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I wonder how that affects the resale value of my 2000 Cougar. Maybe I should trade in my older Cat for a new one.
The cast will come off, and I'll be able to drive again!!!!!
My poor cat, though, will just be sitting, gathering dust, tree sap, and bird by-products. :-(
Guess I'll find out if belted radials tires flat spot while standing.
Enjoy the summer, everybody!!!!
Skip G.
We still LOVE our cat (and the impreza wagon outback) and wouldn't trade either in for anything - as long as we get the following sorted out.
The warranty period on our 2000 cat (only 6100 miles-there's really no place to GO in Nebraska) will be coming to an end of November and I'm wondering if anyone else can enlighten us.
We had her in for an oil change several months ago and noticed a few drops leaking afterward. We told the dealership with our next oil change(since they are the only ones who have touched the car) and they said it has been a problem with cougars and they may have to take the whole engine out to fix it. They put in a dye, rechecked it after a couple days and said we need to drive it more until they can tell. This is the first I've heard of this kind of problem. Anyone else?
I've complained about the chirping and the hiccup when the A/C is on twice. They don't seem to be able to re-enact it but a new guy did give me a this-is-normal explanation which could possibly made sense. Has everyone who has experienced the chirp/hiccup had a manuel? If so, I can buy his explanation, if there are automatics out there with the problem I will take the mechanic for a ride myself.
Lastly, we have experienced a loud metallic dragging noise every twentieth time we open the sunroof when it's hot. This time the dealership actually heard it and ordered a new assembly under warranty. I also haven't heard anyone complain about sunroof problems. (???!)
Oh, and our insurance company just raised our rate just on the cougar (not my 19 year old son's beater or the subaru) stating it had been rerated nationally. Is this another affect of Ford's decision or can we blame this one on burnsmr's two years of disasters?
I'm not the only one with disasters associated with Cougar ownership. I'll admit that my car was just plain poorly put together as an early model. So don't pass off your insurance woes on me. ;-) Especially when you don't drive your car enough to ever see or hit anyone/anything anyway. ;-p
Seriously, though, the car is being discontinued and will most likely cost more to repair in the future because parts will not be in as high demand/supply as they used to be. Your AC chirping is normal. Has happened on everyone's car at least once. Live with it.
Might want to buy some sort of extended warranty before you get too far gone on the factory warranty, if you're planning on keeping the car. What do the rest of ya think? Worth the $900 - $1200 for 3 years or so of additional protection? On a car that's being discontinued?
Later, and not having ANY disasters with my Subaru ;-P
burnsmr4
Patte: I also had the chirping sound with the AC on. I had automatic Cougar. Though the chirping was the least of my worries. The worst thing about my AC was when it would stop working and couldn't be duplicated by the dealer. It is a good feeling that my Jetta's AC works flawlessly.
How is your car burnsmr4? Subaru right?
I can live with it, 'specially after having my Cougar in the shop at least 3X as often in the first 9000 miles I owned that car. ;-) Mine's been in only for the minor fuel system issue I discovered in the first week.
I do miss my 28mpg from the Cougar though. The Forester doesn't get nearly as good gas mileage with the boxer-4. Go figure.
'02 VW Jetta is a nice car, 'specially if you go the 1.8T or VR6. Although I'd never buy GM, I hear anything based off the Silverado platform is a winning ride.
Talk to y'all later!
burnsmr4
My Jetta gas mileage has averaged around 28-29mpg. But I only have 2250 miles on it.
current exhaust leak.. (i'll take it in I swear)
I only have one concern with this 2002: When I shift through the gears, it feels "stiffer" than in my 2000, and I seem to hear more noise as I go through the gears. Is this just because the car is so new, and I've forgotten my early miles with my 2000, or is this something I should bring up with the dealer?
The shifting on my '99 was pretty stiff, especially when downshifting 3-2. But, after 30K miles, things have loosened up nicely.
Skip G.
Later,
burnsmr4
I think that Hyundai has gone a bit too far overboard with their bodywork. It's less outrageous than the last iteration, but still a bit strange.
Finally got the cast off my leg Tuesday afternoon :-). 6 weeks without being able to drive will drive a person nuts. You don't realize how much freedom you take for granted until it's gone.
Begging rides to work, store, etc...
But, even after sitting all that time, kitty started right up, and off we went through a blinding rainstorm to dinner and a play. Didn't mind the weather too much, just too happy to be in motion again.
Now, if the foot sprain will just heal up, I'd be 100% again.
But, something is better than nothing.
Going to take a couple weeks vacation starting this wekend, so I'll be out of touch for a while.
Keep enjoying your cats.
Skip G.
David
I'm interested in buying a used cougar...probably a 2000...are there any persistent or serious problems that u guys have had with this car?!? If so, pleaseee tell me..i could use all the help i can get!!
Thanks so much!
