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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.
Function before fashion.
'96 Contour SE
"Toss the Contour into a corner, and it's as easy to catch as a softball thrown by a preschooler." -Edmunds, 1998
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I've got a silent crush on one of those cars. My vote out of that list goes to the '02 Maxima. If you can find one with a 6-speed, it'll really open up those 255 horses. Rare car too. Be prepared to hold on tight to that steering wheel though. They torque steer like no tomorrow, but I love painting the road with rubber. 
Troll. 1997 VW Jetta MkIII GLS 5spd
All hail my appearance on CEG!
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Quote:
Thanks for the advice. I tried an A4 search within 150 miles on Cars.com and came up empty. Maybe I'll visit an Audi dealer. The Mazda does look good, except I need someone else to absorb the initial depreciation and I haven't seen any pre-owned yet.
Shouldn't be too terribly difficult to find an '03 loaded 6s out there. You could probably get it down to $17,500 with less than 20K on the odometer. Or, for about $3,000 more you can pick up a brand new one.
2003 Mazda6s 3.0L MTX
Webpage
2004 Mazda3s 2.3L ATX
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Originally posted by SAV-ZX2:
I've got a silent crush on one of those cars. My vote out of that list goes to the '02 Maxima. If you can find one with a 6-speed, it'll really open up those 255 horses. Rare car too.
Be prepared to hold on tight to that steering wheel though. They torque steer like no tomorrow, but I love painting the road with rubber.
My friends got one and the torque steer is so bad that he thought they might recall them. He almost clipped a concrete barrior when he floored it getting on the freeway. On the other hand, I love the way they look from behind.
"Eagles may soar high, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines."
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Originally posted by TexasRealtor:
Originally posted by SAV-ZX2:
I've got a silent crush on one of those cars. My vote out of that list goes to the '02 Maxima. If you can find one with a 6-speed, it'll really open up those 255 horses. Rare car too.
Be prepared to hold on tight to that steering wheel though. They torque steer like no tomorrow, but I love painting the road with rubber.
My friends got one and the torque steer is so bad that he thought they might recall them. He almost clipped a concrete barrior when he floored it getting on the freeway. On the other hand, I love the way they look from behind.
The Viggen is famous for TS as well, but the fix is well known and not that expensive. I'm not sure about the Maxima.
Function before fashion.
'96 Contour SE
"Toss the Contour into a corner, and it's as easy to catch as a softball thrown by a preschooler." -Edmunds, 1998
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A Quaife or Torsen would liven things right up on both the Maxima and Viggen 9.
Troll. 1997 VW Jetta MkIII GLS 5spd
All hail my appearance on CEG!
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Don't some of the 02 maxima's have VLSD from the factory?
Last edited by Quick_SVT; 09/21/04 07:14 PM.
#3162 of 6535
98 SVT Silver frost
Viper Responder 791 w/ 2way remote start 
Let the modding begin!
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just check the classifieds man!!!!!!! 2000 Ford SVT Contour --Black with tan interior --49,000 miles --Very good condition; looks & drives great --Only modification is B&M short-throw shifter, otherwise completely stock (have original shifter as well if you want to swap back) --Will include a set of Bridgestone Bilzzaks mounted on 15" steel wheels with the vehicle, as well as some miscellaneous parts (new brake rotors) and a SVT car cover and front end mask. Asking $8600 for the vehicle. Car is located in Redford, MI. Please contact me at mporath@gmail.com for more information.
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Originally posted by Quick_SVT:
Don't some of the 02 maxima's have VLSD from the factory?
Helical LSD was an option on the 03, maybe the 02 as well?
Function before fashion.
'96 Contour SE
"Toss the Contour into a corner, and it's as easy to catch as a softball thrown by a preschooler." -Edmunds, 1998
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Mazda 6, hands down! Go and drive one and you'll agree 
"THEE" Roger R
USMondeo@aol.com
2005 Crossfire Limited coupe'
-FOR SALE @buyout price & I'll...
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Puur-fection Auto Detailing
Complete packages from $140.00
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