My brother wants to import a Mustang from the US to NZ - not a classic but a modern variant.
Are there any years to avoid and things to look for prior to purchase?
What year do you mean by modern, do you have a constraint like 20 years or newer, decade old or newer etc.? auto or manual?
Thanks for the reply. He is after something less than 10 years old and would consider either manual or automatic.
I guess he would go for something a little older if it was the right car.
I didn't ask his budget mind.
Let me help you out on this one:
1. Nothing 2011 or newer in a manual
2. Nothing 2018 or newer in a V8
3. Nothing 2015 or newer in any trim
4. 1996 - 2010 are good cars with good drivetrains with one exception: avoid the 1999 Cobra all together.
5. 1989 - 1993 are best for track use and heavy modification
6. 2003 - 2004 Cobras are awesome cars if you can find one that isn't trashed
7. 2003 - 2004 Mach 1's are a blast and good cars
8. Avoid anything rebuilt/salvage
9. Classics are a case by case situation and need an experts inspection to determine if they are good or not. The old 289 motors were quick to overheat if you didn't watch it and the 302's are good but a bit pricey right now.
I recommend 1996 -2010 the most as you get OBD-II diagnostics and solid 4.6L V8 powertrains with Tremec transmissions.
Hope that helps you some.
Thank's brilliant Mod_Man for the comprehensive reply!
I'll pass all that on to him.
You're welcome! 
Spot on !!!!
Thank you
Thank you so much man Mod_Man, I'm just looking at this now, and let me tell you this helped a ton
Mod Man is the expert here and you got your answer... Just want to add avoid any EcoBoost engines, especially the EcoBoost 4 cylinders.
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Thanks mate, don't worry he is not considering any EcoBoost engines.
It's just going to be his "play" car.
If it has to be 2010+, then get a 2010-2014 with an automatic thats your best bet from my limited knowledge of mustangs
what I do know is (from that yearish on)
the manuals are chinese made and basic junk so avoid them
2015+ models are junk
V6 and V8 NON ecoboost engines in those years were a lot better than the later year's ecoboost designs
You're not wrong. The EcoBoost options are all junk. That's why I said avoid the 2015+ all together. Unfortunate but true. The 2010 year was an odd one for Mustang. It had the new body style, but the GT and V6 both kept the engines from 2009 as Ford did not have the 5.0L and 3.7L engines ready in time. So for 2010, the GT and V6 are just as reliable as the 2009. Now 2011 they came out with the MT-82 Chinese transmission and reliability went out the window. So yes, for a 2011 - 2014 if you HAVE to have one, definitely go automatic. But a lot of engine problems in those years. Google can offer you a lot of reading on that topic.
Why not get a right hand drive Mustang? They've been selling them in Australia since 2015.
Maybe he can get a better deal and options in the US.
These recommendations seem sound - which rule out 2015+.
3. Nothing 2015 or newer in any trim
4. 1996 - 2010 are good cars with good drivetrains with one exception: avoid the 1999 Cobra all together.
5. 1989 - 1993 are best for track use and heavy modification
6. 2003 - 2004 Cobras are awesome cars if you can find one that isn't trashed
7. 2003 - 2004 Mach 1's are a blast and good cars
I recommend 1996 -2010 the most as you get OBD-II diagnostics and solid 4.6L V8 powertrains with Tremec transmissions.
Will you have any issues with the law/cops driving a LHD vehicle in a RHD region?
Nope, we have a shed load of LHD American imports - moderns and classics.
American classics are extremely popular.