Faults:
Having read so many of these reviews, I'm glad I heeded the advice of the mechanic that looked at my CD player today. He warned me to get out of this car now that the 60,000 mile full coverage warranty is expiring later this week.
I'm afraid the person I'm going to sell my cougar to will die in a car accident when the car decides to shut off. Luckily for me, my alternator went as I was pulling into a friends driveway. Hopefully they will be as lucky WHEN it happens to them.
My problems with this car started when I had the transmission and catalytic converter replaced at 21K.
Next was changing pads and rotors at 25K and 45K.
After that it was the starter at 30K (fuel pump was covered and replaced here).
Let's not forget 2 new tires every 10 months, almost like clockwork.
And my favorite: the aforementioned alternator that could have killed me had I been heading to or from school.
If you are unlucky enough to still own a cougar after reading this, check out the face of the mechanics when you tell them you need your Cougar's alternator replaced; it's priceless! Pep Boys did a fantastic job, and they charged per job, not by the hour. The repair required them to lift my engine to access the alternator. It took them about 5-6 man hours. It was a steal at 400 something with a battery. It was also the only time I went outside my dealership to get work done.
Other Concerns: much of the same that everyone else has complained about; CD player issues, lights coming on, truck release, tire tread disappears in mere hours, and upholstery issues.
Nothing major recently, but all the more worry I have for continued ownership. I'm going to desperately attempt to lose this car before winter hits the Western New York area so I don't take the risk of being stuck somewhere between the two sides of the state.
General Comments:
I'm really glad to read about people with similar problems. I feel less like the idiot that the service people made me out to be.
The car is much like the classic smart lazy student. All potential, never lives up to the expectations.
Buyers remorse doesn't begin to describe the experience.
My smaller frame fits nicely into the seats.
People who say "no complaints because I take care of my car" need to be kicked in the head. This is no ordinary model we are talking about here! I feel I have escaped pretty light seeing that my warranty package absorbed much of my damage.
Best of Luck to all owners, especially the one that inherits my soon to be Pandora's Box of problems.
14th Mar 2006, 16:39
I have owned 3 Cougars and have got 200,000 plus miles out of all of them. Preventive maintenance and common sense will give you full enjoyment of this powerful, luxurious car. You can't change the oil every 5,000 miles and expect the engine not to smoke and burn oil.