What year should I buy?

[SSStang]

Hi,

I had a 89 coupe a few years ago and had to sell it. I am ready to start looking for another mustang and want to look at getting a 96-04 (I think I got those years right). Which years should I stay away from? which year produce the most HP

Thanks

 

[sneaky98gt]

The 99-04's are rated at 260 hp while 96-97 is rated at 215 and 98 is rated at 225. This is assuming you are looking at GTs.

-Will

 

[SSStang]

Yes I am looking for a GT.
Thanks

 

[stangGT97]

Buy whichever looks the best to you. Whichever you decide, it is going to take $$$$ to make them fast. The 96-00 (maybe 01?) had plastic intake manifold coolant runners that are prone to cracking (but there is an updated design to replace it). That aside, these are pretty reliable cars.

 

[scupking]

I would say 96-98 cobra or 02-04 GT.

 

[BLK_ROUSH]

I would say 96-98 cobra or 02-04 GT.

Agreed.

 

[VEE EIGHT]

If you're absolutely dead-set on a 2V, definitely go with with an 01-04 GT. However, I'd consider a 96-98 Cobra for around the same price (as mentioned above)

 

[007]

01+ looks a bit better. 99+ is faster. I'd buy an 01-04 if I were you. I'd look for a special edition i.e. Roush, Bullitt, Saleen etc. It'd be cool to have something a bit special.