Of course, I'm in constant stop-and-stop-and-stop-and-go-and-stop-again traffic :-/
Right at 33K now and doing great. Desperately in need of a good cleaning inside and out, but have to put in a lot of work this weekend. Hoping to take some time off Tuesday and revel in shining my kitty up!
While not strictly a problem, it is generally admitted that automatic transmission Cougars are slow.
I hope to have time to come and chat with you all if my schedule allows it.
Hopefully a Cougar owner by Saturday evening
dwrangler...may change to dcougar
If you're thinking of getting a 1999 Cougar, just read my posts and consider yourself warned. I'm the jinxed Cougar owner that won't go away in this forum. ;-)
Later,
burnsmr4
Thanks
The trunk latch concerns that have typically occurred have been with the lid not staying open enough to lift it after releasing the latch. The problem is due to the two short (approximately 2" long) coil springs on both sides of the latch. They should be replaced with stiffer ones under warranty if necessary.
Your problem is probably different. It sound like a misaligned light switch in the hatch area. If your dealer's staff can't make the simple warranty adjustment try another dealership.
If you live in snow country or drive on dirt roads, the Wrangler makes sense. Otherwise it's an image situation, and the Wrangler has a manlier image than the Cougar.
As far as driving on roads, there's no contest. The Cougar is a smooth, comfortable coupe that's a pleasure to drive for long distances. Jeeps are Jeeps.
Oh by the way I live in Missouri...we get from one extreme to the other. You know what they say about our weather...wait 10 minutes it'll change.
As for the Wrangler...well that is what I'd like to have, but I'm in graduate school and I just can't swing that high priced of a vehicle at this point...so that will have to wait a while longer. Neither car is for "image" I just like the way they look and the way they drive. I don't plan on doing alot of 4wheeling when I eventually do get one...just want the security in knowing that I can get myself out of a rough situation when needed. But like I said to the guys in the itsajeep.org chat room, "you gotta do what you can afford" and right now the Cougar is my best option. Anyway, I'll have to think of a new name after I get the Cougar.
dwrangler
Dwrangler: We knew you'd like the Cougar. For the extreme weather, does the Cat you're looking at have the traction control? That's a tremendous price, btw, and if you can afford it go for it! Welcome to the club.
Phelpsm: I agree. If one dealership is not able to completely fix the trunk-ajar light, then try another. Heck, even try a Ford dealer. They may be able to fix it better than the Mercury folks (I know this from experience). Anyhow, good luck with that, and let us know if you find out what the problem is.
Gustafsc: Glad to hear you're back on your foot! I bet that first drive was worth it. Take care of yourself and we'll talk to you soon.
Enjoy everyone! Happy Cougaring!
I think you will be extremely happy with your Cougar. I know I am with mine. VERY nice car for roadtrips or a fun time on a nice winding road.
Welcome to the Cougar family!
I have, however, considerable experience with driving rear-wheel, front-wheel and four wheel drive vehicles in snow because I used to live in New Hampshire.
Rear-wheel drive doesn't work.
Four-wheel drive is the best, especially on poor surfaces at high speed.
Front-wheel drive has enough traction for anything but snow higher than your bumper.
The Cougar may have problems because of the limited tire selection. I put Semperit alpine tires on my Scirocco in the winter and those things never let go. I suspect that the wide, shallow-treaded BF Goodrich tires on my Cougar would get a bit squirrelly on loose surfaces.
Talk to you all later, and Happy Cougaring!
Jim H.
Anyway, thanks for the nice welcome. I hope the activity picks up a bit here...I normally visit the itsajeep.org website (not a money making venture by any means, just people that like Jeeps whether they own one or not). We normally chat for 2-3 hours or more just about every night. Do you all have a chat room somewhere?
Again, thanks for the advice and the welcome.
Hey, how about smedcougar? Sounds good doesn't it?
dwrangler...for now.
The salesman to me into his cubicle and sat me down to talk about the car. I said that I came back down 35 to 40 minutes because of the "quote" they gave me. His reply was that he got up to "go check the stock number of the car" and returned (after stopping off to check with his manager) to say that I must have driven another model and that the actual price was (the "sale" price) $15,670.
I looked at him with an astonished expression on my face and said, "I drove the Cougar with the sunroof, spoiler and the 6 disc CD changer less than a week ago...I know what car I drove and I know the offer of $14,970 was the quote you gave me on Saturday...ONE WEEK AGO!!!" "I don't know, nor do I care whose mistake it was, but it surely wasn't mine. I liked this car, it's the one I drove, it's the one you gave me this offer on and it's why I drove ALL THE WAY DOWN HERE TO PURCHASE IT!!!"
