almost 2 yrs, 50,000 miles ago. It has been a great car.
Wife wants a convertible
- Thread starter Studebaker
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My vote would be a Mustang; however, as you can see by my signature I am biased.
However, for me it is purely a fun car. I enjoy the heck out of it. But there is no way would I ever want one for a daily driver. That's why I have my Accord.
If she just wants to have fun, keep the CV and find an older one you can buy cheap for cash.
The one that I had previously before the Mustang was a 1994 Chrysler Lebaron I bought in 2001. It had 59K on it when I bought it for $3700.00 OTD from a lot and 81K when I dumped it in 2008 after the transmission went south. Spent $900.00 on a used transmission for it and sold it after being parked in my front yard for 24 hours for 3K.
However, for me it is purely a fun car. I enjoy the heck out of it. But there is no way would I ever want one for a daily driver. That's why I have my Accord.
If she just wants to have fun, keep the CV and find an older one you can buy cheap for cash.
The one that I had previously before the Mustang was a 1994 Chrysler Lebaron I bought in 2001. It had 59K on it when I bought it for $3700.00 OTD from a lot and 81K when I dumped it in 2008 after the transmission went south. Spent $900.00 on a used transmission for it and sold it after being parked in my front yard for 24 hours for 3K.
Originally Posted By: Studebaker
I am thinking in year or 2 she will have this out of her system.
With that kind of commute, I'm thinking a lot sooner.
I am thinking in year or 2 she will have this out of her system.
With that kind of commute, I'm thinking a lot sooner.
Try to find a Ford Thunderbird Convertible. ...and collectible.
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Honda S2000 or a pony car
I've put many miles through all weather conditions on my '96 Mustang drop top. Its a great car over all, but hard to find nice ones for a good price.
At the $10k mark I'd imagine your looking at somewhat older models as well- pay attention to the condition of the top and cost of replacement. FWIW I was able to find a virtually new convertible top assembly for he Mustang off a Cobra model (nicer with canvas instead of vinyl) for much cheaper than just having a shop replace the canvas.
At the $10k mark I'd imagine your looking at somewhat older models as well- pay attention to the condition of the top and cost of replacement. FWIW I was able to find a virtually new convertible top assembly for he Mustang off a Cobra model (nicer with canvas instead of vinyl) for much cheaper than just having a shop replace the canvas.
I agree that she should check out the Honda S2000. It's an awesome car, and very reliable. I have 356,000 miles on mine, and i have had to do little maintenance. I have a removable hardtop that keeps the cabin quieter in the cooler months. Mine is a daily driver and i have no problems taking it on long trips.
Nick1994
$100 site donor 2024
Go into a convertible top shop, ask what a rough estimate is to replace the top on any convertible car, then tell your wife. See if she still wants to buy a car without a roof.
Originally Posted By: Nick1994
Go into a convertible top shop, ask what a rough estimate is to replace the top on any convertible car, then tell your wife. See if she still wants to buy a car without a roof.
Cry me a river. Not all convertible tops are difficult DIYs, and not all tops will go bad within the "life" of the car. Ofnyou don't need a top for 15-20 years, well, I think that's ok. Not all convertible tops are even fabric.
When's the last time YOU replaced a convertible top? Quit fear mongering, and move along.
Go into a convertible top shop, ask what a rough estimate is to replace the top on any convertible car, then tell your wife. See if she still wants to buy a car without a roof.
Cry me a river. Not all convertible tops are difficult DIYs, and not all tops will go bad within the "life" of the car. Ofnyou don't need a top for 15-20 years, well, I think that's ok. Not all convertible tops are even fabric.
When's the last time YOU replaced a convertible top? Quit fear mongering, and move along.
Originally Posted By: dishdude
Did anyone mention a Solara, 200/Sebring, EOS or Beetle?
The second gen Beetle is a nice car, but I'd have to skip the first gen. The first gen Beetle beetle has an awful interior made of crayons (good convertible top though!)
The EOS is a good car. They get some bad press for their cost new, but the only time I've had to mess with one of the tops was when the owner tried to shut the top with a suitcase ON TOP OF the safety guard. Bent the convertible top frame so bad that cables snapped and the right side of the boot lid was lifted by about 2". Had to replace the entire frame! $$$
If all you want is a convertible, the 200/Sebring will get the job done,cbut it is NOT a good car. Wallowy lump of a car.
Did anyone mention a Solara, 200/Sebring, EOS or Beetle?
The second gen Beetle is a nice car, but I'd have to skip the first gen. The first gen Beetle beetle has an awful interior made of crayons (good convertible top though!)
The EOS is a good car. They get some bad press for their cost new, but the only time I've had to mess with one of the tops was when the owner tried to shut the top with a suitcase ON TOP OF the safety guard. Bent the convertible top frame so bad that cables snapped and the right side of the boot lid was lifted by about 2". Had to replace the entire frame! $$$
If all you want is a convertible, the 200/Sebring will get the job done,cbut it is NOT a good car. Wallowy lump of a car.
