I need a convertible

[Spooner]

Okay, I think my buddy's 98 Eclipse Spyder that he wants to sell me for $14k may not be working out. The car has some wear and tear on it I just don't like. (scratches and scuffs and whatnot).

My quest: to find a convertible that I like for around $13-15k.

Where do I begin? What's the best resource to find this?

ATOT, i challenge thee to quench my need!

 

[Capn]

Why do you want a convertable? The idea that only a piece of fabric is protecting my stereo etc inside the car doesn't make me feel too safe. Plus I don't want to breathe in most highway fumes.

 

[Spooner]

I think I almost cream my pants everytime I ride with the top down.

Just tell me some resources I need to look into and whether this is possible. It definitely does not have to be new, but I'd prefer something like around 2000.

 

[Jzero]

<< I think I almost cream my pants everytime I ride with the top down.

Just tell me some resources I need to look into and whether this is possible. It definitely does not have to be new, but I'd prefer something like around 2000. >>


2000 convertible for less than $15k? I think you're going to have a tough time with that one....

 

[Pastore]

only thing i can think of that new is either a cavalier Z24 conv. or a Sunfire conv. yay....

 

[StageLeft]

About 2-3 weeks ago it was a sunny day and I was walking outside and saw a mitsubish convertible parked and I spent the next hour fantasizing. I understand where you're coming from on this one though I have no recommendations.

 

[Capn]

look here if this link works

Anyway, looks like your best bets are:

V6 Mustang
Cavalier Z24
Sunfire GT
Sebring JX

 

[squirrelman]

I know what you mean, I am looking to get my first car and I am going to go for a convertable. I dont know any good ones from like 2000 but if you are willing to get an older one I know of a few good ones. You could probably get a mid 90s BMW 325i convertable. Another one would be a late 80s Mercedes 560SL, that might be hard to find for $15k but I have seen a few good ones at that price you just have to look.

 

[Zenmervolt]

If you don't mind less power and a lot less size, look at Miatas. Great little cars, and you can get a removable hardtop for the winter if you decide that you really want it. The Miata may not be great in the straight line, but it handles very nicely. It's not for everyone though, has a very small trunk.

ZV

 

[Viper GTS]

<< If you don't mind less power and a lot less size, look at Miatas. Great little cars, and you can get a removable hardtop for the winter if you decide that you really want it. The Miata may not be great in the straight line, but it handles very nicely. It's not for everyone though, has a very small trunk.

ZV >>



Very small trunk is an understatement. I worked at a grocery store when I was 15, & I've seen the trunk of more than my fair share of cars. 2-3 paper bags of groceries are about all you can fit in the trunk.

They're very much a chick car, IMHO, I've only seen a couple guys driving them. I'd rather have a RS or Z28 convertible.

Viper GTS

 

[Spooner]

Yeah, the Miata is way too much a chick car for me.

I don't need that much power and not even a good stereo (i plan to put one in myself).

I'm not sure how I like the Z24's. I actually used to own a 95 Cavalier. The things were cheesy.
I do NOT like the Sebring.

How about a Mitsubishi 300GT? Are those things expensive?
Woulnd't mind perhaps a mid 90s beamer.

Keep suggestions coming, guys

 

[Zenmervolt]

<<They're very much a chick car, IMHO, I've only seen a couple guys driving them. I'd rather have a RS or Z28 convertible.>>

Oh yeah, and I forgot to mention that the Miata has a bit of a stigma attached to it. Still, I know of a lot of guys who used to restore and drive old British roadsters (MG's, Triumphs, Sunbeams, etc) and stopped after buying a Miata because the Miata did everything the older roadsters did but it did those things without leaking and it started every time one turned the key. I like the mid-1990's BMW 3-Series idea too. Not as "sporty", but a heck of a lot more practical without sacrificing nice road manners.

