If you could buy any convertible under 35K

[David M]

If you could buy any convertible for under 35K, what would it be? I am getting the craving. Call it summer madness or a mid-life crisis ( I just turned 45) or whatever men my age go through, but I am getting sick of my existing car. I live in a pretty mild climate.

My contenders are the new Mustang, a slightly used BMW 325i or a slightly used Nissan 350Z. I'm not looking to pick up babes (happily married), just looking to drive something that is not boring, but is still practical for commuting.

What would be your choice and why?

[Floppyman]

BMW 'cause I'm German The new Mustang looks decent too though and will be bigger vehicle then the Beamer.

[Panama Red]

Chrysler Crossfire Roadster. With the deals currently available you can get into a nice one for under $35K. Top of the line goes for over $50. I just like the styling and all the reports call it HOT!

[Floppyman]

Originally Posted by Panama Red Chrysler Crossfire Roadster. With the deals currently available you can get into a nice one for under $35K. Top of the line goes for over $50. I just like the styling and all the reports call it HOT!

Interesting....18 valves on that V6. I suppose that means 1 in and 2 out. Do you know if they are using actual Mercedes designed engines in that one?

[Panama Red]

Good question, Flop. I'm not sure who made/designed the engine. Chrysler uses a lot of Mitusbishi stuff too.

[enhanced08]

i would have to agree with PR on this one IF i were to get a convertible. i don't like them because they are heavier than the hard tops which means it goes slower and slow isn't good. lol

[DonVito]

I know a guy who has one of these nissan Z's and it is SWEET.

http://www.nissanusa.com/vehicles/ModelAttributes/0,,121454|31001|,00.html

[LA22]

Get a Soft Top Jeep.

[Floppyman]

and if you feel like saving for a couple more years how about a Ferrari Spyder 430? *drool*

[Byte 2.0]

No question, Myself I would go with the Mustang.

When it comes to cars/trucks, I have Motorcraft oil in my veins.

[Jaggannath]

The Crossfire looks smoooooooooooooth

[glc]

The 3.2 V6 in the Crossfire is the actual Mercedes engine.

[Floppyman]

And I suppose the underlying Chassis might be too? If so, I'd definitely go for it.

[Tin]

'75 Chevy Caprice convertible. of course id toss an LS1 and a 4L60E in it so i could drive it and get more than 10mpg....but ive always been partial to the freighters myself . oh yeah...id have to put some nice 17" wheels and paint it tripple gloss black too.

[hobey19]

Definitely a Z, but hey, i am somewhat biased. i absolutely love everything Z.

i am also really partial to Honda s2000. throw a hard top on there and you will be getting close to your 35k, but they look slick as heck. plus, they are a lot of fun to drive.

the big problem i have with every single convertible mentioned in this thread (including my beloved Z) is that a convertible ruins the lines on the car. they look fabulous with the top down, but the minute you put the top up, its just ruined. thats the only reason i say go with a hard top whenever possible, because it maintains the beauty of the coupe while still giving you the option of a convertible

craig

[David M]

Thanks for the Chrysler Crossfire suggestion Panama. That's a really sweet looking car and its available with 330 Hp engine that will get it to 60 mph in 5 seconds...although a bit pricy. Still though, the 220 hp engine is not a budget buster.

I did learn that the only difference between the BMW 325i and the 330 in horsepower (about 80 hp) is the computer module. The engines are identical. Of course resetting the onboard computer invalidates the warranty.

Hobey, your right about ragtops ruining the lines of the car when the top is up, but hey, thats one of the compromises.

So now I am up to 4 contenders in order of preference so far.
BMW 325i
Nissan 350Z
Chrysler Crossfire
Ford Mustang

I like the Japanese reliability of the 350Z but I also realize the Crossfire and BWM also have reliable German engines with the Crossfire being a Mercedes engine. The resale value of Ford's is not the greatest but that 300hp engine on the Mustang sure sounds fun.

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

I usually research the hell out of most everything I buy. It's fun to be well informed. The internet makes it easy.

Next is the good part/bad part. Test driving the car/putting up with the dealer pressure to buy. I learned never to enter their office after the test drive years ago unless I feel I am ready to buy.

Have you guys ever taken a test drive because you REALLY liked a car but had no intention of buying? I have to admit I have done it a few times.

How would you guys buy a new car or used car? Online? Dealer? Other ideas? I hate dealer pressure and all the mind games they play.

The last car I purchased was through Costco buyers program which got me a great deal.

