1999 Mercury Cougar review from North America

First month I had the car my catalytic converter went out and some type of flap on my intake needed to be replaced. Thank goodness I got the premium warranty.

Check engine light came on again for the intake. Another trip to the dealer and deductible to pay.

At 61,000 miles the alternator went out (3 months ago). Had to have it towed and was stranded in the snow. Again extended warranty covered for a $800 job.

Month later I find steering to be rather difficult. Some components in my power steering cylindar had to be replaced. Warranty covered, but that deductible... the next day the check engine light is on again and the dealer tells me that I need to cycle another tank of gas and if it doesn't go off bring it back!

Another month later (light still on, no time to take back to dealer) there is a wierd noise coming from the car while I am driving. So with the light and noise I take it in. This time it is the O2 sensors. That is NOT covered by warranty and two little sensors rang up a $500 bill. However, the lower intake gasket need replace too apparently and that was under warranty so how kind of them to waive my deductible since I was paying them $500 anyway!

The noise was still present so I thought maybe my brakes were causing it. I replaced my pads themselves (not easy on this car!) but that didn't help the problem. So I got an alignment and was informed it was my right front bearings. Again covered by warranty, but they are expecting me to pay the deductible even though I took it in last week for that problem and they did not fix it. I am going to fight this one shortly.

The trunk is difficult to pop and open without sprinting.

I often dump drinks in my lap when turning and not holding the cup in the cup holder.

The interior seats are really looking worn out.

The floor boards emit a lot of heat. So on a 90 degree day it is 110 in the car.

In a year I have had to replace all four tires twice. This is not cheap since the car came with enkie rims. That is another $500 for tires and that was a deal!

I love all the attention this car gets me and how I feel when I am driving it.

It is quick and stylish. I have a custom paint job that is a cherry red with two wide white racing strips and dark tinted windows- very stylish.

In the winter I have a Cougar Bra I put on and remove in the summer.

Anything else goes wrong and it is gone because I am broke!