Just got a free car.

[jhoff]

As a few of you know, I have a 1996 Accord Lx wagon.
Its packed in snow right now, the new trans is in, just not finished.
Anyway I got a daughter due here in February.
I knew my car would be close to being done, and its going to be the family ride.
Out of the blue, my grandma gave me her late 90s Contour.
Anyone ever have one? I know nothing about it. I know its base, 4 banger.

[deevergote]

The Contour is one of the few somewhat worthwhile Fords of the 90s. It's essentially a European model brought to the US. Didn't do terribly well thanks to the mini-Taurus appearance... but it's a pretty decent car.

Hit it with a full tune up, replace some worn bushings, and it should treat you well.

[Straight Success]

Honestly, granny drive it, and it'll last. There's no way you can drive that car hard like an Accord, and have it last.

Nevertheless, a free car is always free. I'd take it, tune it up, a drive it sensibly. It should be a good DD with basic maintenance.

[jhoff]

THanks for the advice. I think my gma only drove it 50miles a year, if that.
It looks just like this.

[deevergote]

Actually, the Contour would likely hold up to some pretty hefty abuse. Far more than most other Fords of the time. Perhaps not Honda-level abuse, true... but the car has a considerable amount of potential for reliability and performance.

[jhoff]

I hope so, its going to be my GFs first car. Shes never had a DL, so I am making her get one.

[deevergote]

Then she can cart your ass around until you get the wagon back on the road!

[ProSouth]

i had a friend with an SVT contour(which is my only real experience) but the car held up well to abuse. we were 16 so it was quite neglected.

[mugencivic4dr]

when i think ford (especially 90's) i think crap. I personally dont know much about the contour specifically but the SVT version was ok. you should make this into a progress/update thread to see how it handles/holds up with time

[Straight Success]

1998 Ford Contour Reliability

1998 Ford Contour Reviews

[jhoff]

when i think ford (especially 90's) i think crap. I personally dont know much about the contour specifically but the SVT version was ok. you should make this into a progress/update thread to see how it handles/holds up with time

When I get the keys, Ill do it.
Ill call it the one dollar ride.

[jhoff]

Then she can cart your ass around until you get the wagon back on the road!

Someday I hope to drive the wagon, and draw stares from everyone.
Itll be a year in April that Ive had it, and still havent drove it more than a black.

[belac515]

Dont mind me..





http://www.stanceworks.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=38695

Kids love race cars

[jhoff]

Lol, Grandma told me I cant mod it.
She hates the wagon, and always ask me why did I lower it.
I like the SVT Contours. Hard hard could Mt swap be, this could be an awesome track car someday.

[deevergote]

The FWD Cougar was also based on the same platform. Another fairly underrated car for what it was (I think largely because a 4/6 cylinder FWD car bearing the Cougar name was offensive to real Cougar fans!)