Well, my parents are looking at convertibles and roadsters as of late and am trying to brainstorm and get some more ideas as to what direction to go. I'll tell you what they've already looked at and maybe you guys can give me some feedback as to what direction to go...

Honda S2000 -- Thought it was a fun "sport bike on four wheels" but just not for them. Way too small. Sits way too low. They said it was something more for a youngin' like me

Nissan 350Z Roadster -- My dad likes this. I don't. My mom doesn't. They're going to be driving it today, and I think I already know the outcome. It'll be a no. But still, they were looking at it.

BMW 330Cic -- My mom likes this the very best. My dad loves it as well. This is a more practical choice, considering that there are four actual seats...I fit rather comfortably in the back of one. And it is the "ultimate driving machine". Don't most people say the E46 is quite possibly the best BMW ever?

So...what else should they take a look at? Used is good as well. The BMW (a loaded one) is a good indicator of about how "high" they would like to go. I'll also mention that the RL is kind of tempting them as well, just in that it's a great value and that it offers a LOT (and is still quite sporty). The vehicle will primarily be my mothers, so we probably don't want something too hard core (like the S2000). They want something really fun and sporty, topless, and still luxurious; a well balanced convertible/roadster.

Thanks for the help! I look forward to hearing what you guys have to say.

 

Maybe a used Lexus SC430?

 

330CI convertible hands down. My mom absolutely loves hers and I was surprised how much fun it was to drive.

The 350Z and S2000 are nice, but can't compare to the BMW in my opinion.

 

Yes...this was another possibility. My dad kind of likes it. Though it concerns him that all he sees driving it are "old farts"--which is somewhat true. My mom just thinks it's ugly. But I think if they drove it, another story might be told.

I'll see if I can get them to go drive one.


I feel the same way (though I haven't driven either)...

 

Z4, SLK, TT, Boxster...These are more along the roadster type you are looking for that are not too harsh and have some luxuary.

330Cic, A4 convert., CLK convert, these are just convertable versions of coups and sedans, not sure if thats what your looking for.

 

I guess that also rules out the Ford Thunderbird.

How 'bout a Mini Cooper?

 

fwiw: one of my neighbors who is probably no more than 30 drives an sc300. Maybe a used XLR? (I'm not sure how much they go for used)

 

SLK350


AirScarf > *

 

out of the choices you posted... I would go for the bmw for the rents.. if it was for you...S2K

 

A friend has one of the MB convert's, not sure of the exact model, and he has had nothing but problems. Their build quality sucks for a 50k car.

 

Toyota Solara convertible? Poor man's SC430..

 

 

330CI!!!

my uncles got one and it can comfortably seat 2 people in the back...i was actually surprised at the leg room. has decent speed and the handling is GOOD

 

No on the Solara. It's just that--a poor man's SC430 imitation and nothing more. They'd probably go ahead with an SC before the Solara.

 

If they can afford the SC, I would go with that...If not, the Solara is a good choice, especially for an older couple...I believe it is one of the best made convertibles on the market now. But again, if they can afford the SC, I would take that...If not, a 645 or SL500 is my better pick of nice 'verts...

 

I personally would go with the SC430, it is a really refined car and is loaded with awesome features, I am a little biased as it is the car that I bought my parents for their 50th anniv. They love it, and while the back seat is not huge by any means if you squeeze enough you can probably fit. In my opinion you got the most bang for the buck with the Lexus.

 

Ventilated seats > Air scarf > the rest, maybe.

 

SLK or Z4. The 330ci is going to become outdated as soon as they apply the new body style onto the coupe variant.

 

True. But 3-series convertibles always are classic looking and don't really go out of style. Further, they hold their value incredibly well.

The Z4 has some quality niggles that really bother me and further, it's "too low" as my parents say, and further, is a little big ugly. The SLK, on the other hand, is something they may have to go check out.

 

I like the A4 Cabriolet. In fact, it's one of the only convertibles I'd ever drive.

A lot of these cars you're mentioning are cars for a younger crowd. I don't know why, but I don't see a middle-aged couple cruising around in a 350Z. And the 330ci is very ''25-year-old metrosexual'' style to me. Maybe it's just based on what I usually see.