For me, modern is best, I'd say after 2010.
But if you want older, then the real challenge is that if you want post 98 with improved quality from stainless steel
bulkhead, impregnated wood and galvanised chassis then you are stuck with efi and cats, they became mandatory on 1 August 1992 in the UK. So once you are forced to "go green" I'd say buy the newest you can afford.
