Buying a Cougar before Xmas.

M

Mouser

Forum user
Dec 21, 2011
32
1
North Wales
Hello all,

I'm Mouser, well, on this I suppose. I stumbled across this site, in a search for reviews about these cars. Always liked them, but i've never fancied the 2ltr. I'm looking to buy a V6, over the next couple of days, as my previous car- a VW Polo finally bit the dust yesterday, in the form of the back wheel (and hub) falling off the car during travel. That was eventful, it ripped my exhaust off, the drive shaft fell off and worst of all i spilt my Starbucks Hazelnut hot chocolate everywhere. Not a happy bunny.

I've a few questions, as i'm useless with cars under the bonnet.

- Are there any common killer problems with Cougar V6?
- The MPG isn't great, which is fine, are they known to have 'thrist' problems?
- How are they for reversing, this will be my first non-hatchback car.
- I've seen a few cougars on here, where the red rear light casing has been blacked out or smoked? Where am i able to do this? It looks awesome.
- Also i'm after a subtle spoiler for the car, as i've always felt they could have done with one standard. What nice options are there? No big whale-tails please.

That's all I can thing of at the moment, i'll be sure to say hi and set up my ccount properely tonight, but i'm working soon. So i just thought i'd post this now, in a hope theres a few replies to come home too.

Thanks in advance,
 
Hi Mouser and welcome to the preverbal MADHOUSE :devilish::devilish::devilish::LOL::LOL:

cougar is a hatchback, but know what you mean it is a bit longer than the polo, it's like any car you soon get use to the length (mondeo size), Al aka pid_16v does those Graphics and many more, all good quality as many on will testifty to,go to one of his posts and click the links in bottom of his sig.
your right mpg isn't great but so long as you do basic maintance it should remain constant, however with any large engine if it developes a fault you could use lots of petrol but dosen't happen that often and onced subscribed you will see more on the subject and how to fix, also this is the place as no manuals were produced, and look at various members car to get an idea of spoilers and other mods

should say don't rush and buy any car, take your time and get one that's what you want, there are quite a few out there and you should be able to get one your after, with a few mods on that you want and that way will save a bit of money, cougars are now getting on a bit the later ones are at 11-12 years old there abouts, so just watch out for usual things that as you would on other car of same age, try to see if front wishbones are done as they are expensive compared to standard wishbones, browse the forum there are plenty of clues as to what to look out for​
 
Mouser said:
- How are they for reversing, this will be my first non-hatchback car.
Click to expand...

When the bottom of the rear window appears to be touching the wall, you have about 3 foot before something goes crunch. :)

This of course is not much help in those car parks that inisist on having stupid short bollards that dissapear from sight once the back of the car is within 25 foot of them...
 
Hi mouser, welcome to ukcougar.com, your in the right place for all things cougar related, as well as some crazy banter. You will also be able to find all the fixes you need in our subscriber sections. Have a browse around the open forums and get a feel for the place. Remember! ukcougar.com is the only workshop manual for the big cat. The one thing i would advise anybody with a V6 is to keep a very watchfull eye on the oil level, they don't like low oil. All cougars use the ST spec suspension so wishbones are completely different to the standard mondeo. The common test for the wishbones is to turn the steering so you can get a foot on the tyre and push. If there is excessive movement at the bushes, they probably need replacing or are pretty close to it, bearing in mind there will be some slight movement as they are rubber mounted.
Reversing: I always feel as if i'm at the point of an arrow but slightly right, if you know what i mean :LOL: and use the wing mirrors more than i ever did with any previous car, the rear view i tent to use for the last few feet of reverse parking, but like any car, you get used to it. Good luck with finding the right one (y)
 
Mouser said:
Hello all,

I'm Mouser, well, on this I suppose. I stumbled across this site, in a search for reviews about these cars. Always liked them, but i've never fancied the 2ltr. I'm looking to buy a V6, over the next couple of days, as my previous car- a VW Polo finally bit the dust yesterday, in the form of the back wheel (and hub) falling off the car during travel. That was eventful, it ripped my exhaust off, the drive shaft fell off and worst of all i spilt my Starbucks Hazelnut hot chocolate everywhere. Not a happy bunny.

I've a few questions, as i'm useless with cars under the bonnet.

