Mercury Cougar + Problems?

[zaydq]

First off, hello! I am from Canada, figured i'd introduce myself here(yes i know theres an intro section, but 2 for 1 combo) anyhow, i'm debating buying a 1999 mercury cougar with 168000KM on the motor, the guy has made it clear to me the sunroof doesn't work, which i am sort of happy about, as i've read the sunroofs on this car is crap. Now, engine wise, is this car worth buying? My dad says no, but he is firm on the fact that Ford is total crap and that it just stands for Found On Roadside Dead! now, he also says chrysler/dodge is crap too, and that american cars (with the exception of GM) are crap (i'm just restating his beliefs). Now the car i plan on buying is being sold $3000 e-tested + cert, this is the best deal I can find, and incl. are extras which interest me. I am only worried about the car being in the garage more than I can drive it, and i'm only a student, so i cannot afford repair after repair!

May I add that my mom drivers a chrysler, and we've had no problems with it since last august...not bad if a car is supposed to be crap.

Does the Mercury Cougar live up to the image of Ford that my dad so firmly believes in? or is he just recalling a bad time with a car or two and now considers all fords to be the same?

Thanks for your help, please don't flame me about Ford or any automotive being good or bad, i have no problems with any automotive company, was just giving background to what my dad's opinion is.

[skater]

Well, they are known for chewing up alternators. Take a look in the common problems FAQ at the top of this forum. For the '99s, the alternators, sunroofs, and if you have a car built after early May '99, the fuel pump, if the recall hasn't been completed on it (check the door for the build date).

The biggest headache you may encounter is that every time something does go wrong, you may have to listen to your father going, "SEE!!! FORD IS TEH SUCK!!!111!!!" Or something to that effect. And that gets old very quickly, even if it's the kinds of things that go wrong on any 9 or 10 year old car. (I had a coworker like that, except he was a firm believer in Honda and Toyota.) So you may want to factor that into the decision.

That said, I love driving my Cougar and wouldn't trade it for anything. I'll admit they probably aren't the most reliable cars out there, but there are plenty of vehicles that are a lot worse, too.

P.S. Re-reading what I just posted, it sounds overly negative. Keep in mind the car is 9 or 10 years old at this point, so you're going to have things wearing out - it's the nature of an older car, no matter who makes it. If it was well taken care of, you'll be in better shape, of course.

[ND4SPD]

Indeed. I have a 1999, bought it with 65,000kms, and have 120,000kms on it right now. The only problems I've had, are ones that I MYSELF have caused from being stupid

I'm SURE those people who have multiple alternator problems also have some kind of undiscovered wiring problem... A member from Ontario just had alternator #3 or 4 installed and they found that the wires were fraying from a plug.... got a new one, and its all better now.

The car is great, it handles better than it accelerates, but if you develop the strong attachment to the car that most of us have, theres always the option for a 3.0L engine upgrade down the road.

All in all, if its been safetied and e-tested and all that stuff, see if there has been a mechanical inspection or warranty (getting it off a lot, or a private sale?). I would go for it... I paid $2500 for my winter/daily driver, but I definitely would have gone for another cougar had one been available!

[zaydq]

Wow! thank you for the quick replies! I plan on going with our family friend who just so happens to also be our mechanic to inspect the vehicle. It is a private sale, and the seller has provided me with sufficient info in accordance to what has been replaced, where the work has been done, if the car has met all it's service dates. He said he has completed all the recalls on the vehicle and that he is the original owner. I am not too worried about accelleration, I just want the car because i feel like it suits me. I have read that it has very good handling.

I have taken into account that my dad will bludgeon me with how ford is so crap as soon as something as simple as a sparkplug may need replacing, but I don't live with my father, so unless he plans on calling my phone all day to spew his Ford hate, then I should be alright.

Basically, am I going to regret this car...or do most of you think i'll embrace it? I am expecting problems to arise here and there, but hopefully nothing with a costly fix. The car does not have warranty, as again, it is a private sale, but I will have it inspected to make sure its isn't a ticking time bomb.

[iceberg65]

is the one your looking at a 2.5L duratec or 2.0L zetec. the duratec is the most common.
I have a zetec cougar and its got 260K on it and have no issues. The alternator issue doesnt carry on to the zetec cougar.

and according to my dad, ford is the best and the other names are crap....its all personal preferance and brand loyalty for the most part

[zaydq]

Originally Posted by iceberg65

is the one your looking at a 2.5L duratec or 2.0L zetec. the duratec is the most common.
I have a zetec cougar and its got 260K on it and have no issues. The alternator issue doesnt carry on to the zetec cougar.

and according to my dad, ford is the best and the other names are crap....its all personal preferance and brand loyalty for the most part

Its a V6, so i believe thats the 2.5L.

[iceberg65]

thats right, just figured i would throw it out there
Ive had my cougar for a year now with no major repairs needed. just regular maintenance...and front wheel bearings, but the car came with them shot.

[zaydq]

Do any of you think that $3000 for this car is too much money or is it just the right price? I've seen them going for more, but i've seen a couple going for less with obvious problems.

[iceberg65]

Being in Canada 3000 is a pretty good price for a solid car. the price level in the states is lower then it is here. in Alberta they have been going for 4-6k in good condition from what Ive seen.

[ND4SPD]

Yup, for Canada thats actually a really decent price! I'm from Ottawa and I see them for around $4500 - $6000. I think theres a 2002 for around $8000!

I haven't regretted a moment in the time I've owned the car, and the more you hang around this forum, the more you will learn and the more you will like it.