Attached in my sig is the list of cars I have personally owned. I bought my SVT because I liked my 98 SE so much, but really missed the MTX (the 98 was my first car with an automatic... not counting the 64 T-Bird Lead-sled II). I have been very happy with my car, disappointed in the assembly quality (but not shocked). It HAS been back to the dealer too often (bad radio, bad dash, brake line/rear suspension conflict, leaking windshield-washer bottle, creaking front bumper fascia). Most of these problems could have been avoided with better materials at construction.
But I also got a hell of a deal on it... and I still got FAR more car than I paid for.
SVT sent my certificate in a reasonable period of time (February 2001... 4 months after purchase). SVT has answered my two minor tech questions immediately. SVT sent my magazine (but I really have no use for it... it's just sales fluff).
Yes, I would like to buy an SVT Contour leather jacket/cap/travel mug (designed to fit the still bad cupholder in my car)... or even just SVT w/o a particular model. Yes, I would like to see an SVT Contour car cover offered.
If SVT wants to create the kind of market identity and buzz that will add value to the line, then supporting legacy products are important.
I see no reason to pay $40 to join SVTOA, as I can't see $40 worth of value to me. If I did, then I would. Having been the past president of a BMWCCA chapter, I've cured myself of simple rah-rah.
What should SVT do to make me happier? Make sure I get invites to all SVT product previews (including a test drive). Make sure that my car is considered a CURRENT SVT product, even though it is no longer produced. My Credit Union sure considers it a current product!
Maybe talk about the ST200 Mondeo as an off-shore continuation of the SVT Contour... gone but not forgotten. Don't orphan us just because Ford wasn't in the right place with the Contour in the US market.
What can SVTOA do for me? For $40 a year, I sure want more than a sales brochure sent to me four times a year. How about free/cheap tickets to area auto shows where SVT products will be displayed? How about reserved SVTOA parking area at races (SCCA, ALM, NASCAR, NHRA)?
What can Ford do for me? Keep making cars that handle and ride like the cars they sell in Europe. Make an SVT Focus wagon... that would open up some eyes!!! Support the Cougar as an alternative to the Mustang. Keep it alive as a great handling, nimble, sport coupe... don't girl it up.
... and have a 4-door sport sedan based on the Mondeo available for me in a few years (or sooner if disaster strikes my Contour). After all, I am one bad driver in an SUV away from having to buy a new car... and Ford isn't making one for me in the USA.
Troy, one last thing. Thanks for attempting to douse the flames here at CEG. Keep the lines of communication open.
P.M. Summer
p.s. I can't wait to test drive the SVT Focus! And make it in RED to match the popular color of the Lightning and the Cobra R.
------------------ simul iustus et peccator 00 SVTour Silver Frost 96 Sable zzz (wife's) 64 TBird
Historical: 49 Morris Minor 42 Dodge Powerwagon Munitions Carrier 68 BMW 2002 72 German Ford Capri V6 77 Honda Accord 80 VW Scirrocco 88 VW Jetta 91 Ford Escort GT 98 Countour SE V6 ATX
