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OP
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I found a 95 Contour I was thinking about buying till I ran across Edmunds.com consumer reviews. It received 6.6 out of 10. Are these cars especially this year a headache?
The one I was looking at is a v6 automatic SE loaded with 84,000 miles on it.
thanks
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 228
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 228 |
Look something newer. Better if manual with V6. I think 1998 is the best year. Better look, no problems with dash warping as for 99-00 and less miles.  Just my thoughts.
Pablo Quintana
98 SE Sport Contour
Honduras, Central America
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,197
I have no life
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I have no life
Joined: May 2000
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96-97 with a manual. Doesn't have the chrome strips on the bumpers and has electronic secondaries instead of vacuum actuated.
-'96 SE MTX 3L
-'98 SVT 1,173 of 6,535
-'05 Mazda 6s, loaded, g/f's ride
-Need a 96-00 manual on CD? PM or email me
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4
Newbie
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Newbie
Joined: Oct 2003
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Originally posted by Samduhman:
I found a 95 Contour I was thinking about buying till I ran across Edmunds.com consumer reviews. It received 6.6 out of 10. Are these cars especially this year a headache?
The one I was looking at is a v6 automatic SE loaded with 84,000 miles on it.
thanks
As the original owner of a 95SE Duratec(V6) MTX, my thoughts are this. The Reviews overstate the problems. I've been through it all, including the annoyance of learning about the need for replacement water pumps and wiring harnesses due to substandard OEM materials used by Ford to shave a few dollars off the costs.
My thought is, if you can get reliable evidence that all the recalls were done, and that the car has had basic maintenance done (mandatory with any car), it is not any more prone to problems than others.
But - I would agree with some of the assessments. The 1996 models scoop out the front seats to the tune of about 1" providing that much more leg room, AND the metallic strips that you *only* see on 1995 models are gone (they peel or otherwise degrade eventually)
I've read (here) that the later you get in model year, the more Ford has de-contented the car. Mostly that means little things like clocks and such aren't added 'standard' onto the cars.
I personally don't really like the 98+ model body styles and completely disagree with the preference stated above, but, that's just personal.
I've also read (here) that the 95's and 96's Duratecs are closer to the SVT spec than later versions as the suspensions were detuned a bit. Others more knowledgeable might want to chime in on this one.
It depends on what you want and what you know. I can tell you *everything* that's wrong about my car right now, and I wouldn't have changed a thing.
Hmmm, change that - I'd not have let the wife drive my baby as much. I don't think it's a coincidence that ALL of the little traffic *incidents* my Contour have been in, have been while *She* has been driving.
Mike
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 652
Veteran CEG\'er
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Veteran CEG\'er
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Me personally, I have had very few problems with my car. I had to replace a water pump and did have a wire harness fixed by Ford(under recall). All in all, I think it is a pretty reliable car. Although as my miles approach 90,000 I am considering buying a Mitsubishi 3000GT and just buying a beater car for the windter.
Champagne 1995 Ford Contour LX R.I.P. - 7/11/06
V6 2.5L 24v DOHC
Oversized System
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Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,166
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,166 |
I've loved my 95.
Sure, there are some problems with it, but if the money is right, go for it. How much is the car going for?
I can't say anything about the automatic, but my car has been great. I would recommend the manual transmission, if you can find one. However, the improved suspension of the SE is incredible. I have an LX, but upgraded to SE springs and sruts, and installed the rear SVT Sway bar. What a difference! It's the balls!
I've had some minor problems, but you will with a car that is aging. My problems include:
Water pump (Just replace it - don't think twice)
Starter
Struts (with this many miles, ofcourse they needed replacing so I upgraded to SE suspension around 125k)
P/S Pump (just this week - it was louder than my engine!)
But for the money I paid for the car, it owes me nothing! You can do alot of the work yourself, with some great resources right on this site.
I'm over 176,xxx miles, and still going strong. There are some people over 200,000 and loving it!
- Zack
WANTED: T-Red HEATED Side Mirrors
FOR SALE: 4 14" Alum Alloys and Nearly New Avid H4s Tires w/ Center Caps
2000 T-Red SVT
1995 LX V6 MTX (RIP)
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 6,910
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
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I have had no real problems with my 95 Mystique
since 95 was the first year there were some quirks to the car that were worked out in the later years. bu by now most of that should have been taken care of by the previous owner
- 95 Mystique LS - Zetec/5spd
- 99 Contour SeVT Sport - Duratec/5spd
Official NE-CEG Contour/Mustang Family
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2
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OP
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Well it looks to be in great condition. Its the original owner and they said they've done all maintenance (I'll have to ask about recalls).
Their asking $4000 obo. KBB.com and Edmunds if accurate estimate the private party value $3100 to $3500.
Are there any questions I need to ask in particular pertaining to this car?
How is the manual? I was dead set against a manual trans in my next car because I've driven 3 or 4 in the past and can't stand them anymore.. They were in compact 4 cyl vehicles however.
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,197
I have no life
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I have no life
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 21,197 |
Wouldn't pay over 3500 for one.
-'96 SE MTX 3L
-'98 SVT 1,173 of 6,535
-'05 Mazda 6s, loaded, g/f's ride
-Need a 96-00 manual on CD? PM or email me
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 228
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 228 |
Man, 4k US$ is too much. I bought my 98 SE Sport in great condition for 2.4k US$ two months ago. Well that was an eBay bargain but you can find something cheaper.
Again, just my thoughts. 
Pablo Quintana
98 SE Sport Contour
Honduras, Central America
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