I'm looking for my first car and will only be able to spend around $2,000 on it.. I've taken interest in the 'Contique', but would like to know what you guys think of it's reliability? For $2k I'm guessing the vehicle will have upwards of 100,000 miles... I'd probably end up with an automatic; would there be much of a reliability difference between the 6 and 4 auto? I'm mostly only worrying about the engine/trans conking at 110k.. I know it always depends on how it was taken care of, but generally speaking...
Granted, mine is a MTX and realatively low mileage, but it has never once left me stranded. It's been eight years since I bought her, and I just got my first CEL last week. I'd call that plenty reliable!
True, I dont think I ever had a time when my car didnt start, granted perhaps a dead battery b/c of my sound system or once there was that alternator, but other than that, no problems at all since purchase in 1998.
Obviously any vehicle over that mileage and for around that price is going to have its fair share of problems. I would't say that the Contiques have any more problems over that mileage than any other vehicle within that price range. Just expect to pay for troublesome quirks that come with every car above 100,000 miles or so. Just look for that cherry example of a car before you buy though. You can actually find Contiques in pretty good shape for around that price now-a-days. ( Buy a manual !!!! )
i wanted to clear it up that I'm wondering about the 100k mileage vehicles.. If you car has 40k then it might be a little different.... But, thanks for responses so far.
Originally posted by arin:
I know it always depends on how it was taken care of, but generally speaking...
That's the main thing. Don't buy a car that seems like it may have been abused.
Both my contours have around 130k miles. One is a 4cyl auto and one is a svt.
I've owned the 4cyl for over 4 years with no real problems to speak of. I've put ~40k miles on it.
I've only owned the svt since february, but so far other than fixing a few things (total cost under $90), it's been good.
I should point out I drive my cars quite hard.
For $2k, if you shop around, you can find a contour in great shape with probably under 100k miles (depending on what year you want). IMO, they're one of the best used car deals you can find.
Originally posted by arin:
i wanted to clear it up that I'm wondering about the 100k mileage vehicles.. If you car has 40k then it might be a little different.... But, thanks for responses so far.
Get one that's been obviously taken care of.
If not, you're in for a lot of overdue maintenance that could affect reliability.
BTW, due to the original owner putting a S/C and drag racing a lot (with a bad rebuild), my tranny died at 80K-something miles with a full professional (TH) rebuild necessary.
However, my poorly-maintained-from-the-get-go 96 GL with the Zetec/ATX gave me ~40K miles of hard driving without dying, for the most part. It had a tantrum where it would eat an alternator every week (7 total), but that cleared up and it was good to go.
As soon as I bought the car it needed a timing belt. It had 114K miles on it, and I assume it was the original since it was slapping the cover. That's probly the most $ I spent on the car (and it was done by my brother and I in his garage).
I had a motor chaned out a while ago... (long story involving lawsuits and water in oil) even w/a dropped lifter, it never left me stranded.
I had all kinds of problems with my Mystique, it was a zetez and auto. Real lemon of a car. I purchased used at 34k miles I drove it hard and have run into some real problems.
My previous tempo on the other hand was as reliable as a rock, and was as fast as one too.
I purchased a 99 Mystique with 34k miles for $4000 in 2003 so if your play the waiting game you'll come out on top.
my 2000 mystique 4cyl has 158,000 miles on it and with preventive maintenance, I haven't had any major problems. I've had to replace the fuel pump and waterpump but with these cars, that's pretty common.
Can I get a rundown of some "preventative maintenance" that would be needed? Seems that I'll probably end up with a 4cyl/auto, since anything else is pretty rare at this price.
I'd sure like that V6 for some power, though.. Still looking at the Dodge Intrepids which came with only V6 3.3/3.5s..
Maybe I shouldnt have said that here.
The zetec is easier to work on, and possibly more reliable, but it's gutless. There have been some duratecs on this site that have outlasted everything. If you look, and are possibly willing to travel a little bit, you can find what you're looking for. I drove 300 miles for my svt and back, but it's worth it (and it didn't cost much more than what you're looking to spend).
