I like 96-97 SEs the best. Other than outright power, it's every bit as good as the SVTs but doesn't require high octane and the rod-shift gearbox is more reliable. Find one with less than 100k miles...the wiring harnesses are the biggest concern, and FoMoCo covers that. You can easily find them cheaply, if you can find them. I paid $2500 for my 97SE mtx w/ 74K miles.

"Think of it, if you like, as a librarian with a G-string under the tweed." Clarkson on the Mondeo.