The E46 M3 does suffer from some of the rubberized finish issues, but other than that, the build quality and reliability really is better than the non-M cars.

On the convertible M3's the rear subframe issue is more or less eliminated as they are reinforced from the factory.

It's not a perfect car, but it's pretty close.

Although it doesn't meet your MPG goal--what about a Jeep Wrangler?

The Beetle is a good idea. Too chick. But I with the same underpinnings, I could actually drive a Golf Cabrio. I have to look into those. The early 2000 n/a 2.0 was a very solid old fashioned engine. Find one with a stick and I may be on the way for $4k or less.

I'd like a back seat in this car, so the Boxster would be out. That said ...

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/cto/4368272726.html

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Well, there goes the BMW idea... my better half really liked that black car. Yes, would be nice to get into a M E46 with a 6 speed. But now we are in 993 performance territory and I don't need two performance cars.

Maybe I should look at Rustangs again. The 06+ should hit my price territory ...

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Too bumpy - not a freeway cruiser at all. I actually had a chance to buy one for trade in money a couple years ago and didn't. Maybe I should have - at least given it a shot.

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Realistically, how often would you actually use a back seat?

Twice a year. :)

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I would just take a different car those days and buy a Boxster S

I will have to go test drive the hair dresser mobile before going further. Would be nice to stretch into an S ... But again - I don't need the performance. A Miata sure would do too if we are now talking roadsters!

So how about MB SLK with a stick?

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Jeff (Porsche-O-Phile) has an SLK, you could PM him for input.

Personally I think the Boxster is a no-brainer for an under $10k roadster. You can get into a nice non-S easily at that price point. They are fantastic little cars, I found mine to be funner than a 996. But I actually use a back seat more than twice a year.;)

The back seat is something my wife would like for family trips - but realistically, if we go very far, the dogs come too ... SUV is in order ... Hence my 2x per year guess

The problem with most of the cars mentioned - you better have some small dogs. The back seats in an E46 aren't big. Mustang is probably one of the bigger ones, and they still aren't what I would consider spacious.

The regular Wrangler is a bit bumpy, but try to find an Unlimited. They are much smoother and can easily take 4 adults.

Lexus 430SC. Nice hard top convertible and 300+hp.

If the back seat is optional (see you now looking at Boxsters).

A lightly used Miata would serve.

Not my style. Toyota Tax. Not available with a stick. But thanks! :)

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Sorry for not being clear. What I am saying is that my wife imagines family trips in the ragtop car. But realistically, we do not do many family trips without the dogs, so that's why I'd say we probably would not need back seats more than twice a year.

The Boxster sure seems the best bang for the buck. I like the Miata, but it does require even more self esteem for a guy to drive. :)

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This:

Boring but reliable
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1394576490.jpg

Probably awesome but not very pleasing to the eye
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1394576511.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1394576541.jpg

vs.

This:

Awesome to both drive and look at, but crazy repairs and crazy depreciation
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1394576573.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1394576594.jpg

I'm jonesing for an XK8/XKR myself. I just wish it came with a manual trans.

Yes. I like that idea, but slushbox is a non-starter, especially on a car that's out of warranty. The only slushbox in my family already had a rebuild. :(

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