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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 |
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. 
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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 |
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).
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: Sep 2004
Posts: 498
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 498 |
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 
96' ATX Zetec- stock
96' ATX Zetec- Modded
Kenwood KDC-319
5.75"-2 MTX 12's
Roady XT
Custom door panels
Mystique Cluster/oil pressure
Getting repainted(in primer)
Pre98 Lip
SE skirts
Mystique front lip
dingless
badgeless
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Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 49
New CEG\'er
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New CEG\'er
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 49 |
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  
'98.5 SVT#5826 of 6535, Silver Frost-As fun to drive as my old MR2 and way more practical!
Not as much fun to drive as my Turbo Rx7 was, but it starts every time!
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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,659
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,659 |
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.
"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: Mar 2003
Posts: 7,117
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 7,117 |
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.
Must be that jumbly-wumbly thing happening again.
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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 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 
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
Posts: 5,143 |
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 
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: May 2002
Posts: 21,653
I have no life
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I have no life
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 21,653 |
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.
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: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,746
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 1,746 |
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.
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