Hi guys, First post here and looking to buy my first cougar. Im partial to the 67-8 years and looking for a fun project to complete with my son over the years. Looking for something we can hold onto for a couple decades and pass down the line when the time comes.
I would love to find a solid car that is drive able so we can enjoy it while we work on it together. Im sure this will be a long term project so having a solid car to begin with is going to be key since I would still like to enjoy it as we get it back in top shape. I am not looking for a full on restoration, collectible or numbers matching, just a fun car to drive and enjoy. I am a mechanic by trade(mostly light duty diesel engine work) so not scared of getting my hands dirty and doing everything myself however the one thing I am not is a body guy so a relatively rust free straight car is what Im after(Im sure all of us want that!)
Looking in the phoenix AZ area or reasonable driving distance from there for the right car. I have a truck and trailer to transport as well.
Hoping to spend about 5k but not sure if thats doable or not for what Im after?
You have landed in the right place! Welcome! Have you tried www.searchtempest.com? It will prompt you to try autotempest when you get there but I say stick with the first one. Here are some links that might help and after you check them out you need to hook up with Scott Taylor in Chanler AZ.
Thanks Don, I have actually already stumbled upon your buying guide videos while searching the cougars parts and knowledge availability. Those where very helpful in helping me decide what car I wanted as a project so thanks for putting those together!
I will check out the link you posted and see what pops up.
What I like about the cougars is they are not a mustang(which everyone owns), great parts availability for the most part, and relatively reasonable cost to get into and hey lets face it its just a cool car to own and drive!
Diesel, drop me an email and we can talk more about some local PHX Cougars that may be for sale. The Arizona Cougar club email address is arizonacougarclub@gmail.com. Thanks, Scott (AZ Cougar club membership director)
Thanks for the link! That does look like a solid project car for sure but its always scary to me when the engine and transmissions have been rebuilt but never started or ran yet. So for me this does not add any more valve over an drivetrain that is know to need a rebuild. They could be perfectly fine or problematic you but you just dont know until you fire them up for the first time so for me its hard to put a solid value on something like that. I think if the car was more put together where you could actually start it up and put it in gear it would be worth asking price. However in its current state I think it might be a bit high? However I could be completely wrong
I think your assessment is 100% correct. I think $8,000 to $9,000 is more in range judging from the pictures. Ask for receipts of the engine work that was done and that might make you feel more comfortable buying it not running. If the paint looks like it will clean up nice than I would go up to as high as $10,000 on it.
I was in Arizona last year for 6 months for work and purchased 5 Arizona Cougars. 2 were pretty solid projects and 3 were strictly for parts. Just sold the best of the bunch to a guy here in Albuquerque. sold a nice rolling shell to a guy in Minnesota who will be picking it up in two months. I’m originally from Michigan so it’s hard for me to pass up a solid body Cougar when the price is right. I’ll keep my eyes peeled here in NM for you.
I have been watching local listings for a while now, have not seen not much that fits my desire just yet which is why Im willing to travel a bit to get the right car. I do travel to NM for work as well so I have been watching the ABQ listings too
I just found a super straight, original paint one owner project yesterday that can be had very reasonable… Its a no option manual 3spd 1968 that would be a great platform for a 5spd resto mod or??? Call me.