What is the best 4 seat v8 manual convertible sports car for $20k

[twobone]

Hi

I’m looking to by a reliable and grunty v8 convertible sports car with a manual transmission with back seats for the dog/kid for around $20k used

If you can include a year range that would be great

Good handling and classic looks would be great

Eg. What year mustang?

I saw a Camaro SS that had the right spec but the 02’ body style isn’t my favourite

It would be great to hear your diverse opinions

Thanks

[911 Rod]

I think those are you only options with a V8, but I wonder how many are standard.

[masraum]

Is there anything other than a mustang? My guess is that the only options are the pony cars, mustang, camaro, charger (do/did those come as convertibles). Find the newest/best that you can find in your price range. CTS-V? But again, not sure on the convertible aspect, and my guess is that to get the price low enough, it would probably be rougher than a comparable car that wasn't a Caddy.

How about an M3? Can any of those be had in that price that aren't ragged out?

[masraum]

Originally Posted by 911 Rod

I think those are you only options with a V8, but I wonder how many are standard.

These days, hardly any.

[Norm K]

With a few exceptions, I wouldn't define pony cars as sports cars, but rather sporty cars.

If you really gotta have a V8, your choices will remain very limited. Drop that requirement and a whole world of options will open up.

_

[flipper35]

Some people just need the V8 sound. My college age daughter would rather have a Hellcat Charger over any electric because of the V8 sound even if it is slower. Then again, she grew up with a Cobra replica so ymmv.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by Norm K

With a few exceptions, I wouldn't define pony cars as sports cars, but rather sporty cars.

If you really gotta have a V8, your choices will remain very limited. Drop that requirement and a whole world of options will open up.

_

Yep, but you (and many of us here) are in the minority, not the majority.
When I read the description V8 - 4 seat, I immediately knew that twobone's definition of a sportscar is not what a lot of us would think, but is the looser "sporty" definition. Some folks will say "4 seat, sports car" is impossible.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by flipper35

Some people just need the V8 sound. My college age daughter would rather have a Hellcat Charger over any electric because of the V8 sound even if it is slower. Then again, she grew up with a Cobra replica so ymmv.

Nice!

I'd love a V-8. That's how I grew up. But, I'm pretty tickled with the Porsche flat-6 sound. I've also heard some great sounding straight 6s, but I've never had anything running a straight 6 (like old M3s).

[IROC]

Lexus SC430?

Edit - probably no manual transmission...

[fintstone]

Originally Posted by flipper35

Some people just need the V8 sound. My college age daughter would rather have a Hellcat Charger over any electric because of the V8 sound even if it is slower. Then again, she grew up with a Cobra replica so ymmv.

Last year for V8 Challengers, Chargers and Camaros...so better get one now.

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by masraum

Yep, but you (and many of us here) are in the minority, not the majority.
When I read the description V8 - 4 seat, I immediately knew that twobone's definition of a sportscar is not what a lot of us would think, but is the looser "sporty" definition. Some folks will say "4 seat, sports car" is impossible.

I agree.

A sports car is minimal comfort, light weight, and nibble and two seats only. A car with real back seats is not a sports car.

Cadillac makes some impressive new four seat cars, and you can indeed get them with a manual transmission, and lots of HP and that V8. You can't get a new Corvette with a manual, but the Caddy is a Corvette with a back seat and a manual.

Very few modern cars have manuals now.

[Deschodt]

Originally Posted by masraum

How about an M3? Can any of those be had in that price that aren't ragged out?

E90-series V8 ? Probably not at $20K in decent shape, no, guessing 30+ in nice shape... An E46 (I6) with the best engine ever made? (S54, 8000 rpm, sounds like an angry buzzsaw) yeah, possibly.. But likely in SMG form (auto-manual box), and likely to cost you 10K in repairs year 1 (ask me how I know). Also squeaks like a mofo top-up no matter what seal you lube or how often. Love the car though... that motor, wow.

I'd just like to point out 4 seater convertibles are a fallacy. I've had a few, none "work" for the rear passengers. You can be happy in front, the rear seat is hell - cold and crazy buffeting, ear destroying... The closest I got to happy rear seaters was a mini convertible (hardly a V8) because the rear is so close to the front I guess - haha !

Isn't Mercedes making something like that ? Not my area but I'd think so...likely automatic though!

[fintstone]

Get one of these for about $10K, fix what is wrong, add an exhaust, and use the leftover $10K to keep it running:

[flipper35]

Originally Posted by fintstone

Last year for V8 Challengers, Chargers and Camaros...so better get one now.

I can't tell you how disappointed she is that she can't afford one just yet.

[Deschodt]

Good finds from Flinstone, but honestly a euro V8 at that price is asking for repeat "bend over" sessions. Esp the BMWs with all their encoded modules and propensity to need rod bearings every 70K..

[911 Rod]

Can you still buy a Jeep with a V8?

[stomachmonkey]

I'm really digging my Jag XK. Not a stick but the gearbox in sport mode with paddle shifters is pretty close. It rev matches even in granny auto mode so feels like a standard pretty much all the time.

[Googam]

Here's a bunch https://www.carmax.com/cars/manual-transmission/cylinders-8

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by Googam

Here's a bunch https://www.carmax.com/cars/manual-transmission/cylinders-8

No convertibles and all over the price point.

[unclebilly]

Originally Posted by masraum

How about an M3? Can any of those be had in that price that aren't ragged out?

I think you may have missed that ‘reliable’ part in the criteria… BMWs are great until it’s time to do BMW things…