Definately stick with an 01+ Cougar. I've got a 99, and I've had the sunroof issue, and the alternator replaced, plus the fuel pump is crappin out on me (but I've got a nice replacement in the garage).
If she doesn't beat the crap out of the Cougar, it will stand up fine, mine had 100k miles when my first problem occured, so its not that bad. =)
E1
