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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 28
New CEG\'er
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OP
New CEG\'er
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 28 |
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...
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,882
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,882 |
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!
BrApple-its all in the way it is presented...but everythign on my resume is all me
TexasRealtor-I hope you spelling improves on your resume.
MxRacer-ladies and gentlemen, welcome to ironyville. population, texasrelator.
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 82
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 82 |
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.
-JD. 1996/V6/LX. Killer Bass, & A Few Other Mods.
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 702
Veteran CEG\'er
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Veteran CEG\'er
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 702 |
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 !!!! ) 
CSVT E0 3L
14.5 @ 94mph, Stock Intake, Stock Exhaust minus Resonator, CEL, And Broken Pass. Side CV...Untuned.
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 28
New CEG\'er
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OP
New CEG\'er
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 28 |
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.
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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 |
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.
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: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,816
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,816 |
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).
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 333
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 333 |
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.
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Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 65
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CEG\'er
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 65 |
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.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,444
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,444 |
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.
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