<FONT face="Comic Sans MS">Though I feel the pricing gap is fairly tight if the cars are in equivalent condition, my guess would be:
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<LI>Most 99's are still under the factory warranty, many 96 ~ 97's are not.
<LI>Many 1996 ~ 97's have more miles on them than 1999's.
<LI>There is an overall perception that a newer car is better.
<LI>1999's have a few more features (key'd alarm disarm, bigger rad fan, 18" wheels, remote mirrors, pass airbag disarm, minor interior trim upgrades, shorty headers).
<LI>Many people like red and red was available in all M/Y's but 1996 GTS's, so no advantage to buying a 1997 if you like red.
<LI>A flawed perception that the first year production is mechanically less reliable (1996 GTS).
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I personally wanted only a 1996 (must have blue / white, liked the uniqueness of the first year of production and the complete rear stripe) and was lucky enough to find what was perhaps one of the last new ones still on a dealer floor in Sept. of 2000.
In the end, I do think the classic / blue white 1996 will hold their value a bit better then some of the others, but I'm not entirely unbiased.
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