20-30k to spend on a convertible, what to get?

[Kerouactivist]

I'm living in florida now, and would like to get a used luxury Convertible.
Of the softtops I'm really interested in Used Corrvettes, Boxsters, Jaguar XK/r's
Hardtops Mercedes SLK series. I guess I could just strech a bit and get a new Camaro or Mustang Convert but I like nice handling and all the older Mustangs and camaro's I've driven have a really stiff ride and can't corner for shit.

Single, male, 31 years old, make around 100k a year, wanting something fun to drive, currently drive a 2003 Infiniti G35.

Anybody own any of the above cars and/or have sites or suggestions for recommendations.?

 

[T2urtle]

i've always like the vettes. C5/C6.

Its a great car and honestly a bargain. Best of all you dont have $$$ maintence tag as one of the higher end cars. But of course its not exactly a rare car but i would love to get a vette in your shoes.

 

[Soccerman06]

The majority of euro cars can and probably will cost you quite a bit in repairs if you have any problems, just make sure you do research on them prior to purchase. Having said that, a low mileage 2003/4 330c convertible is a nice vehicle in that price range.

 

[CAW!]

2008 G37 Convertible? Things are sexy as fuck

 

[T2urtle]

he has 20-30k to play with a m3 vert should be mentioned before a 330 vert.

 

[ElFenix]

2008 G37 Convertible? Things are sexy as fuck

i completely disagree with this sentiment. they look like infiniti ran the ugliest car ever, the SC430, through a copy machine a few times. horrible, fugly cars.


the current mustangs are a vast improvement over the previous ones, suspension-wise (well, in all other ways as well). though the V6 convertible is going to have the cushiest suspension of any mustang from the factory.

 

[Imported]

M3 convertible or an S2000.

 

[SparkyJJO]

The handling and cornering of the Camaro and Mustang has been improved quite a bit since the older models. The new Camaro has IRS now which helps quite a bit, and from what I understand they use a better shock too (wouldn't take much, the stock Decarbon shocks on the 4th gens were terrible).

 

[Jumpem]

At $100k, a Miata is about as much as I would spend.

 

[satyajitmenon]

A little out of your price range. But perhaps something like this?

http://www.spanosimports.com/item/2707/2007/BMW/335cic

 

[punjabiplaya]

used 'vette 'vert is what I'd look first at

edit: I couldn't find anywhere else to put apostrohpes, so here's some more ''''''''''''''''

 

[Tristicus]

Vette

 

[iGas]

Porsche or Corvette.

 

[GasX]

stop using that goddam word!

 

[Howard]

stop using that goddam word!

What, inconceivable?

 

[GasX]

What, inconceivable?

vert

I realize that by driving a convertible or ragtop, you may or may not be identifying yourself as what J Clarkson would refer to as a cock, but using the term "vert" to refer to one is elevating yourself to a level of pretentiousness not scene since collar popping went viral.

 

[Tristicus]

vert

I realize that by driving a convertible or ragtop, you may or may not be identifying yourself as what J Clarkson would refer to as a cock, but using the term "vert" to refer to one is elevating yourself to a level of pretentiousness not scene since collar popping went viral.

Seen..and I also hate that stupid vert saying.

 

[Bignate603]

What, inconceivable?

You keep using that word...

 

[GTaudiophile]

What are your goals?

A) Get chicks in your car.
B) Put a smile on your face (with little worry).
C) Kick in the ass (POWERRRR!!!)
D) Appeal to your feminine side (and maybe get chicks in your car)


A = Porsche, BMW M3, Mercedes SLK, Audi TT/S5...anything else classic (Jaguar) or exotic.
B = Miata, S2K...maybe even Lotus Elise (Toyota parts)
C = Vette
D = Anything from VW, MINI


For me, the following would be on my "reasonable" list:

Mazda Miata
Honda S2000
BMW 1-Series
Ford Mustang


Cost as no object:

BMW M3
Audi S5
Aston Martin Vantage
Ferrari 458 Spyder
Maserati GranTurismo
Porsche 911 Turbo

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Hard top or soft Top

Hard tops when down take up 90% of the trunk. Something to think about

Do you need a backseat? If so some 4-seaters can be quite comfy & sporty at the same time.

Manual Trans or Automatic?


We had a similar budget & goal 2yrs ago but needed a roomy trunk, automatic trans, comfy seating for 4. We bought a 2008 Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible as the primary vehicle for the wife and du to the recession we got a smokin deal and 4yrs of warranty.

Seating for 4
Audi S4 V8
Mercedes CLK500/350/550
BMW 3-series (M3)
BMW 645/650
2010 Mustang GT
Volvo C70
Jaguar XJ-R
BMW 135

Audi A5, Infinity G37, Lexus IS, and BMW 335 are all out of your price range unless you go high mileage.

Seating for 2
C6 Corvette
Porsche Boxster S
Chrysler Crossfire SRT6
BMW Z4 M or 3.0
Mercedes SLK350
Saturn Sky Red Line
Audi TT

the lack of amenities and TQ would prevent me from buying a S2000:
Mini Cooper & VW EOS & Audi TT & SLK - too feminine

If I need a trunk & seating for 4 I'd go with a Audi S4 or Mercedes CLK 550. Old Jags are too problematic.

If I wanted seating for 2 I'd go with the Boxster S or Crossfire SRT6. I love the Crossfire, love the looks, the interior, the exclusivity, and the power. You can get pristine examples with super low mileage for $20K now.

Corvette is also a very well rounded choice but if going automatic you have to get 2006+ as it has the 6spd auto.

EDIT: Forgot about the Qvale Mangusta: Guy at my old complex drove one and ever since seeing them at the 2001 SF Auto Show I've always been a fan. Definitely a rare car but with a 320HP Cobra Engine from Ford so no costly repairs.

 

[JCH13]

Another vote for a Miata, either a new/slightly used NC or a pristine Mazdaspeed Miata. The NCs have retractable hard-tops and will handle fantastically well, and a fully-loaded 2011 Miata is $28,550 MSRP.

I think you need to decide if you want lux or handling more.

 

[thedarkwolf]

I love my miata and it is one of the best bang for the buck fun cars under $10k. If I was spending $20k+ vettes and s2000s look pretty damnn good. Can you get a lotus under $30k yet?

as for the mustang's handling
http://www.caranddriver.com/feature...ap_and_lightning_lap_2011_sector_times_page_7
The v6 mustang with the performance pack beating a STI around VIR while being limited to a top speed of 114mph.

 

[Throckmorton]

Get a folding hard top. After having a Miata I swear I'll never own another soft top.

 

[CurseTheSky]

First you need to decide what your goals are. Do you just want a comfortable cruiser, or something that will shake your bones but packs a punch? Do you need a rear seat or a usable trunk?

If comfort is your goal, a G37 would be a good pick, as would offerings from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz of course. The latest Mustangs actually aren't that bad inside either.

If power is your goal, a used C5 or C6 Corvettes are where it's at. M3's are also a good choice, and once again the 2011 Mustang V8 is surprisingly good, especially for the price.

If you want something small and sporty, S2000s or Miatas should be on your short list.

If you absolutely want something exotic, Porsche and Lotus are your best bets. I'd personally stay away from them on a $30k budget, as maintenance, especially on a used car, could be a nightmare.

 

[Vette73]

You should be able to get a 06 or 07 Corvette for 30k range. Best bang for the buck and cheaper to maintain than many other options you listed.

A new V6 Camaro or mustang would also be ok.