Buying a Cougar - Things to Check

Catamount

Catamount

Club Member
Jan 12, 2015
364
194
Shipston-on-Stour
I've been a Cougar owner for the last 10 years, but due to the extent of repairs my cat needs, I'm currently looking to see if it's easier and cheaper to buy another Cougar which is in better condition.

I got very lucky with my first Cougar, which has served me well. My knowledge of cars extends very little beyond the basics. I can perhaps change a tyre on a warm day. Bearing that in mind, is there anything I should look for/check when buying a used Cougar?

Many thanks!
 
Rear subframe can rust badly and are not cheap, sills rust so check for any signs, lower control arms can fail, plus usual listen for knocks that can be drop links cheap and easy to fix. Check all dash lights work as they should, be wary any ABS lights staying on. V6 engines pretty bullet proof but check the alternator light not flicking on under acceleration.Sure people will be along with more pointers.
 
Catamount said:
I've been a Cougar owner for the last 10 years, but due to the extent of repairs my cat needs, I'm currently looking to see if it's easier and cheaper to buy another Cougar which is in better condition.

I got very lucky with my first Cougar, which has served me well. My knowledge of cars extends very little beyond the basics. I can perhaps change a tyre on a warm day. Bearing that in mind, is there anything I should look for/check when buying a used Cougar?

Many thanks!
Click to expand...
Coming from someone who also doesnt know anything about these cars,,,, I'm gonna say check the rear subframe. What of the brake lines you can see. Front suspension components. And look at what of the motor you can see under there and see if its got crazy bad leaks.
 
Already been said pretty much but the rear subframe, the sills (especially the corners) front wishbones and the altly are the things to look out for

Whats wrong with your Cougar youve got now?
 
As above, most things have been mentioned but, HERE would be a good place to view to get some ideas of how bad stuff can be. Rear lower sills need special attention as rust here will affect the whole cosmetics of the car. Front arches can be sorted by simply bolting a replacement wing on.
 
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