Originally posted by Kremithefrog:
The zetec is easier to work on, and possibly more reliable, but it's gutless.
what do you expect for a 3000lbs car with 125hp?..not to mention the AUTO you had 
If you are looking at Dodge Intrepids with 100k+, don't worry about the transmission as it has already likely been replaced at least once
Originally posted by Nezerconezer:
I purchased a 99 Mystique with 34k miles for $4000 in 2003 so if your play the waiting game you'll come out on top.
I agree, dont buy the first thing you see. The right car is out there for you. You just have to be patient and look around. It took me 6 months to find the perfect Mustang Gt. As for contours I have owned my since I drove it off the new car lot. It has been a lot of fun and no major problems. Im sitting at 82,000 miles and still running really strong (knocking on wood). Good luck and keep us posted.
Originally posted by Kremithefrog:
The zetec is easier to work on, and possibly more reliable, but it's gutless. There have been some duratecs on this site that have outlasted everything. If you look, and are possibly willing to travel a little bit, you can find what you're looking for. I drove 300 miles for my svt and back, but it's worth it (and it didn't cost much more than what you're looking to spend).
I've purchased a 3 ATX Contiques, each of them for under 3K and I did have to travel. The V-6 power is definately worth the hassles of the cramped engine bay. The '99 Zetec I got was in especially great cosmetic condition, the engine had a few minor issues that have since been taken care of (intake manifold air leak).
I am also going to be looking for another Contique in great cosmetic shape, and I don't care if it has a good engine/tranny in it. I just need sup'm that looks nice.
Originally posted by pre98zetec:
Originally posted by Kremithefrog:
The zetec is easier to work on, and possibly more reliable, but it's gutless.
what do you expect for a 3000lbs car with 125hp?..not to mention the AUTO you had
ummm DUH 
Originally posted by Kremithefrog:
Originally posted by pre98zetec:
Originally posted by Kremithefrog:
The zetec is easier to work on, and possibly more reliable, but it's gutless.
what do you expect for a 3000lbs car with 125hp?..not to mention the AUTO you had
ummm DUH
my Contour actually had some Bawls. I had taken a couple of Civic EX's up to 60 no problem, I raced a Corsica with a 3.1 V6 and stomped him. They may be heavy cars but in the category of performance they accell (as long as you get a stick). I miss that car 
My escort is about as fast as a zetec mtx, maybe a bit faster and it's slow, who cares how many civics it can beat, they're slow too. Even the duratec isn't fast, but it's quicker. But remember he said he wants an auto, so auto + zetec = slow, auto + duratec = a little quicker.
Mechanically, mines been a great car. Its all the little things that its had problems with. Sunroof gears, dash warp, fuel pumps, antenna masts, various sensors, etc. I love this car and it would be a decent first car, but its not a Honda or Toyota in terms of reliability, so keep that in mind.
Originally posted by Nezerconezer:
I had all kinds of problems with my Mystique, it was a zetez and auto. Real lemon of a car. I purchased used at 34k miles I drove it hard and have run into some real problems.
My previous tempo on the other hand was as reliable as a rock, and was as fast as one too.
I purchased a 99 Mystique with 34k miles for $4000 in 2003 so if your play the waiting game you'll come out on top.
I purcahsed my old 97 stique 2.0 ATX for 4.5k with 32k on it in 2002. I beat the crap out of that car.. caught air going over railroad track more times then I care to admit and landing hard (Scrapping hard). The same car has also been on two wheels more times then i care to admit, ran into bar ditches more times than I care to admit. (Tryig to teach myself how get better controll of the car in the snow and slide situtaions. LOL)
And Not to mention I forgot to change the tranny fuild tell 120k!!!! 
