1999 Contour Questions (timing belt content) [Archive]

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11-08-2009, 02:08 PM

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.

Car Guy

11-08-2009, 04:27 PM

Contours can often be headaches unless maintained 100% by the book since new......

portponies

11-08-2009, 05:04 PM

Which engine is in it?

11-08-2009, 08:22 PM

2.5L V6. The guy says it is the DOHC engine.

Car Guy

11-08-2009, 08:52 PM

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.....:goof

portponies

11-08-2009, 09:23 PM

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.

07ROUSHSTG3

11-08-2009, 09:42 PM

the contour/mystique is one of the worst cars ford ever made.

stay away.

tbirddriver92

11-08-2009, 10:26 PM

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.

11-08-2009, 11:58 PM

theavenger333

11-09-2009, 12:01 AM

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.

Car Guy

11-09-2009, 09:18 AM

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......

Waver

11-09-2009, 10:07 AM

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

11-09-2009, 10:24 AM

$300 with 90k on it.
It sounds like the proper maintainance was never properly followed. Oil changes, yes, 60k service, no.

Waver

11-09-2009, 10:55 AM

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

11-09-2009, 07:41 PM

I'm passing this one up. I saw it close up. Do Not Want!

Car Guy

11-09-2009, 08:00 PM

If the cosmetic condition is any indication of the mechanical condition it's a POS......:punch:

Plum Crazy

11-11-2009, 08:44 PM

im looking for a derby car, how bad is it??

Car Guy

11-11-2009, 10:19 PM

im looking for a derby car, how bad is it??

I have the perfect demo car for you.....:thumbsup

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