1995 Ford Contour GL review from North America

Let me start by saying this car has never used a drop of oil and has been reliable for the past 64,000 miles. Now she is at roughly 96,000 miles and I currently, in the last 2 months, have spent over $1,500 on the following items. $1,500 is more than whole sale value on a '95 Contour, 5 speed, GL.

I have replaced the water pump.

Since the mechanic had to take the timing belt assembly apart, the timing belt was also replaced.

Since the serpentine belt had to come off for the previous two items, and the belt showed wear, it was replaced.

Within a month after the above repairs, the car starting spewing out coolant through the head gasket.

So..I had the head gasket replaced. The mechanic said the head bolts had not been properly torqued when he went to take them out. The bolts loosened much too easy.

The head was also checked for cracks, but was fine. I had it resurfaced.

During the same operation, I had the valve guides replaced.

I also had to replace the timing belt again. The tensioner and pulleys were replaced.

While the mechanic was in there, I had him replace the lower radiator hose. It was original.

Now the car will start, idles fine until you push down on the gas. Now it either starts missing badly or when you let off the gas it dies. So.. I had it hooked up to check the codes. Nothing coded.

I put a throttle positioning sensor on. No change.

I replaced crank and cam sensors. No change.

Of course the inexpensive parts were changed. (plug wires and plugs)

Next is the mass airflow sensor.

The car ran fine, except for the coolant leak when I took it to the mechanic. He is at his wits end.

Oh, the mechanic also fixed a vacuum line leak. I wasn't able to get any vent or air at my feet, only up at the windshield. It had been a cold winter for my feet in the car.

Again the car was fine for 64,000 miles, but is now becoming a money pit. I keep thinking once it is finally fixed, I might have a decent car again. She still looks nice.

I have to call Monday and see if the mass flow air sensor fixed the problem. If it doesn't, it's only another $175 bucks out of my pocket.

I've had better luck with some high mileage T-birds (3 '89 T-birds) and Probes (1 '90 LX to 219,000 miles and '90 GL with 141,000).

I also bought an '88 Topaz/Tempo and drove it until 210,000 with only a fuel pump going out on it while it was under warranty.

Good Luck Contour owners!