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  1. #1
    Fact or Crap? Al's Avatar
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    1999 Contour Questions (timing belt content)

    I am interested in a 99 ford contour for sale in the area where I live. THe owner said the car has about 95k on it and the original timing belt. I did a little research on these cars and found that the change interval for the timing belt is 60,000 miles.

    Any input on this car? Is it easy to work on...parts cost...other issues???

    I need to replace my Oldsmobile.
    When Injustice Becomes Law; Rebellion Becomes Duty

  2. #2
    Wasted talent. Car Guy's Avatar
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    Contours can often be headaches unless maintained 100% by the book since new......

  3. #3
    Senior Member..now yer posting!
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    Which engine is in it?
    1968 Mustang GT Coupe, 302 J-code, 3-speed, 9" 3.25 open diff., 1 of 1.
    1979 Mustang Pace Car 5.0 Auto 38K miles.
    1983 Mustang 5.0 5sp. GT T-top hatch.
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  4. #4
    Fact or Crap? Al's Avatar
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    2.5L V6. The guy says it is the DOHC engine.
    When Injustice Becomes Law; Rebellion Becomes Duty

  5. #5
    Wasted talent. Car Guy's Avatar
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    If you're considering a Contour you'd be much better off going with a Taurus; MUCH easier to work on, has the larger Duratec engine, parts are cheap/can be found everywhere, and lastly they're badazz.....

  6. #6
    Senior Member..now yer posting!
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    I just worked on a customers '98 Contour with the 2.5L. Anything on the engine is a pain to do from more of a lack of room than anything else. Other than that, I think they are a pretty good car.

    Our '98 Mistake (Mystique) has the same engine, and has just under 99K on it. I must admit the car goes pretty good with the 170HP anf 5-speed manual.
    1968 Mustang GT Coupe, 302 J-code, 3-speed, 9" 3.25 open diff., 1 of 1.
    1979 Mustang Pace Car 5.0 Auto 38K miles.
    1983 Mustang 5.0 5sp. GT T-top hatch.
    1986 Mustang 5.0 5sp. LX Conv.
    1986 Mustang 5.0 5sp. GT Conv.
    1989 Saleen #519 5.0 5sp. 1 of 3 FOR SALE

  7. #7
    bored at work 07ROUSHSTG3's Avatar
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    the contour/mystique is one of the worst cars ford ever made.

    stay away.

  8. #8
    Totally agree with the guys, whatever you do STAY AWAY from these cars because they are a pain in the ass to maintain and they will give you nothing but problems unless you know the car inside and out like my ex did. You're much better off with a Taurus by far.
    Bite me Chevy boy because I drive a FORD!
    Daily Driver: 1992 Ford Thunderbird

  9. #9
    Fact or Crap? Al's Avatar
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    The reason I am interested in the car is because it is very cheap. I'd go for a Taurus, but that option is not available right now.

    Apparently, this engine is no cup of tea to work on. I'm not sure if it is a chain or a belt either. Is the contour more difficult to work on than an Audi?
    When Injustice Becomes Law; Rebellion Becomes Duty

  10. #10
    Speaks the Truth theavenger333's Avatar
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    thats like asking whats a worse way to die, dipped in acid or dipped in fire.....

    you just got told by pretty much every reply on here, DO NOT BUY IT. take a hint. Audis are not any treat to work on either.
    "A turbo, exhaust gasses go into the turbocharger and spin it, with a supercharger, air goes in, witchcraft happens and you go faster."
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  11. #11
    Wasted talent. Car Guy's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Al View Post
    The reason I am interested in the car is because it is very cheap. I'd go for a Taurus, but that option is not available right now.

    Apparently, this engine is no cup of tea to work on. I'm not sure if it is a chain or a belt either. Is the contour more difficult to work on than an Audi?

    What is "very cheap" and do you have any other details on it...???

    Ultimately it depends on the current mechanical condition and the maintenance history. The timing CHAIN itself usually doesn’t need replacing for many miles but there are related components that will wear out......

  12. #12
    Collecting parts! Waver's Avatar
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    Dude, like what was said above, they can be good cars if they are maintained from day one, but everything can be "good" if it is maintained. If you are dead set on buying this, since they are good driving cars just a pai to work on, then get it and change that timing belt, since it is an interfearence engine. So expect to add about another 600 bucks to it and have a shop do it, this sis not something that you want to do your self
    Quote Originally Posted by HITMAN View Post
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    Jim you build... break... and rebuild cars faster than I can put one together.

  13. #13
    Fact or Crap? Al's Avatar
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    $300 with 90k on it.
    It sounds like the proper maintainance was never properly followed. Oil changes, yes, 60k service, no.
    When Injustice Becomes Law; Rebellion Becomes Duty

  14. #14
    Collecting parts! Waver's Avatar
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    the 300 dollar price would get me interested in it too, I would still say take it into a shop the same day you pick it up and have that done.....you are on borrowed time
    Quote Originally Posted by HITMAN View Post
    stew - continuing confirmation of the hypothesis that marbles aren't sharp.
    Quote Originally Posted by Cryptic View Post
    Jim you build... break... and rebuild cars faster than I can put one together.

  15. #15
    Fact or Crap? Al's Avatar
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    I'm passing this one up. I saw it close up. Do Not Want!
    When Injustice Becomes Law; Rebellion Becomes Duty

  16. #16
    Wasted talent. Car Guy's Avatar
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    If the cosmetic condition is any indication of the mechanical condition it's a POS......

  17. #17
    Chrysler Certified Technician Plum Crazy's Avatar
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    im looking for a derby car, how bad is it??
    2010 Dodge Challenger R/T Classic Plum Crazy Purple
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  18. #18
    Wasted talent. Car Guy's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by 05 SC/SB View Post
    im looking for a derby car, how bad is it??
    I have the perfect demo car for you.....

    http://brewcitymuscle.com/forum/showthread.php?t=42464

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