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Cougar Support Group - Bigger & Better

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  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    As if StageLeft was the only one who predicted this?

    I have had my Cat for over 19 months and I still get tons of attention. The Cat does stand out in a sea of otherwise boring and poorly designed automobiles. It's to bad FMC doesn't pay it any attention. I wonder if Jack Nasser has even seen one? From the way it looks, he REALLY likes the Focus. It seems to be getting lots of attention from FMC. Will the future be ruled by this type of vehicle? I surly hope not. I really have no desire to drive a small car powered by a 4 cylinder (no offence to I4 Cat owners. The Cat is GREAT no matter which engine it has) ever again. If the price of gas keeps rising, I guess all engines bigger than I4s might be doomed.
  • stageleftstageleft Member Posts: 391
    I agree. After driving a V6 (any V6) after driving a four-cylinder, I don't think I could go back to one. My opinion, of course, because actually I'd take a turbo or super-charged four to a six, but they don't often sell them that way from the factory ... and if they do they end up in really tiny cars (i.e.,'98 and previous Eclipse).
  • malibumalibu Member Posts: 155
    My friend bought a new focus on Friday, her first new car ever, drove up to the sierras Friday night, was asleep in her tent when she heard a loud smash, looked out to see a large bear rip the front passenger door off, the loud sound she heard was the window blowing out. She grabbed her keys and hit the panic button, scared the bear off and went out to look at the damage. She is so upset, I just can't imagine something like that happening to a brand new car...no matter what it is. I guess the bear was on a rampage, she destroyed a honda civic and ripped the back window out of a toyota 4x4 the same night. I saw her car yesterday, it held up very well, the paint around the door has muddy paw prints, but no scratches. She had no food or anything in the car, the honda had an Ice chest in it. It is a cute car though. I would never own one but it fits her perfectly.
  • mws0520mws0520 Member Posts: 45
    Badulah: His name is Jac not Jack and I can guarantee to you that he HAS seen it and driven it (often).
  • dasaint1dasaint1 Member Posts: 230
    If I was bear, I would rip up Focuses and Civics. You know that bear would've left the Cougar alone had it been out there. That just goes to show you that bears have good tastes.
  • dasaint1dasaint1 Member Posts: 230
    Hey man, I think it was your gutter humor that scared Amber away. :p
  • dasaint1dasaint1 Member Posts: 230
    Regarding your post 201:

    You never did mention how much the new CSG website will cost and how much each member (for those who want to) should contribute?
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    MWS0520:
    I never meant to offend anyone. We're just starving for attention from FMC, and from everything we hear, see and read it looks like the Cat is not a priority of FMC.

    I could be wrong about this, and I truly hope i'm wrong, but so far we have no proof of anything otherwise.
  • stageleftstageleft Member Posts: 391
    MWS:

    Except of course, the support you've given us. Thanks again for you and your team being there for us.
  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    Just wanted to say Hi!!!!! Nothing really to add.
  • giddeup_50giddeup_50 Member Posts: 27
    And it's also rumored he drives a Focus to and from work... Yeah Right! Even devout Ford employess find that one hard to believe...
  • jdbishopjdbishop Member Posts: 36
    It may be off topic, but there has been a lot of talk of the ford focus. My next door neighbor has one of the top of the line (ZTS or something) and to me it is a goofy looking, slab sided econo box. My neighbor is so proud of it, it is sickening. He claims it was designed to be the replacement for the Contour. I have tried to convince him that it is the replacement for the escort, but he won't believe me. Anyway, ford can keep all of the focii that they make.
  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    The Focus is a replacement for the Escort. But, they also discontinued the Contour/Mystique because the Focus will be its replacement as well. The Contour and Mystique were not selling that well and since the Focus comes in many variations(hatch, 4 door and Wagon) it was able to pick up that marketshare as well. It sounds as if your neighbor might know more than you about his own car.......;-)
  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    It shoud of said: "....his own car than you."

    Sorry for missing that!!!
  • dgeminidgemini Member Posts: 161
    True the Focus is a replacement for the Coutour as well as the Escort.

