Potential new owner

Tophat

Tophat

Active user
Dec 29, 2011
62
3
Chesterfield
Hi folks, I like the cougar very much but im no mechanic & am wary of taking on more than i can handle! Im fine with checking under the bonnet & simple jobs but not idea about other stuff! Should I stay clear? Also which would you recommend the 2 or the 2.5 litre for someone such as me?

Cheers guys
 
Firstly welcome. For the money, there are few better cars.

The zetec and v6 have their own plus points, i have had and enjoyed both.

Expensive jobs can be rear sub frame and front wishbones.

On v6 engines listen for bottom end rattle.

If you can go for a car with some history.

There is a lovely v6 for sale on here at the minute for relative peanuts.... pm 'cougar'
 
Hi there.

First off, your experience. I've been around here for 7 years or more and have seen a few things. This club is unique in that it's the only one which physically supports participating members with mechanical and parts help. Of course, you need to be willing to help others even it's just bacon butty duty. In that time, I've seen people who arrived here knowing zilch about cars progress to being fairly competent with tools and able to avoid being ripped off by unscrupulous automotive trade members who try to prey on those who don't know any better. You're right to question whether you can 'handle' this car in the running-of sense, but in this particular instance you'll be fine if you stick around here and get involved with the others. Their company isn't so bad so there are worse ways of spending weekends ;)

As for the car - the 2.0 Zetec and 2.5 Duratec V6 engined cars are much of a muchness. Both are fairly reliable generally but most nowadays will need some manner of ongoing maintenance fund as any 10~13 year old car will. The 2.0 Zetec is a bit easier to work on and a little bit cheaper on fuel and insurance (if you're young). The 2.5 V6 is a bit more powerful, sounds nice and runs very smoothly if you're used to Inline-4 engines. Try to drive both and buy whichever best suits you.

Hope this helps :)
 
Yes, thats very helpful many thanks. I have posted a reply to the owner of a cougar for sale so lets hope something comes of it! A bit about me - I live in chesterfield & have to travel 20 & sometimes 30 miles to work each day which I do in a diesel c4, very boring but good mph (60 to the gall). I thought I'd keep that but use the cougar once or twice a week & at weekends. Insurance isnt really a problem for me as im an old git and a librarian!! Sounds like a really good forum, I'll keep you posted.
 
Hi Tophat and welcome to the home of the Cougar. Get yourself a V6 mate, you can't beat the rumble. By the way there are a few of us who are old gits on this forum. Look forward to meeting you at some point in the future.
 
Hello and welcome aboard Tophat. Well as the others have said there isn't much between the 2ltr and the V6. Personally I love the V6 which is why I opted for one over 3 years ago and found a lovely one owner with very low mileage in standard condition. I'm not that good with spanners myself, but I must admit I have had very little if at all anything go wrong with mine. I have modified mine and I tend to use a local chap in my town for garage bit's when stuff needs doing. As others have said, try both then make your decision. I'm sure there are people within your vicinity that would take you for a quick spin in their cougs to give you an idea. I think once you hear the growl of the V6 you'll be smitten. Good luck with finding a nice one.
 
Welcome to the forum, as per the PM feel free to come view.

I've owned the 2.0litre and the 2.5v6. Given the choice I would go for the V6 every time. Insurance was identical for me between the two. Tax was identical. MPG difference is tiny. Power difference is massive!

If it's just a car for a few days per week as an enjoyment thing you've got to go with the v6!

Downsides as above are that the v6 is a tight fit in the engine bay so some jobs are a little more difficult. The Zetec had a fair bit of room round it which made maintenance fairly easy.

They're a cracking car for the money
 
Welcome to the forum Tophat, as has previously been mentioned, there is little to choose between the two cars in terms of cost, it is a no brainer really, the noise the V6 makes with a decent exhaust and induction kit is addictive. My V6 will return 35-36 mpg on a run which is more than enough for me.

I have a C70 Volvo as a daily driver which is a lot quicker that the Cougar but I only have "the grin" when driving the Cougar and I am always pleased to get back into it

You have plenty of members located around you so you will never be without offers of help or advice, everything you need to know about the Cougar and how to fix problems is here in the subscriber section.

Best of luck with your hunt, with patience you will pick up a good one
 
the 1 that "cougar" is selling sounds cracking for what he's asking for it, and not too much wrong with it either in my opinion, go for it "tophat". and welcome to the club mate (y)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.