Used Cars: Contour vs. Cavalier & CNG, ford contour, cng cars

Question
I have two questions:

1. I have narrowed my search down to either a 2000 Ford Contour, 4 cyl automatic, with 12,000 miles (that's right 12k, not 120k... sounds to good to be true, but lets assume, for now, that its true) and a 2002 Chevy Cavalier, 4 cyl automatic, with 40,000 miles.  The seller is an independent used car dealer with a good reputation.  Both cars appear to be in good mechanical condition and I'll get them checked out by my mechanic before I buy.  However, I want to chose based on which car is going to be most reliable.  My round trip commute is about 120 miles per day, 90% of which is highway driving.  I want to keep the car as long as possible and take great care of it.  Do you know whether one or the other has a bad reputation for mechanical failure?  There are some other factors, such as size and comfort (I think the Contour is better in those departments), but I mainly am looking for reliability.

2. Both of these cars are "bi-fuel" cars, and will run on gasoline or compressed natural gas (CNG).  I've researed it and can find no downside, apart from the lack of CNG gas stations.  I am fortunate, though, to have three such stations along my normal commute and several others along routes I take from time to time.  CNG costs $1.20 per gallon in Oklahoma, compared to $2.60 to $3 per gallon for gas these days.  Are you familiar with any problems with CNG cars.  The dealer says that they are essentially problem free.

Oh yeah... the Cavalier is $8,000 and the Countour is $8,500.  The dealer acknowledgs that this is probably above blue book, but says CNG cars demand a premium price.

Thanks,

Chuck Hoskin

Answer
Hi Chuck
I enjoyed reading this mail its detailed with valid questions...
I agree the Contour is better for comfort but as to what is the best choice really comes down to whom you talk with personally i think the Cavalier has got a better reputation but there really are many other factors that come into play go to my website  http://usedcartips.bravehost.com/
 and pick up a few more pointers...
The only negative i have experienced in conversation from some buyers why they will not buy a car with CNG is a belief that in an accident or if a leak happens car will ignite but then again so could gasoline, from an environmental point of view natural gas is the better choice...you made a valid point about CNG not being as readily available and that i think is a major factor why most consumers wont buy...
I note you really done some homework i like that
Good luck Chuck
  Regards
    Ray