Contour vs. Cavalier

[jg77]

Well, I posted earlier about the Cavalier, I'm probably buying one of them this Friday, but I got another offer so not sure which is the better deal.

1995 Ford Contour:
Automatic
109K Miles
New timing belt, alternator, and wheel barrens according to owner.
Needs tune-up
Price: $1200

1997 Chevrolet Cavalier:
Automatic
122K Miles
New water pump, and some other things I don't remember
A/c blows warm, went to test it out, and sounded like engine had squealing sound, mechanic said it was the ac compressor making the sound.
Price: $1300

I'm a relatively new driver, just graduated from high school, so wanted a smaller car, but something to last me for a little while until I leave for the air force. Want a few other opinions. Thanks.

[MagicRat]

If both cars are in the same condition:

I'm thinking Contour because it's got lower mileage and it's actually a better car.... better handling and performance (although neither car is particularly exceptional in this department), a more modern design, better layout etc.

It's a bit cheaper of course and has lower mileage.

Otherwise, take the one that is in the best condition. Beware of the overheating problem.... overheated engines can sometimes be damaged, but the damage may not show up immediatly.

As for tune -up needed.... what do you mean? Does it run poorly? This may indicate larger problems.

Also, don't offer the asking price. Start with an offer 30-40% less and haggle.

[wafrederick]

You do not want the Contour,the transmissions in them are junk and most transmission shops will not touch the Contour transmissions since Ford is picky where the ground wires go or a drum inside the transmission made out of plastic will melt if one ground wire in the wrong spot.Get the Cavalier instead,more dependable.

[jg77]

Found out the Contour needs an idling sensor? I don't have much knowledge on cars. How bad is that?

[wafrederick]

What you are talking about is called an Idle Air Control motor often called an IAC motor.Another problem with Fords is they have no resale at all and are very hard to sell.In my area,they do not sell very well and put tons of money into them

[Shpuker]

Originally Posted by wafrederick

What you are talking about is called an Idle Air Control motor often called an IAC motor.Another problem with Fords is they have no resale at all and are very hard to sell.In my area,they do not sell very well and put tons of money into them

Its a 1995 Ford dude... I'm pretty sure resale is irrelevant here. And no, if he said idling sensor. Its probably an idling sensor...

Get an estimate from your mechanic. if its not to expensive try asking the owner if he'll cut that off the sale price. The Cavalier sounds good to, the AC could be as simple as a worn tube/wire or a lot worse (duct tape or new components cant really say for sure unless you check it) As for the squeling thats a concern

[akboss]

I have a friend who owned a Contour and one who owned a Cavalier. The only time I saw the Contour it had problems, transmission seemed to have a mind of its own and the car felt sloppy and rattly. The girl who owned the Cavalier drove that thing with almost zero maintenance well over 300,000 Kms. I wouldn't have guessed it because the car felt like it was made from pop cans when driving, but it lasted better than cars we've owned costing twice as much. So while the Contour may be a more attractive and better driving car, I'd have to say the reliability of the Chev, at least from my experience, is hard to beat for the price.

As another person said, don't offer the asking price. Go in at maybe $900, see what happens.

[Ray paulsen]

Price range $1200 to $1300,,, Make - model - year - miles means squat, all that matters is CONDITION along with vehicle outlasting your investment, driving with no major problems for a year or more your investment will have been accomplished.

I am not in your shoes, but if I was, the process in my buying would be a simple few steps to lesson the fear ending up with a lemon..

1, Read this web page http://www.usedcartips.org/TESTDRI.html If vehicle still appeals, then another $50 to $100 inspection by an independent mechanic shop will seal or break the deal.

[jg77]

Checked out the Contour today, it drove nice, but the engine light was on and they seemed to desperate to sell it. I passed it on it. Something just didn't seem right. Thanks for all the advice. I might go with the Cavalier, but I'm not sure yet.

[Shpuker]

Originally Posted by jg77

Checked out the Contour today, it drove nice, but the engine light was on and they seemed to desperate to sell it. I passed it on it. Something just didn't seem right. Thanks for all the advice. I might go with the Cavalier, but I'm not sure yet.

Yea if somehing doesn't feel right something is probaly not right.

[akboss]

If you can afford to wait on it, do that, and best advice (already given by another poster) is to pay a few bucks and have it checked out by a mechanic. At this price, the chances of someone trying to get rid of a nuisance is high, so go in expecting the worst and good news will be a pleasant surprise.

Check out an older Tercel or Corolla as well, they are well known for build quality.

[Ray paulsen]

Originally Posted by akboss

If you can afford to wait on it, do that, and best advice (already given by another poster) is to pay a few bucks and have it checked out by a mechanic. At this price, the chances of someone trying to get rid of a nuisance is high, so go in expecting the worst and good news will be a pleasant surprise.

Check out an older Tercel or Corolla as well, they are well known for build quality.

You should have been a poet or preacher or already are " LOL " your good, I like your style the way you come across.

And you're bang on about the Tercel and Corolla.

[akboss]

Originally Posted by Ray paulsen

You should have been a poet or preacher or already are " LOL " your good, I like your style the way you come across.

And you're bang on about the Tercel and Corolla.

It's rare people take the time to pass on a compliment these days, I appreciate it! Just doing my part to help folks out, and I do my fair share of asking as well - you'll see my name in the Mazda forum more frequently than I'd like.

Cheers!
A.

[jg77]

I'm going to choose the Cavalier, it seems. The seller has been the most honest with me, and has had a mechanic look at numerous times and I've already gone to check it out. If all that is needed to be fix is the ac like they say, then I think its a pretty good deal with my budget.

[akboss]

Sounds like a good choice, best of luck!