robinson209

First off, my price range will only allow me to buy a 99-09.

Second, it wont be modded too much. I'll put on a CAI, tune, single piece drive shaft, big brakes (front only), 3.75 or 4.10, and the Eibach Pro kit or Ford Racing kit.

With that said, what year would benefit most from those mods?

Dino Dino Bambino

Get a late '08 or an '09 model. By that time Ford had fixed all the bugs that came in the earlier S197 models so they'd be the least trouble-prone.

movielover40

Buy the newest one you can afford.

808muscle

Good idea but don't think the older s197s are bad. My 06gt hasn't had any issues other than the front end clunk that was fixed easily.

BrianK

The pre '08's have issues with a 2 piece spark plug design which can break upon removal. (Brown COP's = no problem; Black COPS's have the 2 piece plug). Mine is an 07 and I changed the plugs to a 1 piece design. No other issues but I've read that the 05's and 06's had other small issues. Probably no big deal and very likely they have been addressed by now. The newer the car, the better depending on mileage and maintenance.
As for the earlier Mustangs, it would depend on what design you prefer.

Goldenpony

I would buy a 2009 or later to avoid those 2 piece plugs

BrianK

But if you find a nice 05-08, the plug issue is addressable. Just good to be aware of.
(Some 07's and most 08's have the different head design - the brown COPS indicate a newer design and not a 2 piece plug).

ghunt

The 2 piece plugs are not that big of a deal and can be fixed with a $60 tool. I really wouldn't let that sway your decision if you found a good deal on a low mileage one.

Goldenpony

Well, to me the 2 piece plug is a big deal. I recently read a post where a guy was using the removal tool and a piece of the plug broke off and fell into the cylinder. He was looking at having to pull the head to get it out. I would stay with an '09 or newer, but that's just me.

BrianK

Hey Goldenpony - I see you nave an 06 GT. Did you change your plugs yet?
I did mine myself at 42,000 miles and none broke - although my stomach was in my mouth and I was sweating bullets LOL. But it is over with now.
BTW the Stealership said that if none broke - they would charge $600 to replace and $1000 if they all broke.