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I have a 1999 Ford Contour SE with the Sport package. It has a range of issues with the transmission, some oil leaks, stuck trunk latch, some body damage, suspension noises, and pretty much needs new exhaust from the headers through at least the cat. On top of that, the brakes are pretty much shot and I’m looking at pads, rotors, and possibly even calipers. The brake lines are starting to crack and the interior is falling apart (I got hit in the head with a trim piece that fell off last week while I was driving). The paint doesn’t look great and the rockers have rusted away to almost nothing on one side of the car. Oh, and the alternator is starting to go bad and the power steering leaks.
Basically what I want to know is whether this car is worth the work. It’s at about 150,000 miles and it was probably driven rough for the first 120,000 miles of its life. I’ve asked around dealerships for trade in opportunities and the best offer I’ve gotten is around $425. I don’t really have the money to purchase a new car, so if somebody that has experience with these vehicles can tell me if it’s worth the work, I would appreciate it. Most likely I would completely rebuild the brake system, replace the tranny, fabricate new exhaust, find some trim pieces in junk yards, repaint (probably duplicolor or something), and even possibly rebuild the engine. I would need tools for all of this, like a torque wrench, air compressor (my current one is on the fritz and can’t restart under pressure), impact gun, and a welder, along with various other items.
Is it really worth all of the work, or should I just do enough to keep it running and plan on paying full price for a better car with the small trade in value that I have?
PS Car loans are not an option for me, I’m honestly only 16 and wouldn’t be able to afford the monthly payments nor would anybody be willing to cosign for me.
Plus if anybody knows good places to get any of the things mentioned above it would be greatly appreciated
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I think, public transportation is a better option for you. You do not come across as a “well take care of my cars” type. Resulting in beat up to death otherwise very reliable vehicle.
And no, it is not worth the repairs. Repairs will cost you about 5 times what the car is worth. Sell her as is, craigslist, and buy a beater off public auction, if bus does not suite you.[quote=”bendres97″ post=107217]Most likely I would completely rebuild the brake system, replace the tranny, fabricate new exhaust, find some trim pieces in junk yards, repaint (probably duplicolor or something), and even possibly rebuild the engine.[/quote]
Each item is fairly major project. I repaired some rust spots on my first car, and it took a chunk of my free time over one summer. Granted, it was a learning experience, but now I let the pros handle bodywork.
IMHO, I think you would have to invest a lot of time, money, and sweat into that car that would be better spent on a more reliable car where you can learn through minor repairs and maintenance. Economically, the cost to fix the Contour will probably exceed a new-to-you car, and I think you would be throwing good money at bad in the process.
I’m not trying to crush your enthusiasm/spirit, just pass some life experience.
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