1996 Mercury Cougar XR-7 from North America - Comments

- Radio went out in warranty period - replaced

- Intake manifold - front section was a composite, replaced with full metal manifold - had dealer replace spark plugs too as the car was reaching 100,000 miles

- Goose neck on gas tank - got a hole in it (super fast repair!)

- Power steering - rack went bad, took 4 trips to the repair shop to figure it out!

- Torque converter - started leaking, got it replaced right away.

- Heater core - also took the dealer 4 times to fix it right.

- Replaced mass air flow sensor several times and finally bought a ScanGauge so I can just turn off the idiot light.

- Body work: replaced door skins and front fenders: rust repair.

I've had this car longer than any other car and I love it. It is a great car. I've replaced the tires 3 times so far. I sometimes consider getting a newer car since I've had this one for almost 14 years now, but I am so disappointed with anything that is on the market now. I really don't want any kind of SUV either.

I've had one person tell me he felt like he was riding in a cockpit of an airplane!

Also, you wouldn't believe the things I've bought at Home Depot that fit in the car!

Plus I have towed quit a bit with the car. When the intake manifold went out, we had just finished towing something and were on our way back home with the empty trailer! Too bad it was out of the recall period! Just my luck.

All in all, the cost of repairs for this baby are way less than any monthly payments and so-called gas savings. I average 20 mpg, and if I'm light on the pedal (which is soooo hard to do in this car), I can get 24 mpg easily.

I have a 97 T-bird and it's running great! But now high in mileage 316,000 I invested $4000.00 back into the car over the 12 years ownership. It's a V6, I just talked to a mechanic and he is in awe that I kept a V6 running this long!!

I am now looking at a 95 -97 V8 Cougar and a T bird. I love these cars!!! And you're right, I can't find any car compatible of what Ford/Mercury made. There are good Japanese cars, but not like these cars. I will or might buy this 95 V8. I always wanted the V8, but now have a chance buying one for a low price. I may go for it again just like 12 years ago.