Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General General General Reliability

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?

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.

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.