Hello from (Northern) Virginia!

[Bengal55]

Hey everyone.

Been a long time lurker, first time poster and I think it's time I finally got my account and introduced myself.

I finally picked up my newest toy this past week after literally months of searching, a 2002 Cougar 35th Anniversary edition. I've been a fan of the Cougar ever since I saw them on the roads in 99'. I never thought I would actually ever own one, that all changed when gas prices started hitting $3.50 a gallon around here. My primary (now secondary) car is a 2003 Explorer (v8) that gets about 13mpg, while I still love that SUV like no other, I just can't keep commuting in that daily with that much in gas prices. So enter the Cougar....which solves a few of my wishes for a sporty good looking car with 20mpg city.

The interesting thing about the NoVa area is the fact it's almost void of any Cougar's on the road. I seem to find a few at dealers, but these have almost always been in horrible condition. This past week I finally saw a promising lead on Cars.com. That promising lead turned into my new Cougar.

Here's a bit about the car:
Year: 2002 (MFG: 2002)
Trim: 35th Anniversary Edition
Color: Satin Silver
Mileage: 82,000
Price Paid: $7000.00
Transmission: Automatic
Options: I believe it has all options except leather seats & moon roof.

My goal was a good looking coupe that I could have fun with, possibly modify, and get 20 or greater MPG city with a v6. I believe I achieved that goal quite well.
I do plan to make some modifications to the car, but not as many as I originally planned. I would like to make myself clear right now. I am not a fan of "ricer's" I personally like cars that growl, have clean crisp powerful lines, and have power.. Not cars that buzz, may take flight at high speeds, look like Swiss cheese, and may catch fire if you push the wrong button.. but that’s just me lol.

My original plan (before I got this car) was to replicate the 'Concept S' Cougar. I am/was aware of the cost of that at the time. This would include the body kit, paint, interior, 3.0L conversion, exhaust, lighting, etc. But considering what I have now, I do not plan to continue with my "Cougar S" plans.

My new planned modifications:
Leather Seats
Exterior Touchups
HID (4300K) lighting
3.0L Conversion. (The current engine runs like new, so this may be a year or two away.)

Anyway, I do have lots of questions, and I'm sure after a bit more searching on here I'll be able to find the answers to them all. If you guys have any feedback/input for me by all means let me know what you think.
Btw I LOVE this forum, it has really helped in my research for this car!

Here’s a couple pics for ya, if you wish to see more just check my Flickr page:
Cars - a set on Flickr

Peace!
~B55

[Flyboy]

hello from Southern VA nice cougar, super clean....keep it that way

[thearrow]

Nice looking car, it will look way better with leather seats.

[tnkgurl]

That's a mighty spiffy car you have there. Almost like mine, except mine is French Blue and it's the C2 package! Welcome to the forums. Check out Capital NECO. We're mostly inactive, but could be pursuaded to become active!

[gamiller]

35th anny is a nice package. Enjoy your ride!

[DanoftheDead]

Nice car! Welcome.

[jerock03]

Welcome to NECO

[MOMO]

welcome!