Would You Buy A Contour Again?

[VIP]

In my other post/thread "Scarcity Of Contour Parts" I hijacked my own thread a bit by making a comment in one of my posts about whether people would buy another Contour based upon their experiences with the car before.
Other forums I hang out in, people know I'm a bit of a stickler for first trying to keep a thread on the subject, and second...for archive purposes...I also try to have a thread stay on a subject. I think it's a good idea so that later on someone new can search for a question that may have been asked before.

So keeping that in mind, I decided to "officially" post this question as a separate post. This way it's there and tagged properly so people know what the topic is.

I would really like to thank everyone who posted in the other thread about being willing or not being willing to own a Contour again. I've enjoyed reading all your posts!

The question is the same here....I'd just like to add some clarifying details that might help "weigh" a persons reply (and many of you who answered in the other thread provided details like this.

-Would you buy a Contour again based upon previously owning one?
-What year/models have you owned?
-What do you think your experiences with cars overall are (i.e., have you only been driving for a short time...is your Contour the only car you've ever owned...etc)
-How much auto experience do you have with auto parts/maint? By this I don't mean can you tear down an engine on your own...but do you know what parts of a car are and what might've gone wrong if you had to fix anything. I'm betting most people here have some knowledge more than "the doohicky broke is what the mechanic told me," but it does help to know your background. This is definitely not to insult anyone's intelligence here, but I've got members of my own extended family who (really) would just say "The car broke and the mechanic fixed a doohicky...if you want to know what he did ask xx" (as in ask spouse/sister/brother).

I'd like to thank the mods for their patience with this. I'm just trying to help keep things clear...and this seems to be an interesting enough subject that it really should have it's own thread so everyone can share this type of background info. I realize that asking this in a forum dedicated to Contours will lead to some leanings on the replies...but the extra info I'm talking about above might really help to expand our common knowledge.

Again, big thanks to everyone who posted in the other thread regarding this. It's been excellent reading and your comments have been well put.

 

[biminiLX]

yes
'99 SVT
much
ditto

-J

 

[PHilly]

-I would own another if I ever got rid of my current SVT.
-I've owned a '95 SE and now my '99 SVT.
-I've been driving for 7 years or so and have owned like 8 cars in that time. The only other car besides my contour I'd want to buy again would be my '93 Acura Vigor. Nothing like the inline 5cyl!
-I fix my own car nomatter what goes wrong.

If you like it then buy it, but look around and find a deal. That way if you do end up having to replace anything, It won't feel so bad then:laugh:

 

[Brent372]

Without a doubt.

 

[RawBurt]

-No
-1999 CSVT Turbo
-Ive gone from a camaro to the SVT to a supercharged riv to an audi tt and now to my evo 8
-I learned everything about cars because of the SVT, I did not know anything when I first bought the car. Ive gone from barely knowing how to change my oil to turbo'ing the SVT. Now Im addicted to boost and speed (hence the evo), so when I say I wouldnt buy another contour, I mean I wouldnt buy one for a fun vehicle (i like traction), but yeah, id buy one for a dd ......... maybe

 

[99Mystique ATX]

I would gladly buy another one. I'm on 4 Contiques... :help:

I've owned:
1995 Contour v6/5-spd sold w/145k Car had to go quick cuz I had 3 cars at this point, was a good car though. I did replace the engine harness when I got it though.
1999 Mystique v6/auto The one that got me hooked and determined to get an SVT. I still miss this car... Sold with 112k... No real issues, just routine maintenance and a CEL at 60k for the EGR being clogged, cleaned it up, did the UIM/LIM rebuild and all was well.

Currently own:
1995 Mystique 4-cyl/5-spd - The daily driver with 172k
2000 Contour SVT - AKA 'The Dark Knight' 131k on the clock, original motor, 2nd trans, replaced by original owner under his extended warranty on the car. No real issues with it except a funky issue with the clutch when I bought it, but I had plans to put in a torsen diff anyways so I just replaced the clutch while I was in there. Turned out the TOB was the issue and the clutch/pp was fine. Other than that, no issues with it.

I've always been very mechanically inclined, when I got the Mystique, I had done nothing more than basic oil changes. Now I would feel comfortable doing just about anything to the car. I did my own torsen install and engine/trans pull on the SVT with no real issues.

 

[cobrawannabe]

-Why yes, yes I would
-96 GL Zetec/ATX in T-Red with 15-inch 5-spokes
-We've had the car for the past 9.5 years and 130,000miles, and have only had to do brakes, filters, rear struts, and plugs, along with the appropriate fluids. The car has been fun, reliable, and gook-looking the entire time we've owned it, and even with how long in the tooth it's getting, I have more than enough confidence in it to modify it. This car has gone 165,000 miles, and we have not a single complaint
-I have a pretty good mechanical background for a 17-year-old; but I confess that I'm more of a fabricator. My Dad did most of the work on this car, and said the only easier one he's had was a 68 Cadillac Calais 472.

