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Originally posted by happywithit:
what can I / should I do about the precats or converter, for a reasonable cost?
I noted some carbon trails from the muffler entrance so I think I'm springing a few small leaks.
No CELs, don't touch the pre-cats or main cat. Small leaks from muffler, take it to muffler shop and get a free (if they offer it) estimate. Chances are it won't be more than $350.
"Always do the cheap and easy ones first."
1996 V6 ATX 96K miles
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I agree, I would just keep the Contour, especially if finances are tight. (But then again, I just really don't like Focuses either. Er... Foci?) I was told that someone got up to 249k miles on their Contour before the tranny crapped out and they got rid of it.
E0 Silver Frost CSVT #3095/6535
Alpine CDA-9851
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OK, you guys have been really helpful....I'm leaning toward keeping the car. I would like to get 2 more years out of it when finances will allow a large cash outlay (I hate to finance a car).
Now, if I'm prepared to spend $1-1.5K on it to increase its longevity and driving pleasure, what should I do to it?
My initial thoughts are:
Good Cooling system flush (is this a good idea?)
Power Steering fluid flush
Replace clutch, want light action so use stock?
Install lighter flywheel (use SVT flywheel??, fit?)
Replace muffler with mellow/burble type (Magnaflow?)
What would you suggest given the age of the car and your experience.
Chris
1995 LX V6 5-spd
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Good Cooling system flush
Replace muffler with stock or regular after market.
Brake fluid flush
As you are only thinking of keeping it for 2 years, the above is the what I would advise you.
"Always do the cheap and easy ones first."
1996 V6 ATX 96K miles
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WOW
Everyone missed an obivous point
New focus Around 15-18K
Used/Newer Contour 4-8K
Old Contour Repair bills: ???
You could always buy a second contour! lol You could easily find a used one somewhere with lower miles! In my case that is what I would do!
1998 SE Duratec V6 ATX
Ebay intake with K&N Filter
Trubendz Exhaust
Custom Hood
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That's probably what I would do as well. You can easily find a CSVT with less than half the mileage of your current car for $6-7k. In my previous post I neglected the suggestion because I was just trying to avoid bashing the Focus too much 
E0 Silver Frost CSVT #3095/6535
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Originally posted by ZeroHour:
WOW
Everyone missed an obivous point
Used/Newer Contour 4-8K
Old Contour Repair bills: ???
You could always buy a second contour! lol You could easily find a used one somewhere with lower miles! In my case that is what I would do!
You know the reliability of present Contour as a first owner and having maintained it (reasonably) well. You don't know the reliability of used Contour (if you will be spending another $4k in addition to sale price from $4 - $8k). 
"Always do the cheap and easy ones first."
1996 V6 ATX 96K miles
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Originally posted by Tony2005:
Originally posted by ZeroHour:
WOW
Everyone missed an obivous point
Used/Newer Contour 4-8K
Old Contour Repair bills: ???
You could always buy a second contour! lol You could easily find a used one somewhere with lower miles! In my case that is what I would do!
You know the reliability of present Contour as a first owner and having maintained it (reasonably) well. You don't know the reliability of used Contour (if you will be spending another $4k in addition to sale price from $4 - $8k).
Buy it from someone who kept ALL the service receipts. Then you know how well it's been maintained. That's what I did.
E0 Silver Frost CSVT #3095/6535
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Originally posted by Rishodi:
Buy it from someone who kept ALL the service receipts. Then you know how well it's been maintained. That's what I did.
Excellent suggestion. Except that there are not many one-owner Contours for sale unless they are experiencing major problems and are just looking to unload them. Most second or third owners would not be given previous owners' receipts and it then becomes hearsay as to whether the Contour was reliably maintained.
"Always do the cheap and easy ones first."
1996 V6 ATX 96K miles
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Originally posted by Tony2005:
Originally posted by Rishodi:
Buy it from someone who kept ALL the service receipts. Then you know how well it's been maintained. That's what I did.
Excellent suggestion. Except that there are not many one-owner Contours for sale unless they are experiencing major problems and are just looking to unload them. Most second or third owners would not be given previous owners' receipts and it then becomes hearsay as to whether the Contour was reliably maintained.
How 'bout two '99 Contours with leather & V-6 and about 30k miles on them. Seasonal drivers here in Florida. One dealer has a pair of them down here in Pompano, one t-red and one gold/tan.
Must be that jumbly-wumbly thing happening again.
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