questions about a ford contour
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
Likes: 16
From: Connecticut
I always thought they looked pretty nice but I have heard that they've had more than their share of electrical gremlins and some suspension issues. But that's hearsay on my part, I don't have any personal experience with them.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,881
Likes: 1
From: North of Tulsa, Oklahoma
The car had potential, but premature failure of some major components; water pumps, front springs, o2 sensors, etc. didn't help keep the lineup alive. The SVT versions were very popular. We had a '98 SE with the V6 and power everything. Nice looking car, and it road like a very sporty and fast car! We sold it before any major stuff started to prematurely quit. Check the web. There is a web site devouted to nothinb but the Ford Contour. You'll find lots of useful info there.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 665
Likes: 0
From: Kingsland, GA
We have a 2000 Merc Mystique (same car, different sheetmetal). We bought it with 29K and it's now approaching 70K. We had to have a door switch replaced (under warranty), and that's it. We use only synthetic everything in it, and it has given us no trouble. We also get about 30MPG on the highway with the air on. The automatic tranny is very picky about it's fluid quality, though, and may start to act funny if you leave it in there too long. Other than that, we love it, and wouldn't own anything else for the price...
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
There are some recall TSBs out for that car (couple electrical) and having seen how some Ford "mechanics" perform them to beat the warranty clock, such as the wiring harness, I would not bother with the car. Many probably are listed as done, but, have not been done at all or where done in a sloppy manner (no heat shrink etc.).
I buy cars to fix up and sell, a Contour is one I avoid.
I buy cars to fix up and sell, a Contour is one I avoid.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,818
Likes: 3
We recently bought a '95 with the same 2.6L DOHC V6 engine as our '95 Probe GT and neither car has given us any trouble - to date. The Contour's biggest problem when new, was finding its niche. It was intended to replace the Tempo/Topaz but over the years the Escort had grown to within a few inches of the old Tempo. The Contour wound up slightly smaller than a Taurus but priced within of few hundred dollars of its larger kin. Naturally, most buyers went to the Taurus for the extra size and price. They suffered terrible depreciation but those owners loss is your gain. You can pick up a really nice Contour for very little money.
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Junior User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: VA BEACH. but am from IL
I own a 4 cy. Mystique. I love it. Its a 96 with 80,000. It may not be super fast but its a nice little car to get around in. The contours have way more potential then the mystique though.
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