WHOOPS! I buy a Ford / Mercury Cougar V6, but is it any good? Start of my journey back to a Capri
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- Опубликовано: 13 июн 2024
- Has time been kind to the Ford Cougar? With the Granada sold I had money burning a hole in my pocket, and this Silver Frost Ford Cougar V6 was only an hour away from my house. A brief exchange of text messages with the seller, price agreed and I was on my way to collect my second Ford Cougar… but would I enjoy the car as much as I did my first Cougar nearly 12 years ago? 🤔
In this video I take you along to view, drive and ultimately buy a modern classic Ford coupe, which could be the start of me trading my way back into a Ford Capri!
One thing is for certain, the Cougar is a rare sight on today’s roads and is something of a forgotten classic Ford… let’s find out together if the Cougar is actually any good.
Let me know your thoughts on the Cougar in the comments, please click ‘Like’ and subscribe to follow more of my car antics.
Thanks for watching!
----- Video Content ---------
00:00 - Intro (in the Rover 800 Vitesse).
03:07 - Travelling into Cornwall to buy a Cougar V6.
04:10 - First Look at the Ford Cougar V6.
05:00 - First drive of the Cougar V6.
11:31 - What’s my Ford Cougar V6 like?
14:33 - Brief history of European Ford coupes.
16:51 - My journey back to a Capri.
17:50 - Final thoughts on my Ford Cougar V6. 
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Ahhh....loved my Ford Cougar V6, in silver just like yours. I'd ALWAYS glance back at her after I'd parked up, a sure sign I was smitten! My car had the heated front windscreen, which was fab. I especially thought the seats were sexy in black leather, and the dashboard dials looked so cool lit up at night.
I own a cougar, and have for 10 years it's a very good car and albeit marmite there's lots to appreciate and the engines are an absolute peach
I even brought my son home from the hospital in mine
Thanks for the comment. Ten years is a long time with any car, but I can honestly understand why you’ve kept it… there’s very little out there if you are looking to replace it with something similar. Great engine, great drive and looks brilliant, plus they are comfortable. Hopefully you’ll have it another ten years. Thanks for watching.
Now this really is an interesting and cool car that deserves more attention. Personally I cherish my 1/18 scale model of it because it is as rare to find as the real thing, at least here in Italy
Thanks for the comment, it is good to know you like the Cougar. 👍
I happen to own a 1/18 scale Cougar.
Thanks for watching.
I started work in the local Ford dealer 1/9/99 as a 16 year old apprentice.
These cars along with the Mondeo ST’s seemed to get so much hate from the enthusiasts at the time. I always thought they looked smart for the time and when I got my license and could road test them for used car prep. I thought they drove quite nice compared to the older fords at the time. The prices of these one hated cars are now slowly going up in price
Thanks for the comment Chris - must of been great fun being employed at Ford in the late nineties, lots of nice cars coming through the garage! Thanks for watching.
Lovely car and a great decision to keep it in the collection. I currently own a mk3 Ford Mondeo Ghia X with the same Duratec V6 engine and I love it, the engine is fast enough, it’s wonderfully smooth and refined and sounds wonderful with that subtle V6 growl. My mum used to own a Capri in the mid 80s, I remember it well although I was only around 7 or 8 years old then, it was a silver 1.6 and I know she still looks back on it fondly, she bought it purely on impulse seeing it on the local Ford dealer forecourt and decided she had to have it being a fan of the Professonals and seeing Bodie and Doyle in theirs. I can’t wait to see your journey to a Capri but make sure it’s a 2.8i as that is really the engine to go for. Great video as always, take care.
Thanks for the comment. Your Mondeo Ghia X V6 will be a cracking car and definitely one to keep hold of it you can - they soon will all be gone! I totally agree about the engine and drive being smooth and refined, both the Mondeo and this Cougar drive better than some of the premium equivalents. Your Mum sounds cool... I can understand the impulse purchase of a Capri! Thanks for watching for the continue support for my Channel.
Thanks for the video. I am surprised and happy that you had decided to keep Cougar. I've owned mine for over 18 years now I believe and the only ever problem I had was a rusted rear subframe which was a pain to acquire. Might need to get another one just to be future proof :)
my wife had a left hand drive automatic v-6 back in 99-00. really solid, reliable car, but that automatic sapped the life out of the engine. other than that, zero problems over the 5 years we had it.
The 5-speed had long throws, but was smooth and intuitive and it allowed you to get all the power. The Cougar line would have been complete if they offered a GT version (more powerful). say maybe a high output V-6 with a turbocharger, better suspension, etc...