 

[69Boss302]

I have had 4 contours since 2000 and would buy another. And another and another...you get the picture. My first Contour was a 1998 SVT. Then a 99. And another 98 and then finally a 95 SE.

Every machine that is made by man will eventually have problems somewhere along the line. But for all the problems a contour can give me I still enjoy them very much. Before owning these cars all of my prior automotive knowledge was dealing with bodywork and keeping my old truck going. I would say my experience and ability in working with cars is better than average but by no means an expert.

I am currently in the market to buy a house. One of my secret criteria is that I have enough property for a big garage and room for more contours. There will also be a few muscle cars eventually. And have room for the soon next year race car.

 

[Mywhip]

I would buy one again..i like the mpg, and the overall look of them. They are kind of..unique in my area.
1996 Contour gl.
I have been driving for almost a year (legally). I have owned a 91' Ford Ranger, and a 1984 Plymouth Gran Fury..so far, so good. First one got stolen by family (don't ask), the Fury got totaled (damn old women pulled out in front of me)

I know my way around cars, for the most parts. I am not the most knowledgeable

 

[icysvt]

I am on my fourth CSVT and I would absolutley own another one. I have had plenty of cars and this is by far one of the most fun. had an early rx7, mustang, t/a, plenty of honda/acura, 91 SHO, etc I have had my fair share. the SHO was fun but dated and when I got into one of these I havent looked back much lol.

 

[Brent372]

I am on my fourth CSVT and I would absolutley own another one. I have had plenty of cars and this is by far one of the most fun. had an early rx7, mustang, t/a, plenty of honda/acura, 91 SHO, etc I have had my fair share. the SHO was fun but dated and when I got into one of these I havent looked back much lol.

Maybe one day you'll buy one and KEEP IT.. LOL
J/K man..

 

[slackerme]

on my second svt. There so much fun to drive

 

[Scorpion8]

-Would you buy a Contour again based upon previously owning one?
-What year/models have you owned?
-What do you think your experiences with cars overall are (i.e., have you only been driving for a short time...is your Contour the only car you've ever owned...etc)
-How much auto experience do you have with auto parts/maint?

1. Yes, 98+. I don't like the styling of the pre-98 front or tail-ends.
2. 98 GL Zetec
3. Nope, have owned and maintained many.
4. Lots, shadetree++. I don't have a garage or lift or engine hoist but I can do almost anything up to that level ....

 

[rouar]

wow an online survey! I haven't done these in years.

1) Yes. And I have done so.
2) 1998 SE; 1999 SVT
3) Ownership history:
- 98 Contour (sold at 77K)
- 95 Probe (sold at 84K)
- 00 Maxima (sold at 114K)
- 08 Legacy (currently at 21K)
- 99 Contour SVT (currently at 95K)
Been driving since December 2000. Appx 130K+ miles driven.
4) Little. I concede this fact: I'm not a mechanic, merely enjoy driving the cars. However. I do learn new things every time something breaks, as I tend to fully research the parts needed for replacement. So for example, right now, I still don't know much about forced induction (nor do I care), but I am becoming familiar with front and rear suspensions.

My first Contour was unreliable. It was the seventh Ford my family or I have owned; nearly all required many expensive repairs above 50K miles. This was the reason I went with other manufacturers for my more recent vehicles. I have been pleasantly surprised with my SVT: though I've only owned it for 12K miles, it has only required one repair due to a factory part breaking.
Why did I buy the SVT. Mostly due to CEG involvement and seeing these cars at each meet, partly due to "first car" nostalgia, partly because the Contour is a freaking fun car to drive.

 

[alien_yet_familiar]

- Yes I would buy another - we're actually searching for the "right" black SVT for my husband.

- We are on our second 98 SVT. First was a later 98 (not sure the build number), but not a 98.5. The current is an early 98 (#988).

- I have owned since getting my license - '89 Corolla, '84 Civic, '86 626, '98 Blazer, '99 Alero, '98 Silver SVT Contour, '03 Lancer, '03 Tacoma, '05 Civic SI, '03 Jetta TDI, '04 RX-8, and we currently own a '06 Mustang GT and '98 T-Red SVT Contour. All were manual transmissions with the exception of the Corolla, Blazer, and Alero.

- I have only truly delved into working on my own cars with the two current vehicles. I haven't really been interested in it until now. I've always been fairly mechanically inclined, but the SVT brings out the true tinkerer in me. I'm actually looking forward to replacing the water pump next spring - but then again I've never done it, so I might be a little crazy!

 

[Beans]

Yes, but not a contour with an auto.

POS, worst trans ever!

