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Cougar Support Group - Bigger & Better

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Comments

  • mws0520mws0520 Member Posts: 45
    Blane - it is not recommended to exceed the wattage rating of the fog lamps. In addition to the increase in heat generated which could melt the lens, the higher wattage bulbs can cause heat buildup in the wiring which can result in damage to the wire, blowing of fuses, and potential for shorts.
  • daexpertdaexpert Member Posts: 140
    Has anyone heard some sort of rattle coming from the clutch once the kitty has warmed up? My kitty is making this funny rattle sound which comes from the clutch and I hear it every time the car is idle, if I press the clutch then the noise stops. Any ideas? Thanks.
  • willhh3willhh3 Member Posts: 3
    Thanks, dgemini. I'll check mine when I get it. Will be picking it up on Monday @ 1pm. Can't wait. Got the spruce green, grey cloth interior, v6 sports and conv. packages, abs brakes, etc.

    willhh3
  • stageleftstageleft Member Posts: 391
    Willhh3:

    I'm sure you're going to pleased with your acquisition. Be sure to let us know of your first driving impressions of your new Cat.

    Take care, and welcome to the CSG!
  • dgeminidgemini Member Posts: 161
    I know that for me my clutch will squeak under hard acceleration when it is cold. I have never heard a rattle.
  • sherwincsherwinc Member Posts: 4
    I have heard that rattle before in my '95 Contour SE. It is a slight rattling that goes away once you depress the clutch, right? I brought it into the dealer for that before, but got a "Can not duplicate" written on my invoice. Sold the Contour before I could undergo the joy of going back to the dealer again.

    Have not heard the sound again in my Cougar, although sometimes I think I do. If it is it, it is very, very faint.

    I'd bring it in and have it checked out. Chances are you will get the same "Cannot duplicate," but if they actually hear it, let us know what it is.
  • camelardcamelard Member Posts: 171
    Do you ever notice how sensitive the hearing of a car owner is compared to that of a mechanic. Sometimes makes me wonder if one needs to sit in the car with them while they are trying to "duplicate".
  • spartan93spartan93 Member Posts: 16
    Not sure if this is the proper place to "jump in", but it appears to be the most current and active topic...

    I have finally taken delivery of my 2000 Cougar (Dark Tourmaline, V6, everything but the in-dash cassette/CD and polished wheels) out of dealer stock after selling my 96 Contour (good car, just wanted a better toy). I'm very pleased with the "Cat", except for it keeps fighting me to stay below 5k rpm.

    I have checked out the CSG site and read most of the posts over the past month or so. I look forward to hearing about and sharing future experiences and perspectives.

    See ya'!
  • stageleftstageleft Member Posts: 391
    Spartan93:

    Welcome aboard! I'm sure you'll find that the CSG is more than just another auto-enthusiasts club. We pride ourselves on being a community, and we're glad to have new members all the time. I'm happy you were able to find the CSG web site.

    Camelard:

    I agree. I wish they let me ride with the mechanics sometimes so I can point out variances in sound, feel, etc.

    I think the reason they don't hear much is because they are desinsitized to problems.
  • gustafscgustafsc Member Posts: 361
    Anybody wanna take bets as to the level of hearing loss caused by constant exposure to pneumatic wrenches?

    C.G.
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    All:
    I'M BACK!!! From now on you can just call me the "Tan Man". I havn't been this tan since my surfing days back in college.

    I'm glad to hear that everyone is doing well. I'm also glad to hear from all of these new members!!

    It stinks to be back at work, but it's good to be back with the CSG.
  • malibumalibu Member Posts: 155
    Badulah: Welcome Back! Sounds like you had a great vacation. If we could only find a way to vacation year round and work 2 weeks a year!
    Welcome to all the new members! We hope you enjoy your Cougars as much as we do. Any info you need re: your cats can be found here. We have some very knowledgable folks here.

    Palm Springs was great...I actually got Max up to 100! on hwy 10 at @8:00 at night there was noone around. The few cars there were crusing at about 90 so I wasn't too obvious. I just had to try it to see how it felt. Very smooth I couldn't even tell I was going that fast. I sure couldn't do that in the old 4-runner. On the way home I was at a signal when a new silver corvette pulled up next to me, rolled down the window (mine were down) and yelled "nice car" I was shocked. I said thanks and he sped off. I thought it was pretty cool that a guy in such a nice car would compliment Max like that.

