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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5 |
I love my 1999 Contour SE Sport 6cyl, 5-speed. Runs great, never breaks down, but starting to fall apart--warped dash, sqeaky back doors, Check Engine Light won't go off, common problems. I'm starting to think of buying a new car (of course, I'll keep my Contour). Any suggestions for an affordable car with some power and great handling--like my Contour? I'm tempted by the 2005 Mustang, but I want some other advice.
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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,867
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,867 |
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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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,910
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,910 |
I would try to figure how much it might cost to just fix the car vs getting something new if you like the car that much and aren't panning on getting rid of it
the dash isn't an easy one but the rear doors are, use some white lithium grease and that should take care of that
get the codes read at autozone and let us know what they are and most likely someone will know how to fix the problem and get the engine light off, and when that happens your gas milage will go back up also
other then that, i don't think much compaires in the price range, maybe a used VW or BMW or something along those lines
- 95 Mystique LS - Zetec/5spd
- 99 Contour SeVT Sport - Duratec/5spd
Official NE-CEG Contour/Mustang Family
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,115
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,115 |
Hi Carolinagirl, welcome to the forum? How much power to you want. A used Taurus might be your ticket. Or if you want gobs of power for a low price in a new car, look at the Dodge SRT-4. It's basically a neon with a rocket attached 
"Eagles may soar high, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines."
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 4,155
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Dec 2003
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Yeah, in all honesty my buddy recently purchased a brand new saturn redline. I like it, he likes it, but for macho performance the gears and such don't like the driver (I guess it's been geared like crap). Anyways, after knowing what an Ion Redline is like, I agree with TexasRealtor in saying that the neon srt4 would be a better choice over it. But it all depends on what you want, of course. These can't possibly be the only options for a new car though. And as for used, a Volkswagen by adopting some taste (to me I'm spoiled by my contour and I want a new car that looks like it, too  ) But I'd ride in a Jetta anytime. Again, all that matters is what suits you best. I hope more alternatives come up, people here are pretty resourceful.
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 109
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 109 |
I'm in there with the Dodge as well!
Wijn
1998 tour Zetec
B&G springs cut 1"
17" Amp "tech-9" rims
Pro tint
2 1/4" exhaust
Autometer tach & Euro Guages
CTA/weapon R combo intake
Zex Dry Nitrous kit
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,831
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
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I am DEFINITELY not a chevy guy, but how about the new Cobalt? It looks cool anyways. If not, I would have to say go for the Mazda 6! Very cool looking and lots of fun to drive (My friend has one...haven't driven it, but riding=   ) Good luck on your quest! 
A Contour is not just a car, it's an experience
99 T-Red SE Zetec ATX
Born April 16, 1999
98 E0 Silver Frost CSVT
#3175/3565
Born August 21st, 1997
Stored at P.R.T. for the winter
67 Mustang 289 project car
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 298
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 298 |
Originally posted by Pre98:
Yeah, in all honesty my buddy recently purchased a brand new saturn redline. I like it, he likes it, but for macho performance the gears and such don't like the driver (I guess it's been geared like crap).
You are right about the gearing, but the remaining 2004's have been marked down $5750 which puts it at just around $16,000 which is darn good. If you can wait until midyear the Redline will have the Comp model which will include a LSD that greatly improves performance.
Bruce O
98.5 SE Sport MTX, KKM, SVT exhaust
85 Z51 Vette stroker (just in case)
Never forgetting the "Old Fart" Ray
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Joined: Jun 2000
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Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
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Mazda 6, or the 2006 Ford Fusion (nee Contour)
2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8 SE, Code Red. '00 Tropic Green Ford Escort SE [Contour's little cousin]
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 563
Veteran CEG\'er
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Veteran CEG\'er
Joined: May 2002
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i think you would be very happy with a Mazda 6
1994 Volvo 850 Turbo
1992 Bronco Eddie Bauer 5.8 E4OD
1998 Contour GL 2.5 CD4E
2001 Montero Sport Limited 3.5 Auto
2002 IS300 3.0 Auto
See My Cars
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