In a convertible, I would say to get a good late model you need to spend a little more.
For 4 seats, consider a recent BMW 325i, 328i, Mustang, Camaro, or Jeep. Mercedes is also known to make a very nice 4 seat convertible or two.
For two seats and for close to your price range you can get a nice Miata, S2000, Boxster, or Z4.
If you don't mind a project you can really go back and get one of the roadsters that started it all. You can buy a lot of MG, Triumph, Fiat, or Alfa Romeo with 10k. You can get a nice classic Mercedes SL for close to 10k, and the Karman Ghia is around that range as well for a later year driver.
For 4 seats, consider a recent BMW 325i, 328i, Mustang, Camaro, or Jeep. Mercedes is also known to make a very nice 4 seat convertible or two.
For two seats and for close to your price range you can get a nice Miata, S2000, Boxster, or Z4.
If you don't mind a project you can really go back and get one of the roadsters that started it all. You can buy a lot of MG, Triumph, Fiat, or Alfa Romeo with 10k. You can get a nice classic Mercedes SL for close to 10k, and the Karman Ghia is around that range as well for a later year driver.
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I have a soft spot for the TBird mentioned earlier, but that comes from the platform sharing with my daily driver(Lincoln LS).
I'd go for the Miata personally...the evolution of the British sports car that everyone loves and hates.
BTW, someone mentioned soft top replacement. I did one on my MG a few months ago. I bought something of a "deluxe" top(or at least upgrade from the standard for the car) from Robbins and it was a shade under $400. My top was their "crush grain vinyl"(you can double that number for canvas) with a zip out rear window(highly recommended for no A/C in the summer, probably not necessary if you have A/C). The zip out window adds about $50 to the cost of a given top.
I had a local restoration shop(that does a lot of MGs) install the top. It started out at $150, but went up to about $200 after he had to basically rebuild the frame due do a DPO's work on making an incorrect top fix. He also had to replace some fasteners. If you have a more modern car, this can get super pricey if they have to transplant glass windows.
A good quality top properly cared for top will last 20 years or better.
BTW, I have a good laugh any time someone complains about "difficult" tops a modern car(including a first generation Miata). The MG is a minimum of a 10 minute job to put up assuming it's warm outside. If it's not warm, I may have to unfold the top and lay it out over the car in the sun for a few hours before even trying. On the back part of the top(around the windows) I have to slip the back under two hooks, fight in a pair of U shaped clips by each door, then snap down "lift the dots"(four on each side). Sometimes these require a lot a lot of pulling and stretching even with the top warm. Once that's done, you fight the hinges on the frame and make sure all are actually fully extended(I have what's called a "scissor frame") and hope I can get the front two clips to snap to the windscreen frame. There are then three snaps on each side that have to snap into place, and the 3rd one(next to the door) again requires pulling and stretching. Taking the top down is SLIGHTLY easier, but you still have to be careful to fold the windows in such a way that you won't scratch them or otherwise damage them.
I'd go for the Miata personally...the evolution of the British sports car that everyone loves and hates.
BTW, someone mentioned soft top replacement. I did one on my MG a few months ago. I bought something of a "deluxe" top(or at least upgrade from the standard for the car) from Robbins and it was a shade under $400. My top was their "crush grain vinyl"(you can double that number for canvas) with a zip out rear window(highly recommended for no A/C in the summer, probably not necessary if you have A/C). The zip out window adds about $50 to the cost of a given top.
I had a local restoration shop(that does a lot of MGs) install the top. It started out at $150, but went up to about $200 after he had to basically rebuild the frame due do a DPO's work on making an incorrect top fix. He also had to replace some fasteners. If you have a more modern car, this can get super pricey if they have to transplant glass windows.
A good quality top properly cared for top will last 20 years or better.
BTW, I have a good laugh any time someone complains about "difficult" tops a modern car(including a first generation Miata). The MG is a minimum of a 10 minute job to put up assuming it's warm outside. If it's not warm, I may have to unfold the top and lay it out over the car in the sun for a few hours before even trying. On the back part of the top(around the windows) I have to slip the back under two hooks, fight in a pair of U shaped clips by each door, then snap down "lift the dots"(four on each side). Sometimes these require a lot a lot of pulling and stretching even with the top warm. Once that's done, you fight the hinges on the frame and make sure all are actually fully extended(I have what's called a "scissor frame") and hope I can get the front two clips to snap to the windscreen frame. There are then three snaps on each side that have to snap into place, and the 3rd one(next to the door) again requires pulling and stretching. Taking the top down is SLIGHTLY easier, but you still have to be careful to fold the windows in such a way that you won't scratch them or otherwise damage them.
60 Miles each way? Wants a convertible? Doesn't make sense to me but whatever she wants right? I like to avoid all types of opening roofs, T tops, sun roof, moon roof, all manor of convertibles. Why? I like a reliable sealed roof on anything i drive on a daily basis. Stuff always breaks, leaks, needs $$$.
The Miata is the only choice for economy convertibles, imo.