    Overall the trip was great, 5 1/2 hours very comfortabe, 28.4 mpg avg. speed 80. stared about 100! a couple showoffs wanting to race I just smiled and let em go by!
  • benisembenisem Member Posts: 30
    Well, my kitty needs a new catalytic converter. I just got the call from service. The service rep told me I could continue to drive my car, does this sound logical and harmless?

    Denise
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    That makes sense. The check engine light is connected to the exhaust system. If one of the sensors or exhaust pieces is bad, it could cause the light to come on. I don't see any harm in driving it. But then again i'm not a mechanic.

    Anyone else on this issue?
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    All:
    Just as a note, the web site has been updated slightly. CSG Decals are now available in the catalog section.

    Thanks!
    -Rob
  • spartan93spartan93 Member Posts: 16
    If your mechanic is telling you they cannot repeat the symptom, they should allow (if not recommend) you drive/ride with them. Some causes may only show themselves under certain driving conditions and/or styles. Someone who drives a particular vehicle all the time is far more conscious of changes (not having air guns blasting in your ear all day helps, too).
  • blaneblane Member Posts: 2,017
    mws0520:

    Thanks. Anyone want some bulbs?
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    Benisem:
    Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Benisem, Happy Birthday to you!!!!!!
  • benisembenisem Member Posts: 30
    Thanks Badulah. I hope you all have a good day. I am taking my kitten for a short haul this afternoon and I am really looking forward to it. Hope everyone has a great weekend, my dance card is filled!
    Cheers,
    Denise
  • coolchickcoolchick Member Posts: 174
    Hi everyone!

    Just back from a short vacation. 750 miles on my kitty, and poor Adelaide is grungy with road grime and it's going to rain all weekend so I won't have a chance to clean her up until Monday.

    Had that little wrench light up in the ceiling indicators, so rushed to look it up in the manual. Just telling me to get the 5000 mile service done -- which I had done at 4600 miles, but they didn't reset the light. Oh well.

    Congrats to the new kitty owners!

    Oh, and I found a good home for my old Cutlass, so it was a profitable trip all in all.
  • jayhawk5jayhawk5 Member Posts: 70
    Well, my cougar barely escaped with it's life last night. I was picking up a friend at the airport, and waiting in a line of cars to pick up my parking ticket. All of a sudden, the woman in front of me started backing up. When I realized that she was not going to stop, and back into me, it was too late. I laid on the horn, but she bumped into me anyway. I felt sick to my stomach, and feared the worst for my cat. Fortunately, the license plate holder in the front of the car saved me. The only thing that got dented was my license plate. The amazing thing was that I had my regular lights AND my fog lights on at the time (it was dark) and was honking like a maniac! The woman insisted she couldn't see my lights, but I think she was just trying to cover up her mistake. And get this- she didn't even apologize!!! Unbelievable. It's amazing how little people pay attention to their own driving these days. Maybe it's just DC, but I'm completely scared to drive anywhere with my cougar, and I'm a great driver, it's 85% of everyone else around here that scares me. Anyhow, thanks for letting me vent. Happy cougaring!
  • coolchickcoolchick Member Posts: 174
    Jayhawk - glad to hear that you & your kitty are okay. I know what you mean about DC drivers!
  • mouse409mouse409 Member Posts: 34
    Check out "Sport Compact Car' magazine this month, has a factory blown Cougar (275 hp), they love it. Nice looking car, would be nice to have one for us civilians. One of the fastest cars they have ever tested. And as we all know a great handling car also.
    =^..^=
  • coolchickcoolchick Member Posts: 174
    Badulah -

    How's the collection for the CSG website going? Do we need to dig a little deeper?
  • dgeminidgemini Member Posts: 161
    I read the article. I was impressed with how well it was written, except for the fact that they had to say the Elimator was a muscle car.
    It was almost as if they were saying it isn't refined enough to compete against the imports.

    I guess the one problem I have is that you would expect a car with 275 horses to get better than a 6.2 0-60 time. However, SCC did admit they probably could have posted better times if they would have taken of in 2nd gear.
  • jimbo_gjimbo_g Member Posts: 53
    Ok guys,
    As Christina Agulera would say, "I Turn To You" guys in a time of need.. I'm negotiating a deal on a 2000 Cougar (the Yellow sun and fun pkg actually) Been negotiating over the phone primarily as my sporadic work schedule permits. Anyhoo MSRP is $21,700 they wanna sell it to me for invoice which is $19,519. (the sales manager at my work is friends with the sales manager ther and got them down to invoice forme, originally they copped the whole "it's a special edition, very rare" crap on me and wouldn't budge alot off of MSRP)

    OK my question is 1 are there any current rebates or anything and 2 if so can they be applied to the invoice price in turn getting me the car for UNDER invoice. I am curious because it is my understanding that the rebates come from FORD so the dealership doesn't lose money by selling for invoice and then slapping a rebate on top of that.

