Here's my 98's history: ( it's a 98, not 98�½ )
Prior to buying my 'Tour, I was a staunch and devout Ford-hater. We were a GM family, though I was the first to own a foreign car (Mitsubishi Galant - 1�½ automatic transmissions later I was looking for a new car
)
Car built in KC,MO plant. SE trim, V6, MTX
Purchased new Sept. 98 in Independence, MO. (
car assembled 20 miles away from purchase point, and STILL had to pay the $395 delivery fee! )
As best I can remember, I've had 3, maybe 4 recall notices. No troubles whatsoever, with the exception of occasional stalling in really cold weather before engine warms up. Other than that, it's been a great great car.
As far as the cost of a used one, in the fall of 2003 my local GM dealer offered me a paltry $1500 in trade against a new one ton truck
. Car only had 40K on it then. So I kept it. I've got 52K on it now, and love it as much as when I bought it brand new.
Fuel mileage has been a tad disappointing for me. I get around 20 city, and usually 26-28 highway. I can't understand how my parents' beast of a Buick LeSabre with the 3.8 liter manages 32 highway and I'm lucky if I ever see 30.
Ah well. I'll never be caught dead owning one of those grampsters...although I'd love to find a way to stuff that drivetrain in my Contour.
Anyway, my opinion is if you can find a clean one at a reasonable price, do it. Parts are abundant and easy to find if you need them. Modding takes more work than a ricer, but it's more rewarding too.
