I would suggest running a car fax on it first.
Also, where are you? There might be someone on here from your area willing to check out the Contour for you to make sure the car is worth buying.
If all goes well, and it's worth it, yeah buy it. Contours handle great, they are fun to drive, reliable if you take care of it right. I have a 98 Contour SE 4 cylinder, and I love it. My hub has a 94 Explorer V6 and he has more fun driving my car.
