I find it refreshing that folks have not flamed their fellow CEGer's that actually state factual information that such and such on THEIR vehicle broke.
There on some (certainly not me) on this board who think that anything not said in favor of the Contique is non-"enthusiast" in nature. Thanks to all who posted here.
Again, I will post problems with MY vehicle, these are not necessarily indicative of the fleet's quality as a whole.
Problems I've had with this vehicle:
(most mileage(s) at which problem first reared its head not known, vehicle currently at 102,000 on the odometer)
1. Stock motor mounts no where stiff enough to be considered acceptable. Stock motor mount bolt breaks as if it were made of play-doh.
2. Headlamp assemblies rusting from the inside-out. Light projected by headlamp assemblies (even when new) pitifully inadequate.
3. Paint looks as if it has tiny bird-foot prints (cracks) all over, especially on surfaces exposed to the sun.
4. Rear trunk seal doesn't.
5. Grinding/Crunching noises coming from rear supsension even though springs, brakes, etc. replaced. (Yes, nay-sayers, rims are stock and tires ARE correct size.) (No, it is NOT the exhaust system.)
6. Catalysts replaced. (At least this was under recall.)
7. Carpet (shrinking?) pulling away from trim everywhere, but worst area around passenger side front door. I have tried to stop this and 'pretty it up' to no avail.
8. 2-3 shift somewhat challenging unless transmission thoroughly warmed up, and even then not so good.
9. 'Duratec': Plastic-impregnated cardboard waterpump impeller WILL fail prematurely and if driver is not painfully observant of dash gauge, permanent engine damage will result.
10. Constant battling with the CEL light. O2 sensors, etc. replaced, light goes off for 5,000 miles and then comes back on now and then.
11. Premium stereo system isn't.
12. Power antenna replaced 3x.
13. Squeaks and rattles everywhere. Most prone-to-rattle area seems to be the dashboard area in front of the passenger seat and the passenger side of vehicle from the a-pillar back.
14. Excessive road/tire/rim noise transferred to passenger compartment by design of rear suspension. (although this may be caused by lack of sound-dampening materials.)
15. Clock backlight replaced 2x, now out again.
16. Indicator on speedo 'wobbles', making it rather hard to determine actual speed. I have read 'fixes' for this, but other manufacturers seem to be able to find permanently lubricated speedometer cables that do not exhibit this 'feature'.
17. Interior trim around / headliner around moonroof constantly has to be 'adjusted' to keep large gaps in fitment to be seen.
18. Gas tank cannot be filled sometimes, but that isn't a problem because sometimes the fuel filler door refuses to open, precluding the attempt at actually filling the fuel tank with the required substance the engine requires to make power.
The above 'problems' are probably enough to list, although I have more.
Here are (for a change) some good things about my car:
A. Acceleration is adequate with the Duratec and 5 sp. transmission.
B. Power windows work.
C. Moonroof still works.
D. Even though, IMHO, these things look like a scaled-down ovoid Taurus, people never fail to ask "What IS that car?"
Suggested room for improvement for FORD, on all there vehicles:
Single catalyst (or, at most, one for each exhaust pipe) that does it all. Multiple cats are not neccesary in all cases. Keep it simple, stupid.
More robust wiring harnii.
Paint that looks new after 8-10 years.
May your travel be uneventful, and your wallet be fat.
Rob
