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I've seen a few nice Contours that looked like '95 models and am starting to like that body style more than the later models. Are there any major disadvantages to the older models? If so, can they be upgraded without too much trouble or expense?
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Joined: Jun 2000
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Umm, the bodyshell, and sheetmetal was exactly the same, only the face and tail changed. 
2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8 SE, Code Red. '00 Tropic Green Ford Escort SE [Contour's little cousin]
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Originally posted by CodeRed18s:
Umm, the bodyshell, and sheetmetal was exactly the same, only the face and tail changed.
Not on the Mystiques...
2000 Mystique LS
Duratec 2.5L MTX
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I have proof of that!! I have both Mercury Mystique and Ford Contour both 95's and they definately have there differences of sheetmetal. But for the most part the cars are the same. The only difference realy is the dash layout, front clip. Otherwise it is the same thing.
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When I first got my 99 Tour I didnt like the headlights. But with time they grew on me. Now I am so glad I dont have the earlier headlights.
"Do what you like, Because you have to drive it!"-Me
99 Contour LX
95 Mustang GT Convertible
97 Z24 Cavalier
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Originally posted by Lou3:
I've seen a few nice Contours that looked like '95 models and am starting to like that body style more than the later models. Are there any major disadvantages to the older models? If so, can they be upgraded without too much trouble or expense?
The '96 and '97 cars had wiring harness issues. I don't know how difficult it would be to replace them. Harnesses are usually $$$$$
The auto trannies also had slightly different internal workings and had a tendency to generate wild line pressures at cruising speeds. A few blown tranny casings resulted. There is a CD4E Jr tranny kit that supposedly resolves this & other minor issues.
I don't know if there are any significant differences in the manual transmissions. Maybe ask in the transaxle forum if you need the info.
On a postitive note, the older cars are not as prone to dash warp except over the cluster. The older cars also had more cool features like glove box lighting, dash clock, etc. They had cup holders that would actually hold a cup, but they were fragile and prone to breakage. Finally, the lip spoiler on the pre-98 cars is 
Must be that jumbly-wumbly thing happening again.
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Originally posted by CodeRed18s:
Umm, the bodyshell, and sheetmetal was exactly the same, only the face and tail changed.
This post makes no sense.
"Only the face and tail changed." Of course they did, and that's why the earlies and lates look so different.
If you're saying that's the only thing that changed, you're wrong, as there were changes to the suspension, transmission, interior, etc. as well as general feature content.
Otherwise, maybe I just misread your post, and don't get where you're coming from.
Function before fashion.
'96 Contour SE
"Toss the Contour into a corner, and it's as easy to catch as a softball thrown by a preschooler." -Edmunds, 1998
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Originally posted by Lou3:
I've seen a few nice Contours that looked like '95 models and am starting to like that body style more than the later models. Are there any major disadvantages to the older models? If so, can they be upgraded without too much trouble or expense?
You might want to read this thread (Best Year)
There was a lot of discussion there about which year was best and why.
Function before fashion.
'96 Contour SE
"Toss the Contour into a corner, and it's as easy to catch as a softball thrown by a preschooler." -Edmunds, 1998
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My ideal choice would be a pre-98 front end (molded with an SVT bumper) SVT kit all the way around and Post-98 trunk. For some reason i dont like the pre-98 tails. No spoiler.
~Ryan
1999 T-Red SVT Contour
41k Miles #1701 / 2760
B&M, Custom Y-Pipe, Alpine HU, Pioneer 6x8's & 6x9's
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Originally posted by Guitarman19853:
My ideal choice would be a pre-98 front end (molded with an SVT bumper) SVT kit all the way around and Post-98 trunk. For some reason i dont like the pre-98 tails. No spoiler.
I'm the exact opposite - 98+ front with pre-98 tails is ideal. (This also used to be general consensus three to four years ago. Nowadays it seems the trend has changed and pre98 is loved far more.)
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