Tau137

It so happens that I'm looking for a small cool convertible (as a second car, in hope that my wife will finally let go of her claim on Fozzy ;). It will be used, ~6-12 years old (the cheaper the better), with reasonably low mileage, small engine. So far I've found two options that definitely fit both financially and aesthetically: Mazda MX-5 and BMW Z3. There are other nice things, like the 3** BMW iC (hard to find in good shape) and classic SL Merc (V8, age-related issues).

I would appreciate if you could share your knowledge/experience with these cars, provide advice on reliability / maintenance / costs, suggest what I should look for in my search in terms of advantages and problems.

Suggestions for alternative vehicles are also welcome. Does not really have to be a cabriolet, but should not be too big and must really stand out in the crowd.

Thank you in advance!

P.S. And no, for some odd reason WRX does not seem interesting enough to my wife.

BAC5.2

I contemplated selling my Forester and picking up a Miata.

I really wanted a 2nd gen one, which cost a bit more but have a few features that are a little nicer. However, if you decide to do any modifications, this is a moot point.

The early Miata's have less suspension travel in the rear than the newer ones. It's possible, according to Flyin Miata, to swap to the newer style rear tophats and gain the extra 3/4" of stroke over the stock stuff.

I was considering getting an early model and doing just that. Tossing a roll-bar on it, and calling it a day. No mods other than wheels/tires, replacing tired suspension and roll-bar. I would probably also install my FIA Cert. fixed Bucket and FIA 6-pt camlock harness. Reports claim they get in the 28 to 30mpg range. Not too bad. Plus, it's a Miata. You can touch the rear tire without getting out of the car!

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The Aggressive™ -- You don't know about it.

1998 Forester S - Big brakes, Big Tires, 5-gears.

scans007

I just basically went through this.......people had a lot of great info.

Check out THIS thread...

It came down to the Miata MX05, The Saturn Sky (Redline edition), S2000......

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My Rides - My Journal

Tau137

Thanks for the link. Yeah, I forgot S2000, but it's a bit too extreme for my wife, and the availability is not good.

Oh, and my budget is more like 10K, not 35 :(

scans007

^ yeah this car was for the MIL......I warned her that the S2000 was more of a man/sporty type car, rougher ride ect.....but her boyfriend mentioned it so it "had" to be on the list.

I am SUPER impressed with the Sky (Redline edition) perfect for a woman, guys don't feel "strange" driving it, super nice custom made pipes for the FMIC, turbo...it was def the best for the price outta the 6 we drove....

But like most asked, depends on what it's for.....the MX-5 is a great little ride too...if you were up here in MA I could get you a deal on one!

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My Rides - My Journal

Skibaru

Having owned 6 Miata's..I am biased. Miata.

Tau137

Keep me in mind if you decide to part out your Kings ;)

smooth906

For 10K I think an early 2000's Miata is a fantastic choice. They are very reliable and so much fun to drive. Large aftermarket/enthusiast community too.

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'07 FSXT WRB

JCT

BMW E36 3 Series and M3 (95-99) convertibles are often cheaper than coupes. Book value may be the same or more but real world I've seen a lot of deals on convertibles.

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05 XT 4EAT

Tau137

So far Miata definitely emerges on top. Z3 is somewhat suspect in terms of maintenance & repair costs (not to mention its Freudian appearance), American cars are out of the question... The only problem I have is that Miata has 2 seats (and we have a daughter), so if I can find something cool that would have some space it the back, it might take preference. BWM 318/325, Solara (damn hard to find in convertible), MR2, Selica... Anything else comes to mind?

I've found some decent deals in terms of price, but I can't find anything with much less than 100K on the clock.

smooth906

Some other options if you want four seats would be the Saab 9-3 and Volvo C70. Both can be found pretty cheaply used and are nice-looking cars, but the handling will be more GT-like. Also, both of them had some reliability issues in the early-'00s time frame that you'd be looking at. I had an '01 9-3 and I really liked it. It was surprisingly roomy in the back. However, although it didn't give me very many problems, when it did the repair costs were quite high and eventually led to me getting rid of it. If I had to do it over I would have gotten a Miata.

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'07 FSXT WRB

satalac

can't beat a miata for that price. everything else at that price that approaches the same fun level will either have too many miles on it or will cost a lot in upkeep. if i had the extra dough, that's the 2nd car i would get (and i'm 6'2").

mdg

You should know by now to buy japanese.... MX 5. It has a huge following too.

Skibaru

Look up "Cowl Shake" in the dictionary and there is a picture of a C70.
The MX-5 Miata Pit Stop: MX-5 Miata.net is a great community. I am still somewhat active over there, I was a mod for years.

NA is like a girl who has a playful curiosity about sex, as the NB she has grown into a woman with an insationable appetite for it :)

Tau137

Alrighty, then, Miata it is... unless "rational" thoughts win over and we get some sort of Corolla.

I would liket to thank everyone for their input. You are a great community!