-My uncle is a ford engineer and when i told him i got a contour he is like "ohhhhhhhh, those are hard to work on." Well in some respects yes, they are very difficult, but the more you work on them, the more familiar you become with the platform, i can tell you just about every bolt size on the front end of the car now.

I plan on keeping my SVT forever and I'm considering getting another.

 

[Pudmunkie]

Loved mine when I had it - Like rawburt I don't think I'd buy another one for a toy.... much better places to start from.

At the point in my life I was at when I bought it, it was perfect!

Went from little to no mechanical knowledge to competency - while I may doubt my abilities I was able to change every single part on the contour. I owe it to ppl I met on here teaching me as well.

 

[elraido]

Yes, I would. Pud did build one hell of a car and I can see why he wouldn't want one as a toy. Limited 1/4 mile performance but still one wild ride. What I got from his car is how far I personally want to go performance wise (at least with this platform).

These cars have been by far and away the most reliable cars I have ever owned.
95 SE MTX sold with over 200K miles on original clutch, tranny and engine...besides the deer never had any problems with it
98 SVT 2.5L Sold with over 140K miles on it with original tranny, clutch and engine.
I have driven well over 100K miles between the two of them, and I rarely had to fix stuff on them besides regular stuff.

 

[redtires]

I'd have to say yes here as well. Years ago, I considered my self to be a "chevy guy", until I got my effie pick-up. I have had nothing but Ford cars since. Are there Ford's I would never buy, absolutely, but many of their cars are very well done. I've had vehicles from Ford ('73 F-100, '89 Taurus, '06 Taurus), Chevy ('63 Nova, '98 Malibu) and Chrysler ('85-ish Reliant 4 speed) as well as one import ('00 Kia Sephia). I've had two Mystiques, both '95's. The first was a 5-speed/4cyl and I traded that one in on my Taurus with close to 200,000 on it...and it still drove wonderfully, plus it was just a downright fun car to drive. My current '95 Mystique, which I bought as a DD is the duratec with an auto. Yeah, I would have liked a 5-speed...but oh well. Basically, all engines work on the same principles, so maintanence is really just learning the particulars of that design, and I've been taking stuff apart since I was a little kid. I also spent 12 years as a professional fabricator and bike mechanic, so a wrench is no stranger to my hands. Any car will give you issues if you abuse or neglect it, the contique's are no different, they're a solid car and I'd buy another one in a heartbeat, especially if I could find a low mileage duratec w/a atx.

 

[Desiato]

-Would you buy a Contour again based upon previously owning one?

I am currently shopping for another Contour as a winter car. I'm looking at other platforms as well, but I'll take a Contour if I can find the right one.

-What year/models have you owned?

95LX V6 auto - 2003-2008: the drivetrain was strong when the car was scrapped, but cheap bodywork in 2005 failed quickly.

99 SVT - 2006-present: I bought this as an all-year DD, but it's so clean that I can't bring myself to drive it during the winter. It drives like new and all passengers volunteer lots of praise about its levels of comfort and fun. People are usually smiling after driving somewhere with me.

-What do you think your experiences with cars overall are (i.e., have you only been driving for a short time...is your Contour the only car you've ever owned...etc)

When I began shopping for a car in 2003, Fords weren't on my agenda. I didn't know about Contours, but I had a negative view of US automakers in general. But my research compelled me to take a test drive, and after that I was hooked. After three years of ownership, I was so impressed that I bought a 99 SVT 800 miles away and drove it home.

-How much auto experience do you have with auto parts/maint?

Prior to owning a Contour, none. Thanks to the CEG, I've diagnosed a few issues on my own and have done basic items -- water pump, O2 sensor, PCV valve, etc -- and standard maintenance like oil changes, fuel filters, air filters, etc.. I plan on doing future suspension, steering, clutch and engine work myself when possible in the future -- I don't have a garage, so it's not always an option for me, but the CEG has given me the confidence to try via the detailed experience of others.

I realize that asking this in a forum dedicated to Contours will lead to some leanings on the replies...

Well, ask yourself how one becomes a Contour enthusiast in the first place. Ford hasn't been 'cool' for a long time and is probably just ahead of Hyundai in terms of the overall stature of the brand. The Contour wasn't a big seller despite critical acclaim.

This platform won most of us over on its merit.

Some people like cars that fit like mittens, but the Contour is a 4 door sedan that fits like a glove. They're fun and practical. And inexpensive. They are almost too fun, because like any car, harder driving = higher costs..

But as these cars age, it's getting harder to find well maintained Contours. At least in Ontario where they and their peers from other manufacturers are rusting out. I recommend test driving two or three different Contours to get a balanced view of the platform.

The last Contour I test drove is currently on its second owner. He has owned it for nearly ten years and would have bought another if he could. It's in great condition for an Ottawa car. He went with a new Altima instead. He loves the overall refinement of the Altima, but says that the Contour was more fun.