[Coupe Devil]

First of all Welcome to the Love of Mustangs and the Mustangs works. To answer your questions,

#1: Almsot every used car you find will have "something" wrong with it. Ashtray lid breakage is more than likely gonna be there on any used fox body car you look at. The cars years you listed are basically the same car except for the upgrade to Mass air in 89 I believe. I think the 88's were what is called speed density. For upgrade purposes many people prefer he mass air cars for street use. There are an unlimited of after market upgrades for these cars.

#2 Stick or auto, the ever looming question. Answer, what ever you want. I prefer stick for daily driving but for racing the auto is 99% of the time more consistent.

#3 The differences between the Lx and Gt are simple. Ground effects and higher insurance for hte GT. Thats basically it. If you like the way a Gt looks ( as I do more than the Lx) get that. But to my knowledge that is the only major differences.

#4 Take your time when shopping, look at several cars. In my experience it is better to by a car as close to stock (minus maybe wheels or a stereo system upgrade). That way you have a better idea of what has been done to the car. Ask for any reciepts the owener has when looking at a modified car. Make sure you dont get burnt on a cleaned up piece of junk...

Once again welcome to the site, you'll love it here. There will be many more, much more knowledgable people that will be able to respond to this thread and give better advice, Thats about all I have.

Brad