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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3
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OP
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Hello! I've been playing around with the idea to pick up a Contour or a Mystique soon. There are a handful of these cars in the area (central PA) and I'm looking to get a few good opinions. I've read of several horror stories about timing belt failure, impossible brake fixes, etc. I'm hoping to find that it is not all bad news!
I'm a Ford guy, and wrecked my '93 Taurus two weeks ago and lost a transmission in my '88 Ranger. Rather than shell out a small fortune to fix these, I've decided to go with another vehicle.
Anyway, I'm wondering what I should look for when I take a test drive. All available cars I'm looking at have the Zetec I-4, and as far as I know, all automatics. What could I expect to pay at a used car dealer or private owner? Are there any reliability issues around 88-100k miles?
Thanks for your help, I've already gotten a lot from this site...
n00b
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 21,653
I have no life
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I have no life
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 21,653 |
Timing belts aren't really an issue. Just like any car, replace them as the scheduled maintenance says to.
Brakes aren't really a problem either.
I'd look for a svt, they can be had for not too much over other models now.
If not a svt, then try to atleast get a contique with a manual. You have no idea what may or may not have been done to an auto, and if it breaks, it costs more than a mtx to fix. If getting an auto, atleast check the tranny fluid to see if it's redish and at correct level.
Pay $1k or less for a pre98 zetec with somewhat high mileage.
98.5 SVT
91 Escort GT (almost sold)
96 ATX Zetec (i brake to watch you swerve)
FS: SVT rear sway bar
WTB: Very cheap beater
CEG Dragon Run - October 13-15
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 5,143
Addicted CEG\'er
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Addicted CEG\'er
Joined: Oct 2003
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I agree with Kremit. An SVT really isnt that expensive to own, sure you have to put prenium gas in and pay a little more a month for insurance. But its totaly worth it, and its not like the gas mileage absolutely sucks. People have reported 30-32 MPG on the freeway from their SVT's. The only thing to look out for is the Differential, and the 3rd gear syncro on the SVT's. If you are easy on them and perform all of you're reguarly schedualed maitenence. You will have very few if not any problems with one. They are wounderful daily drivers, often refered to as the "poor man's BMW" I hopefully will find one sometime in the future for myself.
98 Corolla LE 1.8L DOHC 1ZZFE
TEIN H.Tech Springs
Tokico HP series Struts
Short ram air intake
Tsudo Axel Back Exhaust
... if a jelly fish stung me.. would you pee on the wound?
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3
Newbie
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OP
Newbie
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Thanks, guys. I'm gonna keep an eye out for an SVT but I might just go with the four banger since it is more readily available around here.
n00b
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,317
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
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Originally posted by AliasJerk:
I agree with Kremit. An SVT really isnt that expensive to own, sure you have to put prenium gas in and pay a little more a month for insurance. But its totaly worth it, and its not like the gas mileage absolutely sucks. People have reported 30-32 MPG on the freeway from their SVT's. The only thing to look out for is the Differential, and the 3rd gear syncro on the SVT's. If you are easy on them and perform all of you're reguarly schedualed maitenence. You will have very few if not any problems with one. They are wounderful daily drivers, often refered to as the "poor man's BMW" I hopefully will find one sometime in the future for myself.
holy crap! i only get 21 Mpg, and thats when i drive very conservatively... 18-19 if im pushing it. as for insurance, mine was no different SVT vs standard Contour
~Ryan
1999 T-Red SVT Contour
41k Miles #1701 / 2760
B&M, Custom Y-Pipe, Alpine HU, Pioneer 6x8's & 6x9's
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 6,106
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Addicted CEG\'er
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Originally posted by guitarman19853:
holy crap! i only get 21 Mpg, and thats when i drive very conservatively... 18-19 if im pushing it.
Then you've got issues. I swear I've seen you post about horrible gas mileage before. Looks like it's time for a tuneup, and a thorough intake manifold cleaning.
Mark
2000 Black CSVT
3.0L Hybrid - 206fwhp & 195fwtq
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 3,788
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
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Welcome to the CEG Zack. 
Check the classified section as there should be one or two SVT's in PA for sale. I know there's a T-red SVT for sale in the Harrisburg area and IIRC another one (not sure of the color) for sale somewhere in Central PA. I've seen two on other forums for sale so I'll find them for you and PM you the information. Also, there is a Silver Frost FS in the Pittsburgh area.
Make sure you stop by the North East forums and say hi!
EDIT: I found the T-red in Harrisburg and I sent you the info in a PM.
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 4,292
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
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Originally posted by Y2KSVT:
Originally posted by guitarman19853:
holy crap! i only get 21 Mpg, and thats when i drive very conservatively... 18-19 if im pushing it.
Then you've got issues. I swear I've seen you post about horrible gas mileage before. Looks like it's time for a tuneup, and a thorough intake manifold cleaning.
Mark
yeah,a tuneup's a great idea,with the svt engine,headers,chip..etc i get 30-31 on the highway,about 28 mixed driving.,
"Youth ages, immaturity is outgrown, ignorance can be educated, and drunkenness sobered, but STUPID lasts forever."-Aristophanes.
--93 pgt,headers,intake,borla=14.9 1/4mile
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,659
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
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Welcome to the site! Like everyone has said. GET AN SVT!!! I have an auto 4 banger and I love it. But I wished I would of bought an SVT instead of my car. The thing was I couldnt afford an SVT in high school. There are some 4 bangers on this site that have well over 100K miles on them. As long as you take care of it you should be okay.
"Do what you like, Because you have to drive it!"-Me
99 Contour LX
95 Mustang GT Convertible
97 Z24 Cavalier
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,978
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Hard-core CEG\'er
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Where in central Pa are you? I'm smack dab in the middle of the state... state college that is.
I've never heard of break issues? Not sure where these rumored problems get started? If you are close enough i'll let you give my car a look over to see if its what you want.
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