Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General General Totalled

I've been a lurker in these forums for many years. Gathered a great deal of extremely useful information to help me repair my vehicle over the years, and now, it seems that's at an end. I was one of those original owners - bought the car because it was unique, I liked the appearance and the performance - and it was a sedan.

This morning, I screwed up - caught my right from corner on the edge of a F150. Per the $2500 estimate, it's well over the value of my car. Coincidentally, I removed the collision coverage (after 10 years of having it on the car) about 2 months ago.

I'll see if I can't post a few pics if anybody is interested. But, the highlight is, anybody looking for a parts car in the Jacksonville, Florida area?

It's a tan 95SE 2.5L MTX. The primary damage centers on the right front headlight. The bumper cover only received a scratch and the impact was glancing; I almost made it into the grassy median. Hood & right front body panel crumpled (push in/down) - washer & radiator reservoirs intact but shifted slightly. Not leaking any fluids. Stock 15" 7 spoke rims have new rubber (70K tires, <3K on them). I've driven it at 70 mph immediately following the accident and the ride is a little rough but stable and no pulling. Should be drivable up to a few hundred miles.

My guess is I'm picking out a new car in the next couple days or so. I'll have to see what the stealership offers me for it; but I'd be happy to let somebody match the bid.

Mike

Mike -

Sorry to hear about your accident; thankfully no injuries.

My '95 GL V6 is still going strong and I've been very pleased with it over the years.

With an MTX, V6 and those nice 7-spoke alloys (my GL came with 14" steel wheels, but I liked the SE's 7-spoke alloys so much I found a set through the CEG classifieds), this sounds like a good project for a DIY-er with some skills and time (but not me - with 3 kids, I'm out of time for new projects).

Sucks man. Did you get a ticket?

Sorry to hear the bad news Mike, about the car and the insurance . Glad you're OK.

I totalled my 98 SVT in Sept., and a XR4Ti in 98 so I know some of what you're feeling.

Also, kudos for saying "I screwed up". Most of us do from time to but few of us admit it.

What are you looking at getting next?

Regards, Alan

Great to hear you enjoyed the car so much! I love mine, despite it's little quirks & maintenance requirements - or maybe because of them...

At any rate, if you would consider getting another, MelC in GA is thinkin' about selling his 99 V-6 cheap. All it'll need is a mystery mod, maybe a main cat.

Well, you know what can you say? I tried to 'jap' into another lane to avoid a slow down (didn't realize it was a stoppage) during rush hour traffic. It was my fault. Felt bad for the woman driving her 1 year old truck. Thankfully it was minor damage to her and no injuries to any people. Didn't even have to call the police, FHP was on the spot within a minute -- probably witnessed it.

I'm very familiar with all the Contique problems. I've worked though all of them from the day I bought it back in 1995 off the lot. I wanted a unique looking car, that was fun to drive AND a Sedan for the family. I've had my water pump shatter, had to get the wiring harness replaced, any of a dozen different recalls. My favorite was the slipping fan belt due to water hitting it.

In hindsight, I'd have chosen the car again in a heartbeat.

Yes, it wouldn't take much to talk me into buying a SVT should one be easily available and at least in decent condition (not run into the ground) - but most likely I'm picking up a work-beater. Good gas mileage, but big enough to travel with a family of four.

I'll miss 'handling' tailgaters by going WOT. Most don't expect the Contiques' high end acceleration.

Mike