While my car was still under warranty, I had to do the following:
*Replace ALL of the weather stripping
*Replace the windshield (it was warped)
*Replace the catalytic converter
*Replace the starter (I think -- it seems like I replaced it, but after ALL I've had done, it's all fuzzy at this point!)
*Replace the alternator
*Fix the moon roof motor because it got stuck open
*Fix one of the side windows (it would not go up and down properly)
*Fix the door on the same side as the window because once I got it back from the dealer from the window being fixed, the door would not open from the inside
*Replace the radio (the faceplate would warp when it was hot and wouldn't touch the contacts)
***That's all I can remember at this point.
Since it has gone out of warranty, I have spent a TREMENDOUS amount of money doing the following:
*Replacing the intake manifold runner control
*Replacing the compressor clutch
*Replacing ALL of the O2 sensors (why does the Cougar have so many?!)
*Replacing the remote control (it quit working)
*Buying a new key ($60 for a key!!)
*Replacing the antenna (it was falling apart and although it still worked, it looked awful)
... Good grief, I can't even remember all of the other stuff - I am sure my mechanic has had a lovely vacation or two based on my repairs alone! :)
What still needs to be done?
*The front seat fabric is wearing out, so they will need to be covered.
*The seatbelt material is fraying a little on the sides.
*My a/c has a crack somewhere in the casing that is inaccessible without pulling the entire a/c out of the dashboard which is AT LEAST $300.00 in labor alone.
*My car has recently started to kick out of 1st and 3rd gear at any given time, speed, or reason. Nice, a transmission problem.
*The weather stripping needs replaced again because it looks SO BAD!
*The headlights need to be replaced as well because they are pitted and foggy and look horrible (unfortunately, Ford/Mercury will not just replace the acrylic -- you must replace the entire unit!).
*The clear coat on the paint is starting to break down and it looks like there are permanent water spots all over it.
Keep in mind that I LOVE my car and have done everything I can to keep it in great shape - regular washings, waxing, "nourishing treatments" for the trim parts. But, alas, to no avail! My car is like a part of me and I love it, but I cannot afford to keep pouring money into it. The repairs are not cheap and they are MULTIPLE. I am seriously disappointed and from reading the other comments, I'm not alone. I don't understand why Ford/Mercury won't go outside the factory warranty to help all of us out. It's obvious that the problems are not just with my car -- I see MANY similarities between my experience and that of others. Oh, Mercury -- why? WHY?
My car performs beautifully. It gets up to speed fast and drives smoothly. The gears shift effortlessly and it hums on the highway. It's a BEAUTIFUL car and it gets a lot of looks. People seem to appreciate the sleek lines and curves this kitty contains. I find the seats to be very comfortable even on long trips. The sound system is great and I love the "fit" of my car. It's too bad that I'm going to have to trade it in -- my beautiful Cougar -- because after 3 1/2 years of ownership, I can no longer afford to take care of it.
You can buff out the front lens of the headlights quite easily with a variable speed buffer and polishing compound.
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