Ford Cougar (1998 - 2002) 2.5 V6 24V 3d (1999/T) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Wanted a Mustang, but couldn't afford one.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They liked the styling, and were comfortable travelling in it.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No. Mechanically this is a dreadful design. Even simply trying to get to the fuse box involves removing most of the dashboard as it is buried behind the glove box (as all cars were converted to RHD having been built as Mercury Cougars). They are also now getting long in the tooth, so are likely to be suffering increasing failures - all of which will be a pain to repair due to the design flaws.

What are you likely to buy next?

I went for a Toyota Celica, which performed better, was just as comfortable, more economical and easier to work on.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£750

When did you buy the car?

October 2009

Did you get a good deal and why?

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Wanted to own a "Top Gear" car, and try out a V6 engine - and most reviews seemed to suggest that this was a good option.

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

When it worked it was fantastic, and I was thinking about keeping it - but it was constantly going wrong - which rather spoiled the experience.

What's it like to park?

Nasty - rear view is very poor and it is a long car.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Hell yes. Lights started to flicker, leading to a new alternator being needed (with the alternator being located on top of the axle, with the exhaust wrapped round it, making it almost impossible to access). Then a wiring conversion was needed to stop the flickering. Then the head gasket failed.

What's most practical about your car?

Comfortable cabin and amazing leather seats.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Was a well-equipped car, and the cabin was a pleasant place to be all round.