jaytc2003

iTrader: (1)

As per title, anyone experienced the ford cougar both 2.0 16v and 2.5 v6 models?

If so any feedback on how they drive etc

Thanks
James

TopBanana

I haven't seen one of these in ages... they can't have sold very many

HankScorpio

One of my mates had one for about 6 months a few years ago and all I can remember is that I cracked my head off the roof nearly every time I got in it but that's probably more a reflection of me than the car.

jaytc2003

iTrader: (1)

cheers Hank be something to watch out for then as I am 6ft 2 - 6ft 3. they are just something I am looking at present as my calibra has just been written off so only looking to spend around a grand and there are a few for sale but you dont see too many on the roads

HankScorpio

I like them, I don't think there was anything offensive about them but they just weren't "the new capri" that they were touted as.
I'm also a sucker for pillarless doors

beef-on-the-bone

iTrader: (5)

the v6 sounds nice, or the one round here does

Spooky Mulder

Didn't they test drive one on Top Gear and when going hard around a roundabout got massive oil surge and disappeared in a massive cloud of smoke?

ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

Basically a Mondeo. Both reliability and drivability-wise. Fairly hardish suspension, and cocked-eyed tyre size (thus tyres aren't that cheap). Rattles come as standard, but generally pretty reliable if maintained well. Boot is huge.

V6 is a b*tch to work on, but generally the only thing other than general consumables that ever goes wrong on them is the water-pump (which in turn can blow the head gaskets - engine out job) . Which is a pain, but whilst its prone, its a not a common failure (unlike whats reported on the net) unless non-ford lifetime coolant has been used and not changed regularly. Ford use lifetime coolant (usually light blue), normal non-lifetime coolant (or incompatible lifetime coolant) has different acidity and silicone content, which can affect plastic parts in the cooling system..namely the plastic water pump impeller. Either way, something to bear in mind if looking at V6s with more than 100,000miles.

Gearbox on the V6 is the fabled MTX75 which in low power applications is fine, whilst this is a later improved ruggadised version of the one found in the very prone 130ps XR3, it still has some big-bears, mainly baulking in 2nd and 3rd (reluctance to go into gear, especially under high load, do not force it into gear - it will break the selector shaft inside the box! ) also idler gear rattle is awful on these when in neutral, but nothing to worry about, they all do that

Heated front screen can pack in/partly die. This can be corroded connectors under the scuttle panel.

Otherwise that is about it, its by no means a performance car - the v6 is pretty gutless. Makes a nice noise, but thats about it. All in all it makes a nice alternative to a Mondeo.

jaytc2003

iTrader: (1)

cheers Ali-B, have been thinking about mondeos as well but I prefer something a little bit rarer

ScoobyDriverWannabe

How about the probe ?

ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

Know nothing about probes barring its more of Mazda than a Ford. And the MX-6 seems to be better specced.

WRX Blues

Ford produced a limited edition Cougar called the 'Headturner'

Ford : EYE CATCHING CAR.. WILL TURN EVERY HEAD!

HankScorpio

Yep, turn every head as people recoil in horror and vomit in the street.

I prefer this one tho:
Ford : ford cougar 1 of a kind

Jamescsti

My mum and dad have both had probes at some point, both the V6 versions and to be fair they were 100% reliable, quite nice cars to drive although not hugely quick. Plenty around and can easily be bought for under a grand for a mint one

Fabioso

The "Probe" has got to go down as the worst name for a car of all time.

I mean "What do you drive, bud ?"
I have a "Probe"...............

That must have been named by a non-English speaking marketing type person surely............

GlesgaKiss

I drove a zetec one(2.0 IIRC) and it was a pile of sh*te IMO - and I had a 1.8 Zetec Focus at the time, which I loved.

The V6 might be alright, but I doubt it. Lol