Some classics leave buyers with tough decisions to make, and this 1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 is one such car. Its presentation is superb and it should provide its new owner with a comfortable motoring experience. The choice the buyer faces will be between preserving or driving it as its creators intended. Why? Because this Cougar has a mere 296 genuine miles on its odometer. You will struggle to find one with lower mileage, making this car genuinely special. The seller has listed the XR7 here on eBay in Salem, Ohio. They set their price at $24,800 with the option to make an offer.
Originally conceived as Mercury’s entry into the pony car market, the Cougar morphed into a more luxurious vehicle by the time the Seventh Generation hit showroom floors. These cars remained in production from December 1988 until 1997, with this XR7 ordered by its first owner during the final year. They selected Performance White paint to cover its stylish steel, a subtle shade that will attract a mixed reception from our readers. Some will view it as the perfect color for a vehicle of this type, while others will undoubtedly believe that it deserves something with more visual “punch.” However, there is no escaping the fact that its presentation is extremely impressive. I can’t spot any paint or panel issues, and the comprehensive image gallery supplied by the seller confirms that this classic is rust-free. The seller admits there is slight pitting on some trim pieces, which probably prevents this car from achieving perfection. The glass is as clear as you might expect from a vehicle with a three-digit odometer reading, and the alloy wheels are spotless.
Brown interior trim was one of the most commonly offered by manufacturers during the 1980s and 1990s, making it unsurprising that this is what we find when we open this Cougar’s doors. Once again, nothing warrants criticism. There is no wear on the upholstered surfaces, and the carpet still wears its protective plastic from the factory. The plastic hasn’t succumbed to age, and there are no aftermarket additions. Luxury appointments include air conditioning, power operation for the windows, locks, mirrors, and the driver’s seats, cruise control, and an AM/FM radio/cassette player with a power antenna.
One of the most significant changes made by Mercury to the Seventh Generation Cougar was to introduce Ford’s 4.6-liter V8 as the optional motor in 1994. That is what graces this car’s engine bay, sending 205hp and 280 ft/lbs of torque to the independent rear end via a four-speed automatic transmission. Power steering was standard fare, as were anti-lock brakes. Performance won’t be lightning fast by modern standards, but cruising at 70 on the open road will be effortless. The history of this classic is unclear, with no information supplied regarding why it has a verified 296 genuine miles on the clock. It is also unclear whether the XR7 is genuinely roadworthy, but it would be wise to send it for a thorough inspection to confirm that the perishable items are sound before undertaking any serious journeys.
The BIN figure for this 1997 Mercury Cougar XR7 is a long way above the market average, but this car is undoubtedly anything but ordinary. It sets its own rules, as any low-mile classic invariably does. One point to ponder is that this isn’t the first time this classic has hit the market. I located a previous listing for this car, indicating that it failed to sell in May 2023 after the bidding stalled at $15,250. That information may give potential buyers some leverage to negotiate a slightly lower price. However, we must return to the original question. Should this Cougar be preserved, or driven as its creators intended?
The obvious question is, what is the back story? This Cougar presents a difficult situation: it’s not particularly collectible, so…. treat it as a ‘normal’ classic car, and drive it some? Or even, make its future a 27 year old very nice daily driver? What might need checked out to assure it to be a dependable daily driver? Or let it continue to be a novelty ultra-low-mileage car?
Lots of good pics, but another run-on dealer ad.
Yeah, you always wonder what happened that a non-spectacular car like this managed to exist with so few miles. A dealer kept it socked away for some reason?
Angle on that back window 🪟 👌
I’m more of a fan of this car’s Thunderbird twin but do like the formal roof line. The designers made it work compared to the awkward looking late eighties Cougars. It’s close by relatively speaking. Dealer wants too much, typical. By the way, that paint shade isn’t subtle. It’s searing my retinas. I can’t decide if I like it or not.
We had a ’93 T Bird with the 4.6. In that car, it was fairly sporty. We put over 100k on that car, with zero problems, save for it ate brake pads. That’s the conundrum with this XR7. Is it a “new” daily driver, or is it a static display? I think it’s overpriced, but you’re not likely to find another one with the mileage. It won’t get the same looks at the car shows, as a ratty Z28, unless you put a sign on it describing the low miles. And how long can you squirrel it away before it might become worth the selling price?
I had a 96XR7 in that diamond white metallic. Great car for a daily. That 4.6 did the job. ABS and Trac Control too. Only beef was that the intake manifolds on these tended to crack as they were made of plastic/composite. The Standard brand replacement had reinforcement at the temp sensor and thermostat. Bob has some fair points made on this one aside from its steep ask.
It’s priced too high, but these pretty neat cars. The Panthers have a cult following, and these are a little more sophisticated, with 4 wheel independent suspension, 4 wheel disc brakes and the same indestructible 4.6
I would like also to know why this wasn’t driven.
Hmm let’s try to create the best story here….
Option A: The owner a Manhattan wealthy connected guy buys the car in Jersey for his secret mistress. Victoria was already a mob bosses lady gets caught and her secret lover was providing new concrete shoes? :-)
Option B: This car purchased by a person that made minute small monthly payments while it was on lay away?
Option C: This car was used in a drive by bow and arrow shooting and caught when the arrow was put in backward causing frustration and the owner stopping and hitting the steering wheel multiple times. The local police were able to witness the event and arrest the owner who had the car stored in Jersey. The owner passed away while serving time during a Christmas gift exchange in cell block C and car is being sold for back payments.
It’s a nice-looking car. The problem is that it’s not a high desirable car and if one drives it then the car becomes a normal low-cost vehicle.
Good luck with the sale as it’s super nice and clean….
Put it in your garage and wait 10 years for it to be worth something.
It’s a great example of a nice car, but I think they may struggle selling it at that price, unless that’s their “I don’t want to sell it” price…
A nice looking Cougar for her age, but not particularly what I would call
“collectible” I would drive this often, but my offer would be $ 16 K.
$10K. The dealer is stuck with this. No ‘collectibility” in any way, shape or form.
I had a 1990 Cougar and loved that car. Can’t say I’m a fan of the white exterior and beige interior. Agree with others, that price says “I don’t really want to sell, but if some fool will pay it; I would part with it”
If you want a nice daily driver, for the ask, you can buy a brand new nice car with a full warranty for that. I Civic with a turbo, not only will out perform, and out handle this, it will also deliver 40 MPG. Also, safer with multiple air bags and modern entertainment options. If this is your dream car and you have the bread, why not, but it is going to cost far more than the BIN price. Tires, for sure. Going to have to go through the whole fuel system. Suspension is going to need looking at, those parts get old from sitting. All the belts will need replacing. Rodent activity? If so, chewed on any electrical wires? Did they get inside and leave unwanted materials? Plus, remember, no warranty. If you have Lenos money, go for it. The price is three times what it should be. It would be nice if someone here would have dug up the back story on this car, would make for a more interesting site. Bad enough that the software often is funky and the ads have gotten very annoying.
I like it and unlike others I would drive it. I would make it my spring and summer driver