1998 Contour

I need some of your feedback, please.

I have an opportunity to purchase a 1998 Contour 6-cylinder with 55,000 miles for $3,000. It is dark green, no leather, am-fm cassette, power windows and doors. It was my friends dad's car who passed away.

I have not seen nor driven the car yet but wanted to find out if you all think this is a good deal? My friend says it's in excellent condition I am not familiar with the Contour at all.

Thanks,

Gary

Miles can be deceiving but if its truely been taken care of, I'd say thats a good deal. I paid $5000 for my 99 SVT with 100K thats show room quality. It literally looks like it just rolled off the show room floor.

To me, its all about details. Things I would pay attention to would be:

Condition of paint and body panels? Small door dings are a huge pet peeve for me.

Condition of interior (i.e. mainly carpet, seats, floormats, door panels) I cant stand when someone trashes the interior and its absolutely filthy. To me, thats an indication of how someone truely cared for the car.

Headlights hazy and yellowed?

There shouldnt be any dash warp since 98s had the good dashs, but make sure the dash isnt curling around the dash bezel.

Buttons worn on the radio?

Curb rash on wheels and front fascia?

Im assuming its probably an auto. Check to make sure shifts smoothly.

Clunky suspension? (mainly rear end)

Windows roll up quickly and smoothy? (only an issue with the front windows)

Maintenance records?

Other things to look out for. Read the contour.org FAQs. We have stuff archived from like 7 years ago on there.
http://www.contour.org/FAQ/FAQ.php?s=probs

Thanks beyondloaded!