I'm looking at 4 seat convertibles to take the family out in. Here's the thing, there's not that many of them and fewer that meet my requirements and I need ideas of where to look.
Needs: 4 actual seats that fit humans (looking at you 911)
Modern enough to be safe to put kids in
Decent on a back road. I don't need a scalpel but a Sebring isn't gonna work
Not a money pit. I'm familiar with German cars and not afraid but I have a job and other things that require my time. I can't be in the garage every weekend. All work will be done by me
Not a Mustang or Camaro. I can't be that guy. Around here they are rentals or worse
Wants-
Manual. I really want a manual but will consider an automatic if the rest of the package is interesting enough
I would prefer NA but will consider a turbo if the package is interesting enough
Candidates so far
128i/328i, 135i/335i considered if I can be convinced they aren't hand grenades. Looking at the E93 generation 3 series. I've owned BMWs in the past (2x E36) and they drank cash. Would these be any better?
911, maybe I can squeeze them back there....
Saab 9-3, my wife thinks they're hideous but I like the quirky nature. Bonus points for being safe
XK/XK8/XKR, not sure about these. The last XK is really a beautiful car, the previous are a little odd but maybe I could make it work
What else should I be looking at?
wae
UltimaDork
5/28/24 10:53 p.m.
How bad is the back seat of a Toyota Solara convertible?
LanEvo
Dork
5/28/24 11:11 p.m.
In reply to spandak :
The E90 is fine as long as you stick with normally aspirated models. The turbocharged direct-injected drivetrains are money pits.
Easy button is a Wrangler.
In reply to Steve_Jones :
This was on my list actually. Not much of a canyon car but off-roading is fun too
You want safe? Look at the Volvo C70. Can be had with a manual too but is hard to find.
B8 Audi A5 or S5 convertible. 6-speed manual available and your choice of 2.0T, 3.0SC, or 4.2 V8 powerplant. Four real seats, airbags, and real AWD.
2010-2015 Lexus is250c
Think BMW 3-series ala Lexus.
Three piece retractable hardtop steals trunk space but makes for a nice, year round coupe. Has a rear seat but it's cramped. The smaller the front seat occupants, the better the rear seat legroom.
Not this exact car, but something along this avenue? Suspension tweaks are readily available for these.
STM317
PowerDork
5/29/24 7:55 a.m.
You can get cabrio versions of the Mercedes C, E and S class depending on size of backseat and budget. They haven't made any manuals in a long time though.
STM317
PowerDork
5/29/24 7:58 a.m.
Minis might have more backseat room than something like a 911, and you can get the S or even the JCW in a convertible. Much easier to find with a manual trans too.
buzzboy
UltraDork
5/29/24 8:02 a.m.
Steve_Jones said:
Easy button is a Wrangler.
Honestly, they handle better than you'd expect and can be made to handle better relatively easily. Skyjacker does a lowering kit...
I recently picked up a 6spd Saab 9-3 with the 2.0 engine.
I've really like driving it so far. Both my kids are around 5' tall and fit in the back, I don't think they would want to do a long drive in it though.
The hydraulic cylinders leak so the top in now in manual only mode which is not very convenient. You have to do about 3-4 steps including get out of the car, back in the car, back out of the car to put the top down.
I wouldn't say it is fast but it is still fun to drive.
Yeah, there’s something about an American cruiser. Fit some fresh shocks and tires and enjoy.
Miata limo
Range Rover Evoque
Nissan Murano Cabrio
none of these are manual transmissions (or even good ideas)
2018 Lexus LC500.
Pro: V8 seats 4
Con: heavy, no stick, $65,000
2009 Infiniti G37 hardtop convertible
Pros: Manual available, RWD, seats 4
Cons: ?
Nissan Murano Convertible
Pros: It's so ugly that other drivers will steer clear of you so that the ugliness doesn't infect their cars.
Cons: Just look at it, it's so ugly, crappy CVT, wheelchair parking hangtag required to be hung from rear view mirror at all times, ugly.
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Of all the cars listed so far, I really like the idea of the E93 M3 vert, S5 vert and the Mini, wierdly... 1 series BMW is TINY in the back seat, I'd caution against that one... E93 hard tops are super cool, but there are a zillion moving parts and top failures are pretty common, and the manual override is painstakingly brutal to undertake IMHO. But if you speak fluent German, the E93 M3 vert is a hard combo to beat- Intoxicating V8 sounds, 6 speed, usable back seats, can be found under $20k now if you're patient and willing to travel for one.
Appleseed said:
Mustang
Just curious: are you telling him he should get a mustang, in spite of him stating he did not want one, or did you just not read that he didn't want one?
('stang was my first thought as well, till I read the whole post)
He should get a mustang because that is what he wants, even though he doesn't.
Get the mustang. Get the V8, put some wheels on it and no one is confusing it with a rental. Especially if you target an 03-04 Cobra.
