Buying On A Budget

DaveV6

DaveV6

Forum user
Mar 10, 2015
19
14
South-West
Hi guys,

I been on the lookout for a V6 Cougar for a few weeks now and I'm finding it harder than expected.
I'm aiming to keep the costs way down when buying, ideally I'd want one with at least a few months MOT and no major rust issues.

I'm really just wondering if I'm being optimistic in thinking I'm going to pick one up with minimal rust issues and with MOT for the £400 mark?

Do I need to up my budget to get what I want or will the £400 budget generally come with issues?

Cheers
 
Although not an impossibility, that is quite a tight budget. Something else to bear in mind - and I apologise if I'm making inaccurate assumptions about your finances here - is that they don't cost buttons to run. Granted the unkeep is nowhere near the league of something like an old Aston etc, but they are still a fairly heavy, thirsty car that will soon present you with some hefty bills if the general servicing and maintenence is overlooked. As I say, I may have read you all wrong, but if you're only looking to pay £400 for a whole car, are you going to be OK with shelling out around the same amount for, by way of example, a set of tyres or a pair of front wishbones if they're needed?
 
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to be honest i wouldn't expect any make of car to not have upcoming issues for £400..
but if your mechanically minded (or know a mechanic) you can pick them up for £400 and fix them yourself relatively cheap ,and there is always help and advise here if you get stuck...
there are bargains out there , as was said above these cars can be expensive to run especially if you have lead in your right foot like me or enjoy tinkering/modding.

if u want one that goes through an mot with no advisory s and looks great you will have to up ur budget slightly i think..
last one i saw which was spotless and had been very well looked after went for £1600 on ebay..
i hope you get the one you want as they are great cars that have a bit of the old ford feel that the new fords now lack.
 
I agree with Rich and Paul. Don't even consider buying a V6 unless you've figured in the running and maintenance costs.

These are old ladies, and they will keep going even if you neglect them. That's how good they are. But if you do that, you're no friend to them.
 
Mine cost me £700 and I must admit I've not spent much on it that I didn't have to. It's hardly a show winner and the rust is beginning to show so I need to get on to it once MOT done. Have you been for a look at that one in Twigworth? He might take an offer.

Chris is right about the maintenance, they will run on and on but a lot of them are on the cusp - bangers if not maintained, or show cars without too much effort.
 
Mine cost me £350 to buy and another £1600 to get her in the condition she is now in, still need to prep and coat the underside so I am thinking another couple of hundred, if your adamant to buy and run a cougar on a low budget it wont be long before it ends up in a scrap yard
 
All very valid and helpful comments :)

I got some research to do today to figure out if a Cougar is going to be the right car for me right now.

Thanks again all
 
Speaking for myself, I'd accept minor mechanical or electrical defects over bodywork problems. Parts (engine, transmission and suspension - the major things that can go awry) are relatively cheap even if sourced new, whereas body panels are now virtually non-existent. The wealth of knowledge and assistance offered on this site means that almost any mechanical electrical problem can be overcome wigh relatively little outlay on parts..
A rust-free body with no car-park dents is a rarity and worth searching - and paying - for.
 
I paid £450 for mine.
Only needed an oxygen sensor and a clean of ABS connector.
Andy W will vouch the car looks great.
Like new interior. Few small marks to body. Engine almost a silent purr at tickover, then roars when raced.

Needs an underseal, brake pipes emery clothed and greasing before next winter.
If money allows, I may get a low flat rear spoiler and the paintwork redone.
Apart from that, it was a bargain I think

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I did treat it to an oil change too.
 
Hi, new to this forum. Just brought a couger, 2.5 v6 atx, paid £1350 for if with x-pack , long mot & only 55,000 miles with ford history. Here's the twist, it was converted to run on lpg so happy days at the pumps. I would agree buying one for £400 and your be spending loads to get it up to scratch!
 
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