However, the WRX is not a race car. It is attempting to be a consumer market sport sedan at a very premium price. For the premium price, it is fair to expect premium features, and to have comfort and convenience features present even in economy cars.

If the car cost $20K - $21K, I could make excuses to justify the equipment level, even though it's not the car for me. However, the extra $4000 makes me consider the car a poor value.

On the driving side, that's personal choice. I personally hated everything but the acceleration on the WRX. Don't rule out FWD, it's as good as anything else, and test drive a lot of cars.

Hella: 100% agreed on all points. I love the interior for form, function, and having a large amount of features for the dollar.

Fluid, also consider the horsepower war has escalated rapidly since 1998. The SVT Contour was a fast powerful car for it's time.

You can pillage an enemy once, but a customer is an endless resource.

James Oerichbauer - PFPC Global Fund Services

Ross: 1998 E0 SVT Contour, Toreador Red, Konis, Superchip, KKM w/heat shield, SHO-shop y-pipe and rear strut brace, no res, ScotchCal, Moda Sport 16x7.5 wheels with 205/55ZR16 Dayton Dayton tires... more