looking at a 1996, where should i be looking for what year, i search best year and tryed 96 but no good info. im not fixed on a yaer and read about brake changes and such its just money 8,000 is close to my cap.

 

They say early 98's, the last of the 12v, are the best to have.

 

However - he didn't ask about that. Plus the 1998's had the "cost improved" dash that tends to crack much more easily than the earlier models.

As for the 1996 - it's 185bhp rated with the auto & 215 bhp rated with the 5-speed. The 5-speed is vastly more reliable, that auto needs to be built to survive, even with the engine stock.

Check to see if the prior owner tabbed the KDP. Do a search on this.

Also please search these forums - this essential question has been asked & answered hundreds of times. And most of the issues are common with all the 12 valve units.

 

I love my 97, I was looking for a 98.5. A friend has one and the only dif between his and mine is the dash and door panels that I could see.

 

wish I still had my '97. I got rid of it when I found my '98. This freakin dash is pitiful.

 

the dash on my '97 just cracked about a month ago, I'd trade a '97 with a cracked dash and 2 doors for a '98 with a cracked dash and four doors any day of the week. But they are hard to find and expect to pay 2-3 grand more for a '98 compared to a similar '97.