Thanks for the comment and for sharing your Cougar history. I do agree the car missed out on a halo type model, something really quick... but having said this, the 2.5 V6 is smooth and effortless, making long journeys a real joy. Thanks for watching.
I straight piped my 12 Fusion and I love the Duratech sound. Putting in cold air intake and headers very soon.
Thanks for the comment, sounds a nice modification on your car.
Thanks for watching.
Hi from Australia .Oh same color as mine !! It's a great car I love it ,it drives well and looks great . Mine is an automatic! It's quick enough it makes a lovely sound . I bought it because I wanted a Mustang but could not afford one .I bought it for 5000 dollars a little too much as you can pick them up for less over here . Not sure why they were not too popular . Still drives great !
Thanks for the comment and good to hear from a fellow Cougar owner. Nice to know your Cougar is still going well. I appreciate you taking the time to watch my video.
I have a relatively small car channel on RUclips, here in New Jersey, and I’ve owned two Mercury Cougars in the past. One was my grandfather‘s, which unfortunately he did not take care of and it wound up dying on me. The other was a 2002 Mercury Cougar C2 V6. I unfortunately had to get rid of that one because my mother has late stage MS, and I had thrown out my back and the doctor thought it was permanent. Fortunately, it was not, and my father was able to give my mother plenty of transportation after his retirement, so I have been looking for another one for some time. I currently own a fourth generation Mitsubishi Eclipse four-cylinder, and have recently made a deal to buy another 2002 Mercury Cougar V6 from a neighbor of mine. I absolutely love these cars! I did a full breakdown on my channel, Normcore Motors, of the Cougar C2 V6. Love your video! I would love to get my hands on some of the Euro-spec items you have for my Cougar. If you know any online shops I could use, I'd appreciate it. Keep up the good work!😊
I originally had a probe and the alarm on it constantly caused battery problems. We had wanted a car to travel the family from the UK to the Valencia area in Spain.......hence we could not trust the probe !!
So we sold it and bought a silver 2.5 v6 Cougar instead. It had every add on's and we owned it for 11 years without any major problems (apart from my ex wife crashing it once...thanks to a spanish tractor forcing her off the road !!!). The biggest problem in spain was having to order new tyre's about 6 weeks before you needed them ( from germany). She made the trip (about 1,500 miles each way) uk to Spain about x12 times and was a delight to own. She would cruise all day at 100 MPH (with good mpg) on the toll roads (she could go to about 145 mph max for over taking) and excellent for touring around. She was a pretty big car and it could be difficult moving around in little narrow roads in spanish or french towns.
I would advise anyone to use on a longer trip with a really good size boot and we never had any problems with storage.....the footwell's were large anyway for a bag etc. My kids loved it in the back as well....maybe not so good for a couple of 6ft adults in the back though, in the back !!
Was the best car our family ever owned........just get your services done on time and dont thrash it. A 6th gear would of helped but never a problem really on a car with that top speed.
Thanks for the comment and for sharing your history with the Cougar - sounds like you made some amazing memories in your trusty Cougar. Thanks for watching the video.
Fantastic, I love your channel and enthusiasm for cars of this great age. I agree, it is a keeper and another great blue oval- so many!
Thanks for the comment, I am so pleased you enjoy my videos - thanks for the support, I appreciate it. My enthusiasm and therefore car collection has no bounds, but sadly my wallet does; however, this Cougar is staying! Thanks as always for watching.
Had a blue 2.0 Cougar for 7 years, fabulous car
Thanks for the comment and sharing your 7yr experience of owning a Cougar. I completely agree - fabulous cars. Thanks for watching. 👍
I had one of the last 2.5 V6 Cougars and loved it. Really missed it when I traded it in.
Thanks for the comment. Sounds a similar story to me, I a blue Cougar ten or so years ago and always wanted another... and then this one popped up, so I jumped on it. Thanks for watching.
It dose look like a cross between a probe and Mondeo, those were strange but good times at Ford with the Probe,Puma and Cougar.. I'm a massive car nut but always love a hot hatch, that Rover your going to sell is stunning ! The 3 cars in the z series were brilliant ! The ZS hung around in the BTCC for years. Great video 👍🏴
Thanks for the comment Phil. I agree, whilst they we not the 'golden years' for Ford (that was a decade or so earlier), the late 90s / early 00s Ford are brilliant and beginning to find their place as modern classics. I love the hot hatches, as you'll see from my Channel, and I really like the MG ZR... but I do also have the Rover 200Vi and Rover 25 GTi, and whilst you can't have too much of a good thing I do believe the ZR160 can be used, improved and enjoyed by someone else... I will miss it though. I still have my MG ZT260 V8 and MGF Trophy 160, so lots of MG Rover content still to come. Thanks for watching.
