Need help looking at a 67

Here’s the skinny. I’m looking at purchasing a 67-68 cougar and I found one out in LA. I live in Wisconsin, and am new to this whole experience. I’m trying to avoid having to fly out and take a look at it, and I’m wondering if A: anybody knows anybody trustworthy in the area that can look at it and B: if anybody has a shipping company that they recommend if I was to purchase said car. Vehicle is at this dealer:

https://www.laautobahn.com/details/used-1967-mercury-cougar/114217828

I would appreciate any help anybody in this group can offer me. Thank you.

My advice to people new to buying older cars like 67-68 Cougars is that they plan to look at vehicles themselves and if possible have someone they trust accompany them on the inspection.

Regarding the ad for the black 67, I’d be concerned with history of car with the “Copart” sign in background. Also no interior, undercarriage pics and limited descriptions. The mileage posted of 26000 miles is most likely an odometer reading which unless proven different is no reflection of how many miles the vehicle actually has. For somebody new I’d suggest finding a car from an owner vs a used car dealer.

I’ve got all kinds of pictures and videos of everything on the car. Underneath is pretty rust free as far as structural components go. It’s TMU so I’m aware of that. Car originally came from oregon when they got it. Paint is not in real great condition but I’m not looking for a show car. It does run and drive, but the only thing that doesn’t work to my knowledge is the headlights which I believe are being addressed

I seem to recall that there are companies that exist for this very purpose. For a couple hundred bucks they will go out and evaluate a car for you and give you a report.

That dealer looks fishy, there’s nothing at their listed address. Not saying they’re a total scam, but I’d be wary of any transactions that aren’t in-person. They’re not like a Streetside Classics or some national chain you can trust.

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I agree with DropTopCougr. The photos cause me concern, as does a web search of the name on the sign in the photos.

You should be able to do far better at that asking price. Have you looked at the sales data on Bring A Trailer? That’s the best pricing source these days. And a ‘67 XR7 was listed there yesterday.

Finally, it’s always best to buy the best example you can afford. And transport costs halfway across the country will put a big dent in your budget.

I looked for my ‘68 XR7 for 6 years. But it was well worth the wait. Found it locally in Southern California. One family car until a few months before my purchase in 2011.

P.S. not suggesting you buy the one currently on BaT, just that you watch the final auction price.

Have a 67 you are welcome to look at. Near Grand Rapids in Michigan. Former Louisiana car. Less then what they are asking.

Could you tell me about it or send pics? I’m not really looking for a vinyl top car. I truly want a hardtop in all honesty. Also there is a 68 I’m looking at on marketplace in Pennsylvania for 16 that I’m really into, but the guy selling it is very inconsistent on messaging me back

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Already on market here. Under: 67 Cougar 289 Odometer say 31.4K miles

Best advice is to keep looking to find what you truly want.

I actually work in the area… The address listed is a building with multiple offices. My guess is the car is stored elsewhere and the seller has an office in the building.

Thank you all for your help. I’ve pretty much moved off of pursuing that car. I’ve found some others on marketplace, but I’m just waiting for them to get back to me. If any of you know anyone selling a 67-68 car tell them to get a hold of me one way or another. More than likely thru here. Once again thank you all :slight_smile:

Brody, I think you’re making the right decision. Unlike with real estate, buying a “fixer” never works out with vintage automobiles. Push your budget as high as you feel comfortable, locate a better example, and you’ll be much better off. And there are LOTS of first gen Cougars out there, unfortunately many of them are “fright pigs”, or overly modified. Do a search for “Collectible Classic: 1967-1968 Mercury Cougar” and you’ll see my car. Although prices are higher now than in 2011 when I bought it, it would easily have been in your price range then.

Yeah I’m definitely not looking for a fixer, but I don’t mind doing a few minor things like electric headlight swaps and stuff like that. Not really looking to do a whole restore or anything like that because that gets really expensive really quick. I’ve found a few on marketplace but some of them are kinda sketchy or they don’t get back to me, so I’ll just keep saving and waiting until the right one rolls up, but like I said my previous response, if any of y’all see one for sale or something definitely let me know or put in the marketplace on here because I check that quite often. No vinyl tops though. Not a fan of those :slight_smile: