I suggest a 1998 Acura Integra GS sedan. It compares quite favorably to a Contour, has better reliability, is roughly the same size, and is pretty fun to drive. A quick check of the Carmax site shows several available for $11,000, so you should be able to do better in a private sale for under $10,000.

Lee K

Lee K 98 SVT Contour, silver (sold after 7 years and 100K miles) 03 Lancer Evolution, red