    Waiting and Wondering,
    Jimbo_G
  • fredlyfredly Member Posts: 201
    $400 recent college graduate? recent means in the last year
    Tell them ok Invoice, but no advertising charge, and to throw in
    Oil changes for a year :) hehe.

    Are you ordering this or is it sitting on the lot?
    if its on the lot getting it for invoice is pretty good
    ordering a car at invoice is pretty easy.
  • fredlyfredly Member Posts: 201
    MWS,
    I was thinking (uh-oh its ok I put out the fire) Now most of us cougarites enjoy and love our cars, there are well established groups dedicated to this car a single model, now I know you are not allowed to comment openly on the future of this great looking beast. But how does FMC view an event such as Cougarfest? Surely 70+ Escort, or Probe owners don't show up at the factory yearly to celebrate ownership of such a car, I can think of only a couple cars that I know of that get recognized by FMC, mostly they are the SVT branded ones
    and they get track days and stuff. I know a few things that could come from cougarfest.

    1. FMC will actually see more of the demographic they missed, perhaps taking notes while we are there, who knows.

    2. FMC could use it as great advertizing, what company wouldn't...(free "real" people) sure we aren't saturn owners standing where we got in accidents(probably cause the cat can avoid them better) but hey we love the cars.

    3. FMC does hope that our love will die out for the car, so we don't show up again? iiick I hope not.

    4.?

    So you see, I'm just curious as to how FMC views 70 Drivers coming to the factory, this isn't a normality in the industry, right? aside from some corvette drivers who are invited down
    to drive their cars off the line... hey now there is an idea. :)
    Me Personally would view this with open arms, FMC can hardly expect to have Disgruntled drivers showing up we are all(most) happy :)...heh as most of the problems don't occur here, but rather the middle man we call dealers...(on a side note, I may have good news about my dealership, stay tuned)
    well i'll stop rambling its late, and now its your turn MWS....
    Eric
  • chicky43chicky43 Member Posts: 2
    Hi everyone! Please bear with me, as I'm new at this... :)

    I fell in love with the Cougar a couple of months ago; I had been trying to get the local Nissan dealerships to treat me like a human being and let me know on the availability of a 2K Sentra SE. AFter being given the runaround and the usual dealer questions (you want a stick? don't you know that sticks are inherently bad? SE, XE--same thing! what do you know? why are you so adamant on a 2K? a '99 is the same thing! We JUST SOLD an SE stick, and I don't lie!), I test drove the Cougar on a whim and, well, haven't looked back since! I believe I have found a decent dealer (he actually took the time to explain the car to me, and didn't just read the monroney sticker like a jerk), and I"m pretty sure the service department is okay (I work with service departments all the time on my job, and I haven't heard many complaints about them). Now I'm just waiting on my savings to grow (I want to put down a fat down payment) and to be pre-approved for a loan.

    Now after all of that, here are my questions to all of you: are there any issues particular to the cougar i should be aware of before going in for negotiations? I've been reading up and down Edmunds how they might discontinue the thing, and sure enough some of them are slow sellers on the local lots. How close to invoice have you guys purchased your Cats? Do any of you miss having a back seat? Is the liftover as high as I fear for the trunk? Are those cupholders a pain? (I've seen the redesigned ones for the later part of this year--nice. But I'll probably have to dealer swap for mine since I'm so picky, and I don't know what I'll get.)

    Sorry so long, and sorry so many questions. Thanks for listening (reading?) my long diatribe! :)
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    Coolchick:
    So far three members have sent in donations. Joe and I are working hard to get things settled for the new web space and we are also working on several CSG items we would like to offer to members on line. Donations are still needed at this time. If anyone would like to contribute to the future of the CSG, please send your donation to:

    Cougar Support Group
    Po Box 41
    Hawthorne, NJ
    07506

    We will soon have a CSG bank account, but until I get that established, make all checks payable to me (Robert J. Kibler). Also, please include your name, address and Edmunds.com screen name. Any and all donation are very much appreciated.