[zyphera]

I would get a '89 Volkswagen Cabriolet. That's what I had upuntil it got hit by a snowplow It was a very good car.

[David M]

I really like the old convertible Beetle ragtops. I would consider one but they don't have any horsepower and no modern safety features. The white ones in cherry condition look really cool. I think the last year they made the classic Bug was 1975. I realize your 89 is a different animal...sorry about the snowplow..ouch!

I have seen the new Bug convertibles. They are not my style...too much of a girly car...LOL...no offense intended.

[i3OSS]

Honda S2000

[David M]

OK...I am adding the Honda S2000 to the list. I have always liked Honda's quality. My wife BTW wants a Honda Accord Hybrid when her Civic dies. The Accord Hybrid has 250 hp which is pretty amazing for any hybrid and gets in the upper 30's mpg on the highway. I hope she does not use all that horsepower..hee hee. One does not need to drive one of those ugly Toyota Prius to save on gas. Why are most all the hybrids so ugly?

[Fastfly]

IF you are adding a S2000, I would look at a 2003-2004 3.0L BMW Z4. A Z4, although being a convertible, has a spacious trunk unlike the S2000.




The 325i and the 330i have two different engines and besides the obvious displacement difference and output difference you have different internals.

[thefultonhow]

I would go with either the 325i or the S2000. If you get the 325i, though, make sure it has a stick-shift -- it's just that much more fun that way. The Mustang is also appealing, but they're really hard to get right now, and I personally think that the Bimmer or the Honda would have better handling. I don't really care about the straight-line performance as much as I do the amount of fun you can have in the twisties.

My friend has a 325i sedan 5-speed with the Sport package, and it's a hoot to drive. You can feel every little crack in the road too -- there are no layers of insulation to dull the handling.

One more thing -- I personally would skip the Crossfire, because it's based on the last-gen SLK, which was apparently not that great in terms of handling.

[HAL9000]

Everyone knows I'll have to take a pot shot at the Mustang. IMHO, a Ford is an accident waiting to happen. They just had a recall for their new trucks with ... sigh.. go figure.. electrical problems yet AGAIN where they can burst into flames without even running or the key in the ignition. What gets me, is it's in the cruise control.... why on earth is there even power in the cruise circuit when the thing is turned off???? My Mustang burned to the ground due to electrical issues as have many (plus other models) due to electrical problems. It seems to me that this is a common theme that should be cured by now. I could see a possibility of an electrical fire in a running vehicle, but when one is shut off and doesn't even have a key in the ignition, most circuits should be down.

[Mac Medic]

SLK dude!. Used but still a great car, Not a 500 but still nice.

[DonVito]

Originally Posted by HAL9000 Everyone knows I'll have to take a pot shot at the Mustang. IMHO, a Ford is an accident waiting to happen. They just had a recall for their new trucks with ... sigh.. go figure.. electrical problems yet AGAIN where they can burst into flames without even running or the key in the ignition. What gets me, is it's in the cruise control.... why on earth is there even power in the cruise circuit when the thing is turned off???? My Mustang burned to the ground due to electrical issues as have many (plus other models) due to electrical problems. It seems to me that this is a common theme that should be cured by now. I could see a possibility of an electrical fire in a running vehicle, but when one is shut off and doesn't even have a key in the ignition, most circuits should be down.

These days i really hessitate buying american cars. I know thats not very patriotic or anything but i find foreign cars are much more well made.

[Jaggannath]

FORD = Found On Rubbish Dump
BMW = Beautiful Motoring With

And I agree David, why are hybrids such ugly mofos... I wouldn't drive one voluntarily at the moment

[colecifer]

I personally hate the design of the new mustang, i like the idea of going with a more retro design because i love the old style grill but i can't stand how it turned out. I'd say go with what fastfly posted because i really really hate the new mustang.

[Hi Ho]

Well I love the new Mustang. I've wanted one ever since I saw it. That would be my choice.

[thefultonhow]

Originally Posted by Jaggannath FORD = Found On Rubbish Dump

Or FORD = Fix or Repair Daily.

Originally Posted by Jaggannath And I agree David, why are hybrids such ugly mofos... I wouldn't drive one voluntarily at the moment

I personally like the look of the Prius more than I do that of the Accord/Accord Hybrid. Unfortunately, the Prius does not come with a stick shift. I heard somewhere that the Civic Hybrid does, but I've never seen a manual one, so I'm not sure how true that is.

[enhanced08]

Originally Posted by thefultonhow Or FORD = Fix or Repair Daily.

Ford in reverse - Driver Returns On Foot