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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 333
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 333 |
new motor...$700
new trynny..$500
new exhaust.$435
new tires...$250
keeping my car running another year...priceless
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 313
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 313 |
Another side of this story...
What does it cost to maintain a Contour driven a modest number of miles, just for average commuting/getting around town (so... no performance mods, or the driving that can go with them)?
My still-stock '95 GL V6 ATX only has about 67K miles on it (I still drive my '86 5.0 when the weather's nice), and the car has been remarkably reliable. So what has it cost me - since 1995 (took delivery when '96 models were already in; November '95)
- Let's just estimate normal tune-up stuff (oil changes, filter changes, etc.). I change the oil myself before 5K miles; always Mobil 1/Motorcraft filter; I'm on my 14th oil change, at probably $30 in supplies per change ($420). Throw in several transmission fluid changes (one at dealer; the rest myself - let's guess $150). Add $100 for coolant changes. Let's be generous and add $100 for other filter and fluid changes over time (air & fuel; PS fluid; bleed brakes, etc.). Yes, still original plugs and wires; they still seem to work fine (though I could use an IAC/TB cleaning right now).
- Normal wear-item replacement on this car (brakes, etc.) has been typical: Front pads at 50K; rear pads at 58K. Yup, original rotors, calipers, etc. Replaced the battery at 40K (it failed completely - without warning - and annoyingly early; but still under $100).
- Not too many repair items: My IMRC vacuum solenoid failed at 45K miles; replaced myself for about $30. I also replaced the infamous water pump at 58K (it hadn't failed, but I was worried); let's guess $75, including coolant and supplies.
Hmmm - I'm running out of things. Note that this means I'm still running the original 14" steel wheels and tires (well - one fun concession - I also have a set of 15" SE aluminum rims with summer-only tread I picked up on the CEG classifieds for $300, so the 14" tires don't have 67K on them). Admittedly, both sets of tires are near the end. I'll probably put all-season tires on the alloys and sell the steel rims.
I'm not counting a few minor body repairs (in one, the car was hit while parked). Even these haven't been a big deal.
I'm having a hard time getting to $1500 for ALMOST TEN YEARS of Contour fun (and this includes a second set of wheels and tires). I'm not even sure I've replaced any light bulbs.
I don't know - maybe I just got a good one. But in my experience, Contours are well designed, very reliable and very reasonable to maintain.
1995 Contour GL V6 ATX T/C
1986 Mustang GT 5.0
2000 Windstar LX
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,163
Hard-core CEG\'er
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OP
Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,163 |
"$3531 - ABS Contol Module and Diag."
iceddodo abs costs that much to fix?
I wonder if ABS can be wired out of the braking system (turned off).
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 175
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 175 |
Quote:
"$3531 - ABS Contol Module and Diag."
iceddodo abs costs that much to fix?
Invoice from L&S Shell Auto Care:
$3.49 Fuse 782-1340 60 AMP for ABS and Heater Blower
$2648.93 ABS Control Module
$106.20 Master Cylinder
$2.26 Brake Fluid
$241.60 Power Brake Booster
$85 Diag
$204 Labor
I am far to fond of the ABS system to get rid of it, however the same problem came back this past winter, almost a year to the date but well over the 12,000 mile cutoff on the warranty.
98 Contour GL 4 cyl 131,000 miles
- 57,000 w/o a CEL!
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,163
Hard-core CEG\'er
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OP
Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,163 |
"however the same problem came back this past winter"
Please describe the symptons of this abs problem
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 175
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 175 |
Quote:
Please describe the symptons of this abs problem
1. Pedal goes down ABS system fires up (pedal drops and groans)
2. Light comes on, one wheel locks up, and pedal kicks back up.
3. Light stays on until next driving cycle.
This is the typical sequence. If I have to do hard braking with the ABS system on, same as above except in between 2 and 3 all lights dim, until the ABS fuse blows (which also takes out the heater fan.)
I haven't had a chance to look at it or get it looked at because I'm still trying to get my charging system fixed.
98 Contour GL 4 cyl 131,000 miles
- 57,000 w/o a CEL!
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Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 506
Veteran CEG\'er
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Veteran CEG\'er
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 506 |
Originally posted by Kappa2006:
in 2 years i've replaced the tranny (2200), new wheel bearings (170), new alternator (200), new water pump (70), brake pads (40), and then pcv valve, imrc, iac valve, new gaskets for manifold rebuild, spark plugs, spark plug wires, o2 sensors, tps sensor, and I still need new tires, new rear brake calipers, new E brake cables, and a new suspension. I love ford 
Things like this are why I got rid of the SVT. I spent more on repairs in 5 years on the SVT than on my other car in 10 years.
'98.5 SVT E1
T-Red, Midnight Blue
All stock
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,163
Hard-core CEG\'er
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OP
Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,163 |
in 2 years i've
replaced the tranny (2200),
new wheel bearings (170),
new alternator (200),
new water pump (70),
brake pads (40),
and then pcv valve($),
imrc($)
iac valve($),
new gaskets for manifold rebuild($),
spark plugs($),
spark plug wires($),
o2 sensors($),
tps sensor($),
So Kappa2006 what was that running total?
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,249
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,249 |
Originally posted by contour_phoenix_when:
I spent just over 4 grand last year on my contour. just keeping it running.
How much did other CEGers spend.
That expense does not include insurance.
Am I really spending too much on my car?
never if u truly love your car its worth every penny...i spent like 7 grand last year...over 15 grand on my car in the 5 years i owned it not including the 11 grand purchace price.....but i eventually had to give up on it  Now i drive an SVT and i spent a grand on it already 
Wesley
1999 SVT black
And a Blond Haired Blue eyes girlfriend. How can it get any better?
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Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,163
Hard-core CEG\'er
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OP
Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 2,163 |
"i spent like 7 grand last year...over 15 grand on my car in the 5 years i owned it "
Curious, but what car did you spend 15K on.
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