So why year is best for d1? Least bugs or easiest fixed bugs that won't come back?

 

I would assume that most problems would have been fixed in the manufacturing process by for the final year, 1999..... but I don't like extra emissions crap if I can do without it, so I'd prefer a 1996 or early 1997 so that I get DIS (I don't like the Lucas ignition system on the 94-95, it's expensive and not very reliable in my experience) If you don't care if you've got a distributor, then 95 is probably a good year.

 

Pretty much this.
If you want to mess around putting in a diesel engine then go with '95 so "the man" won't be breathing down your neck.

 

If you live in a non-inspection/emissions area you could get a 97-99 and rip the AEL out easily.

 

My 95 is a beast. I like the on board code read out under the seat. They all leak so...

 

Rip out the ael ?

 

Yeah I did it. Easy. Just remove all the AEL components and cap off the intake nipple.

 

I would say that '97 is possibly the best year as it was the last year NAS came with the five speed manual R380 transmission

 

Doesn't that make the cell go nuts?

 

It complains by throwing a few codes but they have zero negative effect.