The car ran fine and shifted fine uptell about 150k tell the drain pan plug came out going down the highway. The stupid car still ran after that! Grant it sounded like rocks in the engine but it got me 5 miles down the road and shifted fine, but man did that hurt the ears. Oh yeah I had to add oil to it every few blocks... I stopped the drain pan up with a cork.
Can someone give me some ideas of gas mileage on the zetec atx and duratec atx?
edit: Want another opinion of you guys:
96 GL Contour ATX Duratec
157,000 / Well Maintained w/ records
$1,900
How much life would you all think was left in that even if it was well maintained? Would I be better off sticking with the large amounts of ATX Zetecs w/90k I'm finding on autotrader?
Originally posted by arin:
Can someone give me some ideas of gas mileage on the ......duratec atx?
edit: Want another opinion of you guys:
96 GL Contour ATX Duratec
157,000 / Well Maintained w/ records
$1,900
...
18 city, 24 highway (when it is well maintained 
).
Without know more about the options in the car, I would guess $1,400.
I got an average of 27 mpg out of the Auto zetec Mystique.
Worst 24 Best 29.5
And now I get 25 mpg Out of my SVT. Keep in mind that the SVT has a Duratec with a little weaker low end and a high gear ratio that makes the engine rev to high on the highway.
A normal Duratec I'd imagine would get a little bit better gas milage.
Worst 22, Best 26.
I've had a zetec w/ auto for three years now with just a hair over 130,000 miles. As far as reliability, it really depends on the previous owners I believe.
I had to replace a timing belt $1200 (under warranty @ dealership), ABS computer(3500 under warranty @ dealership), three alternators in a row(warranty expired), master window switch, passenger window motor, track, and regulator (covered), and two wheel bearings (not covered). I think that most of my alternator problems were either from shipping or a poorly remanufactured unit. Now I just need to replace the drivers seat for a third time, new rear brakes, and suspension work.
As far as the Intrepids go, I've been seeing many (30+, no lie) Intrepids in this area that burn oil like a mother. Not sure about which engine is in them. It seems one of them has a bad head gasket problem. They all were the last generation styling.
EDIT: In doing a little research it looks like its the 2.7L V6, both Concorde and Intrepid 1998-2002.
If you end up buying from a dealership I think it would be in your best interest to get a warranty on the car, I did and it really paid off. It cost me $1200 plus $500 deductible, but they paid out over $5700 in repairs
my 2�¢
I'll be looking for a warranty, but I havent seen many vehicles at this low of a price(2k) that are at dealerships. I've found a few on autotrader that I will be looking at more closely, though. Does anyone ahve any more info on the alternators? Is this a known problem??
Yeah, I knew the 2.7 intrepids burn oil and get oil sludge; it's a known problem with that certain engine. I would be looking at the first gens(93-97), which dont have that problem if I were to go the Intrepid way.
Originally posted by arin:
Does anyone ahve any more info on the alternators? Is this a known problem??
I have 150k on my stock altenator and i have a stereo system in my car too, never had a problem, not even a slight dim at night when the stereos up loud.
Originally posted by pre98zetec:
Originally posted by arin:
Does anyone ahve any more info on the alternators? Is this a known problem??
I have 150k on my stock altenator and i have a stereo system in my car too, never had a problem, not even a slight dim at night when the stereos up loud.
I think the problem alternators are remanufactured units since all they replace in one that was turned in is what was bad on it.
Like say the voltage regulator went bad. All they're going to replace is the regulator, even though the bearings may be on the way out (say the alternator was pulled from a 250K mile car).
The only way to know if the alternator is all good is to buy a new one. If you don't wanna do that, at least get a reman with a lifetime warranty and have them bench test each one before they hand it to you.
So, there's not much of a major reliability difference between the 6 and 4? I think I may shop around for the 6..
I think the largest reliability problem would be the atx transmission attached to either motor. The atx in the zetec is slow so it will abused to anyone without the patience for the car to accelerate. The atx on the duratec will take some spirit driving, but its still an atx and will die under abuse.
