I edited, accidentially replyed before done typing

 

cause your using that thing called common sence?

 

The alternator was tested and is bad. The belt was also shot. Both to be replaced today.

 

Please tell me its a Zetec 4cyl? Cuz if u have a V6 it will be COSTLY to do an alternator. Takes a few hours easy.

 

Nope, its a Contour "Sport" with the 6cyl. Nothing sporty about it...but god damn the fix-it procedure is like 5x longer than the 4cyl.

 

Yyaa. Being at the bottum on the back of the motor with the cv axles and everything else in the way its a long process. Make it easy on yourself if ur doing it and take the Roll Resistor bolts out so u can move the motor a little.

 

No, Im not doing it. Luckily actually, as the car was a NJ car and the bolts and everything is cruddy/rusted and I would be working on my back on a gravel drive. I'm okay with eating the labor costs on this one...but it sucks that this repair will likely cost 50% of the car's value ($600 ish).

 

Just keep it for parts. And buy my svt contour! Youll have a good time driving it believe me

 

I'm going to fix it and then try and sell it to someone as a DD beater. The car has been pretty well cared for and I don't think $1200 is out of the question. I figure I will make up the $600 in repair costs when I sell as compared to selling it non-running as people don't like to buy non-running cars for good $$.

I think I might pick up a WRX wagon as a new DD. It meets most all of my requirements (would make me selling my truck not so bad..as cargo room would be nice), decently quick, and a good all around well-mannered car.