Hers the situation: my uncle wants to replace his 2003 Saab 9-3 convertible, and is currently "in the market." Basically, he's looking for something that has a folding top, a certain degree of luxury to it (an S2000 probably wouldn't cut it for example), and most importantly fun and engaging to drive - a "unique" experience he says. Budget: 45k - 55k give or take a lil. BTW, number of seats doesn't matter.

So far on the list is
1.New E90 convertible (would have to wait a year or so, price is questionable)
2. E46 convertible (could probably get a good deal on one of those)
3. Pre-certified NSX (definetely has the "unique" and "fun" factors)

Rejected from List:
1. CLK - kinda bloated and lacking driver involvement
2. A4 - drove it, said it was nice, but nothing extraordinary

Any suggestions from the gurus?

 

S4 Vert? Might pack the punch the A4 was lacking

350Z Grand Touring Vert?

SLK55?

 

S4 vert pushes 60k right? This thing any fun to drive - anybody here have one?

SLK55 pushes 60k too i think. Reliability/Quality issues with Merc lately? Would be a blast to drive thouggh.

350z vert looks "ungainly" without the fastback sloping profile. The ass just kinda sticks out., And its kinda lacking in luxo/status depatment.

Appreciate the sugestions. Keep em coming

 

Well 55,000 shuts out an M3 convertible unless you get a used one. I would go with a Boxster or the new M roadster coming out later this fall.

 

SLK55 is about 65,000+.

 

One more thing. The E90 wont be less than 60,000 for the M3. The normal 330 will push 55,000 when all the bells and whistles are throw in.

 

you talking the 335 right? And they've confirmed that it will have a folding hardtop? Any ideas on when its being released?

 

Gav would know better than I would but I still think that its going to be a 330 since the sedan is staying that way. Yes, it will have a folding hardtop and its supposed to be unveiled late this fall or early next spring from what I've read.

In my opinion your uncles best bet might be the next M roadster. Not a whole bunch of details yet but it sounds really, really good. Supposedly around 340-345hp.

 

C6 Vert??

 

The Cross Fire convertible is nice, & you can get it in a 6 speed.

 

ehhh, old technology and frame leads to mediocre handling and quality.

 

At least test drive one. I know a few guys that own them & they are very happy.

 

The SRT-6 Crossfire sounds like a nice car......


And the C6 vert.........

 

luxo/status factor is kinda missing in these rides though. An SRT-6 uses an old slk platform anyways. I'd rather take a gander at a SLK55amg than the SRT. C6 doesnt have a whole lot of lux going for it either, great car, but not what i think he has in mind.

I was checking out the existing E46 M3 on BMW site. Can be had for around 61k MSRP with nav, heated seats, xenons, park distance control, etc, basically all useful options. Any chance getting one for under MSRP given the fact that this is the last year of the body style?

Oh, sorry to throw things off, but according to him, now he tellls me that something with space for 4 would be "preferable," - not a must but would be nice.

At this point I'm thinking
S4 vert or
E46 M3 vert or
the new E90 330ci vert (since the E90 M3 will cost more than the current one) or
CLK55 AMG vert - anyone know anything about this one? Fun to drive? THe non amg versions look kinda bland - lacks the presence of the old CLK.

Thanks for the suggestions, keep em coming.

EDit: Lexus SC430?

 

Parents had an SC430. Great car but it is very bland and the back seat is useless. I drove an CLK55 a few months ago and it was a blast, but the vert reaches 80,000 with some options.

With the new stuff, I would go with the M3. The S4 is nice but it just doesnt compare to the M.

 

Jaguar XK Convertible

 

Now THERE is a car where the backseats are utterly worthless

 

Plenty of room there in the back seat

 

Well if we are talking new, the CLK55 Vert is way out of your budget (that car is $80k all day). What is in your budet is the CLK500, nice car but is based off of the Cclass. The interior is a little low rent for a car at its $ range. For 06, the car is getting a minor front and rear redo (which gives the car a more aggressive appearance).

The M3 Cab. is definitely in the running, great car......fun to drive (more engaging than the CLK), but a little on the heavy side. Who the hell knows when the E90 is coming out.

