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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3 |
Hello! I'm a new user on the forums. I'd like to get some opinions on my Contour. I've checked the search forums, but, haven't seen what I'm looking for. It's a 2000 SE 4-cylinder with the automatic. Got her a week ago with 95,200 miles. I'm not a Ford guy, by any means, but, it seems to be a decent ride. I needed a dependable vehicle that gets good gas mileage to take me to school and back on a weekly basis (about 250 miles). I know most of the Contours on here are of the "SVT" type, but, anyone got any thoughts on the base model? Is it dependable? Any problems to keep watch for? Thanks in advance for any replies. I start school next week and am looking forward to seeing how my "Tour" does on a regular, long mileage basis. 
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,939
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,939 |
Welcome. I had a 2000 I4 not too long ago...not bad, just no guts. Very reliable, though.
I would make sure the timing belt has been changed, and possibly the fuel filter. Other than that, routine maintenance. Stop by the Zetec Tuning and Maintenace forums for more info.
Enjoy the site!
2000 Silver Frost SVT
# 1637/2150
D.O.B. 01/14/2000
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,345
Addicted CEG\'er
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Addicted CEG\'er
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 5,345 |
Welcome . Download a copy of the Owners' Manual and Maintenance Manual from www.fleet.ford.com.
"Always do the cheap and easy ones first."
1996 V6 ATX 96K miles
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 21,653
I have no life
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I have no life
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 21,653 |
Originally posted by Conman:
I know most of the Contours on here are of the "SVT" type, but, anyone got any thoughts on the base model? Is it dependable? Any problems to keep watch for?
Very dependable based on my experience. Just regular maitenance and you may want to add a tranny cooler.
98.5 SVT
91 Escort GT (almost sold)
96 ATX Zetec (i brake to watch you swerve)
FS: SVT rear sway bar
WTB: Very cheap beater
CEG Dragon Run - October 13-15
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Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 299
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 299 |
Welcome. It's defenitley nice to get new guys in that are capable of full sentences and proper spelling. Originally posted by Conman:
I know most of the Contours on here are of the "SVT" type
You'd be surprised
98' Black SVT
Build #1915 of 6535
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,788
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,788 |
Welcome! I agree with TBoomer, make sure the timing belt has been changed. Keep up with the maintenance and she should be a good running car for you.
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 512
Veteran CEG\'er
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Veteran CEG\'er
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 512 |
Originally posted by Conman:
I know most of the Contours on here are of the "SVT" type.
First of all, Welcome to one of the most helpful car forums I have ever joined!  The people on here are awesome, but make sure you do a little research and read the frequently asked questions before making a new thread. That way people will really want to help you if your question still hasn't been answered. Secondly, there are ALOT of 4 cylinder zetecs out there to help you, so don't worry because you don't have an SVT. In my opinion, zetecs like your car are not only much more economical, but also alot more reliable when well maintained. Although I do have to admit that SVT's are a heck of alot more fun!
For Sale - 96 Tour Sport 2.5L MTX with SVT Exhaust, pre 98 trunklid with newer Contour Sport spoiler instead of lip spoiler, newer Contour sport rims. Newer paint job. Brand new floor mats. Rust Free! PM me for details and pics.
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 95
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 95 |
I drive an SVT, but as a bartender/server, one of my regulars drives a 2000 Contour with the Zetec in it. From what we have talked about, he loves his. He said since he has the I-4, he never has to worry about gas prices raising too much. And yea when he found out that I had bought an SVT, he said he would much rather have that motor than the I-4, b/c it would allow him to go over the mountains a bit quicker!!
I hope that your Contour will be your best car. Take care of her!!
98 CSVT
278 of 6535
Born: April 17, 1997
Black w/ Midnight Blue int
Alpine CDA-9855; Type-R 6x8" (rear)
Rockford Fosgate 6 1/2" 2-way comp (front)
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,659
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,659 |
WELCOME!
You'll love your 4 banger. As I do. But as you read more and more you will wish you got an SVT. As I do as well.
HAHAH ENJOY!
"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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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3 |
Appreciate all of the thoughts and opinions! Like I said before, I mainly need her for running back and forth to school for 5 weeks (Truck driving school 110 miles from home). Although, she'll be around a lot longer than that. (I have 5 years to pay her off.  ) I also drive a 2004 Chevy Trailblazer as my main vehicle, so, an everyday driver was not a huge worry. As to the timing belt, that was one of my concerns. With 95,000 miles on her, should I change it anyway, even though it runs just fine? I've got a mechanic friend stopping by later today to take a look under the hood and see how hard it would be to get to the belt itself. I'll be leaving for school next Monday and want to have the main worries taken care of. Thanks again and I look forward to getting more ideas for my new 'Tour! 
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