

[HKSCougar]

Originally posted by: h8beingbored
just be careful, once you start spending money on it... it can become addicting :cover:

Ain't that the damned truth. I'm going to have to go to a life of Ramen noodles and water again real soon here. I even quit smoking to spend the money I usually dish out for cigarettes on my car! Of course, now everyone thinks I'm a real PITA. Just wait till I quit eating . . . :biggrin:

[DeathMetal]

I have an 02, and have had no problems yet. I baught it new in May of 2002 also.

[r6gxxr]

I have a 00 and the only problems I have had were metioned already. Fuel pump(just replaced under recall on Wedns), damn sunroof(who knows when I'll get that fixed) and the alternator(trying to hold off due to low monies, too busy trying to upgrade performance!). Not sure if it just my area but everyone thinks my cougar is an eclipse. I drove into the Ford dealer the other day for the recall and even the parts guy thought it was an eclipse, lol. Wonder if he should be working there;) I have the SE which came with full wings west kit and there isn't a day that goes by that someone doesn't stare at my coug. The best thing is when they stare and you purge the nitrous, lol!!! That is just hilarious;)! I almost didn't even buy it until I sat in it, awesome car!!

[Nemesis]

I was really close to getting rid of my car, but in the end I decided to keep it because I just fell in love with it. There is just something about my car that I really enjoy. I decided to dump some more money into it to get it ready for next year. Im probably going to keep this car till the doors fall off. I have probably spent well over 25 thousand into my car, just because of how many times things have changed in my car and I dont regret one penny. I have learned a lot from it all, and from Neco. I wouldnt trade this expierience of these past two years for the world.

[Wild Country]

I haven't had too many problems with my Coog... had to replace the clutch a few months back and naturally I upgraded to a Stage 1. Then this past weekend, I had to replace the back brakes and get the front half-shafts replaced because I busted them when I was in a dumbass accident. All in all, I'm happy with the car.

[annej]

Chiming in rather late on this thread, but...I just had to say that I've had really no problems with my '99. It's the best car I've ever had. Maintain in properly, and it won't become a money-pit. Any car is a money pit if it's not maintained (previously mentioned, but I HIGHLY agree). I work for a parts store, and, it's true, the parts are a bit more pricey, but...just think of Cadillacs and whatnot--WOW. To me, this car is worth every penny I have stuck into it. I bought the car used, believe that it was in an accident, and it had a bent control arm. Other than that, I've only had belts, tires, and brakes changed on it. It needs a new IAC valve, but that really isn't all that much--not as much as you'd think. Easy to install, too. I haven't had any fuel pump issues, no sunroof issues...the car is *mint*. I also work closely with a Ford mechanic, and he told me that, out of all the Ford/Lincoln/Mercury lines, the Cougar is one of the most stable cars found (of course, maybe next to the Taurus, but why would I want one of those???).

I look at the prices of parts for this car, and it gets me down...until I get behind the wheel and SOAR past everyone on the highway (and I get those looks, too--and the car doesn't have any upgrades!).

[EricF]

I have a 99mtx... and I've been really happy with it...
I did spin a bearing on the engine(requiring a rebuild...)
but strangely enough... I'd do it again if I were shopping.