Well done Andy👍
Thanks Allen, I appreciate the support.
Look forward to seeing your Cougar on the road at some point. 👍
Love that cougar. Really nice find
Thanks for the comment, I'm glad you like the Cougar... I am smitten with it! Thanks for watching.
@@cornishcarcollectors love your videos and delivery. You are lucky to have the pleasure of driving so many lovely cars.
Looks like your grandad had a Mercury grey Capri laser like mine , very nice 👍
Thanks for the comment; he did indeed and it remains one of my favourite cars of all time - you have a very nice car. I had a blue one when I was 19 and will definitely be getting back into a Capri over the next couple of years. Thanks for taking the time to watch the video. 👍
Catching up 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Thanks for watching, as always. 👍
Since I am the owner of the only remaining original Ford Cougar ST200, I share your enthusiasm for the Cougar.
Yes, the plastic inside looks cheap, but it will last a lifetime. Yes, it has front-wheel drive, but the 6 cylinder is very harmonious with 2.5L & 170 hp.
Ok, mine used to have 205hp, but probably not all of them are there anymore. 😊 However, the ST engine is clearly different again, because before my ST200 I drove a "normal" V6 in laser red, so I have a direct comparison. In the meantime, I've only driven the ST a few kilometers a year for years, as an everyday vehicle, after the normal Cougar, came a Fiesta ST MK 7.5 - I'm an ST fan. 😁 Unfortunately, the ST200 is not for sale & a left-hand drive - so nothing for British roads. Sorry, but congratulations on such a well-preserved example. Needless to say, all your extras are standard on the ST200 (including the sunroof & monstrous trunk strut brace)😂. Here in Germany, just over 1000 of them are still registered and the prices are rising. So I wish you always a safe journey and lots of fun with the nostalgia of the true Ford Cougar. You like this car, so thank you for that. Greetings from Germany.
By the way, 238km/h is the top speed of my old V6 that I measured using GPS. The ST200 could probably do that too, but I don't test it anymore - it's far too rare & valuable for that...
Thanks for the comment and for sharing your Cougar history, and the fact you own the Cougar ST200... wow! Are there photos of your car anywhere on line? It would be great to see it. I've always been a big fan of the Euro Ford coupes and am glad to be back in a Cougar (and a Capri, if you have seen my other video?). Thanks for watching, I appreciate it.
I have two Ebony Cougs with ST200 conversions. One is a later (MY2000) that didn't need the LIM replacement as the bores were already the larger ones.
The ST200s weren't original Ford (there were only two prototypes that were supposed to be the Cougar-S) so I would be delighted to know your history and experiences of a home-brew!
In return, I helped build one of the few ST220 conversions with Mustang throttle bodies here in the UK. If you're still messing with the Duratec 25/30, I would love to share.
Hi Andy so sorry I missed this not sure what I’ve done 😂 well done on finding a lovely cougar I always liked them and also the puma (you could do with one in your collection!) they had some really stylish design and it was shame the cougar never sold better than it did new it still looks fresh now and that one looks in very nice condition silver was the brochure colour!
Well done on the plan to get back into a capri they are wonderful cars I have many happy memories of my uncles 1983 2.0GL he bought new and still has!
So glad you have decided to keep this one its a beautiful car and in a great condition look forward to the next one! Best wishes Daniel
Thanks for the comment Daniel and for sharing your views on the Cougar, which we certainly agree on. As you say, you could produce the Cougar (and Puma) now and both would sell such is the timeless nature of their design.
Look forward to hearing from you on my future videos, thanks for the support.
Very nice car , it's a keeper for sure
Thanks for the comment, glad you like the Cougar. I am smitten with it so it'll be hanging around for a decent while. Thanks for watching.
I have the st200 conversion x pac Cougar in black with official Ibac suspension, front lip, sunroof and quad exhaust. It sounds like a V8 as it only has a single cat now. It has the official American Cougar grill, Cougar s concept car spoiler with front cogar badge, Mercury logo on the back, Ford OZ alloy wheels with custom cougar wheel caps and people ask about the car as they dont know who Mercury are..This car gets so many complaints and sh** dose it rumble! 😅.
Thanks for the comment. Your Cougar sounds awesome, thanks for sharing the details.
Thanks also for taking the time to watch my video, I appreciate it.
