Faults:

Overall, I loved this car so much. My only problem I really had was my emergency brake went out, but was an easy fix when my buddy did the labor for free. Besides the fact it is a complete magnet for wrecks, it held up very well. I had a manufactures paint job and it held up great. Super fun to drive, you have to get a manual. My final wreck with this car was having my driver side completely run over by a semi. The car saved my life, my side door was strong as nails and the roof held up as much as it could. I walked away with a scratch and I'm actually in the market to buy another one.

Faults:

The climate control chip fries out about every two years.

Transmission need to be replaced at 130,000 miles.

Alternator need to be replaced at 140,000.

General Comments:

I have to say that issues are not all that severe for the amount of mileage on the car. I have had larger repair bills on every other car I have owned.

Just need to keep up on the maintenance and it will run nice.

Faults:

Just shortly after purchasing this vehicle, (54000) miles... the sunroof breaks and the dealer quotes it at $1,300. NO THANKS.. three thousand miles later the fuel pump goes out... eight hundred dollars... new tires, wow $800??? for four new tires?? OK OK so then the brakes go... another 3 hundred. I'm only 19 years old, work full time construction and live on my own with my girlfriend.. I can't afford this vehicle anymore. it is in very good condition inside and out, and looks very sharp and get lots of compliments about it. the hang-up is I can't believe how much more expensive the parts are for this vehicle then others. ignition has already blow out... whats next? I wonder when it will just crank and not roll. I'm just waiting for it to die... it's a matter of time.

Faults:

Sun-moon roof stuck in the open position. finally got it to close, now I just leave it closed.

Wheel bearing and tie rod at 30k.

Trunk quit opening remotely. only works with key.

Wheel bearing tie rod at 65k.

Power steering seal at 50k.

Egr valve at 70k.

Phlegm gasket at 70k. (wouldn't idle in cold weather)

Stuck caliper, requiring new rotor and brakes at 72k.

Now it won't start intermittently, probably an electrical problem.

General Comments:

Love the look, hate the expense.

I am now in the position of wondering what else will go wrong with it. I am still pondering whether I should cut my loses and trade, or try to stick it out. Trading is starting to look real good, if I can unload this thing.

My finance has a 99 cougar 4 cylinder with manual transmission, and has had very few problems. I guess when you buy one, it's just a crap shoot.

From what I have been reading on this site, I see that many other people are in my same situation. SAD.

Faults:

Alternator, brakes, battery, tires.

General Comments:

I got this car in 2002. I had no problems with it for the first two years. Then in 2004 I had to have the alternator replaced. Then the battery a couple months later. Then the brakes, then all four tires. Now I am having the lights dim up and down again and the heat blower. I am seriously concerned that my alternator is going to go again! I will be so frustrated. How often should alternators be replaced? and shouldn't the dealership cover it, if they did it the first time and now it needs to be replaced again?