IH8Rice, (ps, I H8 m 2, except when eatin them)

I have had 3 Mustangs, and own 2more now, 2 nissans (yes, i confess...my younger years) an SUV. the V6, 2000 that my GF drives now is a convertible - The new mustangs are nice (cause youth is nice) but they are not as easy to work with as the older ones. (computers, chips etc...which means you would have to take it somewhere or own your own analyzers and stuff)   You also have to consider the warranty and what you can or cannot do without voiding it. -  Being that you want to study Mechanics or even better Mechanical Engineering then the new type may not be a bad way to go.  ----  The older ones, are easier to work with, cheaper to modify, being older probably means it's already paid for, you don't have to worry about warranty stuff, parts galore and junkyard galore, more ppl to consult bout the old ones simply because they have just been around longer.   -- 

so I guess for you it comes down to a matter of preference and looking into your future in mechanics. --  I'm partial to the 90-94 era, but considering your future studies, 99 and up may not be a bad way to go.  You are young enough to be agressive in your choice. 

Good luck, hope it helps!