Taurus is gone... Anyone own/ed a Contour?

[Markcuda]

Ask any Ford dealer tech what they think of the Contour and you will get an ear full of 4 letter words.

May be that is why I never see any in my area, literally.

[redhousenine]

I've never had any electrical problems with my Contour other than replacing the positive battery cable due to insulation flaking off. I assume whoever owned the car before me had all the recalls preformed, and the wiring harness was one of those recalls. Apparently the positive battery cable wasn't part of the wiring recall as just about every Contour I see in the junkyard has a defective battery cable.

Check Your Positive Battery Cable! Brian's Blog

[S3CKSHUN]

Originally Posted by fct

My dad used to own a 2000 Mercury Mystique with a 170hp V6 and auto transmission. It was a nice car to drive and drivetrain was reliable. If I remember correctly, the car had constant electrical issues and the alternator eventually died or something like that. Personally, I am not sure if I'd want to buy into a car this old. By now it will probably have plenty of mechanical issues. Save money and buy something newer. The latest generation Fords, Fiesta Focus Fusion and Taurus, are all fantastic cars.

Not to sound arguementative, but these cars that you are referring to less than 5 years old. I don't think you can really say for sure that they are fantastic and reliable. Don't get me wrong, I love Fords but these new ones haven't stood the test of time yet.

[S3CKSHUN]

Also, just my 2 cents here but, you would prolly be better off with a focus. Relatively the same vehicle just no v6 option. And from what I hear those 2 and a half duratecs were problematic. Again depends where you do your research but everything I see about focuses... focii? says that they are bulletproof.

[intimidator]

Well,here goes.I have had 2 Contours...98 SE Sport/2.5 V-6 duratec....awesome car,daily driver and track car no issues until I beat the crap outta the tranny,replaced tranny,drove another 1.5 years, no issues. Actully embarrassed many Contour SVT's with it. Traded in towards a Lincoln Continental,got $2500 for it with 160k on the odometer.

Also had a 99 Contour SE with 2.0 Zetec/VCT motor...no issues,was wifes car, traded that in towards new 03 Sable, got $4000 for it with 75k on odometer.

As with any vehicle,maintenance is key. Just my opinion though, I loved them until I outgrew them.

The engine bay 0f the 98 V-6 looked awesome in my opinion. That V-6 was "stuffed" in there. Looked intimidating.

[Clskmstg]

Highly problematic car for Ford. I used to sell them. I always liked them when they were new - but, lots of electrical, transmission and dash problems. I'd try to find a Taurus, possibly a Focus - probably would be a better experience for you.

[Bull Geek]

And a 2002 or newer focus would be a better choice...

[JW657]

Originally Posted by Bull Geek

And a 2002 or newer focus would be a better choice...

I second this, nothing against the contour or anything, I've never owned one before. I like the Focus better though, plus there's a bit of aftermarket for it, which is always good. You can even convert them to RWD and swap in a V8.

I forgot to mention that they also come with a stick, that's a real bonus!

[DN101]

Yeah, I like the Contour too, but if anything goes wrong with it you're kinda screwed. Aim for a Focus if you can.

[fct]

Originally Posted by S3CKSHUN

Not to sound arguementative, but these cars that you are referring to less than 5 years old. I don't think you can really say for sure that they are fantastic and reliable. Don't get me wrong, I love Fords but these new ones haven't stood the test of time yet.

You are right. However, I get a feeling that Ford got its stuff together with pretty much all cars based on truly new platforms past year 2005. I think the Ford Fusion's record should be a good indication. Granted, the newer cars use turbo engines more and more, and those are new and haven't had much record of any kind yet.