Input Needed. December 15, 2008, 09:42:44 PM With my Cougar having so many small issues to deal with I've decided to get a DD and garage my 86 so I can do what needs to be done to it and still get around. I am thinking about getting one of the newer Cougars. there is a 2001 around here for around $2000. if anyone knows, what should I look out for on those years of Cougar? is there a certain engine to avoid? Were there major known issues for the model? I want something reliable, as I have to go back and forth from KC to St. Louis to help care for my mother who is dealing with cancer, and my 86 is really starting to have issues due to age and needs an overhaul. any suggestions would really be appreciated. Quote Selected
Input Needed. Reply #1 – December 15, 2008, 10:09:47 PM Look at ZX2 escorts. Lots of zip, front wheel drive, and the same 2.0 dohc motor as the newer cougar. There's alot more around and there cheaper. Quote Selected
Input Needed. Reply #2 – December 15, 2008, 10:46:22 PM we stopped selling cougars at work last year... they are big piles 'o ...... i agree with haystack.... if you wanna stay fomoco, i'd go for an escort or even an 02 or newer focus (i know they are py too, but it's one of those cars that if you take care of it, it'll take care of you)...... the escort will get you better gas mileage than a cougar or focus too..... just a thought :) Quote Selected
Input Needed. Reply #3 – December 16, 2008, 04:00:41 AM Careful on the Focus, the euro versions are superb but the quality didnt translate well here for some reason. I had a fuel pump go out and a wheel bearing explode all in 1 year. Look at these. Quality is Job 1 babeeee!http://www.automotive.com/2001/12/ford/focus/recalls/index.htmlhttp://www.consumeraffairs.com/news02/ford_focus.html Quote Selected
Input Needed. Reply #4 – December 16, 2008, 09:17:27 PM I have a 99 Cougar with the 2.5 and the biggest problem i have had with it so far is the trans axle at 110 k. If you are going to stay with cougar i would go for the 2.5 its nice for a six. Quote Selected
Input Needed. Reply #5 – December 17, 2008, 04:50:23 PM Quote from: Haystack;247708Look at ZX2 escorts. Lots of zip, front wheel drive, and the same 2.0 dohc motor as the newer cougar. There's alot more around and there cheaper.X2...........I am begging my youngest daughter to get one of these.you can get alot of miles out of these cars.My oldest daughter had a 99 couger and after it hit 115k,it became a money pit.I finally made her sale it,I could not afford to put anymore money into it. Quote Selected