Something to consider…
https://www.ebay.com/itm/223193664840
No reserve.
That should get your juices flowing!
Be patient. There will always be another one to come up for sale, so it’s not like you have to decide right away. Study the cars, and the listings, figure out what you like / don’t like about certain years. Go to a few car shows where you know Cougars will be attending and talk to the owners.
Good luck, and keep us posted!
Would you be interested in spending less and putting money into body work?
67 original here survivor. Starts up and runs. I take it out once a week now. 2nd owner outside of original family and have contact info.
See September ride of the month and look at my previous posts and info
I think I’m leaning towards the 68-70 at this point. Thx!
I love the '67 and '68’s but really wanted a convertible so they were out. I have always preferred the 1969 front end to the 1970. The 1969 front bumper and grille is cleaner than the 1970 version and the bumper’s projection to align with the revised hood in my opinion. I noted an earlier comment about a 1970 hood decapitating you and it happened to me at my first car show with my '69 when I was looking at a 1970.
Just my opinion as to the design. Your car your money. Have fun and don’t worry about what others think about it. You’re buying this to make you happy not them.
Thanks. I like the 69 Convert as well. I found one but they want $40K.
Regardless of year 67-70 Cougars have the sweetest head and tail lights of any classic muscle car ! … when they are all working correctly that is ha 
$40k sounds really high, even in very clean condition. Some under $20k options are out there:
https://www.carsforsale.com/vehicle/details/44185884
I agree. Thanks for the links!
https://classiccars.com/listings/view/1031105/1969-mercury-cougar-xr7-for-sale-in-woodbury-new-york-11797
Here is a nice 1, Hi from your neighbor to the south.
https://www.cars-on-line.com/gen3-cars/col1/posting/90380, Here is another, your money is burning a hole in our pockets. 
I do like the aqua one! Too bad I’m not in New York to inspect it.
The 69 is a nice car but might be over priced a little. The work performed looks iffy as evidenced by the over-spray on the front bumper fillers and lower quality replacement parts throughout. Obviously a very solid California car with sought after options.
I can check this one out if needed
Thats funny! Not a big fan of that color. I’m leaning toward yellow and white (for now