best roadster for price ?

[rh71]

My mom's tasked me with finding her the best roadster out there now. Well actually she just likes the convertibles and as long as it's small and sporty. Naturally, I looked at BMW Z4 first. Her price range is $30-$35k sticker... of course it can be less so long as it's a better car.

What are other cars in its class ? I know a lot of people like the Miata and the S2000. I don't know if they're considered to be in the same class though. I don't know much about any of these things other than what horsepower really means (these things have < 200hp because of weight ratio, I understand).

Opinions ?

 

[Gravity]

I hear that the z4 is the best bang for the buck and still has the "roadster" feel and sound. I'd recommend the z4 since it's reliability is gonna be higher as is the resale!

 

[dmurray14]

Get a Z3....you will love it. We have a Z3, and have driven a Z4 - it just doesn't compare. The Z3 is so much more of a classic roadster, the Z4 just doesn't feel like it.

 

[rh71]

LOL... even when the bmw-forums people pit the S2000 vs. the Z4 2.5, they went for the S2000. The latter supposedly comes with everything standard and is faster.

How do I go about searching for a new Z3 ?

 

[TheAudit]

I love the way the Z4 looks but the Z3 has a better interior (by far) and used iterations can be had for cheap now.
I don't know how your mom drives but unless she enjoys blipping the throttle (wouldn't bother me) I'd probably
tell her to stay away from the S2000. I wish the Boxster was cheaper, I'd recommend that for your mom.
The Miata is great fun and a lot cheaper than your other choices. The MR2 is in there, too, but I've never been fond
of it's looks.

 

[rh71]

Thanks... but sorry no used (even certified)... her rule. I don't blame her. I wouldn't spend $20k+ for used anything.

I personally don't like the front end of the Z3 after searching for it. If it were up to me, I'd probably go with the S2000 with all that standard good-stuff.

 

[BigSmooth]

If price is a major consideration, the Miata is tough to beat. It's not as luxurious or powerful as a Z4 or an S2000 but it's far cheaper. It's not too practical or roomy, but all of the reviews/comments on the driving experience I have ever read have been exceedingly positive.

Additionally, there are a lot of other convertibles out there that she might consider test-driving.

 

[loup garou]

350Z convertible? I don't know if I'd consider that a roadster though.
MR2 is a great little car as well.

 

[Turin39789]

there is a 1967 austin healy red convertble for sale just south of philly that i am looking at. Looks clean and runs good for only 4000.

find a classic

 

[Viper GTS]

Miata is probably the best value, & since it's a girl driving it it'll fit the bill perfectly.

Viper GTS

 

[freebee]

Originally posted by: Viper GTS
Miata is probably the best value, & since it's a girl driving it it'll fit the bill perfectly.

Viper GTS

I agree. I like the Miata too, but I'm not a girl nor homosexual, so unfortunately I can't get one.

<---upset because just found out is too fat to fit comfortably in s2k.

 

[thomsbrain]

all i know is just sitting in an S2000 feels like 150 MPH and a million bucks.

 

[GagHalfrunt]

You need to define what she wants out of the car. On the offchance that she's looking for a car that she can take to some twisty backroads and drive fast, then she would be better off with the S2000. If it's all about image and being seen driving a roadster, the BMW would be the choice. If she wants just a good looking, fun little convertible, the Miata is the one to get, especially considering the price.

 

[dandruff]

if Z4 exceeds ur price limit ... look for the Z3 - it is really at a good price point right now ... try the M for $35K ... will be cooler than a vanilla Z4 IMHO ...

www.bimmer.org

u can get comapros between miata / s2k and others ....... HTH

Bright Red II Z3 owner ....

 

[Crappopotamus]

http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=15&article_id=6846

s2k>350z>boxter>z4>tt quattro

 

[phreakah]

S2000

 

[Anubis]

wait a year and get a Lotus Elise

 

[FelixDeCat]

my first '93 miata 1998-2000

my second '01 miata 2001 -

i like small cars, love the compliments i get, and just a really fun car

 

[FrustratedUser]

Miata

 

[Ns1]

s2k by far

 

[MikeMike]

order an ssr, be the only one on the block with a hard top convertible truck.

MIKE

 

[opticalmace]

Just wanted to say the best roadster for the cost is the Miata.

As for your mother....I have no idea. She's looking in a higher price range.

Get to her to go look a the 350 vert, S2K, Z4, perhaps a 3-series convertible (if that's in the price range? unsure).
If she's into quainter vehicles, there's the Audi convertible (whose name escapes me), as well.