FORD COUGAR (2001)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 263 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,577
£215/month
MOT Pass Rate
76%
Average
Road Tax
£430
Based on CC/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2495cc Petrol
Check Carefully
76% pass rate, £2577/year to run. 6 points below average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Based on 2495cc
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
Average reliability. Expect some repairs as it ages. That's 6 points below the national average of 82%. It falls below the FORD brand average of 85%.
At 25 years old, 76% of FORD COUGARs from 2001 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 263 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 94,678 miles.
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Mileage Analysis
94,678
Average miles
185,000
Expected for age
The average 2001 FORD COUGAR has 94,678 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 185,000 miles for a 25-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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FORD COUGAR by Year
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About the 2001 FORD COUGAR
The 2001 FORD COUGAR is a large car with a 2495cc petrol engine. 263 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2001, the average MOT pass rate is 73%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 94,678 miles at 25 years old, FORD COUGAR owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2001 FORD COUGAR Fuel Costs
The 2495cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. 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 2001 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 76% 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 2001 FORD COUGAR
At 25 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.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2001 FORD COUGAR's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Timing Chain / Belt
Watch outAt 25 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 riskLarger 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 outAt 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 outRubber 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 riskWith an average of 95k 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 riskHigh-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 riskAlways 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 2001 FORD COUGAR stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FORD COUGAR(2001) | 76% | £1592 | £430 | Grp 25-38 | £2577 |
| RENAULT CLIO(2003) | 68% | £1327 | £135 | Grp 18-32 | £2217-£360 |
| BMW 3 SERIES(1999) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2397-£180 |
| MERCEDES CLK(2003) | 78% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2397-£180 |
| BMW Z4(2003) | 79% | £1592 | £250 | Grp 25-38 | £2397-£180 |
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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