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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6 |
Newbie to Contours here.
I'm considering quite seriously the purchase of a 96 GL with 21800 miles for under $5000. Driven by an old lady who can no longer drive. The car still SMELLS new, as well as looks and drives like new. Do any of you have suggestions for what to watch out for so I dont end up spending a bunch on repairs in the near future? I'm a bit concerned that the fluids have not been regularly flushed. Would the components suffer from lack of use over 7 years?
I find it curious that the model was not in production for very long compared to the Escort for example.
Is it true that the Contour is German and Escort Japanese?
Thank you in advance for any suggestions and guidance.
Maybe I'll be able to return the favor in the future.
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 321
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 321 |
Welcome to CEG! Just for safe measure, I would flush and fill ALL the fluids just for safe measure. Be gentle to her until the next oil change just so that all the seals and gaskets are wet again. Other than that.....DRIVE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT!!!! 
1999 Contour SE
Sony Xplod 50x4 cd player
Sony Xplod 1600 watt Class D amp
2 10" Flame-Q Audiobahns
35% tint done by Madavi's Motor Sports
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 321
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 321 |
And another thing, look out for dash pad warpage.
1999 Contour SE
Sony Xplod 50x4 cd player
Sony Xplod 1600 watt Class D amp
2 10" Flame-Q Audiobahns
35% tint done by Madavi's Motor Sports
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Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 17,248
CEG road warrior
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CEG road warrior
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 17,248 |
Originally posted by Lonely_soul82:
Other than that.....DRIVE IT LIKE YOU STOLE IT!!!!
LMAO! That is my motto!
Hector
2003 Rally Red Mitsubishi Evolution VIII
257HP/259TQ
2005 Lapis Blue Mazda 6s
RET: 00 Cabernet Red Ford Contour Zetec ATX SUPERCHARGED
160HP/141TQ
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,459
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,459 |
check the wiring harness.....it's expensive if you have to replace it on your own, but you may still be covered on a Ford extended warranty.
95 Contour Zetec, ATX (wrecked, sitting in the barn)
95 Mystique Zetec, MTX
2000 Taurus SEL 3.0L Duratec
1994 Crown Victoria LX 4.6 V8
1993 Chevy Silverado 4.3 V6
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6 |
Originally posted by bentleywarren:
check the wiring harness.....it's expensive if you have to replace it on your own, but you may still be covered on a Ford extended warranty.
How does one check the wiring harness? What am I checking for? I could see if the insulation is dryrotted or something but that would be about all without knowing the how-to of automotive electrics.
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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 Lonely_soul82:
And another thing, look out for dash pad warpage.
Not on a 96.
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 2002
Posts: 1,459
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,459 |
Originally posted by lordy611:
Originally posted by bentleywarren:
check the wiring harness.....it's expensive if you have to replace it on your own, but you may still be covered on a Ford extended warranty.
How does one check the wiring harness? What am I checking for? I could see if the insulation is dryrotted or something but that would be about all without knowing the how-to of automotive electrics.
Check for cracks, splits, missing insulation, etc. It will be particularly obvious in, around, and near the terminals, connectors, cooling fan, etc. Shake and twist the harness and see if any of the insulation breaks off.
95 Contour Zetec, ATX (wrecked, sitting in the barn)
95 Mystique Zetec, MTX
2000 Taurus SEL 3.0L Duratec
1994 Crown Victoria LX 4.6 V8
1993 Chevy Silverado 4.3 V6
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6 |
The visual check is a no-brainer. Just hope it turns up either nothing or complete destruction. That way there wont be any question.
Why, though, would insulation disintegrate on a car that has not had much use, when on others it would go for decades? I could understand if we were talking about something that was bathed in oil or something and needed ongoing replenishment of the oil. Did Ford use yard-sale wire or something?
Different subject: When I drove this car for about 15 minutes I shut it off and checked the oil (spotless looking oil, but 18 months old and 500 miles into that oilchange). The heat rising from the engine was substantial. I've read here that some people change the t'stat to a 180 degree version?
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Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,459
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,459 |
Originally posted by lordy611:
Why, though, would insulation disintegrate on a car that has not had much use, when on others it would go for decades? .... Did Ford use yard-sale wire or something?
There were a lot of discussions on this about a year or so ago, but I can't remember the details. Basically, it had to do with the type of insulation that was used on the wire on the early model contours. Age and heat tended to make the insulation brittle.
95 Contour Zetec, ATX (wrecked, sitting in the barn)
95 Mystique Zetec, MTX
2000 Taurus SEL 3.0L Duratec
1994 Crown Victoria LX 4.6 V8
1993 Chevy Silverado 4.3 V6
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