Ford Cougar (1999)

Estimated running costs and MOT pass rates from 452 MOT tests in 2024.

Annual Cost

£2,888

£241/month

MOT Pass Rate

71%

Average

Road Tax

£375

Estimated/year

Est. Insurance

Grp 30-42

2544cc Petrol

Check Carefully

71% pass rate, £2,888/year to run. 11 points below average.

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Petrol2544cc27 years old452 tests87k miles avg

Annual Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 2544cc)

~30 mpg

£1,958

Road Tax

Pre-2001 engine size rate

£375

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500

Total per year£2,888

Per month£241/mo

Per week£56/wk

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), petrol at 174.57p a litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026), GOV.UK road tax rates and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

Reliability Verdict

71% MOT pass rate(Average)

0%All-model avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data. It falls below the Ford brand average of 85%.

71% of MOT tests on Ford Cougars from 1999 ended in a pass in 2024, when they were about 25 years old. That's based on 452 tests across the UK, retests included. The average mileage recorded at those tests was 86,706 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1999 models246th of 361(bottom half)

Rank among Ford models1006th of 1,136(bottom 12%)

vs average of all models-11%(82% avg)

vs 1999 models average-4%(75% avg)

vs Ford average-14%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

86,706

Average miles

185,000

Expected for age

The average 1999 Ford Cougar had 86,706 miles on the clock at its 2024 MOT, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.

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Best Year to Buy?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2001 model has the highest MOT pass rate at 76%, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 70%. The 1999 scores 71%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.

Ford Cougar by Year

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2001	76%	263	94,678 mi
2000	70%	288	91,486 mi
1999	71%	452	86,706 mi
1998	58%	84	101,624 mi

Similar Cars to Consider

BMW 3 Series

2001 · 3000cc Petrol

£2,958/year

77%

+6%

BMW Z3

1998 · 2800cc Petrol

£2,888/year

77%

+6%

Mercedes SLK

1999 · 2298cc Petrol

£2,888/year

79%

+8%

Porsche Boxster

2000 · 2700cc Petrol

£2,738/year

82%

+11%

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About the 1999 Ford Cougar

The 1999 Ford Cougar is a large car. Our records list a 2544cc petrol engine, though engines vary between versions. 452 MOT tests were recorded on this model in 2024, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all models from 1999, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 86,706 miles recorded at its 2024 MOT tests, Ford Cougar owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver. Very low mileage could mean the car has been garaged or used only for short trips, which can cause its own issues like battery drain and moisture buildup.

1999 Ford Cougar Fuel Costs

The 2544cc petrol engine is on the larger side, so fuel won't be this car's strong point. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,958 per year with petrol at 174.57p per litre (GOV.UK weekly average, week of 19 October 2026; based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1999 Ford Cougar?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,888 (£241/month), broken down as £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT, and £500 predicted repairs. Repair costs are moderate, reflecting the 71% pass rate. Keeping on top of servicing will help avoid surprises.

Ford Cougar Reliability Trend

The Ford Cougar has maintained consistent MOT pass rates across model years, varying by only 2 percentage points.

Buying a Used 1999 Ford Cougar

At 27 years old, the Ford Cougar is firmly in budget territory. Purchase prices are low, but check for rust, worn suspension bushes, and electrical gremlins. A full service history is especially valuable at this age. If you're flexible on year, the 2001 model has the highest pass rate at 76%.

Common Issues to Watch For

These are typical issues for cars of this age, fuel type and engine size, not faults recorded on this model's MOT tests. Use them as a checklist when you view one.

Timing Chain / Belt

Watch out

At 27 years old, check whether the timing belt has been replaced (typically due every 5-7 years or 60,000-100,000 miles). A snapped belt can destroy the engine.

Oil Consumption

Medium risk

Larger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.

Rust and Corrosion

Watch out

At 10+ years, check wheel arches, sills, subframe, and brake lines for rust. Structural corrosion is an MOT failure. Prevention is far cheaper than repair.

Suspension Bushings

Watch out

Rubber suspension bushes harden and crack with age, causing knocking noises and vague handling. A full refresh costs £300-£800 depending on the car.

Clutch Wear

Medium risk

With an average of 87k miles, clutch replacement may be due (typical lifespan 60,000-100,000 miles). Budget £400-£800 for a new clutch kit.

Brake Discs and Pads

Medium risk

High-mileage cars often need brake disc replacement, not just pads. A full set of discs and pads costs £200-£500 per axle.

Service History

Low risk

Always request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.

Running Costs Compared

How the 1999 Ford Cougar stacks up against similar cars for estimated annual running costs, insurance group, and tax.

Car	Pass Rate	Fuel/yr	Tax/yr	Est. Ins. Group	Total/yr
Ford Cougar(1999)	71%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,888
BMW 3 Series(2001)	77%	£1,958	£445	Grp 30-42	£2,958+£70
BMW Z3(1998)	77%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,888same
Mercedes SLK(1999)	79%	£1,958	£375	Grp 25-38	£2,888same
Porsche Boxster(2000)	82%	£1,958	£375	Grp 30-42	£2,738-£150

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, GOV.UK average pump prices for the week of 19 October 2026, GOV.UK road tax rates and MOT data. Insurance groups are our rough estimate from engine size, not official groups. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

Questions about the 1999 Ford Cougar

Is the 1999 Ford Cougar reliable?

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. 71% of MOT tests on 1999 Ford Cougars ended in a pass, from 452 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data.

How much does a 1999 Ford Cougar cost to run?

Our estimate is £2,888 a year (£241 a month): £1,958 fuel, £375 road tax, £55 MOT and £500 predicted repairs, based on 7,400 miles a year. Insurance is not included.

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1999 Ford Cougar?

71% of 452 MOT tests on the 1999 Ford Cougar ended in a pass (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That ranks it 246th of 361 models first registered in 1999 (bottom half).

Which year Ford Cougar has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2001 Ford Cougar has the highest MOT pass rate at 76% and the 2000 the lowest at 70%. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger and have done fewer miles.

What is the average mileage for a 1999 Ford Cougar?

The average mileage recorded at MOT tests on the 1999 Ford Cougar is 86,706 miles, which is significantly below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. Low-mileage examples may have spent time sitting unused, so check for issues like corroded brakes or perished rubber seals.