1994 Mercury Cougar XR7 V8 review from North America

There were a few problems with the car when I bought it.

First, the A/C didn't work. Bad compressor. In 119 degree heat, this was a real bummer with leather seats and black interior trim.

Second, there was a transmission click. Every time I stopped, the tranny would make a sort of clicking sound.

The ABS system didn't work, the airbag light was on, the coolant tank sensor didn't work and the engine hesitated.

However, those problems were remedied (-A/C) after an oil change, new fuses, spark plug and wire change, and transmission filter change.

Since I spent about $40 on total repairs to a $500 car and now it drives like a dream, I consider it to be a good car.

This car had the snot beat out of it as everything on it was worn, cracked, broken, or old.

When I got the car, it got bad gas mileage, wasn't running right, or driving smooth.

So I decided to change the oil, and what happened? A black sludge came out instead of a brown smooth liquid. This oil must have been 50,000 miles old. So after running 20 quarts of oil through it, it ran much better, but not perfect.

Then I changed the spark plugs and wires (A real chore). Even though it took me 4 hours, it was well worth it. The car ran super smooth after that.

Then after the transmission fluid and filter was changed, it ran like a brand new car.

20-31 mpg, super quiet, classy looking (except with the missing paint and grille), and reliable!

I love this car, and it's the safest car I have owned. I, uh, crashed head on with an aluminum bodied vehicle at 95 mph. Total impact was about 160 mph and guess what?! I drove off the scene after the police left. My car still runs great! Lord knows how, but I managed to walk away from the accident with my car!

So, despite my massive crash, running on old oil for way too long, and beating the crap out of it while I drive it, it still is an incredible car. I donated it to my cousin who needed a car, and I miss it.