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Originally posted by Jeb Hoge:
The way I view it, there are very few cars that I can get new now that fit me personally the way that the Contour does. I like having a V6. I like having a stick shift. The size is right for the way I use it (don't need a big hauler but I need four doors and decent space), and I feel like I have a good understanding of the model's strengths, weaknesses, and how to get the best out of it. I don't owe anything on mine, other than the need to sell my '95, and any money that goes into it is going to replace/improve the condition of the vehicle. I don't expect to ever get anything out of it that I don't put into it, but I'll enjoy having it. That's a liberating feeling.
I'm with you. My Contour really suits me. I love the V6 Manual, but it has a back seat, and I can carry my bicycles easily.
But I'm just worried that it will become a money pit, something it has not been until recently.
Mine is paid for as well. I guess the unrealistic part of my hope for it is that now that it is paid for I had hoped to not have to put much money into it, over gas, insurance, and oil changes. Unrealistic, I'm now realizing.
Thanks for your input.
MUST SELL - ECM computer new for a 98 V6 mtx + pats
Now trolling in a Red Nissan 4 x 4
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Just look at it as a few more car payments. Plus, going forward, if/when you have a component that may need replacing, you've got the option of improving the car in the process. With my last one, for example, the front brakes were a little warped and needed new pads, and I spent a few extra bucks to put SVT rotors and braided stainless hoses up front. The difference in stopping distance and feel was noticeable and FUN.
"Think of it, if you like, as a librarian with a G-string under the tweed." Clarkson on the Mondeo.
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Originally posted by Jeb Hoge:
Just look at it as a few more car payments. Plus, going forward, if/when you have a component that may need replacing, you've got the option of improving the car in the process. With my last one, for example, the front brakes were a little warped and needed new pads, and I spent a few extra bucks to put SVT rotors and braided stainless hoses up front. The difference in stopping distance and feel was noticeable and FUN.
This is my approach! Now if those pads would just wear out...
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Originally posted by meancontour:
One thing though, from a money perspective I find it easier on the (somewhat strained- 2 kids...) checkbook to make a scheduled monthly payment (still repair possibilities I realize) than Hey surprise, here's $1100 (like I had to do yesterday- can you say credit card?)
You should have a cash reserve in something like a money market account. If you don't have a car payment, you should be paying yourself something every month. I'd say at least $200 a month is reasonable. Over time, you'll have a buffer for all of those financial emergencies that pop up (Washing machine dies, Car needs new clutch, Death in the family, etc.) This is basic financial common sense.
If you can afford a car payment, you can afford to put money in savings when you don't have a car payment.
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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Originally posted by RogerB:
Originally posted by meancontour:
One thing though, from a money perspective I find it easier on the (somewhat strained- 2 kids...) checkbook to make a scheduled monthly payment (still repair possibilities I realize) than Hey surprise, here's $1100 (like I had to do yesterday- can you say credit card?)
You should have a cash reserve in something like a money market account. If you don't have a car payment, you should be paying yourself something every month. I'd say at least $200 a month is reasonable. Over time, you'll have a buffer for all of those financial emergencies that pop up (Washing machine dies, Car needs new clutch, Death in the family, etc.) This is basic financial common sense.
If you can afford a car payment, you can afford to put money in savings when you don't have a car payment.
If only that last statement were true. We live in the 3rd most expensive housing market in the U.S. (behind Los Angeles, and San Francisco) the Boston area. Any extra money that doesn't HAVE to go out (if there is such a thing) goes towards trying to get ready to buy a home this year. Also when we (overspent) on our Van last year, we were counting on the Contour's payments ending, and that money going towards the van.
I know that your advice is good, but not always realistic. Kids and wives seem to always need something.
Thanks for your input.
MUST SELL - ECM computer new for a 98 V6 mtx + pats
Now trolling in a Red Nissan 4 x 4
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Originally posted by meancontour:
So are Contours disposable? Mine 1998 just hit 100K miles and it seems to be dieing. I have replaced a hub and bearing (and need a 2nd), O2 sensors, speed sensors, clutch and not I am about to go pay for new Timing chain guides and tensioners.
We have owned it since we bought it new with 12 miles. We change the oil regularly, and try to do routine upkeep. To be fair it did give us many years with little trouble.
It just seems that the past 20K miles or so, everything has been going wrong with it. I feel like I am slowly replacing everything but the body.
Is that the reason that most of the enthusiasts (like people on this site) are so knowledgable and experienced with their cars? They have had to be to keep them running?
 
Anyway, I was mostly frustrated by having another surprise problem with the car. We really do like the car, and have done our (ignorant) best to care for it.