    I have ridden in the Focus and it is a roomy car for it's size. It also drives and handles very well and I think it is an attractive car. To me it looks like the Cougar's kid brother.

    Unfortunately, the ZTS version is actually slower than the ZX2. I heard that Ford was going to make a SVT version with about 150 hp.

    I hope that isn't the case, 150 hp is pretty weak. They should at least offer an engine with at least 160hp to match the output of the Civic Si.

    Also, despite the relatively low horsepower 130hp engine, it is still 15 more hp than the base VW Jetta, a car that the Focus resembles and actually compares favourably to for about 4 grand less.
  • fastback2fastback2 Member Posts: 55
    When I first read about the Focus ZTS, I got the impression that it was a capable car with a questionable acronym (imagine an 'i' between the Z and the T and you'll know what I mean). After having put 140K miles on a 91 Escort GT, I can vouch for Ford's ability to build lower-end cars which are surprisingly fun to drive and reliable to boot. As far as an SVT Focus is concerned, I would hope that they would crank the horsepower up to around 175 or so just to make things interesting..
  • jrp6977jrp6977 Member Posts: 87
    MWS stated some time earlier that there would be a new seat design as a running change on the Cougar. When is the new seat coming along and will it look different than the present seat? By the way, I like the new console. Now if you could just fix the tilt wheel...
  • jdbishopjdbishop Member Posts: 36
    I guess beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I still think the focus is a goofy looking, slab-sided econo box. And, my next door neighbor does not know more about his car than I do. The front seats make me think I am sitting in a kitchen chair. Oh, I almost forgot, he had the dealer put on a spoiler - man, is that ever out of place.
  • jdbishopjdbishop Member Posts: 36
    Just one more point, and then I will drop this thread. The original intent of the focus was to replace the escort. Later in the development phase, it was decided that the contour/mystique platform would be phased out because of poor sales. IMO, FMC decided to try to fool the public into thinking that the focus could also replace the contour. The focus and the contour/mystique/cougar are a totally different class of car. If I were to believe FMC, and agree that the focus could replace the contour, then I must also surmise that the focus is the replacement for the cougar. GIVE ME A BREAK! The focus is a goofy looking slab-sided econo box. End of subject.
  • jayhawk5jayhawk5 Member Posts: 70
    If they crank the horsepower on the focus up to 175, it'll be faster than our beloved cat!! That would be ok if they crank the Cougar's hp up in the range of 200-220
  • coolchickcoolchick Member Posts: 174
    I see Focii on the road all the time around here. If I was in the market for a reliable inexpensive smaller car, that's probably what I would choose. I can appreciate its quirky looks, although I have to say I think it looks best as a wagon. I'd rather it have a distinct personality than trying to be a clone of some larger more expensive car.

    Of course, I was in the market for a gorgeous sporty car at a higher budget and the Cougar is the absolute creme de la creme in its class.
  • stageleftstageleft Member Posts: 391
    You're actually on the right track jdbishop. Check this link out, and look at the spy photo of the new Euro Mondeo ...

    http://www.automedia-online.com/e_spion.htm

    Also, take a look at the Focus Coupe. Look familiar?
  • malibumalibu Member Posts: 155
    Good morning all! Last night was awesome...I drove home the back road, the sun was shining, sunroof open, stereo going just cruised along trying to just use my gears and take my time enjoying the road. I drove 12 miles on very curvy road and had no one behind me I didn't touch my brakes once, just downshifted. I never got above 50 mph, but on this road you don't really want to. Got home gave max a bath had a cold beer and watched the sunset sitting in the driveway. If only every night could be this great! Hope all of you had a great evening!
    Badullah: did you sleep in the driveway again!
  • stageleftstageleft Member Posts: 391
    Good afternoon all!

    Just to let you know, especially since Dasaint mentioned that we didn't provide numbers when we announced the CSG's mailing address, that we've got a list of things we'd like to procure for the CSG.

