1999 Ford Cougar 2.5L Petrol · T987 CLP

The dominant mechanical theme in this Ford Cougar's MOT history is a persistent front suspension concern, specifically the nearside front suspension arm rubber bush. The bush deteriorated to the point of resulting in excessive movement and an MOT failure on two separate occasions in early 2009, while the offside equivalent was logged as an advisory on no fewer than three tests across 2008 and 2009, and the offside rear trailing arm bush was also flagged for deterioration during the same period. Since the 2010 test record shows a clean pass with no recorded advisories, the immediate question for a prospective buyer is whether the suspension components were genuinely renewed or merely bedded in enough to pass at that point. The 2010 failure for tread depth below 1.6mm on three tyres and a non-functioning rear direction indicator is also a reminder that routine safety items, not just structural components, have required attention on this car. With recorded mileage of 109,327 over approximately 27 years, the annual accumulation is around 4,049 miles, which is low for a vehicle of this age. The MOT history itself only covers the 2006 to 2010 period, so a significant testing gap exists; the vehicle was either off the public road for testing purposes prior to 2006 or has not been submitted for MOT since 2010, meaning the bulk of the recorded mileage is unverified by any official test. A low annual figure and a long absence from testing can mask wear, as components that are not exercised regularly can seize, perish, or corrode, particularly rubber elements and brake hydraulic parts, and the recorded low use should be treated as a prompt for thorough physical inspection rather than as a comfort factor. Given the documented history of front suspension arm bush failure and the advisory on the offside rear trailing arm bush, a close inspection of the front subframe, lower wishbones, and rear trailing arm mountings is essential. On a test drive, listen for clonks or knocks from the front end over speed humps and uneven surfaces, and pay particular attention to vague steering response or any shimmy under braking, which could indicate worn bushes beyond their previously recorded condition. The 2008 advisory noting a slight bind on the offside rear brake is also worth following up; a binding caliper or seized slider on the rear would manifest as a dragging sensation, uneven heat across the rear wheels after driving, and potentially uneven tyre wear on the offside rear. Tyre condition has historically been a weak point on this vehicle, with failures for sub-1.6mm tread on three tyres in 2010, an advisory on the offside rear in the same test, and user-entered notes in 2009 regarding perished cracks in both front tyres and uneven rear wear. Any prospective purchase should include a careful check of all four tyres for age-related cracking in the sidewalls, as rubber degrades regardless of mileage, and for uneven shoulder wear which can point to suspension geometry issues. Finally, the 2009 failure for parking brake efficiency below requirements warrants a manual check of the handbrake travel and holding force on an incline, and the recurring front position lamp failures in 2009 suggest the front light cluster wiring and bulb holders should be inspected for corrosion given the car's age.