1996 Ford Contour
Summary:
Good, but must work out the bugs
Faults:
It's funny, I was starting to experience all the same things all of you on this site are talking about.
After the third tow home, my brother (he owns a repair shop (A.D.C.) Automotive Diagnostic Center) completely checked the car out from nose to tail and everywhere in-between.
He found ALL my flashing lights, engine lights and even the smog controls ie: O2-Sensors etc... And the engine overheating/running warm to hot, was due to the fan not turning on like it should or when it should.
These were the by product or direct product of multiple bad and/or non existing grounds, which caused circuits using other circuits as grounds, which in turn even did a little bit of melting of the wires in the main harness.
Now that we repaired and or replaced, and even added a few extras, my lights never blink or flash, and my transmission shifts perfectly. Heck I can even listen to music again.
So before you let some hotshot mechanic or an overpriced dealer or the repair place down the street, tell you how much $$$ it will cost,"AGAIN" Invest in a shop manual with wiring schematics.
And if you have any idea what you are doing.. go for it (if not ask a few people you know and I'll bet you you will save a lot of cash and aggravation. I know I did ;o)
General Comments:
Now the car runs great, no problems.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 22nd September, 2009
1st Dec 2008, 14:12
This car had high mileage, many of the things you mentioned such as - Battery, Tires & Bulbs, are just normal wear & tear items. Many of the others can be due to the high mileage on the car.