OK, so here's what we have so far:
1. You want a car that's at least a 00 or newer, up to '02.
2. You don't mind FWD, because you'd take an SVT if you could find a clean 00.
3. Price range? So far, the cars you've considered here range from $11,000 to $30,000, but I assume you're trying to stay closer to the 20k mark or below. You like used cars.
4. Generally, since you're looking for a Contour replacement, you're going to need a 4-door sport sedan type of vehicle.
So, having gone through this exercise myself a number of times, here's what I'd be looking for, in alphabetical order:
-2000 Audi A6
-2000 Audi S4
-2000 BMW 328i
-2000 Ford SVT Contour
-2000 Jaguar S Type 4.0
-2000-02 Lincoln LS (V6 or V8, take your pick.)
-2000 Mercedes C-Class
-2002-03 Nissan Maxima SE (Yummy)
-2000-01 Saab 9-3 Viggen Sedan
-2000-01 Saab 9-5 Aero
-2002 Subaru Impreza WRX
Among these, my favorites, apart from the Contour, would be the BMW, the Maxima, and the Viggen. Your priorities may steer you in a different direction.
HTH.