ZV

 

[MajesticMoose]

You might be able to get a 2000 wrangler for that. They are about 15 new for a base model, so depending on engines and such, they ought to be a possibility.

 

[Jzero]

<< How about a Mitsubishi 300GT? >>


I don't believe the 3000GT was ever made as a conertible. Those are pretty nice, though. For some reason I always preferred the Dodge Stealth over the 3000GT even though they're the same.



<< Still, I know of a lot of guys who used to restore and drive old British roadsters (MG's, Triumphs, Sunbeams, etc) and stopped after buying a Miata because the Miata did everything the older roadsters did but it did those things without leaking and it started every time one turned the key. >>


That's EXACTLY why I like Miatas. I've always been a big fan of the little British and Italian 2-seaters. There's a TR5 that sits mothballed outside my apartment building...no top, no cover, just slowly rotting away. If I can get the owner to give it to me or sell it to me for a couple hundred, I wouldn't think twice of dumping some thousands into it.
But with a Miata you got everything you liked in those little cars plus, as you said, some actual reliability and quality!

 

[Viper GTS]

<<

<< How about a Mitsubishi 300GT? >>


I don't believe the 3000GT was ever made as a conertible. Those are pretty nice, though. For some reason I always preferred the Dodge Stealth over the 3000GT even though they're the same. >>



There is a 3000GT Spyder, but I suspect they're quite rare. Also I'm not sure if they came in anything other than the VR-4 level which makes it expensive to buy + expensive to insure.

Viper GTS

 

[StageLeft]

Miata is a big-time woman's car but I'd love to have one anyway. They're damn fun to drive.

 

[Spooner]

<< I don't believe the 3000GT was ever made as a conertible. >>


Sure is. Check this site 300GT Spyder



<< In later years, Mitsubishi decided to go after the convertible car market and created the 3000GT Spyder. The Spyder is a convertible with a unique computer controlled retractable hardtop like roof. It is available in the familiar SL and VR-4 trim levels but is not available in the base configuration. >>


This is a pretty sweet looking car.

 

[Viper GTS]

You do realize what a 3000GT Spyder will run, right?

1995 VR-4 Spyder
1995 SL Spyder

They aren't cheap by any means.

Viper GTS

 

[Mill]

Why not a used 99-2000 mustang GT convertible. I am sure you can find a 99GT vert for around 14k. You could also look into a F-body vert. Z28 or Trans Am in a 98-99 model year.

 

[Jzero]

<<

<< I don't believe the 3000GT was ever made as a conertible. >>


Sure is. Check this site 300GT Spyder >>



I have never seen one of these. Why didn't they push it harder? That's whacky...

 

[Spooner]

Damn. Well, that's ass.

 

[Rent]

<< Why not a used 99-2000 mustang GT convertible. I am sure you can find a 99GT vert for around 14k. You could also look into a F-body vert. Z28 or Trans Am in a 98-99 model year. >>



That would be my recommendation as well.

 

[Spooner]

Hmm.... looks as though the 3000GT is out. $25k for a 95 is a tad over budget.

The Sunfire and Mustangs look pretty good.

I've heard bad things on Mustangs though.... terrible gas mileage, expensive repairs, etc...

 

[Mill]

I don't know who fed you that line of crap about mustangs. I have yet to hear of any expensive repair costs. If their are they would be covered under warranty. Ford is really good about warranty work.

Gas mileage wise... it really depends. It is a mustang so you will want to drive fast. Crusing on the interstate with 4.10 gears and a 4 speed auto I got around 22mpg. With the stock gears and a 5 speed you should see a good bit higher. The gas mileage is not bad at all. This mustang gt is also made to run on 87 octane. It is not a buzzing rice rocket that requires 93 octane. You save a good 10-15 cents a gallon when using 87 compared to 93. Any other questions feel free to ask me.

 

[Mill]

BTW. the sunfire is a POS. I have known several people to own them. They are small and have sh!tty quality control.