I am new to the sporty car thing, I have always done muscle cars and offroaders. I figured I might as well try something different so, I am looking for any suggestions on getting an avenger. I saw a 96 I liked but I dont know anything about modding them, what the best years and models to start with, things to watch for and aviod when I buy one and what ever other useful info I can get.

 

Wud up and Welcome.

I own a 96 ES 5-speed. Its a 4 cylinder but is quicker than the automatic V6. The only problem its the Tie rods going (the dealer fixes that for free) and the front tweeters going out. But everything else is regular maintenece unless sum previous owner didn't take car of the car.

Performace - Intake, exhaust then turbo it! Were a lil slower than the V6 stang but r betta lookin. And come on u know wut they say about Ford, as well as the acronymn for F.O.R.D.

 

Hello rthegremlin2 and welcome to DF.
"The best models", is really dependant on what you're looking for. If you plan on modifying with a turbo and want a manual tranny, go with the I4. If you plan on modding with a turbo and don't really care if it's a manual or auto, get the V6.
If you're planning to go all motor with mods, good luck, neither motors are cheap to go all motor while netting high hp/torque. A turbo for either motor is your best bet.
The bottom line question is.....do you want an auto or manual transmission?
I also like the looks of the 97+ over the 95-96 years. The 95-96 years have a blunt front fascia and the plates on the rear trunk lid while the 97+ have a more pointed front fascia and the plate is on the rear fascia. The middle and interior are the same except for the badging.

 

AHHH, I think I like the 97+ better as well. I am looking for a manual, IMHO its not a sports/performance car if its an automatic. I plan to create a nice sleeper, as many engine mods and suspension upgrades as I can cram in without letting them show. Are the manual tranny,s the same for all the years or were there different options for them?

 

The manual tranny are the same in all years.
So, does this mean that you're going to try to go all motor?

 

Yea thats my plan. I have a friendthat owns a shop, he specializes in BMW,Porsche and all the other high end foreign cars but I can use all hisshop after hours and buy parts thru him. By the way, was AWD an option or is that something you added? If it was added, what from? Like I said I dont know much about these cars yet but I will soon. I just need to take a night or 2 and do some reading.

 

Ahh, but then what about those 1/4 mile track cars that are auto or those old muscle cars that are auto and getting below 10sec times?
An auto tranny shifts faster than a human (there are a select few though) and it will never misshift. How about those tiptronic autos or autostick (whichever you'd like to referrence)?
Both the auto and manual can be modified to withstand higher horsepower levels. The auto can be modified to shift like a manual in different RPM levels too. A stock auto? Sure, it's boring because it's smooth and dull, but I wouldn't knock it. I'm just saying.
An auto tranny is boring because you don't have to do anything but put it into "drive". A manual is fun because you shift. That thinking is just human nature and old school thinking. You have to think outside the box on this issue

 

Good point. I do have to admit the 79 Camaro I built had an auto and that thing rocked. I wish I never got rid of it. I like the stick shift, it gives me something to do while driving. I will have to see what I can find avail around me and go from there.