What year of Mercury Cougar to avoid?
The Mercury Cougar has a storied history as a stylish and performance-oriented vehicle. However, not all model years are created equal. As an experienced auto service provider, I want to share insights on which years of the Cougar may pose more problems than others, helping you make an informed decision if you're considering purchasing one of these classic cars.
Understanding the Mercury Cougar's History
The Mercury Cougar was first introduced in 1967 and went through several generations until its discontinuation in 2002. Each generation brought its own set of features, improvements, and, unfortunately, issues. While some years are celebrated for their reliability and performance, others are notorious for their problems.
Years to Avoid
Based on common issues reported by owners and mechanics alike, here are the specific model years of the Mercury Cougar that you might want to steer clear of:
- 1980-1982: These years are known for electrical problems and poor build quality. Many owners reported issues with the ignition system and various electrical components failing.
- 1999: This model year faced significant complaints regarding transmission failures. Many drivers experienced slipping and harsh shifting, leading to costly repairs.
- 2000: Similar to the 1999 model, the 2000 Cougar had ongoing transmission issues, along with problems related to the engine cooling system, which could lead to overheating.
- 2001: The final model year of the Cougar also had its share of problems, particularly with the electrical system and engine performance, which left many owners dissatisfied.
Why These Years Are Problematic
The issues with these specific years often stem from a combination of design flaws and manufacturing inconsistencies. For instance, the electrical problems in the early 1980s were largely due to outdated technology and poor quality control. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the shift towards more complex electronic systems in vehicles led to increased failure rates, particularly in the Cougar's transmission and engine components.
Conclusion
If you're in the market for a Mercury Cougar, it's wise to avoid the years mentioned above. Instead, consider looking at models from the mid-1990s, which tend to have better reliability and fewer reported issues. Always remember to have any used vehicle thoroughly inspected by a trusted mechanic before making a purchase, ensuring you drive away with a car that meets your expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does XR7 mean on a Mercury Cougar?
experimental racing
It's been suggested that "XR-7" is a cipher for "experimental racing," and there was, in fact, a team of Cougars prepared by NASCAR specialist Bud Moore for drivers Dan Gurney and Parnelli Jones to compete in the 1967 Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Trans-Am road-racing championship.
What is a 68 Mercury Cougar worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $23,420 for a 1968 Mercury Cougar in good condition with average spec. The highest selling price of a 1968 Mercury Cougar at auction over the last three years was $58,800.
What is the rarest Mercury Cougar?
1968 GT-E version
However, the most rare is the 1968 GT-E version, where either a 427, 390 horse V8 or a 428 Cobra Jet 335 horse engine sat in waiting. Only 264 of the GT-E models were ever delivered, most with the 427 although no official records exist as to the powerplants.
What years of Mercury Cougar to avoid?
Cougar owners have made 71 complaints about the 1999–2002 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 22nd out of 28 Mercury generations in overall reliability , with real electrical and engine concerns.
What is the most powerful Mercury Cougar?
Mated to a C6 Merc-O-Matic three-speed automatic, this potent V8 made the 1968 GT-E the most powerful commercially available Cougar ever produced. However, from May 1968 to the end of the model year, the newer 335-hp 428 Cobra Jet replaced the discontinued side oiler as the GT-E's standard engine.
How much is a 1967 Mercury Cougar worth today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $15,533 for a 1967 Mercury Cougar in good condition with average spec. The highest selling price of a 1967 Mercury Cougar at auction over the last three years was $54,075.
How rare is a 1968 Mercury Cougar XR7?
Only 619 XR7-Gs were made, so they are pretty rare. Also, for 1968 they offered a GT-E, which was a step above the GT package and fielded a 390-hp 427 V-8 mated to a three-speed automatic trans. These were even rarer, with only 394 being made.
What engine did a 1967 Mercury Cougar have?
Engine choices ranged from the 200 hp 289 cu in (4.7 L) two-barrel V8 to the 335 hp 390 cu in (6.4 L) four-barrel V8. A performance package called the GT was available on both the base and XR-7 Cougars. This included the 390 cu in (6.4 L) V8, as well as a performance handling package and other performance enhancements.
How much is a 1973 Mercury Cougar worth?
The value of a 1973 Mercury Cougar can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $13,825 for a 1973 Mercury Cougar in good condition with average spec.
What year of Mercury Cougar is the best?
If you are looking for a used Mercury Cougar, this list of the best Years is one you should keep an eye on.
- 1967 Mercury Cougar (Best Years)
- 1968 Mercury Cougar (Best Years)
- 1969 Mercury Cougar (Best Years)
- 1970 Mercury Cougar (Best Years)
- 1971 Mercury Cougar (Good Years)
- 1972 Mercury Cougar (Good Years)
