Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting 96 Contour SE?

Sorry this is kinda long, but i thought you guys here could help. Thanks in advance.

My dad's friend from work is selling his 96 Contour SE. Its loaded with every option, and has the auto trans. It has 115k miles on it and he's asking $2,000 for it. I think it would perfect for my girlfriend. I have heard horror stories about the Ford Duratec V6 once they have over 100k on them. This guy is a pretty good friend, has had the car since new and has had all maintence done on time. He doesnt want to sell the car but he now needs a truck or SUV to tow his boat. Do you think it would be a good choice to buy the car or forget about it and get something else. I am not a mechanic, but do my own maintance on my cars and have rebuilt the engine in 2 of them, but i dont want another project car. Just something that she can drive and that will be reliable and not cost an arm and leg to repair. Any special maintance that needs to be done at 100k. Sorry for all the questions, but any and all comments would be great.

Dave~

92 Aqua Blue Grand Prix GTP
93 White Grand Prix SE B4U

Gee what a horrible deal! Can you get me his number???

Does your girl have a leadfoot and a pilots liscense?

Sounds great if she can handle the car. Other than IMRC problems and water pumps (which are a breeze), they are pretty dependable.

I would check and see if recalls were done.

if the car is in good condition, then that's one gooood deal. i would definetly buy one if i saw it at that price (though i would miss my zetec )

In reply to:

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has had the car since new and has had all maintence done on time.

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This is the key. Since it has been taken care of, its a good buy.

I have heard that with about 100,000 miles you need to decarbon the engine. Is this true and does a dealer have to do it, or can you do it yourself. Also can you change the plugs and wires or is it a PITA and easier to take it somewhere. Thanks

Dave~

92 Aqua Blue Grand Prix GTP
93 White Grand Prix SE B4U

Every car with 100k could use decarboning - it's usually only a prob if it's pinging and nothing else makes it stop and of course the plugs are a PITA but nothing next to say, a vette.

How do you "Decarbon" the engine?

http://www.fordfestiva.com/service/database/engine/decarbon.html

thanks, and I would like to add for the record, Just about any car is worth $2,000.00 if you know 100% thats it's been taken well care of all of it's life.

sounds like a great buy to me. i paid more than that for my 96 tour, now im jealous.