If you could buy any convertible under 35K

[lil Jimmie]

Being a mechanic I'm not too fond of any manufacture when it comes to repairing these things and Ford is not my favorite by a long shot. I've seen all sorts of vehicles go 400,000+ miles with nothing major but guess what they also had preventive maintenance, repairs when needed and not run into the ground.

My bosses wife had an 87 Caravan with a 2.2, head gasket at 50K then we rebuilt the engine at 125K, he sold it 3 years ago with the millage at 380K. The van is still running and has made countless trips to Miami from Roswell and from Roswell to Mexico City since it was sold. I still see the little old man who bought it drive by the shop. As far as I know the automatic transmission is still the original unit.

She now has an 2003 Windstar with low end noise at 65K and has had excellent care.

[Jaggannath]

That's crazy HAL... must have been a spectacle for any spectators
In Australia, the main battle is Ford vs Holden, with the majority being Holden fans. The UK equivalent of Holden is Vauxhall, btw. I personally don't give a fat rats freckle (so long as it doesn't spontaneously internally combust )

[Sauron]

Originally Posted by Jaggannath That's crazy HAL... must have been a spectacle for any spectators In Australia, the main battle is Ford vs Holden, with the majority being Holden fans. The UK equivalent of Holden is Vauxhall, btw. I personally don't give a fat rats freckle (so long as it doesn't spontaneously internally combust )

Worst thing is that the European Ford is almost entirely different from the American Ford...they even have different cars. Do the Aussies have their own Ford or is it imported?

[thefultonhow]

Originally Posted by Sauron Do the Aussies have their own Ford or is it imported?

They have their own. The car I've heard the most about is the Falcon, which competes directly with the Holden Monaro (which over here is the new Pontiac GTO).

[Marke522]

this is what was left.

You know, I've seen a Mustang like that before on an exit ramp on 435 and Metcalf years ago, like maybe 10. I thought maybe the guy messed up some aftermarket radio work. Used a small wire for the amp or something like that. I didn't know at the time that Ford had a known issue with their vehicles.

I DID know that Pontiac had problems with their Fiero's bursting into flames. But afterall, at that time they did claim to build excitment.

[Turbo91Bird]

Hmmm, I would go with a new mustang just cause they look great and perform just as great. The interior isn't the best looking. Now if GM still made the Trans Am then I would say buy one of those in a convertiable since those not only performed incrediable, but looked great too. All black with chrome rims.

[Marke522]

Ooooooo, how about the car from Knight Rider? Did everyone want to have one of those when they grew up?

[HAL9000]

Originally Posted by Turbo91Bird Hmmm, I would go with a new mustang just cause they look great and perform just as great.

Personally, I think they HAD the great look... when they first showed it, it had a lower roof line, better slope on the rear window, and all the cool scoops and junk of an old 69 Mach 1.... then they butchered it.

[David M]

Marke522 Ooooooo, how about the car from Knight Rider? Did everyone want to have one of those when they grew up?

The talking car? We have those now, built into the GPS. I wonder if they have a mother-in-law voice option?

[Floppyman]

Originally Posted by David M Marke522 Ooooooo, how about the car from Knight Rider? Did everyone want to have one of those when they grew up? The talking car? We have those now, built into the GPS. I wonder if they have a mother-in-law voice option?

You mean K.I.T.T. (Knight Industries Two Thousand)? Yes, I did watch Knight Rider growing up (I still think the Knight Rider theme is one of the better TV themes out there) and I still think I want a K.I.T.T. for myself. The Turbo Boost would come in handy sometimes.

[David M]

There was another talking car show in the 60's when I was a kid. It was called My Mother the Car. Really dopey show...but what did I know as a kid?

I really could see a car in the not too distant future with enough artificial intelligence to keep you out of accidents, keep you from getting lost, keep you from locking your keys inside and lock the car behind you if you forget. Also not run the engine if someone is trying to steal the car and to have a traveling companion you can talk to on your way to work.

The KITT concept is not so far away. Machines can understand the human voice pretty well now. Anyone use those automated 411 systems?...pretty freaky they can understand you and millions of others.

[Floppyman]

Originally Posted by David M There was another talking car show in the 60's when I was a kid. It was called My Mother the Car. Really dopey show...but what did I know as a kid? I really could see a car in the not too distant future with enough artificial intelligence to keep you out of accidents, keep you from getting lost, keep you from locking your keys inside and lock the car behind you if you forget. Also not run the engine if someone is trying to steal the car and to have a traveling companion you can talk to on your way to work. The KITT concept is not so far away. Machines can understand the human voice pretty well now. Anyone use those automated 411 systems?...pretty freaky they can understand you and millions of others.

If we ever get to that point I hope they won't be running windows. The last thing I need is a bluescreeen when hitting a stop light. Thank goodness for manual intervention.....

[guruboy]

I would suggest a Subaru WRX STi. Not a convertable, but a sweet car just the same. One of the first car's I've ever animated turbocharged 300hp 6-speeds. 0-62 in 4.8 secs! Better than the mustang. Obviously being a Subaru it's all wheel drive, and it gets much better fuel economy than a lot of cars with 300 hp. This is one vroom vroom car. Gets pretty close to your $35k budget. I've heard the rear seats are a little small, but in reality they're not. (My brother owns one). Stick a giant rear spolier on one of these and you're set.

[mountainking]

Originally Posted by Guruboy I would suggest a Subaru WRX STi. Not a convertable, but a sweet car just the same. One of the first car's I've ever animated turbocharged 300hp 6-speeds. 0-62 in 4.8 secs! Better than the mustang. Obviously being a Subaru it's all wheel drive, and it gets much better fuel economy than a lot of cars with 300 hp. This is one vroom vroom car. Gets pretty close to your $35k budget. I've heard the rear seats are a little small, but in reality they're not. (My brother owns one). Stick a giant rear spolier on one of these and you're set.

the new 2005 MR evoloution is cheaper and does a 4.4 second 0-60

[thefultonhow]

Originally Posted by David M I really could see a car in the not too distant future with enough artificial intelligence to keep you out of accidents, keep you from getting lost, keep you from locking your keys inside and lock the car behind you if you forget. Also not run the engine if someone is trying to steal the car and to have a traveling companion you can talk to on your way to work.

Your BMW could very well have all those things. Stability control (DSC on BMWs) keeps you out of accidents by curtailing skids of all types; if you get the nav system, you'll have a much harder time getting lost; and my friend who has the 325i demonstrated to what lengths the car keeps you from locking your keys in. I'm not sure if the 3-sereis does this, but many luxury cars will lock and unlock the doors depending on your proximity; the alarm system includes an engine immobilizer, as most now do. Now, a traveling companion may be different, but if you get the iPod integration, it'll be close enough for me.

[cowsgomoo]

I would buy a 1988 buick century because they are so fancy and fast.

[guruboy]

The MR is $2000 more silly man. and the Subaru's engine is 25% bigger. Don't get me wrong I have nothing against the new MR, it's a fantastic car. I'm just partial to my Subarus!

[Sauron]

Personally if I had the money, I'd get a Pagoni Zonda.