Water pump & strut bushing replaced at 145,000 miles.
Starter motor replaced & Major tune-up performed at 144,000 miles.
Installed new tires at 130,000 miles.
Replaced front brake pads and rotors at 126,000 miles
Major tune-up, replaced all fluids, filters, belts, hoses, oil change, thermostat, 120,000 miles.
I have never loved driving a car as much as my cougar.
My last car was a 1984 Escort "L" Wagon. It was slow, ugly and handled like a shopping cart. It also cost me over $7,70.00 for repairs over the 5 years I owned it.
I will never drive another small car again. Even though the Cougar is a large car it handles like a vehicle half its size.
It's a bit slow with the standard V6 in some passing and hill climbing situations, but for the most part the power is adequate for everyday driving.
The long list of standard equipment too long to list. It has power everything, A/C, Cruise, two power seats etc. All of the controls are clearly marked and easy to reach for the driver, except for the standard Ford AM/FM/Cassette with it's look alike feel alike tiny buttons.
In the short time I've owned the car it has been very reliable and relatively cheap to maintain. I even obtained the service records for the vehicle from the previous owner and the car was pretty reliable for them too.
Hubby and I had a 1988 cougar until Dec 5th of 2007 when it was totaled in an accident caused by road conditions One of the best cars we ever owned. Very dependable, easy on gas, fun to drive. We really miss it.
I own a cougar, got it for about 120 bucks, has about 212k miles on it... things a tank. Transmission slips, engine runs rough at times and doesn't idle (stalls). Doors no longer open from the inside, weather stripping is coming down, speakers are friend, trunk doesn't open, hood was rusted shut when I bought her, constant door ajar dinging, struts are bad, and the mass airflow sensor is probably shot. Despite it's age, and millage this thing just doesn't stop. I'd recommend this car to anyone that can get one...oh, and they are amazingly fun to drive.