my parents bought (i was only 15 at the time) our 97 sport in early 1998, well after the 2nd gens were out. they wanted a 2nd gen but this was the only 1st gen left on the lot and the guys were pushing it hard. after trading in her dumpy 93 taurus and doing a little cajoling with the dealer we drove it out for 14k. it had 5 miles on it. it was dumb no to take it, considering the 98 es they wanted was 25k sticker. i think they got the best deal ever.