Convertible

[steveny]

I have decided to buy a Convertible for the up comming summer. I want sporty but also luxury too. I have considered a C-4, M3, 300ZX, A-4 w/4.2 and CLK. I want it to be an automatic tranmission or the SMG is fine too. Is there anything else I should be looking at? What would you guys recommend? I have never owned a Convertible. Are there any downsides to owning one?

 

[len3.8]

SL55/65, Cadillac XLR

 

[ADNOH]

it depends on what is your budget. I like something with a hardtop so i would consider the SL's.

 

[NsXMas]

I personally would get a Miata roadster, I think they'd be a blast to drive around town. Cheap too.

 

[WeakestLink]

Are you buying new or used? Buying just for the summer or do you plan on keeping it for a while? Will it be a primary car or only a good weather car?

If you're considering a C4, I would also look at the C2. Lower price, less expensive maintenance, and it's lighter. Used Tips are cheap too.

M3 is good....good balance, power, pricepoint etc. What about a 330 convertible?

Depending on how you'll use the convertible, some considerations are:

how slow the top goes up and down
visibility of the top
interior noise

Personal impressions:

CLK has GREAT resale value, visibilty is poor, and the power top is SLOW
BMW is good choice
Porsche C2 is a good choice
Audi has poor resale value, not as sporty as BMW or Porsche
SL is a GREAT car (style, power hardtop, etc) but poor resale value

 

[WillErickson]

I really like the new SLK, it has received very good reviews as well.

 

[jaytip nsx]

i think the hard top Porsche is a good looking car,but i don't like the look of the convertible at all.chopping the top off just spoils the line of the car.same goes for the Audi TT as well

 

[steveny]

Are you buying new or used? Buying just for the summer or do you plan on keeping it for a while? Will it be a primary car or only a good weather car?

If you're considering a C4, I would also look at the C2. Lower price, less expensive maintenance, and it's lighter. Used Tips are cheap too.

M3 is good....good balance, power, pricepoint etc. What about a 330 convertible?

Depending on how you'll use the convertible, some considerations are:

how slow the top goes up and down
visibility of the top
interior noise

Personal impressions:

CLK has GREAT resale value, visibilty is poor, and the power top is SLOW
BMW is good choice
Porsche C2 is a good choice
Audi has poor resale value, not as sporty as BMW or Porsche
SL is a GREAT car (style, power hardtop, etc) but poor resale value

I rarely keep a car more than a year. For that reason I almost always buy slightly used. I Have several other vehicles to use so it won't be a primary car unless I like it as much as I liked my NSX. :biggrin: I do like the SL but I have 50k budgeted and doubt I will find a 03 SL below 50k. The 02 or older SL I would not consider, they look really dated IMO.

I am starting to lean towards the BMW. I have had great luck with all the BMW's I have owned in the past. Thanks for all the feedback everyone. Any other info anyone wants to add would be greatly appreciated.

 

[NSX01]

Have you consider the lexus SC430.

 

[steveny]

Have you consider the lexus SC430.

I love the SC430 but I keep wondering if it might be ....a little girly? It does fit what I want perfectly. I love the hard top for road noise reasons. I also really want something with lots of power but is very comfortable for long trips. The seats in the 430 are like sitting on a couch and the interior is laid out perfectly to the eye and the touch IMO.
If I wanted to splurge I would just get the SL.
I am a huge fan of off the wall colors and Mercedes IMO has plain colors. This is also true of Lexus.
I really like the M3 in Phoenix yellow or Laguna Seca blue. I also like the 300zx in orange.

This is the exact car I would buy if it were closer. I will be trading in my Audi 4.2 and don't want to do the deal long distance, anymore than 300 miles.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...yle=CONVERT&doors=&fuel=&lang=en&cardist=1008

 

[Osiris_x11]

Porsche Boxster S

hmmm... I'm surprised it hasn't been aforementioned, but how about a Porsche Boxster S w/ optional hardtop & stowage trolley? It'll be well within your 50k preset limit and still come w/ warranty despite being used. They are often fitted w/ many unique options/upgrades & colour schemes worthy of your interest... :tongue:

Whether 25k or 50k, if I was in the market for a drop-top, the Boxster would be my personal choice!

 

[NsXMas]

Re: Porsche Boxster S

How 'bout a S2000? Stay with the Honda family, you know.

 

[ADNOH]

Re: Porsche Boxster S

If Honda made an Acura version of the S2K, with more room and power, i would buy it.