In the absence of documentary evidence, we must often scrutinize listing images to determine whether a seller’s mileage claim is plausible. Such is the case with this 1997 Mercury Cougar XR7. Its presentation is superb, and with no visible wear or other issues, the 12,000 genuine miles quoted in the Craigslist advertisement seems realistic. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting the Cougar that is located in Decatur, Alabama, with an asking price of $17,500.

The 1997 model year marked the end of the line for Mercury’s Seventh Generation Cougar range. Its replacement was waiting in the wings, featuring an enormous change in design philosophy. This XR7 is a genuine survivor, ordered by its first owner in sparkling Laser Red Metallic. The seller provides a wide array of images, most of which suggest an almost complete absence of cosmetic flaws. The paint looks beautiful, while the panels are as straight as an arrow. I can’t spot any rust or significant corrosion in the underside shot, which is unsurprising in a pampered classic of this vintage. The bright trim shines as impressively as the paint, and the glass is crystal clear. The 21-spoke 15″ alloy wheels are the first of a range of options chosen by this classic’s original owner.

Ordering a 1997 Cougar XR7 brought the 3.8-liter V6 as the standard engine. However, this car’s first owner ticked the box on their Order Form for the 4.6-liter SOHC V8, teamed with the standard four-speed automatic transmission, power-assisted steering, and four-wheel disc brakes. The V8 was a worthwhile investment because while the smaller engine delivered 145hp and 215 ft/lbs of torque, the V8 placed 205hp and 280 ft/lbs at the driver’s disposal. The XR7 would never terrify the opposition at the local drag strip, but poking it with a sharp stick should unlock very respectable performance. It is also worth noting that these were the last Cougars featuring rear-wheel drive, because its replacement would send its power to the front wheels. Although the seller doesn’t mention evidence verifying the odometer reading, they confirm that the car is appropriately serviced and maintained. It appears that this Cougar is in excellent health, with the seller stating that it should provide the buyer with many years of reliable service.

Standard equipment on this Cougar includes air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player. The first owner added to the list by selecting a leather-wrapped wheel, a six-way power driver’s seat, wheel-mounted cruise control operation, a power trunk release, front floor mats, and a rear defogger. The seats feature Graphite trim in leather and cloth, with the remaining surfaces finished in vinyl in the same shade. Interiors often reveal more about a classic than any other aspect of a vehicle, and this one tells a positive story. There is no wear, discoloring, or evidence of abuse. The sun hasn’t done its worst, and there are no aftermarket additions. Once again, the overall condition appears to support the mileage claim.

This 1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 is undeniably a stunning car, and its condition is consistent with the seller’s mileage claim. For me, there are two sticking points. The first is that the seller doesn’t mention evidence verifying the odometer reading. However, the second is far more critical. Even if the reading is correct, the asking price is well above market expectations. Of course, there will probably be enthusiasts searching for an XR7 that are willing to pay a premium for what could be among the nicest examples left on the planet, but are you one of them?