Looking for a car to replace my Maxima SE and kinda discovered the Contour SVT. When looking to buy one of these, what sorta things should I look out for or avoid? Also, does anyone know anyone selling one or a nice Contour SE with a V6 and a 5spd? Where should I start looking and what kind of price and mileage is fair? Thanks for your help...

Steve

What sort of mileage you looking on one? I know of a Silver Frost 99 SVT with about 110K kms (?) and a 1995 SE with about 132k KMs. Shoot me an email and I can elaborate. Email address is listed in my signature.

I got a 98 modded SVT for sale....pm me if you're interested ! Click on the link in my sig for pics.

I have a 1998.5 SE Sport V6, 5 speed w/leather (p.seat) that my spouse thinks I should sell. It has 137,000 km and is in good shape.

I was going to leave it parked in the garage all winter...

What would be a fair price?

Other toys include: AC, tilt, cruise, pw, pdl w/remote, pm, 4 wheel discs, alloy wheels, AM/FM caas w/CD 6 pack, 60/40 folding rear seats, map lights....

BTW, why would you want to sell your Maxima?

I have a lovely SE V6, but I don't think you'd want it. I can't see someone willing to go from a 2000 Maxima to a Contour. (I'm about to get killed)

Don't get me wrong, the Contour is probably one of the best used car values around, and in terms of performance and handling the SE will thwamp a Jetta GLX, with an SVT being competitive with Audis and BMWs costing much more. That said...

Contours are quirky cars w/ problematic electronics (CEL, EGR, IMRC and other accronyms.), fragile hardware and other issue you're less likely to encounter on a Maxima, or any Japanese car. If you're looking for a car that is easy to own, stay with your Maxima.

On the other hand, if money is an issue (which percipitated ending my career as an Audi driver), then the Contour cannot be beat for value, and sheer driving pleasure, which any of us with a V6 5 spd will attest to. No domestic car has ever captured such a perfectly sized car, that performs the way ours do.

As for me, I'll keep my Contour... till I can afford your Maxima.

Don't assume all Maximas are bulletproof. I've had a number of problems with mine. I've replaced 2 ignition coils, one oxygen sensor, 2 driveshaft seals, and a number of other small things. I've had brake rotors go crusty or warped. All this in 3 years and 110,000kms. I've already got a billion stone chips and some rust... They're not really cheap to fix either... I think a Contour would be a nice break... never owned an American car...

Everyone who has a car for sale - e-mail me at lowblackdub@yahoo.com - I don't check this site too often. Leave me details on your car and what you're looking to get for it. Thanks a bunch!

Hey guys, I'm back here again... I've finally sold the Maxima and lost out on a 1997 SVT on eBay (that sold for $2225)... I'm still seriously considering a Contour SVT or SE with a 5spd and a V6. If anyone is selling please contact me at lowblackdub@gmail.com - I have cash in hand...