Friend of mine is one of those die hard convertible people, he got an Audi TT convertible, he drove it everywhere everyday, even deep snow. He loves it but it does cost him some considerable money in both the Audi and the convertible top parts. He got it in nearly showroom condition with like 30k miles for a very good price. Some Euro stuff is very affordable in the initial purchase. Sounds like your paying cash, and if you can afford the Euro Car Ownership Payment each month it can be a good idea. Maybe dump $300 a month into that ownership fund.
The Miata is the only choice for economy convertibles, imo.
Friend of mine is one of those die hard convertible people, he got an Audi TT convertible, he drove it everywhere everyday, even deep snow. He loves it but it does cost him some considerable money in both the Audi and the convertible top parts. He got it in nearly showroom condition with like 30k miles for a very good price. Some Euro stuff is very affordable in the initial purchase. Sounds like your paying cash, and if you can afford the Euro Car Ownership Payment each month it can be a good idea. Maybe dump $300 a month into that ownership fund.
Nick1994
$100 site donor 2024
Originally Posted By: rooflessVW
Originally Posted By: Nick1994
Go into a convertible top shop, ask what a rough estimate is to replace the top on any convertible car, then tell your wife. See if she still wants to buy a car without a roof.
Cry me a river. Not all convertible tops are difficult DIYs, and not all tops will go bad within the "life" of the car. Ofnyou don't need a top for 15-20 years, well, I think that's ok. Not all convertible tops are even fabric.
When's the last time YOU replaced a convertible top? Quit fear mongering, and move along.
You're a boutique car mechanic, so your opinion is biased. The average consumer isn't going to be replacing a convertible top themselves. The OP is asking for a car that is <$10k, which means an older car. Which means the top is getting older.
Originally Posted By: Nick1994
Go into a convertible top shop, ask what a rough estimate is to replace the top on any convertible car, then tell your wife. See if she still wants to buy a car without a roof.
Cry me a river. Not all convertible tops are difficult DIYs, and not all tops will go bad within the "life" of the car. Ofnyou don't need a top for 15-20 years, well, I think that's ok. Not all convertible tops are even fabric.
When's the last time YOU replaced a convertible top? Quit fear mongering, and move along.
You're a boutique car mechanic, so your opinion is biased. The average consumer isn't going to be replacing a convertible top themselves. The OP is asking for a car that is <$10k, which means an older car. Which means the top is getting older.
Originally Posted By: Nick1994
Originally Posted By: rooflessVW
Originally Posted By: Nick1994
Go into a convertible top shop, ask what a rough estimate is to replace the top on any convertible car, then tell your wife. See if she still wants to buy a car without a roof.
Cry me a river. Not all convertible tops are difficult DIYs, and not all tops will go bad within the "life" of the car. Ofnyou don't need a top for 15-20 years, well, I think that's ok. Not all convertible tops are even fabric.
When's the last time YOU replaced a convertible top? Quit fear mongering, and move along.
You're a boutique car mechanic, so your opinion is biased. The average consumer isn't going to be replacing a convertible top themselves. The OP is asking for a car that is div>
Ok let's talk high-side. A new top for a Z3 (needed if the original owner has not cared for it) will run you about $2500 installed at a BMW service center. A top for a first gen Beetle is about $1200. Late-model Cabrio (00's) about the same.
When you realize that you're buy a nearly 20 year old car that needs a top (gasp) you will also realize that the new top will go at least 20 years if cared for.
The investment becomes minimal if you are planning to keep the car. $2500 over 20 years isn't much in the grand scheme of things.
If you're buying a car and planning to dump it after a few years (many first time convertible owners do this) then get a car with a good top and don't worry about it.
It's not like late model convertibles need new tops every 5 or even 10 years. This isn't the 60's/70's anymore.
Originally Posted By: rooflessVW
Originally Posted By: Nick1994
Go into a convertible top shop, ask what a rough estimate is to replace the top on any convertible car, then tell your wife. See if she still wants to buy a car without a roof.
Cry me a river. Not all convertible tops are difficult DIYs, and not all tops will go bad within the "life" of the car. Ofnyou don't need a top for 15-20 years, well, I think that's ok. Not all convertible tops are even fabric.
When's the last time YOU replaced a convertible top? Quit fear mongering, and move along.
You're a boutique car mechanic, so your opinion is biased. The average consumer isn't going to be replacing a convertible top themselves. The OP is asking for a car that is div>
Ok let's talk high-side. A new top for a Z3 (needed if the original owner has not cared for it) will run you about $2500 installed at a BMW service center. A top for a first gen Beetle is about $1200. Late-model Cabrio (00's) about the same.
When you realize that you're buy a nearly 20 year old car that needs a top (gasp) you will also realize that the new top will go at least 20 years if cared for.
The investment becomes minimal if you are planning to keep the car. $2500 over 20 years isn't much in the grand scheme of things.
If you're buying a car and planning to dump it after a few years (many first time convertible owners do this) then get a car with a good top and don't worry about it.
It's not like late model convertibles need new tops every 5 or even 10 years. This isn't the 60's/70's anymore.
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