    1) the URL and web site hosting is going to cost $408.80 for two years. That's a $50 setup fee, and $14.95 per month for two years. That gives us the URL, 100MB of web space, and two dedicated email addresses so you can get ahold of Badulah or myself anytime you need to.

    2) the PO Box we've procured runs $22 per 6 months.

    3) we're not asking for any specific amount from you all, because we really don't want to impliment member dues. We don't really think that anyone should have to pay for being a member of this group, and that everyone who owns a Cougar is welcome here. We are just asking for some financial assistance in whatever dollar amount you feel comfortable with sending. All funds will be used towards the CSG and future CSG endeavors including gatherings, merchandise, and whatever else we can think of to make this group succeed and become the best Cougar enthusiasts group in the world. So far, we believe we have the best people in the CSG, so all we need is to be able to provide you with the services you deserve for being members.

    4) Cougar Support Group
    P.O. Box 41
    Hawthorne, NJ 07430

    5) As Badulah mentioned, please make your checks payable to Robert Kibler, and you will get a reciept for your contribution as soon as we recieve it. Also, please write on a slip of paper or the "notes" area on the check, your screen name and email address so we can make sure you're information is correct.

    Thanks again for all that you wish to contribute. I can't stress enough how wonderful it is to have folks like all of you who see each other through thick and thin, and all of our experiences with our Cats. Thanks also for the support you're willing to provide to keep the CSG the best Cougar enthusiast's community!
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    As StageLeft pointed out, we don't want to ask for a specific dollar amount from any of you. If you wish to give to the group, you are free to send in whatever is good for you and your budget.

    Any and all donations will be very appreciated.

    Thank You All,
    Rob
  • mws0520mws0520 Member Posts: 45
    I thought I was monitoring the COUGAR Support Group, not the Focus group.

    Seats - September 5; they are "comfort seats" meaning they provide better support all around - design is generally the same.
  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    We must stand up for our little sibling(Focus) whenever it is attacked!!!!
  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    I was driving home this afternoon from work and I started thinking about the rattles that are making themselves at home in my dash. Why do rattles develop in a car? Why does the Cougar tend to rattle more than a Lexus? This is a serious question and would like a response if any of you have an answer. I really started thinking about it and couldn't come up with an answer. I'm sure it has to do with the manufacturing process or something.
  • dgeminidgemini Member Posts: 161
    MWS,

    As a rule I believe that all of us here would prefer to buy an American car and we obviously like Fords (my last car was an Escort).

    It is also pretty obvious that the styling of the Cougar and the Focus reflect a family resemblance, which explains why we mention it.

    I probably would have considered a Focus if I had not been looking for a car with more power.

    Badulah: I know I am really late on this, but how do I go about getting a CSG sticker?
  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    When looking to buy a new car I really didn't prefer to buy american. I think it would be a little foolish for anyone to only consider one particuliar manufacturer because it is an "american" company. It is my opinion that one should choose the best car that fits their needs no matter the make. Especially in todays market when it is hard to differentiate between what is american and what is "foreign". e.g - Honda Accords are built in America(Kentucky I think), Toyota Camry - US built and so on. Ford Focus are built in Mexico. As usual this is only my opinion!!!!!
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    Fish8:
    I have never owned a "foreign" car, and I have no desire to ever own one (with the exception of a VW). When I was looking for a car I only went to "American" dealers. Call it foolish, or whatever you like, but I just don't see the need to spend extra money just because the general population thinks their better.
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    Dgemini:
    Since the CSG now has a mailing address I see no reason why we can't start selling them. Let me talk to StageLeft and I will get back to you.
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    All:
    CSG decals are now available to all members. If you would like one, send $5.00 to:

    Cougar Support Group (CSG)
    PO Box 41
    Hawthorne, NJ 07506

    Make checks payable to: Robert Kibler (We will be getting a business account in the near future. Please be patient).

    Please include your name, full mailing address, screen name, and be sure to specify you are ordering a decal and not donating to the group.

