Let's all get real.. The reason people don't want to get rid of their Contours is because 90% of people are upside down on their loans because of the pitiful resale value of these cars. So they feel they have to make the best of a bad situation by modding their current ride.
Trying to be "real"
1) Mine is paid for
2) Resale losses are little worse than other similar sporty 4-doors (and no worse when you factor in the big discounts many of us got ..paid 18.4K new in my case)..
3) Really why i keep it is that I do not want to part with 50K for a new M3 and that is the only car that is tempting me away from the SVT. I have looked at the competition ..WRX, Altima, Maxima, IS300, A4, and do not find them more entertaining or desireable. The SVT is as much fun as my old MR2 turbo if not more so. And that blows me away.
But as to the turbo..I do agree that the tranny, halfshafts are going to be a problem if the car is pushed hard (racing). Not sure about motor, I have been surprised at how well Duratecs have delt with 260-295 FWHP from the S/C.. good tuning, good oil system, good cooling/intercooling, keeping stock redline and a DMD..maybe a decent life at 300 HP???