I couldn't believe my ears! They (both the salesman and the salesmanager...he came in eventually too) were trying to convince of how great of a deal it was...YEAH RIGHT!!! I told both of them that this IS the car I drove and that WAS the price that the salesman wrote on the card (like I'm some dumb broad that would be too stupid to catch that trick). I agree that $4000 off the sticker price IS a great deal, but number one I don't think I could afford higher payments because of the increase...it's just that they lied to me and tried to put the "mistake" on my part...I know they have plenty of tricks up their sleeves, but please give me SOME credit for having intellegence.
I don't know now what kind of car I'm gonna get or when I'm gonna get it (Cougar or Wrangler) but if I do and it may not be from that dealership...when I do get a vehicle...I'm gonna drive back to that dealer, ask to speak to both the salesman and the manager....and tell them..."Whether I paid more for this vehicle or not just think...this sale could have been yours...but no, you had to low-ball me and imply that I drove a car that had less options...YOUR LOSS!...And then drive away laughing.
I'm 39 years old and have owned four cars and sold them on my own...I'm not some idiot that will say, "Oooo, that's such a nice car...oh ok I'll pay any price that you say to get this car." OH PLEASE! Who do they think they're kidding. Well thanks for letting me vent...I'll let you know what happens.
I'll keep looking but I go back to college for the fall semester Monday so it may limit my shopping time...and the more time will allow me to put back more money for the downpayment.
see ya later
dwrangler
dwrangler
Dwrangler: It's too bad you had to deal with a sales department like that, but some salesmen are still a bit Neanderthal when dealing with female customers. I would take my business elsewhere, but I do agree with your idea of contacting the dealership (and especially the owner!) that treated you so badly to let them know that they lost a sale. There are always other dealerships to go to. I do hope that you do eventually wind up with a Cougar--you will enjoy it.
A local news station in Atlanta recently reported that a south Atlanta Ford dealership ripped off a slightly mentally handicapped man (who has a job as a grocery bagger) on a new Ford F-150. It was horrible! They financed him a new Ford F-150 at a 28.85% interest rate -- DELIBERATELY!
A local fireman and friend of the man found out about the $18,000+ interest the guy would be paying and called local news stations. One of 'em picked up the story and made fools of the dealership/salesmen. The dealership canceled the loan and the fireman raised enough money for the man locally to pay for the truck in full without financing.
Speaking about the lowballing -- I had it happen to me, and I challenged the dealership on it. I was just about to agree to a NEW 1999 Cougar for like $14,000 when the "lady next to my cubicle" backed out of the deal on the car I was originally interested in -- a used 1999 Cougar with lots more features, selling for around $16,000. As soon as "the lady" left, they tried to switch me back to that car, knowing that I was ready to buy. I walked out and called back 20 minutes later to speak with the sales manager. I explained that I knew what had happened and that I expected to return in 20 minutes to buy my Cougar.
In hindsight, I should've taken the experience as a sign and ran when I had the chance. :-)
Later,
burnsmr4
As you know, I got my foot back on the 13th and was finally able to drive again (6wks).
So, while happily driving home from work on the 15th, I got sideswiped by a hit and run idiot. BUT, I got his plate #, so I hope the police do thier job and nail him.
Baby goes to the shop for the 3rd time on Tuesday, and I'll be back in a rental for at least a week.
By the time we're through, the only original body left will be the hood, roof, front fenders, and the passenger's door.
I think I'll name my cat "Bullseye", 'cause its been hit so often.
Later,
Skip G.
After all, I need a car that rides better and gets a heck of alot better gas mileage than my Dad's truck
Oh, I almost forgot. I need some quick opinions..in other words please reply asap (before Friday night)...does anyone know of someone in your circle of friends and co-workers that has used People First.com for a car loan? I was thinking about trying them but I haven't heard of anybody that has used it. I've heard they reply within a couple of hours or so. If I had some reassurances I'd look into it closer.
Well, keep me in mind Saturday...I'm gonna try to get there early in the morning to check the inventory out.
Deb
Finance thru PeopleFirst.com?
Hope this helps. Good luck! :-)
I just made my last payment to PeopleFirst on my three year loan on my Cougar. It was a pleasure dealing with them. Their rate was better than Ford's, my credit union's and local banks' at the time of my deal. Of course their best rate is for the "most qualified" borrowers, for the shorter terms (of years) and if you permit them to debit your checking or savings account monthly instead of writing checks.
By the way, you may want to illustrate the power of the Internet to your dealership's president. Let him know that your dissatisfaction has now been made known worldwide on Edmunds Townhall. Tell him that you will let everyone know it if he does right by you.
Anyway, I'm going to get up and try to get out of the house and be there by the opening of the "private sale" (by invitation only) which is around 9am CDT so I hope I don't over sleep as I need to get the deal done asap so I can make the appointment at the bank to close on the loan. I hope I can get the deal I want...I've been patient but I'd better not get low-balled...after all, I've got connections here
Well I'll let ya know what happens...hopefully I'll have a big smile in my next post.
dwrangler...dcougar or dcat...any suggestions for a name change?