Bought the car in May and picked it up with 158Kms... cel came on the next day(multipal mis-fires).
Plugs, wires, filters...easy.
163Kms... Water pump, clutch starting to slip, sunroof gives up, both torque mounts start to rip, CV boot replaced
169Kms... Rear stabilizer end link bushings disintegrate
173Kms... Rod berring decides to take a walk. Engine replaced w/98 @ 75Kms, clutch upgraded/replaced
181Kms... It's still running... but for how long?
Next... Front struts and springs, replace outer tie rods, fuel pump is making strange noise on startup, repaired mounts need replaceing (didn't use right stuff...live n learn)
To read this you might think that I hate this car... on the contrary!
This car gives me more enjoyment per K than any other car I've ever owned. Sure I've had faster, but the contour can go from back road barnstormer to near luxury touring in a heartbeat, and no car I've owned has been able to do both things so well.
The Contour really is a drivers car, its a shame more didn't know just how good it is. But then, we would have to pay what these cars are actually worth, not what they are going for in the used market. (bit of a double edge sword)
Yes they break... show me a car without a Camery badge that dosen't.
If you can't maintain a diligent maintance schedule, go buy a 4cyl auto Camery.
