Have your brother read here if you decide to fix it?
http://www.contour.org/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=tranny&Number=1092176&Forum=tranny&Words=tranny%20removal&Match=Entire%20Phrase&Searchpage=0&Limit=25&Old=allposts&Main=1092176&Search=true#Post1092176
What kind of reliable car are you going to find for $2500? Come on. The Contour is very reliable but if they are abused like any car you're going to have issues. It has 112k. A clutch is expected at least to 100k. It could last 200k+ like some here. I abused mine and clutch still looked good at 130k. It's hit or miss. It's much smarter if the engine has no issues to fix the trans than to get rid of it and get another POS car you don't know the history of.
You aren't getting any $ on a car with a crap trans. I might spend $1500 on an SVT with a trashed trans but I know I can fix it in a weekend.
