Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting Is 129 K graveyard time?

My husband's 98 Contour GL, 4 cyl. has 129 K miles. The auto transmission failed yesterday & needs to be totally replaced. Initially we thought it wouldn't be worthwhile fixing even though to our knowledge there are no other problems with the vehicle.

Are there many other vehicles of this heritage out on the road after 130 K?

My husband is an afternoon radio host in another city, and since "the show must go on," he can't be left stranded by a broken down vehicle.

It all depends on how well it is cared for. Most any car built in the last decade can easily go 200,000 + miles with reasonable care.

I have 217,000 miles on my 98 Contour, and I don't have any intention of getting rid of it any time soon.

I have no idea how well your car has been cared for so there is no way for me to tell how soon you will have another big expense.

A rebuild would be in the ballpark of $2000.

You'll have to decide if putting 2 grand into a car that will only barely be worth 2 grand after the repair is worth it to your family.

Steve

My contour 97 has done 145K with no major problems but one.
It's O/D light keeps blinking. It started blinking at 110K. The Cottoman mechanic told me that transmission is about to go, but touch wood, the tranny has'nt died for last 35K miles.

Welcome . What exactly do you mean by failed? Who made the diagnostic and how was it made?