Which of these five <$10k convertibles is most likely to last and be reliable? Which is the best va

[WhipperSnapper]

I found a few intriguing used convertibles in my area. It might be fun to have one as a spring/summer/fall car. It would be a whimsical purchase. If you had to pick one of these five convertibles, which one is most likely to be reliable and trouble free for several years? Which is the best value?

• 2002 Toyota Camry Solara, $4000 w/ 129k miles
• 2006 Toyota Camry Solara, $6700 w/ 108k miles
  
• 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS, $7450 w/ 45k miles
• 2005 Chrysler Sebring, $2500 w/ 104k miles (Craig's List seller)
  
• 2008 Pontiac G6 GT (hardtop), $10,000 w/ 58k miles
• 2008 Pontiac G6 GT (hardtop), $6900 w/ 96k miles

That 2002 Camry Solara is intriguing since it's a Toyota which means it should have good build quality but man, it's pretty old. I've always wanted one. I might consider chancing it for $4000 to have as a third family vehicle But for $2700 more I could get the 2006 in a nicer color with 20,000 fewer miles and four years newer.

The 2009 Eclipse for $7450 with only 45,000 miles? It seems like a good combo of vehicle year and mileage, but I'd be gambling more money on it and who knows what Mitsubishi build quality is like. The back seats look just awful, but no one would ever be sitting back there. The front seats don't look too comfortable, either.

Then there's some dude selling a 2005 Sebring convertible with 114k miles and a salvage title for $2500, making it a lesser gamble than the Toyota in absolute dollars. (Still, I tend to think a 2002 Toyota >>> Sebring for build quality and longevity any day.)

I guess I don't find the Pontiacs to be that interesting since they're more money, but I suppose that a hardtop beats out a ragtop, especially in a northern climate.

 

[sandorski]

The Mitsu would be tempting, best exterior styling IMO. I think the rear seat is a custom jobby to fit the Sub in there. Whether it's the better purchase I dunno, could be a money sink.

 

[WhipperSnapper]

This is what an unmodded rear seat would look like, at least in a non-convertible 2009 Eclipse:

<EDIT> I went and searched for Eclipse convertible listings and apparently this is just what the back seat looks like in all of them:

 

[Yuriman]

Historically, the Camry / Solara has had best-in-class reliability, but I'd still consider the Mitsu because of lower miles, nicer styling. The Toyota should be good for 2-3mpg (~10-15%) better fuel economy.

 

[pcgeek11]

IMO Any Toyota with regular oil changes is greater than any of your other picks.

 

[pauldun170]

Out of your list, the 2006 Solara should be at the top.

While its not a canyon carver, the 3.3 V6 will probably be a lot nicer to live with than that Eclipse and 4 banger combo. While the Solara does have twice the mileage, Toyota does a very good job building cars that hold up.

Sebring ....no no no no no no no no. Now go wash your hands after mentioning them.

Pontiac G6's - Will probably seem like a great car on test drive. First drive will probably blow away both the Solara and Eclipse. Won't seem like such a great car when you are drop it off at the shop for power steering issues and engine leaks and an endless stream of brake rotors .

 

[sandorski]

This is what an unmodded rear seat would look like, at least in a non-convertible 2009 Eclipse:

<EDIT> I went and searched for Eclipse convertible listings and apparently this is just what the back seat looks like in all of them:

Nasty.

 

[thedarkwolf]

None of those are a miata so it is hard for me to make a pick unless you add one to the list.

 

[WhipperSnapper]

None of those are a miata so it is hard for me to make a pick unless you add one to the list.

There aren't any worthwhile used Miata options in my area within 300 miles of me.

 

[WhipperSnapper]

Out of your list, the 2006 Solara should be at the top.

While its not a canyon carver, the 3.3 V6 will probably be a lot nicer to live with than that Eclipse and 4 banger combo. While the Solara does have twice the mileage, Toyota does a very good job building cars that hold up.

I like that 2006 Solara, too, and it does look much better than the 2004 red one and the Eclipse, too. However it's also $2700 more making it more of a significant purchase and much less of a whimsical purchase. But damn, I really do like that one much better. It looks like it has heated seats and has better looks than the red one, though it would be nicer with the beige interior: 2006 Toyota Camry Solara, $6700 w/ 108k miles

One thing about the red 2002. I reviewed the free Carfax/Autocheck and it was a Florida car for most of its life, so perhaps it's not as old as its age suggests, at least not in terms of Minnesota old.

 

[pauldun170]

I like that 2006 Solara, too, and it does look much better than the 2004 red one and the Eclipse, too. However it's also $2700 more making it more of a significant purchase and much less of a whimsical purchase. But damn, I really do like that one much better. It looks like it has heated seats and has better looks than the red one, though it would be nicer with the beige interior: 2006 Toyota Camry Solara, $6700 w/ 108k miles

One thing about the red 2002. I reviewed the free Carfax/Autocheck and it was a Florida car for most of its life, so perhaps it's not as old as its age suggests, at least not in terms of Minnesota old.