    CSG decals are also on sale for $5.00 each. Be sure to include your name, address and screen name along with your order.
  • forbinforbin Member Posts: 2
    I've been reading some questions about incentives and the like, so I thought I would finally post something here. (and besides, I picked the car up yesterday).

    There is now a $1500 incentive on the 2000 model. I placed my order in April when it was $1000, and made $500 for just waiting around.

    I actually purchased my car 350 miles away. I was "home" visiting my family on vacation when I wandered into a Mercury dealer. I took the test drive and was ready to thank them for their time and leave when the salesman informed me that if my father (who was along for the ride) or I could present a Sam's Club card, he could sell me the Cougar for 1% over invoice. Dad had the card, I had my list of options and their invoice prices (thanks to Edmunds), and don't you know they offered me the car for the 1%!

    I knew I was going to buy a Cougar because I had been charging my life away on a former Ford, now Driver's Edge VISA card (I'm not exactly a Mustang kinda guy). So this was another $2000 I could take off of the price!

    The financing guy even found me a loan better than anything I could come up with myself (%7.99).

    It was a good experience.
    DOAN Lincoln/Mercury in Rochester (Greece) NY.

    I'll save the "drive your day old car 380 miles so you can be at work on Monday" story for later.
  • gustafscgustafsc Member Posts: 361
    Welcome aboard, neat story, looking forward to the next one.

    Skip G,
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    Forbin:
    WELCOME TO THE CSG!!

    Like Skip said, neat story!!

    When you get a chance, be sure to check out our web site at: http://home.att.net/~cougarsupportgroup
  • malibumalibu Member Posts: 155
    You have come to the right place for your questions, everyone here has had all sorts of different experiences buying their cougars at many different dealers. The backseat is not bad for such a sporty car. I personally haven't spent much time back their since it's my car but my daughter loves riding back there. She is 12 and 5'6". She fits fine. I have taken her and a friend many places and they don't mind. If you check Edmunds.com under incentives it will give you the latest rebates and interest rates. I got my loan on May 26th, and instead of the 1,500 rebate I took the 6.9 interest. I ordered my car on Feb. 28th and they didn't have any rebates at that time. by the time I did the paperwork I got the good interest. And I didn't even get the car until June 1st. Be sure to do your own research before going to the dealer, especially when your a woman, they think your clueless. Good Luck!
  • forbinforbin Member Posts: 2
    So I had no choice but to be at "work" today because I am the only person in charge of teaching 45 eight and nine year olds how to play their instruments for the first time. (A summer music program).
    I thought about not using cruise control at all in order to vary my speed, but laziness and a tendency to drive too fast/slow according to the song on the CD eliminated that possibility. So I figured 20 min. intervals of speed might be OK. I may have been wrong. I think (hope) the problem I experienced was more cruise-control related than engine related. Let me know what you think:
    On downhills, the cruise tries to maintain a lower speed and actually downshifts itself for a second (only revving up about 4-600rpm). Uphills aren't great either, but they rarely are in cruise. The downhill stuff concerns me. I received a check-up call from my salesman today, so when he reaches me, I'll be asking about it.
    Anyway with only about 450 total miles on the engine, my car got to experience a 40 minute wait for the upper level George Washington Bridge, a brief section of road hell on the Cross Bronx (I found out that everything was attached correctly), and a 20 minute wait at the Triboro before I returned to my Island paradise.
    I'm VERY happy with the car. Glad there's not a lot of green in "spruce green" (I think it looks pretty damn good actually). And once the CC problem is taken care of, everything should be way cool.
    Thanks for the welcomes.

    Andy
  • coolchickcoolchick Member Posts: 174
    badulah

    I just got the mail and my CSG check was sent back marked "No such address."

    PO Box 4
    Hawthorne NJ 07430

    That's the address, Right???? (Geez, I hope I didn't copy it down wrong...how embarrassing!)
  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    Glad to hear you like your Cat!!!!

    Hi All: I got back from a business trip yesterday and spent some time today catching up on all the posts. I was in Palm Springs, Ca Fri-Sun and it was HOT!!!!!! I am glad to see everyone is enjoying their summer.....later
  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    When I was in the LA area last week I saw no less than 20-25 Cougars. They must be selling great on the west coast. I also saw alot of PT Cruisers. Interesting I thought.....
  • coolchickcoolchick Member Posts: 174
    badulah

    Never mind. I went to the CSG site and got the correct address off of there.

