What should I look for? What year to get?

Hey guys;

I'm finally ready to buy

Looking for an S197, GT, convertible, with Manual Transmission and leather.

I want something as fresh and close to "new" as I can find. I've got $18-19k to spend on the car (before tax, etc). I am located in Michigan, and there are a few I've found online that could be had within a day's drive.

I really like the "shaker" hood that came standard (?) on the '07 and newer cars, otherwise I don't see a whole lot of difference until I hit the '10 and '11s, which I can't afford.

Is there anything I should really try to get or avoid? I'd like 3.55s instead of 3.22s, but I can always fix that afterwards with 3.73s I'm trying to stay '06 or newer, with mileage in the teens (preferably, definitely under 30k). I don't want something that was beat to hell.....

A couple of the ones nearby are:
09 with 15k for $21.5k (just out of my range)
07 with 15k for $19.5k (can do it)
07 with 15k for $22.5k (out of my range)
06 with 15k for $17.5k (not a huge fan of the color, and it was in a very minor parking lot accident)

...any thoughts? Any differences to note between the years? I am a fan of black and red, other colors considered........any thoughts on interior? Black is hot, any thoughts on other interior colors??

Thanks!!!

Ben

All the cars have similar equipment....GT, convert, stick, leather, Shaker 500 or 1000, rear spoiler, etc. 2 have bullet wheels, the other 2 have nice big 5 spoke OEM wheels. I was referring to the hood scoop when I said "shaker" hood.

How much difference in driveability between 3.22 (??) and 3:55 gears, if both are sticks?

I ended up buying an 09 GT Premium with 18.5k for $20,999........

Ford CPO, Dark Candy Apple Red w/ red leather, black cloth top, 18" chrome bullet wheels, GT appearance pkg, Shaker 500, 3.55 axle.......its a georgeous car, incredibly fast, looks and drives like new

Sorry for the dark photo.....