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FORD COUGAR (1999)

Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 452 real MOT tests.

Annual Cost

£2,577

£215/month

MOT Pass Rate

71%

Average

Road Tax

£430

Based on CC/year

Insurance

Grp 30-42

2544cc Petrol

Check Carefully

71% pass rate, £2577/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

£1,592
Road Tax

Based on 2544cc

£430
MOT Test
£55
Predicted Repairs

Higher estimate due to low pass rate

£500
Total per year£2,577
Per month£215/mo
Per week£50/wk

Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.

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Reliability Verdict

71% MOT pass rate(Average)
0%National avg: 82%100%

Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 11 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.

At 27 years old, 71% of FORD COUGARs from 1999 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 452 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 86,706 miles.

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How Does It Compare?

Rank among 1999 cars256th of 375(top 68%)
Rank among FORD models1034th of 1,167(top 89%)
vs national average-11%(82% avg)
vs 1999 cars average-4%(75% avg)
vs FORD average-14%(85% avg)

Mileage Analysis

86,706

Average miles

vs

199,800

Expected for age

The average 1999 FORD COUGAR has 86,706 miles on the clock, which is significantly below the expected 199,800 miles for a 27-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?

The most reliable year is the 2001 model with a 76% MOT pass rate, while the 1998 model has the lowest at 58%. The 1999 sits between the two at 71%.

FORD COUGAR by Year

YearPass RateTestsAvg Mileage
200176%26394,678 mi
200070%28891,486 mi
199971%45286,706 mi
199858%84101,624 mi

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About the 1999 FORD COUGAR

The 1999 FORD COUGAR is a large car with a 2544cc petrol engine. 452 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 1999, the average MOT pass rate is 75%, and this model falls short of that benchmark.

With an average of 86,706 miles at 27 years old, 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 £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).

What does it cost to own a 1999 FORD COUGAR?

Total estimated annual running cost is £2,577 215/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £430 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

Newer FORD COUGARs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 9 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

Based on the 1999 FORD COUGAR's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.

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 annual running costs, insurance, and tax.

CarPass RateFuel/yrTax/yrInsuranceTotal/yr
FORD COUGAR(1999)71%£1592£430Grp 30-42£2577
BMW 3 SERIES(2001)77%£1592£250Grp 30-42£2397-£180
BMW Z3(1998)77%£1592£250Grp 30-42£2397-£180
MERCEDES SLK(1999)79%£1592£250Grp 25-38£2397-£180
PORSCHE BOXSTER(2000)82%£1592£250Grp 30-42£2247-£330

Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.

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