Possible SVTC purchase

[MeanMachine]

Looking at purchasing a SVTC to replace my current Tbird SC. Just kinda lookin to get an idea on what to watch out for when purchasing...I would more than likely be getting something close to 100k to keep the purchase price down....

I would also like to know how reliable these cars are....I need something to get me to and from work atleast 20 miles a day. I really would like a 4 door performance car with a manual and this and the SHO are about it....

let me know what you guys think and whatever other opinions you have


thanx,
Jeremy V

[PhillyCobra]

Good car. I've had mine for almost 8 years.

However, there are a few things that pop up with time and need to be checked before purchase:

1) Power steering fluid leak from ends of steering rack. Common problem. Requires lifting engine and removing K member to replace rack. $1200 repair at Ford, probably $800 or so at local shop. If you see any weepage in bellows at end of rack, or blown up or hard bushings, walk away.

2) First set of catalytic convertors, hooked up to exhaust manifold. Just scanned a friend's 99, found bad cat in rear. Can't get a new one for much less than $500, and it's a pain to replace. Make sure OBD II is scanned and has not been recently erased.

Otherwise, I think it's a real sturdy, well made car, with no unusual problems.

Check out www.contour.org for more advice.

[gcassidy]

I also had an T-Bird SC ('90) and thought I'd keep it for life. But some critical SC specific parts became impossible to find (ABS, ECU, rear bumper, etc). I sold it for a Cobra.
I have a couple friends that have put many miles on SVT Contours, but they may be getting in the same position. It depends on how many of the Contour parts are SVT specific, and how many they made (or if aftermarket mfgrs are making any). You might also look at the 5 door SVT Focus.
http://www.svt.ford.com/svtArchiveCompareFocus.asp?vehicle_one=focus02&vehicle_two=focus03&vehicle_three=focus04
Look at build numbers for both cars. If they made more, parts may be easier to find.
Good hunting.