I don't know about the old Boxster but the 987s have proven to be very reliable. I think just two or three days ago the Boxster/Cayman were on the list of MSN Cars most likely to reach 200k miles.

I voted Elise than Boxster with S2k in third.

 

I didn't even know you could get the newer Boxters for <$30k, so I was referring to the old ones.

 

Can you get the new Camaro convertible for under $30k?

 

I was just about to make the same post. Either way, I'm not sure how you can criticize the Porsche for being unreliable and then recommend a friggin Audi in the next sentence...

 

And if you noticed the next sentence said I wouldn't recommend them. I'm just throwing it out there because it fits the OP's criteria.

 

I did notice it, but it seems weird to mention two german cars, a ford, and a chrysler after mentioning reliability.

Don't be sensitive, you have to admit that seems pointless, but that's just my opinion. Besides, Boxster S over any of those cars any day of the week and the specs support that, except maybe the MBZ (I admittedly don't know much about them).

 

S A CHO just got a 2011 Mustang Coupe. Under $30K. Just something to think about.

 

i was in your shoes a few months back..although it was for a D.D. vert. <30k

after months of searching, i eventually fell in love with the Z4 3.0si variant. i ALMOST signed for a 07 3.0si, white on red, for $28k...then decided against going in the CPO route, and leased...im not sure if the Z4 is raw enough to be considered a weekend car though, but it certainly is a great car to get within a 30k budget.

 

no AutoX... prob will be used as more of a cruise vehicle for me and my wife... to be honest, i am going to try my best not to tinker with it... so will most likely keep it stock performance wise and do visual mods (slight drop/lip kit etc)

im scared of p-car maintenance costs... the Germanys really got me scared with their reliability... and i work for them too!!!

 

If you plan to drive it with the top down ALWAYS, 350Z roadster, can get an almost new one for that much (or less then boost)

But, I vote s2000, I've always wanted one. They are such a blast to drive.

BUT, I would trade anything to have my old S13 vert back.

 

Lots of good suggestions and others not so good.

The OP hasn't defined what the car is going to be used for ... Lots of talk about autocrossing and great handling but if he is just going to putter around town and doesn't live anywhere near a road with curves then a goosed-up Miata doesn't make sense to me.

Since you live in Jersey, why not ask Shoofin to help look for a used car for you? It might open up some options that you didn't think of if you're shopping retail.

 

as i said earlier, it is going to be a weekend car to drive around town with me and my wife... the occasional road trip out to the mountains or around the lake just the two of us with the top down...

once i nail down a few of the options and am set on my decision then i will approach Inspector Gadget with sourcing me a car... he helped me decide on my GS 300 vs 400/430 when i was in the market but i am not going to waste his time now when i am just in the decision period based on the model...

 

My bad. I guess everyone went off on a tangent talking about finding you a convertible you could run in drift challenges

Too much Gran Turismo 5 being played by people in Car Talk I guess

 

I know your good friend has a C6 already, but the C6 Vert is has a surprisingly good balance of being a great cruiser and flat out sports car. You can cruise at a 100 mph at a bit over 2000 rpm in 6th (and still pull away from anyone) ; it's pretty impressive. And when your tempted, there is nothing like LS roaring top down fun. Now is a good time to pick up a C6 as I see prices go down in the winter and back up in the spring/summer. I know they are not common but I would ONLY get a Z51 6-speed vert'. Upgraded 6-speed gear ratios, brakes, shocks, sways, tires, oil/trans coolers, ect.

 

 

^^

 

Another thing I would add.....Definitely buy an extended warranty with ANY CONVERTIBLE you buy. P-cars, AMG's, and even C6's can have some costly repairs if things go wrong. Power convertible tops for one can be an expensive thing to fix.....

 

Have any suggestions yourself?

 

Jeez Mom, I'm sorry I wrecked the minivan but do you think you could cut me some slack anyway?

