1998 Ford Contour LX from North America - Comments

Transmission went out and almost left me stranded.

Air conditioner has broken twice.

Heater knob broken, which makes my heater not work.

Had to replace spark plugs many times.

Some random pieces of the car have fallen off (such as a plastic piece from under the dash board)

Speakers are going out.

Timing belt has broken twice (and left me stranded on the road)

Headlight covers we quite foggy looking, so I had to have them replaced because I couldn't see very well at night.

Back tail light collects water when it rains.

Air conditioner has sqeaked badly since the day I got it.

Had to have something I my gas tank replaced, because the day I bought the car, it wouldn't take gas.

NEVER BUY THIS CAR!! I have absolutly nothing good to say about the ford contour. terrible car. I'm pretty upset with ford for producing such a crappy car. never will I purchase a ford car again. I've been to the shop to have my car fixed 12 times!!! maybe mine's a lemon, but it sucks.

Oh come on now... Don't you think you are being a little harsh? You bought a two year old car with 92000 miles on it. Do you know if the car had any of its scheduled maintenance done and did you do any? Most timing belts need to be changed by 60k miles and several auto makers recommend their automatic transmissions have their fluid and filter changed every 30k miles. So by 160k miles the car is ready for the crusher. Cars wear out, you are expecting too much out of a high mileage car. That, s why they make new ones every day!

I agree, You can't expect used to be 'like new' even if the seller claims it to be. You take a greater risk buying used and should be aware of the drawbacks. I also hear too much complaint on failed power options such as A/C power windows etc. these, by trait, usually are fickle, delicate & something frivilous components on most any car and are usually the first to fail especially on a used car. If you must buy used, and there are still many advantages to do so, it is better to seek out vehicles with the fewer power options in order to lessen the expected repairs, otherwise buy new.

I have a 98 Lx with 120,000 on it, I have only had to do the normal to. Such as tune ups, and changing oils. I loved it so much I went out and bought the SVT model.