My turn...
First, I'd like to thank Troy for having the guts to come here in the first place. Troy, you rock for that...
I am a recent SVT owner, although a long time Ford owner. I?ve owned a ?72 Mach 1, a ?86 SVO Mustang, and a ?92 Tempo GLS (Hmmm?predecessor to the CSVT? Sport suspension, unique body panels, fog lights, and a?a?3.0 engine!) Anyway, I bought my '98 "E0" CSVT (#2663) just before Christmas of last year (almost 4 months ago). I absolutely love this car. IMHO, it's the almost perfect blend of size, style, and performance (although I keep telling my girlfriend that it doesn't go fast enough...(hint)).
Just as an FYI?I?ve seen a lot of posts (I read them all) with owners worrying about if their car will last ?til 60,000 miles. My car had 87,000+ miles on it when I bought it, and now has almost 91,000. It runs like a top. The previous owner took tremendous care of the car; all warranted maintenance done and on time. I intend on continuing this maintenance consistency as well. I can?t say that all of the CSVTs will last this long, but I?d be really surprised if mine didn?t last well into the mid 150,000 range before needing any major repairs. Time will tell on that one?
I have two issues that I?d like to convey to Troy.
The first is the lack of visibility within the Ford and SVT camps. Shortly before I bought my car, I could go to the SVT web site and see a SVT Contour tab on the first page, click on it, and get the info that I need. Now, since the SVT Focus has arrived, I feel like the "red-headed step child" of the SVT community (my apologies to any red-headed step children reading this post). Now you have to go to the site map to find the CSVT pages. Why? I know that the CSVT isn?t a production vehicle anymore, but there must be a better way that this.
The second issue is the lack of performance parts. I followed the suggestion in the FAQ on the SVT page and ordered the Ford Performance Parts catalog. Not a single part in that 132 page catalog goes in or on a SVT Contour. Why? There?s a listing of performance air-filters on page 85. There?s an air filter for an Expedition, a Ranger, an Escort, an Explorer, a Thunderbird, a Cougar, an Aerostar minivan, a Windstar minivan, and even a Motor Home?but no Contour SVT! Why?
Anyway, I think I?ve made my point and I?ll bring this rant to a close. My blood runs Ford blue and regardless of poor service from Ford dealerships (which I?ve had too) and limited recognition from the SVT camp, and limited performance parts from the aftermarket world, I?ll be buying more Ford products in the future.
Thanx for letting me chew your ear Troy. It?s truly appreciated.
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'98 E0 Contour SVT #2663,
SilverFrost/CD/Moonroof
Bone Stock...for now.
