Check Engine Light On problems of the 1996 Mercury Cougar

I bought a mecury Cougar xr7 feburary 1st, 2003 at carmax in dulles, va. I have had the car approximately 3 weeks. Last Monday February 10, 2003 I took my car to inspected by the state of maryland. I was assured this car would pass inspection. My car failed inspection. I am now having engine problems with my car where it jumps and knocks. The engine light goes on and off. I have tried calling carmax several times this week to get my car repaired at their laurel dealership and where I bought my car at carmax in sterling/dulles, va. No one could help me to bring my car in or set up an earlier appointment. My car sounds like it is going to fall apart. My girlfriend called the salesperson Saturday February 15, 2003. The salesperson called the operations manager and he called my girlfriend. They are trying to set up a time for me to bring my car in on Monday. I have called all week and no one would forward my call to the operations manager at carmax. My appointment was set up to bring my car in on February 24th. I am worried that I bought lemon. I only had the car approximatley 3 weeks. There is a certificate in my car from virginia state claiming that this car passed inspection back in December of 2002.

The consumer had a recall for engine. Dealership replaced defective part from recall. Six month later, replacement part didn't work. Dealership mechanic told her that she needed a new engine. Engine light came on while consumer was driving. And stayed on. She complained that engine coolant was running out from underneath vehicle. Vehicle wouldn't move. Vehicle had to be towed. Consumer was concerned that replacement part didn't work at first, and she needed some help from Ford motor company.