Make sure you check it good. Take a long, long test drive in it. See how much you will get for your current Contour as a trade in.
Work out if the difference you will pay will be greater or lesser than the amount you forsee investing in your current Contour.
It's hard to say whether it's worth trading in, as you can never be sure what problems will occur with the new car.
If you think it is worth the trade in, then make sure you get the water pump changed before it goes, ALL fluids changed, including MTX fluid, New spark plugs, and battery. I always get those replaced when I buy, as well as the usual, like oil & filters.
As for replacing, aside from the obvious of whether it will be less problematical or not, there is also the psychological side of it too. As you've been having problems lately (although not sure what exactly), you may find sticking with your current 'tour is going to get you thinking 'Oh no !! Not another one !!' whenever something goes bad.
Hope this helps,
Rabbit.
