Cougar 2.5 V6 , opinions, what to look out for etc etc
Discussion
Okay as some of you may have noticed I'm starting the hunt to swap the Saab for something a little less sensible (I am not having a mid life crisis) and after contemplating the Celica and the MX-3 my head keeps on getting turned by the Cougar and it's promises of V6 power at a purchase price of less than £1k, so anything I should know about these? Reliability (have one guy I know turning round and telling me they are stupidly unreliable), any better sub £1k alternatives?
farrendahl said:
Okay as some of you may have noticed I'm starting the hunt to swap the Saab for something a little less sensible (I am not having a mid life crisis) and after contemplating the Celica and the MX-3 my head keeps on getting turned by the Cougar and it's promises of V6 power at a purchase price of less than £1k, so anything I should know about these? Reliability (have one guy I know turning round and telling me they are stupidly unreliable), any better sub £1k alternatives?
Aren't they basically a V6 Mondeo in new clothes? In which case I'd say that's probably as reliable - whilst keeping service/repair costs down - as you can get? If you're after a 6-cyl, then E36 BMW's are pretty cheap now, and seem to be reliable enough.
Big Volvo? XJ? (A bit left-field but would be fun, RWD, and would probably be peanuts to insure compared to the more "sporty" options?
What are your criteria?
I've had mine for nearly 5 years now..........Bought at 33,000 miles and currently on 75,000. It's been incredibly reliable (touch wood) with only the alternator causing major problems
Parts are a little expensive, as many seem bespoke (Ie - the alternator and the strange Tyre Size)
As for performance... it's a lovely drive on a long journey. Extremely comfortable at speed.... but lacking excitment in town and fast roads (although my opinion may come from comparing to my old integrale)
£1000 sounds like a bargain, and is one of the reasons mine is being kept...... Its not worth selling for such a low price when it continues to go as it is (mileage down to about 5k a year). I cant deny I would like it sold and replaced with something more 'exciting'... but economically it's not worth it for me
Jonathan (2001 V6 Cougar)
Parts are a little expensive, as many seem bespoke (Ie - the alternator and the strange Tyre Size)
As for performance... it's a lovely drive on a long journey. Extremely comfortable at speed.... but lacking excitment in town and fast roads (although my opinion may come from comparing to my old integrale)
£1000 sounds like a bargain, and is one of the reasons mine is being kept...... Its not worth selling for such a low price when it continues to go as it is (mileage down to about 5k a year). I cant deny I would like it sold and replaced with something more 'exciting'... but economically it's not worth it for me
Jonathan (2001 V6 Cougar)
Garett said:
I notice you are in Lancs, I will be selling my 9000 2.3 turbo soon if you're after a fast Saab? Had lots of new parts on it over the last 18 months PM me if you're interested.
Interesting blog by the way
Cheers Garett, the blog itself is getting relaunched on the 1st as real life got in the way of me writing (plus wanted to update the graphics etc, so keep your eyes peeled) As for the 9000 that is very very tempting so I may very well drop you a message.Interesting blog by the way
As for requirements on the vehicle very simple
1. No more than 1k to buy (less is always preferable)
2. 2+2 set up is preferred (although a practical sized boot that can take a saddle and other horse riding related stuff is more important than getting in 4 passengers)
3. 30mpg +, I know the Cougar is the low end of this although again am flexible (and possibly actually beneath this)
4. Something with a bit of character - this does not mean a barry boy'd Micra, I have some taste.
5. Will be a comfortable fit for a bloke who is 6'4 and built like a rugby player.
See I don't want much really
farrendahl said:
As for requirements on the vehicle very simple
1. No more than 1k to buy (less is always preferable)
2. 2+2 set up is preferred (although a practical sized boot that can take a saddle and other horse riding related stuff is more important than getting in 4 passengers)
3. 30mpg +, I know the Cougar is the low end of this although again am flexible (and possibly actually beneath this)
4. Something with a bit of character - this does not mean a barry boy'd Micra, I have some taste.
5. Will be a comfortable fit for a bloke who is 6'4 and built like a rugby player.
See I don't want much really
How about a Cougar? 1. No more than 1k to buy (less is always preferable)
2. 2+2 set up is preferred (although a practical sized boot that can take a saddle and other horse riding related stuff is more important than getting in 4 passengers)
3. 30mpg +, I know the Cougar is the low end of this although again am flexible (and possibly actually beneath this)
4. Something with a bit of character - this does not mean a barry boy'd Micra, I have some taste.
5. Will be a comfortable fit for a bloke who is 6'4 and built like a rugby player.
See I don't want much really
Opulent said:
farrendahl said:
As for requirements on the vehicle very simple
1. No more than 1k to buy (less is always preferable)
2. 2+2 set up is preferred (although a practical sized boot that can take a saddle and other horse riding related stuff is more important than getting in 4 passengers)
3. 30mpg +, I know the Cougar is the low end of this although again am flexible (and possibly actually beneath this)
4. Something with a bit of character - this does not mean a barry boy'd Micra, I have some taste.
5. Will be a comfortable fit for a bloke who is 6'4 and built like a rugby player.
See I don't want much really
How about a Cougar? 1. No more than 1k to buy (less is always preferable)
2. 2+2 set up is preferred (although a practical sized boot that can take a saddle and other horse riding related stuff is more important than getting in 4 passengers)
3. 30mpg +, I know the Cougar is the low end of this although again am flexible (and possibly actually beneath this)
4. Something with a bit of character - this does not mean a barry boy'd Micra, I have some taste.
5. Will be a comfortable fit for a bloke who is 6'4 and built like a rugby player.
See I don't want much really
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