Nice example of the marque, as you say I can’t remember the last time I saw one probably see two now this afternoon 😂. Good luck finding a Capri they are getting as rare as hens teeth, and I would imagine finding a good original un tampered with one that’s not been through the hands of a boy racer difficult.
Thanks for the comment Gary, it is good to know you think the Cougar is a decent one... I really am smitten with it! As for a Capri, well I am expecting the search to be a long one, but I would like to have another at some point... we will see what comes up over the next couple of years. Thanks for watching and do stay tuned.
Had the same car in blue with replica 5 spoke RS wheels and twin exhausts loved it and again wish i had never sold it ,still keep a look out and who knows if one finds me i may indulge again, great video new sub here.
Thanks for the comment Michael and for sharing your experience of your Cougar, which sounds a nice one. You never know... one may find you in the future and with this in mind I hope you do get back into a Cougar at some point. Thanks for watching, I really appreciate kind feedback and subscription.
Another great video and a fine Ford. I don’t think I’ve actually seen a facelifted Cougar in the wild!
Thanks for the support, it is great to know you enjoyed the video... I appreciate it. Cougar 2s are uber rare, but they do pop up occasionally on eBay and the likes. I like the rarity of the Cougar 2, but prefer the design of this pre-facelift car. As always, thanks for taking the time to watch.
Love mine. They do sound great with a resonated dual exhaust.
Thanks for the comment. I can understand why you do love your Cougar. Buying this one I have been transported back 12 years to my previous Cougar which I really liked. Stay tuned to the Channel and thanks for watching.
I have Quad 😅
Harrison Ford I love it ironically in my hometown of Wellington Ohio USA there is a car dealership that is called Harrison Ford
Thanks for the comment... it is not everyday you buy a car from Harrison Ford, but having said that it is in Wellington Ohio it seems! 😂
Thanks for taking the time to watch my video.
It was strange to hear Ford cougar because in the states it was put out by Mercury which is a subsidiary of Ford
Had 2 brand new as company cars, one red and one green. Then in 2015 a red one (Lazer Red, the best colour) came up for sale not too far away.
Low milage and few owners, so I jumped at it, and I still have it :)
Thanks for the comment and well done for buying your old car back. Doesn’t look to me that you’ll be letting it go in a hurry. Thanks for watching.
Still got mine. Bought it as my first car in from my first real job in 2010. Engine seized at 260.000 km and I swapped it out for a brand new st200 engine, added a Fox dual exhaust. Rest is stock. I took it with me when I moved to Germany from the Netherlands. Now it's parked next to its younger cousin, a 2017 Lincoln Continental, also built at the Flat Rock Michigan plant.
Thanks for the comment and what a brilliant history you have with your car, thanks for sharing. Thanks also for taking the time to watch my video, I appreciate it.
@@cornishcarcollectors was a great video. Enjoyed and subscribed.
I got a yellow xr7 right after they got discontinued at auction for a steal , with all the bolt ons available at the time I would spank all the other sport compacts on campus and even some old Camaros and mustangs. I absolutely miss it , gave it to my sister to drive until she got wheels since she just moved back home and someone hit it while it was parked on the street….total loss😢
Thanks for the comment and sharing your car history... what a shame the car was categorised total loss! 😣
Thanks for watching, I really appreciate it.
Love the car!!
I myself am trying to get all the cars I want but it's very hard whilst studying at university!
I recently sold my MG ZR 1.4 with 32k. I will be keeping my MG ZR TD, however :)
Thanks for the comment Jack, I am glad you like the Cougar... I simply could not pass up the opportunity to buy it. Good luck with buying your list of cars, you have lots of years ahead to do it over though so enjoy them (it is easy to focus on the next car when we should all be enjoying the one we have!).
The MG ZR TD is a fantastic car and the quickest in the range... look after it!
@Cornish Car Collectors Yes! The ZR is remapped to 150hp it goes very well!
I will be looking for a Subaru WRX sports wagon (bugeye) next!:)
Might have to keep the ZR TD - it only needs the paintwork sorting out.
I love your man maths... these look totally undervalued and pretty rare. You can't keep them all but I'm torn between a Puma and ne of these. Like you I love that period of new edge styling when Ford was totally on fire will some landmark models...
Thanks for the comment and continued support. 👍
I think more Pumas will be saved, but equally they are more universally liked. I do not believe the Cougar will ever be a big money car, but it will be something of a rarity and unlikely ever to be seen again.
Thanks for watching.