B6/B7 Audi S4 or a VW Eos or a Porsche Boxster or 2011 Mustang V6 Convertible or a S2000 or a 2007-08 BMW Z4M or a 2006 SLK55 or a 2008/09 Audi TT or ...

That good enough for you?

 

911 cab in neils thread?

 

yea i saw that 911 cab... it is tempting...

 

This.

My Wife and I went driving downtown after dinner at PF Changs with the top down on a 65 to 70 degree nite.. That was such a blast! ....no music, just the sound of the wind and the superharger... nothing else compares

 

How about a Mercedes Benz CLK55 AMG convertible? My boss bought one 2 months ago for around mid 20K with around 55-60K miles on it. That thing is absolutely blast to drive and top down looks

This body style.

 

Have to agree the CLK AMG version would be tits. Or if so inclined, a Volvo C70 convertible would be a good car. Reliable, and the newer one is a convertible hard top. The older one can be had cheap, sets 4, and you know it's safe.

 

I used to own a 2003 Toyota MR2 Spyder. Which transmission are you considering? The 5MT or 6SMT?

I had the 6SMT and it was very convenient to use.

Having owned the car, I can safely say that every drive in it was an adventure, even if you are just running errands. There is just something special driving something so small because you feel connected to not only the road itself but the machine itself. True, it was very crude and the engine, since it is mid-engined, was extremely noisy, but no other car I have had thus far has engaged me in driving as much as that car did. I sold it because it was impractical and just taking up space; I did not drive it enough to justify its presence.

Things to watch out for:
My Spyder was extremely reliable but the rotors will rust out faster than normal if not driven. Get a 2003+ model because older models have problems with burning oil and eating pre-cats. Also, 2003+ models have worthwhile engine/chassis modifications that made them a better drive and have a 6SMT over a 5SMT. Make sure the last 8 or so VIN# start with a 63#######. Hmm...the roof top is vinyl-coated fabric and tends to tear around the corners of the rear window and stains easily. Avoid tan because that stains most easily. Other than that, it was cheap to own and maintain. I know that exchanging the engine with a Celica GTS or Toyota V6 makes it a rocket and fairly cheap.

 

try to relax & stop criticizing people trying to help..

 

I would choose among s2000, Sky Redline, e46 M3, or C5 Vette. MR2 is well built and can be fast...but swapping adds cost, and the car is not as pretty in my opinion. The new Z4 is a beautiful car, but probably more than you are wanting to spend.

 

My 911 has been bulletproof. Don't worry about reliability and get cpo for peace of mind.

 

bump...

 

Mustang Cobra or E46 M3

 

both excelent examples

 

We start to see sub 30K$ 2011 Mustang GT convertible. Or a new 2012 V6....300HP is more than enough.... but that V8 sound is endearing.

 

I'd do a 2012 V6 Mustang Vert if 30K is still the budget. If not the GT is calling you.

I'm probably gonna end up in a 5.0. The value cannot be overlooked.

 

teh fuck..

 

Whiskers

 

my buddy has a MR2 Spyder with a Celica GTS motor and that thing is a rocketship

 

Miata...end thread.

Anybody who rips on the Miata or calls it a 'chick car' has never driven one. They are amazingly stupid fun to drive and especially the first gen is so easy and willing to toss around. I love those things.

 

Why not a new/current gen C70? Maybe it's just me but I hate the way convertibles look with the top up.

2ZZ.... the engine it should have come with

Toyota made one stupid move with the MR2 Spyder. Instead of having the somewhat equivalent of a mid-engined S2000, except WAY lighter, they put a damn Corolla engine in it.

 

I think they wanted to try out a SMT, which was likely more reliable with the 1ZZ.


(Being Toyota, they probably didn't want any SMG-type fiascos)

 

Ah, totally slipped my mind... good point

Also realized that they probably didn't want to step on the Lotus's toes... the MR2 Spyder was only a couple hundred pounds or so away from the Elise's curb weight. Would have been awesome to see a 2ZZ/6MT MR2 Spyder.... but no, it faded out into irrelevance