Hot girls!

I didnt see that vote option. ;)

hey! what happened to hapilly maried new father?!

I'm after a decently-priced, decent condition Ford Cougar at the moment. So far as the UK goes, that's about the best compromise between power, handling, looks, practically and cost in a relatively recent package that you're likely to get. At my price level, anyway. Plus I like it. At the moment I have a 54 reg Fiesta, which handles superbly and costs pennies but doesn't have much power at all.

As with all things in life, I think a healthy balance is in order. Unless you can afford to keep multiple cars - one for drag-racing, one for navigating B-roads, one for going to work - you're going to need all of the mentioned qualities at some point. A car without power is boring and unsafe, a car with bad looks isn't going to help you when you're out on the pull, and a car with a crappy, uncomfortable interior isn't going to inspire you with excitement and pride or keep your bum very comfy on long-haul trips. And a car without handling may as well be a train...

Really though, what I look for in a car are Aston Martin DB9 badges. I was overtaken by one on the motorway a couple of days ago. I was doing 95mph, and it just shot by me as though I wasn't even moving. I was never happier to be overtaken so thoroughly...

That's not something to be bragging about, you know...

Cougars are sweet, theyre still a little expensive for me.. but they're considered the 3rd generation Ford Probe. I love it's looks and the 2.5l Duratec V6 won't let you down ;) If it's that close to a Probe, you'll indeed have the perfect balance between power, comfort, practicality, looks and cost.

Good luck on the search Matt, I'm really excited, hope you find a nice one!

Just recently saw a Cougar, probably for the first time ever, and I must say it looked rather amazing with the minor tuning that was done to it.
If I had that kind of money I'd still rather stretch a few grand and get a Peugeot 406 Coupé, the 3,0L V6s have better performance than the 2,5L in the Cougar, they possibly look even better and what is more important; they are French. :p

It'll also incur a much heavier car tax bill, have more weight to pull around (thus negating the negligible power increase, incidentally), to say nothing of the jelly suspension for which they are famed, explosive electronics and increased maintenance and insurance costs. Plus they're French. :p

That's sums it up pretty good I'd say..

The big power difference is indeed not fully visible in performance, but why would the 406 Coupé give you a heavier tax bill? Taxes based on engine displacement? :confused:
BTW, I assume you would get a heart attack if I suggested you to buy a Citroën XM, now that has something you might call jelly suspension, explosive electronics (infamous for engine fires) and high insurance and maintenance costs. :D

Yes, when you probably thought a BX was over the top, I went further down, so I'm putting together an XM (rust damaged undercarriage, currently replacing both the front and rear parts with restored ones) even though I not long ago was a bit too scared by their apparent complexity and unreliability to seriously consider owning one. :p

You have to like French cars in the first place.. It won't work Huf ;) Taxes are based on weight of the car in Holland, and I assume in the UK aswell.. That's why I can't afford a 1600kg Mustang.. Among other reasons.

Higher engine displacement, higher CO2 emissions (one number up on the Euro Emissions Standard) and (indirectly, but with 80%+ VAT on fuel still relevant) lower MPG.

To say nothing of it being in a higher insurance group as well.

All of this for a car I don't like!