Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General General Should I get a Contour?

I own a 90 Stang that runs high 12s and is my fun car. I am looking to buy a sporty, reliable 4 door car preferably with a 5spd. I would prefer a domestic car and the Contour 24v and SVT caught my eye. I am looking for a car that will run in the 15s in the quarter, get reasonable gas milage, be reliable, and cost under $10k used. I was also considering a V6 Alero (automatic), a Maxima (foreign), or a supercharged 3800 GM car like the GTP(pricey, automatic.) What do you guys think about a 24v Contour or a v8 sho? Tom

I think Contours should be passed out with gov't cheese...
Yes, if you actually enjoy driving, and not just 12 sec. straight trips down the lanes, you'd be hard pressed to beat a 'Tour for the $$$$

I would prefer either the Maxima, which is VERY nice, and faster than any of the cars you listed except or the stang, or the contour. for under 10K, you might as well just get the 24V instead of the SVT, I have driven both, and there isnt much performance difference, and both will get you in the 15's for the quarter. but man i love the maximas.

Well...of the group you listed. I would get a Contour SVT. Now mind you it's not a drag car but, it sounds like you already have one. It's fun to drive and handles very well. Plus this is one of the best car forums on the net.

wait I HAVE one- and even though right now I havnt driven her for two months waiting for a replacement motor- I LOVE my SVT- best damn FWD domestic you can GET!

YES.

Karl

I was a little hesitant considering the Contour because it might not be reliable. I am replacing my 95 Neon DOHC coupe which had spotty reliability. The 5 spds transmission case broke, it has a head gasket that leaks oil, the oil pan is about rusted out, the factory CD player broke, the gas gauge is messed up, the refrigerant leaked out twice, etc.

I read that lemon law post and am wondering if I buy a Contour if I will be in for alot of maintenance issues? The car itself is very appealing, especially since it is domestic. If the Maxima was made by Ford, I would not be inquiring about the Contour. I also like the supercharged 3800 cars. There is an aftermarket for them and with pulley changes they can break into the 14s. I have not heard too much negatives about there reliability, but they are a larger car and are a little pricy and are not stick shift. Thanks for your opinions regarding Contour reliability.

the 3800's can break into 14's stock sometimes. the contour realiability is spotty depending in cars. i have had a few issues, nothing major, all covered under warrenty. none of it was mechanical, all other stuff. if you really want reliaility, go foreign. but i think these cars will treat you well. the are reall fun to drive.

You can get a used SVT for 10k or less....it's probably easier to find an SVT than an MTX v6

Just thought i would add, one of my favorite bands, chimaira is from cleveland.