I love the look of the Cougar, it was such a forward thinking design, maybe a little too ahead of it's time in the late 90's, but I found it flawed, I had a 1999 model about 10 or 12 years ago I bought from a dealer for peanuts I was working at, at the time, sadly it was the 2.0 4 pot not the V6 and was absolutely gutless, and it took me ages and ages to move it on, at the same time I had a 2 owner really low mileage 1996 Honda Prelude 2.2 vtec, which was superior in every respect, spent a few £££'s fixing it up, loved that car and should never have sold it.
Thanks for the comment. I think your appraisal of the Cougar is spot on... it looked great, well ahead of its time, but the actual drive and feel of the car just fell short. The V6 does drive better than the four-cylinder, but I reckon your Prelude would have pipped it. Appreciate you taking the time to watch, thanks.
Nice. I have been an owner for 10 years. I like the round flowing design. How do you deal with tires when you can no longer buy them (215/50)?
Thanks for the comment and well done for owning a Cougar for 10 years. 👍
Not had to buy tyres for this car yet, but I'll be sure to look into it when the time comes.
Thanks for watching, I hope you enjoyed the video... please check out the update video on the Cougar I made last week.
Hi lads anyone have a chirping tapping noise before..i can see a exhaust leak from the manifold..belt is good... very very annoying
I had one of the these. V6 was the same engine as the ST24 which performed better in my opinion. All disappearing fast!
Thanks for the comment, it is good to hear from someone who has owned a Cougar. Appreciate you watching, thanks.
How much did this set you back? I own a 95 Probe GT and thinking about adding this to the collection as well. There’s a V6 that I talked down to $3000 AUD but not sure yet. Cheers from Australia!
Thanks for the comment George. I paid £1,550 for the Cougar which I think is great value, what do you think? The Cougar would be a great 'garage mate' for the Probe. Thanks for watching from Australia.
@@cornishcarcollectors You definitely got a good deal! Went to test it out today and this one was a bit too rough, had to pass it up which was a shame! There’s others going for around $9k but that’s a bit more than I was wanting to spend (gotta love that Aus car tax). The duratec v6 definitely has some kick, not sure if I prefer it over the Mazda KLDE in the Probe tho
Great car and video as always. I have 3 jaguars and I’m looking to sell my XJ. I wondered if you would be interested in adding it to your collection or knew of anyone looking for a classic XJ? If not where is best to advertise it? EBay, Facebook or Auto Trader? It’s a 2005 4.2 XJ8 long wheel base in ultra violet blue. Cheers
Thanks for the comment, glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for supporting the Channel. Having three Jaguars is a nice problem to have and your XJ8 sound lovely - feel free to send me a few photos of it on Instagram or Facebook. Not sure whether I have the cash or space for another Jaguar right now, so as for selling it I have found Facebook MarketPlace very easy to sell cars through over the past few months (it has taken over from eBay for me). Otherwise, eBay remains a good place as cheaper than AutoTrader. Good luck with the sale and do share some photos if you get chance. Thanks for watching.
I must admit that whike i am a massive ford fan from this era i just dont like these cougers and probes.just to japanese looking inside to me.much prefer your sierras,your wscort and focuses and the granada.looks like a nice one for what it is tho.
Thanks for the comment Ivan. I do not think you are alone in your views on the Cougar and Probe - they have always been something of an acquired taste and largely neglected by modern classic collectors / owners (which I understand). I do like them and am enjoying this one, but it'll never be a 'big money' car for the same reason you are not a fan. Appreciate you watching, thanks.
Would it take much work to put a 6 speed box in to it ?
Thanks for the comment. I suppose it could be done and it would transform the car at high speed cruising, but I'd prefer to keep it original and with only 5 gears the Cougar is still achieving over 30mpg. Thanks for watching.
@@cornishcarcollectors I subscribed too. Although I have been watching ya videos for a while now - you have a mint car collection!
For most EU countries, the odious government taxes were (are) too high on 2.0+ engines.
Smaller, faster, cheaper hatches sold more than gorgeous GT coupes, because of this.
Sickening way to hamstring a country's automotive industry, but there it is....
Thanks for the comment. It really is a shame many EU countries do not get the bigger engined cars. Thanks for taking he time to watch my video, much appreciated.
33mpg? I got about 20 in mine. Worst car I've ever owned, thirsty, not very fast, handled like a boat. Total sh*t box lol
Thanks for the comment and for sharing your thoughts and experience of a Cougar. I agree they are not fast, but are effortless... and as for 20mpg, you must have been flatout everywhere you went! 🤣
Thanks for watching.