Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General General looking at SVTs

Hey guys,

I am in the market for a car, and I think the SVT Contour fits the bill.

I recently sold my 97 GTI VR6, I really loved that car, but it was too much of a headache for me (needed lots of work).

I am just wondering what I should be looking for in an SVT. What years are more desireable? Does hi-mileage matter in your opinions? What should I expect to pay for a nice example, prefereably unmodified (I don't want one that's been abused)?

What are the maintenace issues (I hear the waterpump is a weak link). Also, should I go for an E0 or E1 (I think that's what the models are)?

Feel free to enlighten me

e0=early 98=1998.0 to 1998.5
e1=late 98=1998.5+
then we have 99 and 00 model years.

each successive model had upgrades and decontenting. any model will serve you well. there are some common problem areas such as the weak stock diff but these are pretty well documented now. most of the forums have useful info pinned at the top. many of the common problems can be found in the faq linked to the main page. other than simple maintenance issues i have had no problems with my csvt. take the plunge, you will enjoy a csvt immensely.

IMO, try to stick to the 99-00 with milage under 75K. You'll run into many headaches(tranny, fuel, pump, IAC,etc.) but his website will save you a$$ (and sanity) every time.

Get the lowest-mileage car you can afford, and realize that these things aren't "I've got 200,000 miles on it and I've only done oil changes" Civics. They can be a little fussy, and a little tempermental. Take it to a trusted mechanic to give it a once-over. They're great cars to drive _ I'm still amazed sometimes when I hit the twisties, and oh, that exhaust note! _ but they're not necessarily great cars to own, if you know what I mean.

I'd stick with a 2000 just because its the last year and should have lower milegae on it (in theory) Just like any other car look for something with maintence records. Check to see if it had the dash recall and the TSB on the e-brake If the car hasn't been abused too bad its a pretty nice ride.

you'll love the svt, and the waterpump issue is regular maintenance on any car anyway, plus it's not hard to change out on the duratec engine. people on this forum have figured out solutions to almost every problem there is on the contour, so the FAQ's and forum helps make working on the car fairly easy. good luck on your search.

It is hard to find an SVT period in South Dakota... closest one I've seen for sale was like 200+ miles away from me... sucks cuz I want one to trade in for with my mystique!

Steve

Yea in SE mi, theres only maybe 5 at a time on autotrader.com. There pretty hard to find for sale, so jump on a good offer....no joke.