    If you would like to see what the decals look like when applied to a Cat, just check out the Virginia gathering pictures posted on the CSG web site.
  • giddeup_50giddeup_50 Member Posts: 27
    For me, foreign was any vehicle that didn't have a blue oval somewhere on or embedded in the vehicle. I have owned Fords & Mercurys since my first day of driving and 7 years before I came to work for them in 1984. Call me foolish but it's been a great ride so far.

    '68 Torino GT
    '78 Mustang II 4cyl/4spd :( (college car)
    '82 Capri 5.0 :) Funnnnn Caaaarrrr!
    '85 Cougar Gave up fast for luxury
    '88 Mustang 5.0 Convertible - Couldn't stand slow anymore
    '78 Fairmont 5.0 Sleeper; Winter driver that was mint; hated to use it in the winter
    '93 Ranger 4.0 - my utility period.
    '99 Cougar return to fun... compliments its other stablemate the convertible
  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    Let me clear something up: I never said that one should buy a "foreign" car "just because the general public thinks there better". I said one should buy a car that fits their needs, whether foreign or domestic. I am not trying to bash here, I'm just trying to make a point. As you all know, I love my Cougar not because its a domestic, but because its fun as hell!!!!! I hope I'm not pissing anyone off in here!!!!
  • dgeminidgemini Member Posts: 161
    Like you, I too would have liked to own a VW.

    Unfortunately they were too much money, and then I drove my kitty.

    I read in SCC of all places a comparison of the Golf GLS GTI with the 150hp Turbo charged four cylinder, and the Civic Si with the 160hp four.

    They said despite the horsepower ratings thatthe VW actually had more horsepower at the wheels on the dyno than the Honda!

    They also said that the Honda made 0-60 in "only" 7.9 seconds!

    Knowing how biased SCC is toward Honda's this surprises me when everone else gives it 0-60 in the low 7s.

    Despite offering the turbo charged four in the VW which is really just as fast as the higher priced VR6 that I was considering, I probably still would have bought my cat.

    I wished VW had offered the 4 when I was looking at them, but they didn't then. However the price still would have been too expensive.
  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    I think the VW line of cars are sweet. I would look into getting a VW next time around.
  • dgeminidgemini Member Posts: 161
    One thing about VWs though is the cost. I was thinking about the Jetta and then the Passast.

    What impressed me about the kitty was how solid it drove. It really had a good solid ride, like the Passat. That is what really sold me on the kitty over the Passat. The ride and the performance were comparable for a lot less money.
  • malibumalibu Member Posts: 155
    You never told us where your going on vacation. Are you still leaving us tomorrow? We will all miss you!
  • stageleftstageleft Member Posts: 391
    I have to be honest and say that I like how VW has revamped thier image through the 90's. I'd have to say though that Fordvergnugen is way better than Farvergnugen when it comes to the Cat.

    I actually had license plates on my 95 Ranger that read: 4D4GNGN (Fordvergnugen) because a friend of mine had just gotten a VW and was talking all kinds of stuff about Farvergnugen this, and Farvergnugen that ... I had to retaliate, being the Ford-man that I am. :^)
  • dasaint1dasaint1 Member Posts: 230
    With all this "globalization" taking place, what is a "foreign" and an "American" car???

    The Honda Accord is a Japanese car in name only. The car is made in America and its actual content contains more than 50% of parts made in America. So it really is an American car.

    Now the Focus may be "assembled" in Mexico, but I would think that the majority of the parts are made here in America (MWS, help me out here).

    Do you consider a Jaguar a foreign car? It's actually owned by Ford. Do you consider Chrysler an American car?? It's actually owned by Mercedes' parent company, Daimler.

    I previously owned a Dodge Colt which was really a Mitsubishi Mirage. Nowadays, unless you do some research, there's no telling if the car you're driving is foreign or American.

    PS:
    When Ford merges with Kia in 15 years, we'll all be driving purple Kia Cougar S. :p
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    All:
    I have no luck what so ever. I washed my Cat on Wednesday night, since then it has rained twice and a bird crapped on it this morning. I will have to hit her with the Quick Detailer when I get home today. The never ending battle continues........

