Jonesing for a ragtop - suggestions???

[aigel]

I have had convertibles for about a decade of my life and really enjoyed them. They were sold off to fund the 993 purchase. I still have the 993 and it is nice with the windows down but I really need to add a ragtop again. Instead of getting another classic car, which my old convertibles were, I am thinking about a modern car that can do daily drive duty easily.

Criteria:
- 2000 or later model
- Needs to have all modern safety equipment, especially crash safety = side air bags, seat belt tensioners etc.
- Needs to seat 4 adults. The rear seats can be emergency type, but bigger than the 993.
- Does not need to be sporty, but extra points for RWD and manual transmissions.
- Reasonable to DIY maintain
- 20 mpg or better in town would be nice
- Price range up to $20k - higher mileage ok

What do you recommend????

G

[Stutzdriver]

Find a good BMW 335i conv

[aigel]

Yeah, those are nice. Are the hard top versions in my price range already? (going to look ...)
Better plan on keeping it for the long run too - bottom falls out on those things.

G

[jyl]

Mustang, Sally!

[Dana Norris]

How about a CLK 320 or CLK 350 have been looking at these myself after seeing one in dark
blue metalic very fetching.

[911dean]

My wife's 2009 328i covertible is really nice and has been problem free for 47k miles. I think it would be alot better with a 6 speed and sport package. The retractable hard top is great. I'd highly recommend it, if a covertible is what your looking for. I don't know what the used market is though.

Dean

[dewolf]

E46 M3 Vert

[Chocaholic]

Finally removed the hardtop last weekend. 70 and sunny in this part of the country today so put the ragtop down on the SL and went for a spin. Really enjoyed it. Good to feel the wind...even passing the dairy farms nearby (a bit odiferous, but good nonetheless). No back seat, always something to tinker with and a bit antiquated, so doesn't meet many of your criteria....but with a bit less logic and practicality, well....nevermind.

[McLovin]

Were LeBarons still made in the 2000s?

[Christien]

I'm in a similar boat. The older m3s are surprisingly affordable. We're selling the cooper s convertible because it's too tight for the kids in he backseat on a daily basis. Looking at 03-04 3-series (want to stay under $15k) but aside from that there isn't much. I won't buy MB - too many problems with the ones I've had. Lexus makes a ragtop, but not much fun. 996s are pretty cheap these days...

[pitargue]

Originally Posted by McLovin

Were LeBarons still made in the 2000s?

Better have that simulated wood paneling.

[imcarthur]

I rent a lot of 'verts on my trips to Florida. My findings:

Mustang - Not bad but . . .
Sebring - just about as boring as a 'vert can get
EOS - not bad & I love the roof mechanism. A little hesitant on the throttle which gets old fast.
Solera - Good overall but really bad visibility top up.
Camaro - a hazard with the top up imho. Good power delivery.
C70 Volvo - all round winner that I have driven (except for my 911 Cab of course)

I haven't driven a 3 series 'vert but I owned a e46 sedan . . .

Ian

[aigel]

Mercedes:
Not an MB man on what's available as ragtops in my date range. Too much country club feel / chick car. Also doubt a stick is even available (?). An older E300 90s ragtop (doesn't meet my safety requirements) would be cool. I'd also be okay in an SL, but no back seat.

BMW:
This certainly is high on the list. The 6 series would be fun, but too much $$$. The metal roof 3 series is still too much money. Definitely need to research the 2005 time frame.

Mustang:
Absolutely can see myself in one of them. This is probably the best suggestion to date. They are not terribly expensive to buy. Will pursue this a little more aggressively. Last I checked on those, the 2007 models were still a lot of money. I test drove a late 90s model once and it was a total pig. Drove like a school bus in terms of suspension. Should be better now.

EOS:
Roof is tempting, but total chick car.

Solara:
Chick car, FWD, meh

Mustang:
Too new. Like the late 80s version. The 90s versions would be okay and fun, but not up to my safety standards.

Volvo:
This is very interesting. A volvo is about the MOST boring car out there. But will have a look.

Sebring:
I would probably ride my bike to work instead. Blech. Chrysler still doesn't make anyting I want to buy.

LeBaron:
LOL! My buddy had one of these. Two of my buddies actually. Horrible!!! They helped me form my opinion about Chysler products. Best was the rattling whine the trans would make every time you come to a stop.

Keep the suggestions coming. This will be fun!

G

[Christien]

Ian, how's the back seat in the Volvo c70? Never would've thought of that.

[look 171]

LEt me talk to may neighbor. He's not a car guy, but nerds (both he and wife), PhDs from Harvard. He's selling his BMW with 60K on the clock. I think he said 2003 or 4 model. He's a prof at USC and drives about 7 miles to work a couple time a week. He wants a new car last I talk to him. He's not a car guy.

[look 171]

Oh, 330 or 3 something series? Rag top blue and no accidents that I know of because I see that car all the time.

[aigel]

Look! Hmm - that sounds good. Probably an automatic Definitely inquire.

G

[look 171]

Originally Posted by ajcxnejx

I think it would be alot better with a 6 speed and sport package.

Keep in mind that he's got other cars to get his cheap thrills on, so an auto with usable back seats may just be what he's looking for.

Sometime, not all cars in the stable has to be hard edge and raw. An old geezer cars is nice on the off days. Not that you are old geezer George. Right?

[vash]

george. i am of the opinion at all the cool ragtops are vintage.

like this! put a modern drivetrain and AC in this and man..paint me green with envy.

[ZOA NOM]

Mini Cooper?