Yeah, quite honestly, I would say that if you find an SVT for anywhere under $6000, you'll find that there is something wrong with it, or it has high mileage. Now an SE you can probably swing $3500 and get a decent ride. I speak from experience. I was looking for about 6 months before I got my 98 T-Red SVT. I found one for sale in VA, and traveled from NW Indiana to get it because the guy really didn't know what he had, and how much it was worth. I spent $5800 on mine with 65,000 miles and in damn near perfect condition. (The sunroof motor of course had to be replaced, but who hasn't had that issue, right?) With my travel expenses, I spent $6000 to the penny. Hope you can find someone who thinks they just have a "Contour for sale", and doesn't realize that an SVT pulls a lot more dough.
All I can say is good luck and happy hunting!