    Fish8:
    I know this may sound weird, but when I was shopping for a car I didn't even consider a foreign car (except VW). I have always owned American cars, and from the ways things look I will continue to support the American market.

    I too looked at the Passat, and it was the price that kept me from buying one (that is until I came across the Cat). I wanted a VR6 Passat, but the sticker price was way to high and the dealers were not willing to come down enough. I really like VWs, but they just cost to much. I looked at the new GTI GLH a few month back, I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the sticker price, $21,000!!! for that little thing. Yes it has 170hp and it is fast, but $21,000 IMHO is WAY to much for that car.

    My Aunt bought a Bug about a year ago and she paid over $19,000 (if my memory is correct) for it. And yet another example of VWs high price.

    Malibu:
    Today at 5:00pm i'm outta here like a flash and I won't be back until Thursday July 13th. My good friend is coming over to visit from England. For the first few days we will be hanging out here doing a few day trips: New York City, a Yankees game, maybe a Mets game, fishing with my Dad on his boat, and a few other things. On Saturday the 8th we are driving down to Delaware and we will be staying at a friends beach house for the rest of the time. I'm looking forward to having some time off, it should be a good time. This whole month is booked up already. The first two weeks I will be on vacation, and then I will be attending the LP trip, and the following week I will be in Baltimore for a baseball game at Camden Yards (Hay StageLeft and CoolChick what are you guys doing the weekend of 7/29?). This month will be busy, but if all goes right, it will be a lot of fun.

    I will check in with you guys and girls during the week, but if you have any concerns that have to be addressed on the spot, StageLeft is your man. Send your questions to him at: CSG_StageLeft@hotmail.com
  • malibumalibu Member Posts: 155
    Sounds fun..have a great time and be safe!
  • esbrockesbrock Member Posts: 88
    I've always been a VW\Audi fan. I was upset when I had to trade-in my '88 Audi 90 because my wife wanted a god-d*** SUV. Someone posted a cool website in the mods section that showed the new Audi A4 and VW speedster, talk about some sweet looking cars. I think that's why the CSG was drawn to it's namesake. The car drives like a German auto for an American price. In three to four years I will probably be in the market for a new car again. Hopefully, Ford Europe will have another offering for me. If not, you'll see me down at the Audi dealer test driving a new A4 coupe or TTS. They be be almost twice the price as my Cougar, but well worth it in my humble opinion.
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    As a matter of fact while I was on lunch today I saw a new TT Convertible roadster and I thought to myself "Nice car, I would love to have one of those". If FMC fails to provide another euro car, I will most likely go with the TT or something like it.
  • coolchickcoolchick Member Posts: 174
    I've always bought American cars, too. My definition of American: Who are the corporation's taxes paid to? Where does the net profit go?

    Hondas may be made in America, but the profits & corporate taxes go to Japan. Ergo, it is a Japanese car.

    The big US car makers may have 8001 loopholes in the tax code to avoid paying corporate tax, but the bucks they do pay stay in this country, so that's good enough for me.

    Hey Stageleft, I've always wanted to see the O's play. Whaddya think? How about the rest of the NoVa contingent? I guess this should go on the meetings & events board.
  • stageleftstageleft Member Posts: 391
    Coolchick:

    You've not been to Camden Yards? It's a GREAT ballpark. I really enjoy going to games. Maybe we should post something over there to see if we can get a crowd. Maybe we'll get a block of seats and put up a banner and get on TV even ... Good idea.
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    "Badulah Vision"
  • dgeminidgemini Member Posts: 161
    Drive defensively and try to stay below 145mph!

    (I finally read the long term chip update, WOW!

    Everybody else have a great week-end! After 3 weeks of 12+ hour work days I really need this 4 day "vacation"!
  • dgeminidgemini Member Posts: 161
    Like you I really like VW's cars. The Audi TT is a sweet ride also. Coming back from Washington DC last Christmas I had a brief opportunity to run with one. Unless it is the new 4motion version with 225 horsepower the kitty has no problem with it.
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