My hopes were unrealistic for it's care-free longevity, obviously. I guess we will just do the best that we can to take care of it and repair it, since it has been a really good car for us. Plus there is that nostalgia of it being the first (and only so far) BRAND NEW CAR we have ever bought.
Thanks for everyone's input.
MUST SELL - ECM computer new for a 98 V6 mtx + pats
Now trolling in a Red Nissan 4 x 4
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Originally posted by meancontour:
Also when we (overspent) on our Van last year, we were counting on the Contour's payments ending, and that money going towards the van.
I know that your advice is good, but not always realistic. Kids and wives seem to always need something.
Thanks for your input.
Well, I have a wife and 4 kids, and they all need something, too, but luckily my wife understands the value of saving money. (Well, maybe she understands it a bit too well.  )
I understand what you're saying about being realistic. It's realistic for me that when our Minivan paid off last year, there was nothing else in particular for that money to go into. So, it started going into savings. Meanwhile we were able to refinance the mortgage and add to the house with only a slight bump in our monthly payment. I live in one of the cheapest areas in the country, and send my kids to a Catholic school system that doesn't charge tuition. I live about 4 miles from work, so my yearly mileage is very low.
I was fortunate in that my Contour didn't really need major repairs while the van payments were going out. I think we did the same thing you did, at one time. The Contour paid off, and we got the minivan, along with the house payment, etc. We didn't really have much of a cash reserve. We got lucky.
Now, if my company transferred us anywhere else, like, say, Chicago or St Louis, our cost of living would shoot up considerably. I'm not sure where we'd be, then. Probably close to where you are, with a 10 year old car creeping toward 100k, and maybe a longer commute, a higher house payment, tuition... Oh yeah, the van's extended warranty runs out in a year. All the more reason to build up savings now, I guess.
In short, I understand your situation because I've lived it to a degree. But there's always the future.
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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Originally posted by RogerB:
Originally posted by meancontour:
Also when we (overspent) on our Van last year, we were counting on the Contour's payments ending, and that money going towards the van.
I know that your advice is good, but not always realistic. Kids and wives seem to always need something.
Thanks for your input.
Well, I have a wife and 4 kids, and they all need something, too, but luckily my wife understands the value of saving money. (Well, maybe she understands it a bit too well. )
I understand what you're saying about being realistic. It's realistic for me that when our Minivan paid off last year, there was nothing else in particular for that money to go into. So, it started going into savings. Meanwhile we were able to refinance the mortgage and add to the house with only a slight bump in our monthly payment. I live in one of the cheapest areas in the country, and send my kids to a Catholic school system that doesn't charge tuition. I live about 4 miles from work, so my yearly mileage is very low.
I was fortunate in that my Contour didn't really need major repairs while the van payments were going out. I think we did the same thing you did, at one time. The Contour paid off, and we got the minivan, along with the house payment, etc. We didn't really have much of a cash reserve. We got lucky.
Now, if my company transferred us anywhere else, like, say, Chicago or St Louis, our cost of living would shoot up considerably. I'm not sure where we'd be, then. Probably close to where you are, with a 10 year old car creeping toward 100k, and maybe a longer commute, a higher house payment, tuition... Oh yeah, the van's extended warranty runs out in a year. All the more reason to build up savings now, I guess.
In short, I understand your situation because I've lived it to a degree. But there's always the future.
You mean there is hope? That's good to hear, THANKS ! ! ! 
MUST SELL - ECM computer new for a 98 V6 mtx + pats
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I see some of your points now, "meany". I did post earlier "Cars don't last forever" in response to expecting an over 100K car to run as new. Yet some cars can cost less to own and have better resale.
I hate surprise repairs too. Sure some say "DIY", but who has a full repair shop to fix FWD componentry?
I had Tours and there were too many "surprises" at 70K-80k miles. Plus resale is a killer, try selling one, only CEG members want one, and they will buy low.
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Predicting a "classic car" is a crap shoot. Contours are not in same league as Stangs or sports coupes.
Also, 20 years is not enough time to call something a "classic" or "collectable". Try 35-40+ years for "big $$$" collector cars. What 20 year old 1985 domestic cars are truly "classics" that are selling for lots of cash???? Example, 1989 SHO's are still cheap, and no colectors are dying for them.
if you really think your C-SVT is "going to be worth lots of $$ someday", you will probably have to wait 30-40+ years, not 20.
Last edited by 975Altima; 03/06/05 02:04 AM.
2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8 SE, Code Red. '00 Tropic Green Ford Escort SE [Contour's little cousin]
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The Contour in my household has nearly 85,000 on it, and very little has had to be done to it. I know it will start though, as soon as the extended warranty is over...
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