Help me pick a car.Wife related

klm2500hd · 02-19-2011, 04:01 AM

What kind of car for the better half? The Pelican brain trust knows all, so I'm asking your opinions. Leaning toward an old BMW, or classic muscle. She wants a new Camaro but I can't see paying that much for a car that's going to be sitting most of the year.

Criteria-
Red
Convertible
Automatic (ya, I know, she refuses to learn manual)
Used (<10K not necessary, but would like to stay below that)
Only used on sunny days, not a daily driver.

Discuss.....

Oh Haha · 04:52 AM

1997-1999 BMW M3 can still be had for under $10,000 with some left over for repairs/mods.

I just Googled this and found this version:
http://www.roadfly.com/bmw/classifieds/cars/detview.php?view=46177&sortby=&dir=

There are obviously others above and below $10,000, depending on mileage/modifications/packages.

Paul_Heery · Paul_Heery's Garage

For what you want, and your price range, I'd say go with a Miata.

Oh Haha · 02-19-2011, 05:32 AM

Maybe we should get some clarification on her needs/wants:

2 seater?

2 or 4 door?

Need to haul kiddies?

BTW-the M3 I linked probably isn't the best one out there but I think it's representative of what you might find at that price point, depending on your location.

fred cook · fred cook's Garage

The first year after we got married, I talked my wife into selling her Malibu 2 dr and buying a partially restored 1971 Toring GT Convertible! I finished the restoration (paint, wiring, etc.) and turned it over to her. She drove it for about 3 years until she became pregnant and wanted a 4 door sedan (bummer!). Beautiful car, metallic maroon with a black interior and a white top. Power steering, power brakes, air, power windows....... really loaded and great fun to drive. I guess that riding around in a fun car rubbed off on my son as he is now out of college and working and bought a Porsche Cayman S for his first car.

kaisen · 02-19-2011, 06:03 AM

'97-01 Boxster Tiptronic would fit the bill
There are many, many BMW 3s over the years, but I would try to find a 2001-up 330Ci
Nothing wrong with a '98-02 Camaro Z28 or SS Convertible (sweet LS1 power)
If that might work, so would a later model Mustang GT Convert
Miata is a great choice but the automatics are very rare

If it has to be an automatic, I'd go for a V8 or a high-torque 6

UconnTim97 · UconnTim97's Garage

has anyone suggested a well set up 944 yet?

Someone had to do it, so it might as well be me this time...

Carry on~

EarlyPorsche · 02-19-2011, 06:45 AM

Solctice? The Pontiac or the Saturn version the Sky?

kaisen · 02-19-2011, 06:48 AM

Add BMW Z3 and Mercedes SLK to the list. A lot of car for the money.

Paul_Heery · Paul_Heery's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by UconnTim97

has anyone suggested a well set up 944 yet?

That is actually not a bad idea. A couple of months ago, I had offered to me a nice s2 cab with an auto. It had 77K original miles. The owner was asking 12K.

onewhippedpuppy · 02-19-2011, 07:47 AM

Is she mechanically inclined? I ask because many of the cars listed don't respond well to the funny sound = turn up radio approach, like my wife. If she's like most women I would go Japanese with something like an S2000, MR Spyder, Miata, or 350Z. A Mustang would be a decent wifey driver as well.

klm2500hd · 02-19-2011, 08:23 AM

No kids, no plans on kids (surgically taken care of) so 2 seater is fine. And I already have a well set up 944

. She's completely mechanically un-inclined, that's what I'm here for. I wish I could get her to consider a Boxter, but she doesn't want one because that's what I want her to get (she's stubborn like that). Soltice/sky, thought about that but they were short term models, so not sure about long term parts availability.( How much is model specific vs. general GM use?) Her daily driver is a Monte Carlo SS Supercharged to give you guys an idea of what she's used to. Keeping that as her daily, great in snow, paid for, low mileage.