My 1996 Ford Contour SE, 5-speed, 6V, has 215,000 miles on it! I've had all the same problems with it as you guys: check engine light's been on for years, replaced the water pump twice in one year (that was 5 years ago and it's been fine since), the heat did a meltdown in the middle of a blizzard one time... it seems when it was younger it was in the shop all the time for recalls and repairs, but after 100,000 miles it got real smooth. Now it's aging, so I've had to only occasionally replace parts that are wearing out.
I began looking for another car around 175,000 miles, but since it's been working so well, decided to to just keep it until it dies, out of loyalty and curiosity. In the meantime, I give it the oil changes it needs, drive smart, etc.
I love how it handles: I don't even have to slow down on the curves. And it accelerates really well when I need it.
Originally the water pumps had resin impellers that broke. Later replacement water pumps with metal impellers became available. I bet your first replacement had a plastic impeller.
I believe you are on to something: The constant early repairs benefited the cars as they aged. But their reputation is so rotten that they are sold at really low prices.
Wish I could get mine to go faster than 160 kph, cause I know it will, but there seems to be a speed limiter on it.
Ebay: performance chip.
Note: A Comments RSS Feed is available. New comments appear in the Members Area before the main site