The two blocks both go for a good longevity with regular maintenance. Rarely do you ever see a post about head gaskets, bad/bent values, falled bearings, etc. I'm not really sure the weakest points on the zetec, but the duratec would we the evil long right handed turns at high speed causing oil starvation. But I have seen that maybe twice on ceg? You really need to on the car in a right hand turn to do this.
The regular aging car issues apply, alternators seem to be a big one. The water pump with a plastic impellor. Usually see some AC issues. The sunroof gear has a fault with the worm gear as well. BUT you need to remember the newest model would be 2002, if you find it from a state auction. Most models are 2000 back so your looking at least 6 years old. So most problems are general problems with any car.
The cd4e is really no worse than any other auto, IF you do regular fluid changes and SHOULD install a cooler (I don't have one and don't have trouble ((knock on wood))).
Is the CD4E from other vehicles compatible with the Contour? I saw its in the probe and some mazda's, too..
k,here's my experience from owning 3 Contiques over the past 2 years:
1998 Mercury Mystique GS Sport - 4 cylinder,automatic - milage at purchase: 211 500km. Milage at trade in - 253 000km
No mechanical or transmission problems through the ownership that ever had the car off the road for more than a day. Just before I got rid of it,my thermostat stuck open and it ran cold,and I had to do a brake job on it a few months prior. The 4 cylinder automatics are terrible on gas,horribly slow and IMO,would not recommend one. The 4 cyls are very reliable. I loved this car and wish I never got rid of it. Owned it for 10 months.
1995 Ford Contour GL - V6,5 speed - milage at purchase: 260 811km. Milage at scrap: 300 892km.
- Horrible car. Impossible to work on,everything broke or wore out. I went through 2 transmissions,replaced CV shafts,struts,balljoints,wheel bearings,water pump,brakes...all in like 6 months. I had the car for 11 months. V6s are great on gas with a manual,extremely peppy,fun to drive and sound awesome,but if they break,I don't wish it on anyone. I will buy another Contique,but never ever another V6 after this experience.
Current driver,a 1995 Contour GL - 4 cyl,5 speed. Milage at purchase: 264 300km. Current milage: just shy of 270 000km.
-I bought this car in November of last year and stored it all winter and have only been driving it since June. To pass safety it only needed a driver's side wheel bearing and brakes all around. This car runs absolutely fantastic,manual tranny shifts smooth as butter,but my clutch needs replacing soon,and this is not a fun or cheap job. Great car,love it,haven't had any problems yet,going to continue to drive it daily until I finish building my truck,then once/if this one craps out,I'll go out and buy another 4 cyl/5 spd.
I love these cars. So basically,go find a 4 cyl,5 speed. Automatics SUCK. You won't be disappointed.
Well if you get a mystique, any probems you notice are probably those that the dealer or previous owner didn't take the time to fix which are both COMMON and mentioned on this website and this board of how to fix. This car is not the EASIEST to mod car like let's say a civic as it is discontinued and the parts are hard to come by, but it's not that expensive to do some nice aesthetic mods to it. FOr about that price, I don't think you're going to have any of the nic things working like A/C or even a nice stereo but those are things you can fix later on. What you want to see is if the tranny is still good with no jerks, and that electrically the car runs well. If so you'll see that the next big headache (if you get the Duratec) is the impossible or expensive labour for this car simply because it's a V6 crammed in there for no [censored] reason. Generally, buy it, and for another $400-$500 you can have her running like new or in really good condition through the mods and maintenence tips on this site. Enjoy.
Originally posted by m4gician:
...If so you'll see that the next big headache (if you get the Duratec) is the impossible or expensive labour for this car simply because it's a V6 crammed in there for no [censored] reason. ...
Actually I think there is a very good reason for cramming a v6 in there I send you a box of band-aids for your cut knuckles.
I have had my car since August of 98' and it has been great. Just change the oil and keep an eye on the little things and you will be fine. $2,ooo on any car should make you be careful, but I can tell you my car has never let me down. Make sure you do preventative maintenance on it...