S4.....Nice car, exclusive, little plain looking, very heavy, AWD (if you consider that a benefit).

 

get a low mileage 03-04 M3 cab!

it will have a little bit of everything you will need...

sidemarker

 

wow, totally forgot bout this option, the jag is a tight car, but is a little dated. An XKR version would be SWEET, but im guessing thats definetely gonna push it over 60k. And the nav in the jag leaves a lot to be desired.

 

why was/is the SC430 "bland"? Not fun to drive? Took a look at one today (didnt drive it though) and came away very impressed at the interior - what an unparalled quality of fit and finish in the interior. wow. exterior is polarizing but at least its different. Wheels are horrendous - like damn plates, but those can easily be changed out.

 

any pics of this redesigned CLK out yet?

You bring up a good point with the AWD. This guy lives in phili, and I guess he didnt have too much trouble in the winter in the Saab since its FWD. Would driving one of these beasts - M3, CLK and other RWD veicles pose a huge problem in phili during the winter. Anything that winter tires can take care of?

 

It's a great car, just nowhere near as sporty as the other ones being listed. For 65K, I would take an M3 convertible, SLK55, or CLK500 over the SC430.

However, if your uncle is truly sticking to his budget of 55,000, then a used M3 convertible, new S4 convertible, or new 330ci convertible would be the best choices in my mind.

XK8 - High $70,000's
SC430 - $65,000+
SLK55 - $65,000+
CLK500 - $63,000+
New M3 - $61,000+

If he was looking at the Saab then I would say go with the 330ci.

 

/\/\ 3

 

m3 convertible
330ci convertible
Sebring Convertible

 

Mind you these aren't the CLK500.......so not shown with the AMG kit/wheels.

Subtle changes.








2006 CLK55 for reference......rumor is the actual AMG package will come to the States for the standard CLK models.

 

Thanks fr the pics beltfed - the update doesnt look significant enouhgh though, car still doesnt look too aggressive. That combined with a starting price of 55k for a CLK500 means i'm probably gonna put it at the bottom of the list for now.

Thanks for all the input everybody. From what I've heard this is the list I've come up with:

1. BMW M3 Convertible
Pros: Its an M3. Blast to drive. Looks A+. Quality fit and finish.
Cons: Problem with M3's having blown engines. Reliability problems down the road. Rear Wheel Drive might pose a problem in Phili. Little pricey - but he can pick up an precertified one if it comes to that.

2. Audi S4 Cabriolet
Pros: Supposedly a blast to drive. Somewhat more exclusive than an M3. AWD would prove useful in Phili. Top notch interior. Burbly, lusty V8!!!
Cons: Lacks a huge visual punch, although does anyone here know whether the new S4 comes with that huge audi coporate grill? - That would give it a more aggressive look. Probably wont quite be up to M3 handling/ride standards. Reliabilyt problems down the road.

3. Jaguar XK8 or Precertified XKR
Pros: Its a Jag. XKR packs a whopping punch. Comfy interior.
Cons: Dated interior. Exterior is kinda getting along too. Pricey. Navigation is horrendoes. RWD in snow could be a problem. No manual.

4. Lexus SC430 - Precertified prbably.
Pros: Stnning interior. Polarizing styling. Relatively uncommmon. Toyota reliability.
Cons: Kinda underpowered in this company. Sterile driving experience. No manual. RWD might be a problem in the snow.

Can anyone offer any suggestions given this list. Thanks for the input.

EDIT: Whoops a Jag XK anything is pricey $$$. Will probably go precertified if this was ever considered. Would have to consider the SC430 above this.

 

did they make a supra convert???
i would recommend that also

 

So he's decided to go with an Audi 3.2 TT roadster with the DSG gearbox. Fullt loaded apart from navi whihc he feels he doesnt need. He's getting a price of around 47k. MSRP is around 49k. The thing is, an all new TT is on the horizon, so I was hoping that they would be discounted more. Is 47k a Good deal or not?

 

I'm not sure on the price, but I think that would be the very last choice on my list of things to buy