Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General General Should I buy?

'97 GL, stock. 60,000. O2 sensor replaced by dealer, several other minor repairs. Body fine. minor cosmetic stuff (chipped side mirror shields, etc.) $6000

FWIW, I don't like the ergonomics of this vehicle at all. And I'm curious whether the electrics (locks, windows) are reliable. I know nothing of this model car -- so here I am. Hats off to y'all for a great site.

Should I buy? We're lookin' for a car to see us through for a while, and we're definitely on a budget. We can't afford more than this.

FWIW, one of the guys at the dealership (not a salesman) is a friend, and he brokered this price for us.

TIA

Oh, this too -- I forgot. The temp gage stays pegged to cold. They said this is "normal" for this car. I've read elsewhere that there are odd problems with temp gages on this model. Any truth to that? Known issue? eh?

- S

is it a Zetec (4-cyl.) or Duratec (V6)? The Zetec engine defiantly seems to have fewer probs than the Duratec. I have a friend with a 96 GL with around 130k on it still runs like a top.

auto or manual? just out of curiosity.

as far as the temp guage, the problems that you've probably heard about are related to water pump failures. Which seem to be much more common on the Duratecs. If it is a Duratec, you will want to change the water pump out, they seem to go around 60k. Staying pegged on cold? Someone else would have to answer that.

I haven't heard much about electrical probs with these cars either. Never had any with ours....we have 5 in our family.

All in all sounds like a good deal. KBB lists it at over $7,000.

If you do get it, everything else in life will be secondary b/c you'll be surfing the CEG all day!

Good luck and keep us updated

-neal

Staying pegged on cold would seem to indicate a stuck open thermostat.

If anything, the need should be high on the range for a Zetec I4 (normal), and middle of the gauge for a Duratec V6. V6's peg into the red within 2 minutes of a waterpump failure.

Pegged low would indicate a problem with the thermostat or the gauge. NOT normal.

-Lance

This one has the Zetec. Automatic.

I think we'll buy it. I still hate the ergonomics, though. The windows and locks are *way* too far back on the door, the windshield wiper/delay is weird, and it and the directional indicator control are mounted with "10 o'clock / two o'clock" people in view (I'm a 7:30 person, myself ;-)

But I can live with this. I'm not sure, yet, why all you people are here ;-) but maybe I'll find out?

Thanks for the advice.

- Scott

Personal experience re: electrics problems: none. Owned 96 Mystique from new to 2.5 years / 46k miles. Way too many problems, but none electrical. PW/PL/etc. all worked consistently and strong when I sold it.

Bought 95 Contour SE 18 months ago. PW/PL/moonroof/etc. all still work fine.

People seem to be here because they enjoy each other's company. Plus, the Contour is that rare car which actually excites its owners. Unfortunately for most of the public, they don't know this. And unfortunately for you, a 4-cyl automatic is probably the least fun Contour imaginable!

97 Contour GL, Zetec and auto. Had it for 2 years now. The only major thing that i have had to replace on it is the Regulator. That is only becuase i roll the windows up and down continuessly over the course of the day! Other then that just the neccessites are all i have had to replace. I would go for the car depending on the price!

I'm selling my car for $4500.00 if anyone is interested. 96 Contour 2.5 V6 atx 129,000 miles.
Water pump has meen replaced as well as alternator,and starter.

NO! I see you are trying to be practical, so why don't you look for a nice Toyota, Honda, Nissan.... something that will give you 200,000 miles of driving for your hard earned money? Your friend should be able to broker you a pretty nice car for $6000. Just take your time looking and good luck to you.
P.S. Keep us informed.

BruceO is right. This Contour does not sound like it's a good fit for your needs/wants.