One thing to consider is that the 2002 Solara is based on the 1996-2001 Camry and the 2006 Solara is based on 2002-2006 Camry.
Very different cars.

 

[Crono]

None of the above.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/688396947/overview/
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/681450700/overview/
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/686659887/overview/

They aren't below $10,000, but you'd probably be able to negotiate the MR2 down at least to that.

 

[pauldun170]

I recomended avoiding 3rd Gen MR2 due to precat issues.
3rd Gen are fun little cars but at this point I'd consider every one on the used car market a potential money pit.

 

[WhipperSnapper]

One thing to consider is that the 2002 Solara is based on the 1996-2001 Camry and the 2006 Solara is based on 2002-2006 Camry.
Very different cars.

Is there a difference between the generations? I would assume that the newer one is nicer and more reliable.

 

[WhipperSnapper]

None of the above.

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/688396947/overview/
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/681450700/overview/
https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/686659887/overview/

They aren't below $10,000, but you'd probably be able to negotiate the MR2 down at least to that.

Those are beautiful cars, but if I were spending that much I'd have to get a practical vehicle for all year use like a mini-SUV or hatchback. I think the price for that Mitsubishi Eclipse is as far up as I want to go, but I'm kind of smitten with that 2006 Solara, though I'm not sure I'd want to drop $6700 on a vehicle that's 10 years old with over 100k miles, but it is a Toyota and a convertible, so I might be able to justify the cost over its utility value.

 

[chubbyfatazn]

It looks like it has heated seats

Those aren't OEM heated seats, which means if I were you I'd wanna make sure they didn't make a mess of any wiring (whether related to the heating elements or not). Call me anal, but only I know what custom wiring I have going through my truck... I wouldn't automatically trust anyone else's wiring, especially without documentation.

Toyota has a hard-on for using (whole-length) harnesses tailored for different trims. Then they take and complicate things further by "subdividing" into more harnesses based on the car's options. E.g. the 2002 4Runner had something like 27 unique harnesses... nothing like GM or something. Point is, it's not a plug-and-play solution.

One thing about the red 2002. I reviewed the free Carfax/Autocheck and it was a Florida car for most of its life, so perhaps it's not as old as its age suggests, at least not in terms of Minnesota old.

I assume you know the standard stuff about rust.

If everything checks out, I'd vote for the '06 Solara. Definitely looks more comfortable in the back, and probably more reliable than all the other non-Toyotas. FWIW I know a realtor who's still driving an '02 Solara with 271k miles and according to her it's still going strong.

A couple creature-comfort things I noted on the '02 (that are better than the '06):

- climate control
- JBL system (which while not great, it does have a sub... makes it easier if you wanna swap out and keep the factory wiring intact. Not sure where you mentioned it though, I only see sandorski mentioning it)
- power seat

Edit: here's a pic of the switches on an '04 (same generation as the '06)

Edit edit: I'm being ridiculously anal at this point, but those look like seat covers to me on the '06 (or at least not OEM leather). Not sure how pricing on these kinds of things goes, though. I'd be more concerned that the thing is tailored to break at the seams and won't interfere in the event of side airbag deployment. If they're not covers, then that they're not attached with just zip ties or something. Again, super-anal, I know.

See here (notice side airbag label difference) and here. Both OEM leather.

Not trying to discourage you, just things I've learned from having recently gutted and renovated the interior of my 4Runner. Along with doing interior stuff to other Toyotas since '95

 

[Crono]

Those are beautiful cars, but if I were spending that much I'd have to get a practical vehicle for all year use like a mini-SUV or hatchback. I think the price for that Mitsubishi Eclipse is as far up as I want to go, but I'm kind of smitten with that 2006 Solara, though I'm not sure I'd want to drop $6700 on a vehicle that's 10 years old with over 100k miles, but it is a Toyota and a convertible, so I might be able to justify the cost over its utility value.

This is why Minnesota is apparently void of budget convertibles. Maybe this thread is actually a cry for help because you secretly want to move West or South to more favorable Miata country.

 

[WhipperSnapper]

Gee, I wonder how big of a deal the custom heated seat job is. I'd hate to get a car with an electrical issue. I suppose I should consider that Eclipse, but the Toyotas just seem so much nicer.

 

[pauldun170]

Those aren't OEM heated seats, which means if I were you I'd wanna make sure they didn't make a mess of any wiring (whether related to the heating elements or not). Call me anal, but only I know what custom wiring I have going through my truck... I wouldn't automatically trust anyone else's wiring, especially without documentation.

Toyota has a hard-on for using (whole-length) harnesses tailored for different trims. Then they take and complicate things further by "subdividing" into more harnesses based on the car's options. E.g. the 2002 4Runner had something like 27 unique harnesses... nothing like GM or something. Point is, it's not a plug-and-play solution.