- Are there any common killer problems with Cougar V6?
- The MPG isn't great, which is fine, are they known to have 'thrist' problems?
- How are they for reversing, this will be my first non-hatchback car.
- I've seen a few cougars on here, where the red rear light casing has been blacked out or smoked? Where am i able to do this? It looks awesome.
- Also i'm after a subtle spoiler for the car, as i've always felt they could have done with one standard. What nice options are there? No big whale-tails please.

That's all I can thing of at the moment, i'll be sure to say hi and set up my ccount properely tonight, but i'm working soon. So i just thought i'd post this now, in a hope theres a few replies to come home too.

Thanks in advance,
Click to expand...

Hi mate and welcome to the home of the Cougar. When you buy one make sure it has reversing sensors.
 
D1CKL said:
Hi mate and welcome to the home of the Cougar. When you buy one make sure it has reversing sensors.
Click to expand...

These were an option on the cars when new and are on a very small number of cats. You might get an aftermarket kit already installed but i wouldn't have that as an option to buy. Cheap and easy to install a kit at any time.
 
Welcome to the nut-house Mouser. :)

Mouser said:
- How are they for reversing?
Click to expand...

D1CKL said:
Hi mate and welcome to the home of the Cougar. When you buy one make sure it has reversing sensors.
Click to expand...

More importantly, make sure it's got a reverse gear. :LOL:

Good luck with your search and don't rush into buying one, just because you want one before Xmas. Make sure it's well maintained and everything works. I think there's a 'What to look out for' thread somewhere in the new owners section.
 
Thank you for the kind welcomes and sound advice. I'll be sure to keep an eye for some of the points you guys made. Thanks very much :)
 
Hello and welcome aboard Mouser. I can only echo what the others have already said. As for this being your first non-hatchback...all cougs come as a 3 door, however, if you don't want to access the boot ever, then you can always weld it up! lol (joking....lol). As Tony (aka Lazybones) has said, don't rush to find one. There are many out there both in C1 and C2 guise. However, the only down side to the newer cars (those after March 2001), they have the bigger road tax bills, as goes on CO2 levels as apposed to the older models being taxed by their engine size (cheaper road tax).

Good luck with finding a good one mate. there are a few people from this forum over your way, in case you want any help with viewings - just put a shout out on here and I'm sure someone with a bit og Cougar knowledge will be glad to help.
 
Hi Mouser! First of all, a moment of silent reflection for the loss of your hot chocolate...

Secondly, I don't think that discounting the 2.0l off-hand is right. It doesn't have the torque or sound of the V6, but the Zetec is a great engine, easy-ish to work on, and pulls like a train. Like you, I wanted a V6, but I bought in haste (needed a car right now) and ended up with a Zetec. I still don't regret it though.

Reversing - especially into a width-restricted bay - was hell at first. Like you, I came from a hatchback background with their high maneuverability and little bob-tail back-ends. Visibility is poor and the way the rear valence pokes out below the reg plate is deceiving. But it's not a Lambo Countach and it's generally easy to live with. The only problem I found was the fact that the doors are the size of Kansas.

Body mods are limited. It was never a popular car and the modders took little interest in it over here. But there are options, especially if you're happy to pay for postage from the States for your spoiler.

Gotchas are things like the alternator, wishbones, and as cougarbob says, the rear subframe. I've hear some stories about clutches as well, but you should pick that up on a test-drive. Either way, good luck!

Lastly - point of order lazybones. It might technically be a hatchback, but it's strictly a grand tourer by definition.
 
Mouser said:
... and worst of all i spilt my Starbucks Hazelnut hot chocolate everywhere. Not a happy bunny.
Click to expand...

There's plenty of people on here with much more knowledge of the cars than me, so I'll just stick to welcoming you to the club Mouser - sounds like you'll fit in just fine!!! :).

We're a friendly bunch who love our Cougars and are always willing to share advice / tips / banter as appropriate!
 
lazybones said:
i know its not one of the silly little hot hatch's that are around :LOL:, but if anything its bodystyling classes as a Coupé :)
Click to expand...

I agree to some extent but...

*Shakes fist*

A Coupe' is a standard car whose roof-line is cut. The Cougar is not this. The Cougar is a largely new car on a convenient existing chassis, but designed for a different purpose.

I know I'm preaching to the choir here, but don't let yourself feel like you have to sell it short. The quality of the few I've seen is higher than the equivalent Mondys. The Cougar is a GT, and a proper one at that. (y)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.