Hello all
I am now a proud owner of a 1999 T reg V6 Cougar!! - The car came with a FSH and what looks like 2 careful (and elderly - not necessarily a good thing!!) previous owners. It's just great to drive!!
I trawled through your brilliant forum before taking the plunge and buying and obtained v useful info which helped with my decision - so thanks - as a result I am now a subscriber..
From history wishbones have been changed at least 3 times in the past (should i be worried??? - or is this down to bad roads / driving / luck?) - the most recent change just prior to me buying, which will hopefully save me a job for sometime to come. – Can the suspension be adjusted to reduce the risk of these going again??
Also – I have read nightmare stories about minor suspension repairs and then the sub frame not being set properly (i.e. clueless mechanics) with bolts being cut, not replaced and this then causing gearbox failure!! – would you recommend I get the sub frame checked, (though steering feels ok)??
Not sure about IMRC – I have read a lot on the threads about this and wonder if I am getting the most out of my V6 – the acceleration seems steady, fairly brisk and sustained to me, (though I am used to driving a 1.8i 16v Mazda) and it took me a second before I realised I was fast approaching 115MPH in no time at all – (only kidding of course)
I do not think I feel a “turbo thrust” at 3500 – 4000rpm – would I definitely feels something or is there a more subtle refined push than this? Other than opening the throttle up in lower gears, I would not know how else to check it, nor have the confidence, despite there being loads of threads on here to help. – the car has done approx 95k and I do not see that the IMRC has been repaired / changed in the paperwork that I now have – any advice would be welcome..
Lastly (thankfully I hear you say) I drive approx 100 miles / day – mostly M driving and am getting about 32MPG when driving sensibly – does this seem about right for the V6? – the engine / bonnet seems hot after a good drive (yes I know it’s supposed to be hot, but it almost smells hot, if that makes sense??) – the coolant was changed at last service, which was 6k ago, but nearly 2 years ago!!!! – told you the owner was an oldie!! – so I will get the coolant changed ASAP – The temp gauge is always normal and coolant level normal when cold – is this quite normal for a V6 Cougar to feel hot?
Apologies to bang on, but just a little excited I guess and want to get the best out of me new vehicle and also to look after it properly
Appreciate any advice you can give
Cheers
SgM
PS – I live in S. East (Mid Essex region) – does anyone know of any capable mechanics / garages that will do this car the justice it so deserves?
I am now a proud owner of a 1999 T reg V6 Cougar!! - The car came with a FSH and what looks like 2 careful (and elderly - not necessarily a good thing!!) previous owners. It's just great to drive!!
I trawled through your brilliant forum before taking the plunge and buying and obtained v useful info which helped with my decision - so thanks - as a result I am now a subscriber..
From history wishbones have been changed at least 3 times in the past (should i be worried??? - or is this down to bad roads / driving / luck?) - the most recent change just prior to me buying, which will hopefully save me a job for sometime to come. – Can the suspension be adjusted to reduce the risk of these going again??
Also – I have read nightmare stories about minor suspension repairs and then the sub frame not being set properly (i.e. clueless mechanics) with bolts being cut, not replaced and this then causing gearbox failure!! – would you recommend I get the sub frame checked, (though steering feels ok)??
Not sure about IMRC – I have read a lot on the threads about this and wonder if I am getting the most out of my V6 – the acceleration seems steady, fairly brisk and sustained to me, (though I am used to driving a 1.8i 16v Mazda) and it took me a second before I realised I was fast approaching 115MPH in no time at all – (only kidding of course)
I do not think I feel a “turbo thrust” at 3500 – 4000rpm – would I definitely feels something or is there a more subtle refined push than this? Other than opening the throttle up in lower gears, I would not know how else to check it, nor have the confidence, despite there being loads of threads on here to help. – the car has done approx 95k and I do not see that the IMRC has been repaired / changed in the paperwork that I now have – any advice would be welcome..
Lastly (thankfully I hear you say) I drive approx 100 miles / day – mostly M driving and am getting about 32MPG when driving sensibly – does this seem about right for the V6? – the engine / bonnet seems hot after a good drive (yes I know it’s supposed to be hot, but it almost smells hot, if that makes sense??) – the coolant was changed at last service, which was 6k ago, but nearly 2 years ago!!!! – told you the owner was an oldie!! – so I will get the coolant changed ASAP – The temp gauge is always normal and coolant level normal when cold – is this quite normal for a V6 Cougar to feel hot?
Apologies to bang on, but just a little excited I guess and want to get the best out of me new vehicle and also to look after it properly
Appreciate any advice you can give
Cheers
SgM
PS – I live in S. East (Mid Essex region) – does anyone know of any capable mechanics / garages that will do this car the justice it so deserves?