Good eye.
The SE convertible didn't come with heated seats BUT the SLE trim did.
http://cdn.dealereprocess.com/cdn/brochures/toyota/2006-solara.pdf

From a technical standpoint the car was wired for it.
Question becomes how did heated seats from the SLE end up in the SE? In its defense, its a South Dakota car so having someone toss in heated seats is understandable UNLESS A GOOGLE SEARCH TURNS UP SALVAGE CAR !!!
https://www.salvagecarsrecords.com/records/4T1FA38P86U072006.html

(never heard of the site before. A vin search pulled this link up)

 

[XavierMace]

Had two Mitsu, one of them an Eclipse. Never again. There's a reason they're going away.

 

[chubbyfatazn]

Good eye.
The SE convertible didn't come with heated seats BUT the SLE trim did.
http://cdn.dealereprocess.com/cdn/brochures/toyota/2006-solara.pdf

From a technical standpoint the car was wired for it.
Question becomes how did heated seats from the SLE end up in the SE? In its defense, its a South Dakota car so having someone toss in heated seats is understandable UNLESS A GOOGLE SEARCH TURNS UP SALVAGE CAR !!!
https://www.salvagecarsrecords.com/records/4T1FA38P86U072006.html

(never heard of the site before. A vin search pulled this link up)

Salvage title aside, I highly doubt it came prewired for heated seats. If working on a few same-era Toyotas is of any indication, they only include the harnesses and connectors on the main engine harness for the top-level trim (SLE in this case). This is an SE. On my truck at least they only provided a driver's side power lead that terminated somewhere near the kick panel. Also had to add a relay they didn't include in the engine fuse box.

Even if they did there'd have to be some custom wiring in place to get the 3rd-party switches to where they are (aka not in the center dash under the head unit).

I might be wrong, but until I dig around a bit deeper I'm not betting any money on it. Maybe OP doesn't care as long as it works, iono. I lost interest as soon as you said "salvage" though.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

We had a 240SX convertible, and Olds Cutlass convertible with the 3.4L DOHC, and currently have a Saab Aero convertible with the V6T.

We needed/wanted a backseat and usable trunk. That ruled out the hardtop G6, but its built on a great platform as the car was designed as a convertible and is not a chop top like the Solara. Structural rigidity is really good and is not wet noodle sloppy like others that were built as a coupe then had there tops chopped off. The 3.5L on the G6 is pretty solid engine and the low mileage looks good. Its a great driving car!

The 2nd gen Solara's are excellent cars - get a late model SLE if you can (2006+ and preferable 2007+). The interior is Lexus like in quality. Only 2 issues we know of. 1) Timing belt needs replaced at 90K miles - that will cost you $1,000 for a belt & water pump change. 2) the radios speed sensitive volume will go out. Its a cheap fix but a pain in the ass to rip out the rear seat interior to fix it.

2006+ models got a better transmission, 2007 models got restyled and more features.

Why not a Mustang V6 'vert? I'd look at these with the 4.0L V6. Pretty rock solid reliable.

 

[WhipperSnapper]

Question becomes how did heated seats from the SLE end up in the SE? In its defense, its a South Dakota car so having someone toss in heated seats is understandable UNLESS A GOOGLE SEARCH TURNS UP SALVAGE CAR !!!
https://www.salvagecarsrecords.com/records/4T1FA38P86U072006.html

(never heard of the site before. A vin search pulled this link up)

Nice find, thanks! Of course, I would have done a Carfax or Autocheck first if I were really serious about it. I think I just threw up in my mouth a little bit and have lost interest in that pretty blue car. Maybe if the dealer lowered the price and depending on what the damage was. It looks like it was originally a red car that was repainted.

 

[WhipperSnapper]

Why not a Mustang V6 'vert? I'd look at these with the 4.0L V6. Pretty rock solid reliable.

It has to be cheap and preferably not real old and preferably no more than say 125k miles and within, say, a 300 mile radius of me. The only reason I would consider the Toyota Solaras is because they are Toyotas and will probably go to over 200k.

Here's a list of convertibles in my area for under $10k sorted by lowest mileage.

https://www.cars.com/for-sale/searc...Features=buryUsedLowMileage&searchSource=SORT

There's no shortage of Sebrings and PT Cruisers, but I assume that they have poor reliability. Luxury name plates would be too expensive to insure and maintain IMHO.

 

[pauldun170]

Salvage title aside, I highly doubt it came prewired for heated seats. If working on a few same-era Toyotas is of any indication, they only include the harnesses and connectors on the main engine harness for the top-level trim (SLE in this case). This is an SE. On my truck at least they only provided a driver's side power lead that terminated somewhere near the kick panel. Also had to add a relay they didn't include in the engine fuse box.

Even if they did there'd have to be some custom wiring in place to get the 3rd-party switches to where they are (aka not in the center dash under the head unit).

I might be wrong, but until I dig around a bit deeper I'm not betting any money on it. Maybe OP doesn't care as long as it works, iono. I lost interest as soon as you said "salvage" though.

Just to add fuel to the (electrical) fire
http://repairpal.com/recall/16V396000