Desiato
Hard-core CEG'er
This is my opinion based on my experience with my cars, on the ceg and reading about the Contour over the years. Some opinions may be conjecture.
I don't recall the numbers or the reports because it's been a couple of years since I looked, but the data I've read over the years suggest that the Contour is no less reliable than any of its peers. Customer satisfaction among first owners was fairly high, I believe.
In my experience, the automatic transaxle isn't as reliable as the manual transaxle. I personally wouldn't buy a high mileage automatic Contour, but I would consider a high mileage manual in the right condition.
Stock suspension in good condition with good tires should feel on the firm side compared to most four door sedans. Steering should be tight and responsive. SVT's have a slightly smaller front sway bar which results in a little more lean on turns -- and increased traction.
A duratec Contour has enough pep for someone to seriously drive the hell out of these, and many have been. These cars aren't made for hard launches. Also, because they handle so well, there is sometimes a temptation to take curves and turns faster than is needed, potentially wearing out steering parts and wheel bearings faster. A duratec Contour may roughly weigh between 2800-3000lbs, but doesn't feel like it around corners.
I've owned two Contours and I've been test driving others for the winter. The cars I've test driven vary wildly in condition, like any 9+ year old cars of any platform. One car I test drove was in poor condition, and if it was the only one I had driven I might not have tried another Contour. Another I test drove felt like a new car.
The reliability of a Contour you buy today is more dependent on its past owners than the platform.
The worst problem I've had was with my 95 when the waterpump died on a hot day on the freeway. The engine survived a 40 minute drive home in traffic. It cost me around $70 and around two hours of my time as my first auto repair. People with mechanical experience change them around 45 minutes from what I've read here. The 95 was scrapped due to corrosion -- if you live in a city that is heavily salted during winter months, check the rocker and quarter panels. The rocker panels might be rusting from the inside out, so give them a light tap.
I think the biggest testament to the Contour is the CEG. This wasn't a popular car and most people I talk to don't even know what Contours or Mystiques are. Yet this is an active, knowledgeable enthusiast group that's been going strong long after the platform was discontinued in Canada and the US.
I don't recall the numbers or the reports because it's been a couple of years since I looked, but the data I've read over the years suggest that the Contour is no less reliable than any of its peers. Customer satisfaction among first owners was fairly high, I believe.
In my experience, the automatic transaxle isn't as reliable as the manual transaxle. I personally wouldn't buy a high mileage automatic Contour, but I would consider a high mileage manual in the right condition.
Stock suspension in good condition with good tires should feel on the firm side compared to most four door sedans. Steering should be tight and responsive. SVT's have a slightly smaller front sway bar which results in a little more lean on turns -- and increased traction.
A duratec Contour has enough pep for someone to seriously drive the hell out of these, and many have been. These cars aren't made for hard launches. Also, because they handle so well, there is sometimes a temptation to take curves and turns faster than is needed, potentially wearing out steering parts and wheel bearings faster. A duratec Contour may roughly weigh between 2800-3000lbs, but doesn't feel like it around corners.
I've owned two Contours and I've been test driving others for the winter. The cars I've test driven vary wildly in condition, like any 9+ year old cars of any platform. One car I test drove was in poor condition, and if it was the only one I had driven I might not have tried another Contour. Another I test drove felt like a new car.
The reliability of a Contour you buy today is more dependent on its past owners than the platform.
The worst problem I've had was with my 95 when the waterpump died on a hot day on the freeway. The engine survived a 40 minute drive home in traffic. It cost me around $70 and around two hours of my time as my first auto repair. People with mechanical experience change them around 45 minutes from what I've read here. The 95 was scrapped due to corrosion -- if you live in a city that is heavily salted during winter months, check the rocker and quarter panels. The rocker panels might be rusting from the inside out, so give them a light tap.
I think the biggest testament to the Contour is the CEG. This wasn't a popular car and most people I talk to don't even know what Contours or Mystiques are. Yet this is an active, knowledgeable enthusiast group that's been going strong long after the platform was discontinued in Canada and the US.
. It's got alot of charm, character, and fun left in it yet!