    Sheesh! Apparently it's time to take my brain in for servicing!
  • malibumalibu Member Posts: 155
    I was in Palm Springs last weekend..yes it was hot, but I love it. I'm assuming you didn't drive there, but if you had or ever get the chance, Hwy 10 is great! very wide, very little traffic and what is there travels about 80-90 mph. Yes there are quite a few cats in LA, as I drove through coming home I saw quite a few.
    I went to my dealer yesterday to car shop with a friend, pulled up and what is sitting in front of the service dept. gate but a back special edition cougar like mine! I about died. My dealer assured me it wasn't from around here, he didn't sell it and when we looked at the tags it was bought in January. It didn't have the chrome rims like mine or the dash kit. It was FILTHY! I felt sorry for it, there was food wrappers all over inside and it looked like it had been driven through many mud puddles...it hasn't rained here in a long long time. It also had an auto trans. After looking closely at it I didn't feel so threatened! Max was clean as a whistle inside and out! my neighbor says I'm the only person he knows who washes there car twice a week...please tell me someone else out there is that obsessive.
  • camelardcamelard Member Posts: 171
    A couple of things. Keep in mind that even at invoice the dealer is usually making 5 to 10% with the dealer hold back. In addition most dealers don't buy the cars outright from FMC (they pay when they sell them) and they have to start paying interest after 45 days on the lot. Because of this you can indeed sometimes get a better price on a vehicle on the lot. This unfortunately doesn't often apply to dealer trades/buys.

    Regarding the hatch it is a somewhat high liftover for large awkward objects. However I have found that, although I have to lift it higher than with my ZX2, the extra space makes it easier to get my Mom's wheelchair in. Just remember, bend at the knees.
  • revronrevron Member Posts: 1
    Mecury dealer called the other day, Cougar s can be ordered. He had no idea on price yet. I thought I would pass that along. You may already know this.
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    I will have to contact a dealership about this!

    If it's true, KEWL!!!!!
  • willhh3willhh3 Member Posts: 3
    Just wanted to let everyone know, I picked up my new kitty on Monday. It runs like a champ. Can't wait to take it out for the weekend.

    willhh3
  • malibumalibu Member Posts: 155
    Well I've had Max 48 days now and she is in for her first oil change. Time does fly when your having fun! I was very nervous about leaving her this morning, but the service tech put a plastic bag over the seat, paper on the floor and a plastic cover over the steering wheel before I left, I felt much better. So far the guys at the service dept have been great. I have about 4 very picky little warranty things and he was very cooperative and understanding.
    Congratulations to all the new cougar owners out there...seems like we're growing with leaps and bounds.
  • badulahbadulah Member Posts: 961
    willhh3:
    Congrats on your new purchase!!

    Be sure to keep in touch with us. We like to hear from Cougar owners from all over.

    Also, be sure to check out our web site at: http://home.att.net/~cougarsupportgroup
    It's filled with useful information for you and your Cat.
  • fredlyfredly Member Posts: 201
    Talked to my dealer yesturday and went for a ride in a 2000 ATX(my GF was just lookin) and I wont let her drive my car.... yet.

    Anyway I asked my dealership about the Cougar S and they are getting Two, as well they have already gotten two Sound and Fun Cats(yellow one) and one was already sold and gone
  • fish8fish8 Member Posts: 2,282
    No, I didn't drive my Cat in Palm Springs since I was on business. We did drive a 2000 Dodge Neon from LA to Palm Springs. 10 is a very cool highway as long as you have a nice car to ride in. The Neon just did't do it for me.
  • krnchkrnch Member Posts: 127
    It's been a long time since I posted here. I got way behind and haven't been able to catch up - until now.

    Camelard: I live near the area you mentioned, but I don't have personalized plates. I think I may have seen the Cougar you were referring to though. What colour is your cat again?

    Daexpert: I've never heard any sound from my clutch when it is not depressed, but I've notice for quite some time that the clutch creaks when I press it sometimes when the interior temperature is very warm. I figure the cable probably needs to be lubed or something. Has anyone else noticed this?

    My cat is almost 1 year and 9 months old with about 31,000 km (19,000 mi). Runs awesome! Great car!

    Cheers,

    A.
  • coolchickcoolchick Member Posts: 174
    Saw an ad on TV last night for the Mercury clearance sale. 0.9% financing for in-stock 2000 kitties.

    They didn't show too much of the Cougar in the ad, though. A couple of quick shots of a silver one.
This discussion has been closed.