Hello Everyone! Possible New 98 SVTC Owner in the works.(pics)

[Suspiciously Stock]

Yesirrrr.
Hi, again, eveyone. My name is Chris and I'm coming to you all the way from North Texas (Dallas suburbs). For the last 3 years I've owned strictly E46 3 series BMW's. Amazing cars. I am currently driving a 5-speed 330Ci w/sport pckg. The car feels like a glove. Unfortunately, I will be heading off to an actual university soon. No more joonya college. So that means I must conserve money where I can and that means selling my E46.
So, as a replacement, I have set my heart on the Contour SVT. I loved these cars in high school and always admired their looks, especially in black. I had a buddy at work that owned one. He loved it and it was the first car that actually got me interested in driving a MT. I can't go back to automatics now.

I've been stalking the forum for the last 2 weeks. I'm a regular poster at Bimmerforums and Tehdriven. I hope to be a regular here since this looks like the place to post if your an SVTC enthusiast.

Anywho, it's becoming harder to find these special cars and so far I've only come across 2 in North TX. One owned by a private seller, and the other on a dealership lot. I have been very interested in the vehicle that is sitting on the lot and I visited the vehicle personally the last 2 days. No test drives.

I've been wondering what everyone's thoughts are on this particular vehicle.

here are the details and pics
1998 SVTC, Black, 98k miles.









Can this cracking plate be replaced?


Cracked Weatherstripping




Missing cap. Looks common on these cars. How much does this part run?


Bubbling paint


more bubbling




lots of micro-marring






dripping oil?






So I want to hear it from you guys/gals. Am I buying a bust or is this a good project for a college kid on a budget. I've worked on Fords before, they aren't a big deal to me. Heck, IMO working on my BMW is far easier than working on american cars
but i digress. There is no question I will have to wet sand the paint to bring the car back to it's natural state.
Mechanically, my hope is to bring the car to my personal shop and get a list of what needs repairing. I will then tally up the costs of those repairs and hopefully the dealership will roll those repair costs into the price of the car so I can get it fixed and safe enough to drive this car to West Texas for college (Texas Tech, maybe).

Anywho, hello again everyone. If this car isn't worth it, I'm willing to wait a bit.






BTW the car is selling for $5,400.

[csvt2200]

That's a bit much for the car IMO. When I bought mine a year ago I paid $1,100 less than that for my 99 with 89k miles, stock, with the usual chicken feet that is common with Black CSVT's and a couple other minor body blemishes. I also bought mine from a private party though...

[loggerbomb]

Not worth the asking price.

[beyondloadedSE]

I'm not sure if I would even pay $3000 for that car. Its pretty hit.

[Suspiciously Stock]

yeah, the car needs work for sure. Next door is a Mustang GT for $7700 with 77k, 5speed. I might test drive that. I really want to drive that contour though. I'm really set on one of those cars.

[blu_fuz]

search the classifieds on here for something nice. If not here check on craigslist.com - fun stuff there too....

edit: I just checked craigslist.com and all the texas cities listed.... 1 car too much listed one time - good luck with your search. don't look on craigslist

[beyondloadedSE]

search the classifieds on here for something nice. If not here check on craigslist.com - fun stuff there too....

Exactly, heres what $5500 could get you.

http://www.contour.org/ceg-vb/showthread.php?t=18718

[bagged]

def. not worth that check classifieds might be a black one in there

[Steeda...]

I heard there is a red one with less miles for less money in the classifieds

[bagged]

I heard there is a red one with less miles for less money in the classifieds

uhm you are wrong sir check again .........im pondering selling my black car
but skeedas car for that price.......someone jump on that isht so i dont have to buy it!!!!!!!