Blower switch/resistor or wiring harness
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Sell your 1997 Mercury Cougar for cash
The 1997 Mercury Cougar is a midsize car that came with a choice of 3.8L 6-cyl and 4.6L 8-cyl engines. At 29 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
- Free offer for your 1997 Cougar in about 30 seconds
- Free towing, running or not
- Paid at pickup
MercuryCOUGAR1997
1997 Mercury Cougar at a glance
| Body style | Midsize Cars |
|---|---|
| Engines | 3.8L 6-cyl, 4.6L 8-cyl |
| Transmissions | Automatic 4-spd |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 15–16 city / 23–24 highway / 18–19 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $3,550–$3,700 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 468–494 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 2 configurations |
| Age | 29 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
What affects its junk value
- Age: at 29 years old, most of a 1997 Cougar's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
- Weight: as a midsize car, it weighs less than a truck or SUV, so its value leans more on parts than on scrap weight. See how scrap prices by weight work.
- Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
- Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the engine and engine cooling, typically around 73,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.
1997 Mercury Cougar recalls
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 1997 Mercury Cougar. You can confirm with your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Common 1997 Cougar problems
Owners have filed 76 complaints about the 1997 Mercury Cougar with NHTSA. 2 reports involved a crash and 2 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 2 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Most-reported components
Typical mileage when problems were reported
- Engine and Engine Cooling73,000 mi
- Engine and Engine Cooling60,000 mi
- Engine and Engine Cooling138,000 mi
1997 Mercury Cougar service bulletins
Manufacturers have filed 113 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1997 Mercury Cougar. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
Most common bulletin topics
Recent bulletins
Some 1997-2008 vehicles equipped with a 4.6l 2v, 5.4l 2v, or 6.8l 2v engine--spark plug thread repair procedure--not covered under new vehicle limited warranty. *nj this
Extended coverage program 05n04 - extended coverage for composite intake manifold. This program is being provided as a settlement to a class action lawsuit. The terms of
General (PCM) power train control module programming procedures. *tt
General power train control module (PCM) programming procedures. *tt
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA opened 1 defect investigation covering the 1997 Mercury Cougar.
Other Mercury Cougar years
‹ Sell a 1996 Cougar · Sell a 1999 Cougar › · All Mercury Cougar years
Other 1997 Mercury models
Selling a 1997 Cougar: questions
How much is a 1997 Mercury Cougar worth for junk?
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Can I junk a 1997 Cougar that doesn't run?
Yes. We buy 1997 Cougars that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
What paperwork do I need to sell my 1997 Cougar?
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Before you sell
Sources
- EPA fuel economy data (specs and MPG)fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA recallsnhtsa.gov
- NHTSA complaints, service bulletins and investigationsnhtsa.gov
Data retrieved October 2026.
Get cash for your 1997 Cougar today
Get a free offer in minutes. Towing is always free and you get paid at pickup.