Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General General Should I buy a 1998 SE?

I am thinking about buying a 1998 SE V-6 with a stick. I'm looking for something fun to drive that I can still fit a couple kids in. I've driven the car and it compares favorablly to my 89 Celica. I don't plan on modifing it. I'm just looking for something reliable that I will look forward to driving each and every morning.

I ran a Carfax and it can clean. If anyone could run an Oasis (and tell me what it means) that would be great.

VIN 1FAFP66L9WK217169

Thanks and I love your site.

Steve

Also, I'm taking the car to a mechanic this afternoon.

Is there anything special I should ask him to look out for?

I'm not sure about the 1998 model, but waterpumps are a major problem on Contours.

Waterpump. One of the most common problems, as it has a tendency to fall apart at about 40K miles. (Just after the warranty runs out!)

I've had problems with the fuel pump, muffler, tie rods and brake rotors. I believe these came about since the car, before we got it, sat unused for nearly a year as its previous owner became very ill . At any rate, have him check out the fuel pump at least.

This car is still worth it though. I love driving it!!

The only problem I have had with my '99 SE in almost 57k miles is to replace the front end CV joints....I'll be working on the waterpump soon!!

My biggest complaint about the car is the transmission. It doesn't shift as smoothly as I would like, particularly from 1st to 2nd; too much slop and travel in the shifter. But (knock on wood!!), I have not had transmission trouble as others have had, and I run my car near the red-line continuously. However, knowing the problems others have had, I'm not aggressive in shifting and don't "bang the gears", even when auto-crossing.

Depending on how well the car is mechanically, I think you'd like the car. It's spirited, fun to drive, agile in the corners, and catches folks by surprise, as they don't expect a small family four door from Ford to be fun to drive. Too bad Ford has nothing in its' lineup currently to replace the Contour!

And, if you live in snow country, get a good set of winter tires, or at least a superior all-year mud/snow tire. The original Firestones that came with the car were terrible in Michigan winters. I've run two different sets of Coopers since then and have no complaints on how the car behaves in snow and ice.

Good luck, and have fun!!!!

Nathan

how much, how many miles,options, gl,se, tell me and i can give the nada values.

I think it's a good price: 98 SE with a stick, power windows, spoiler and in good shape for $4,000. It does not have leather, sunroof , power seats or CD but I believe it has everything else. The car has 60,000 miles and the fuel pump humms a bit. My mechanic said pull it.

Any ideas??

I have a 98 SE Auto,motor was replaced by Ford at 63k because of oil pump starvation. No other problems to report at 76k. I love my tour. I originally paid $11,600 for mine with 29k on her. She is paid off as of last Wed.

Lenny.