HELP: WIfey wants a convertible that seats 4

So the wife wants a convertible. Who am I to say no when I myself have 3 Mercedes and a Conquest

She is leaning towards a 4 seater. I know they don't actually fit 4 people but she wants to be able to have the option of driving the car when she has our 4 year old son and a bit more space to carry things that woman carry. We've never owned a convertible though, so there's our problem. I don't know what to really look for and what models are reliable etc. We're also leaning towards more luxury type cars from the mid 2000's.

Here are the options we've come across:

• E46 M3 Convertible SMG

• E90 3 Series

• 1 Series

• Lexus SC430 (ugly to me unless its lowered with wheels and the right color (black or red))

Wild Cards: - Jaguar XK8 (I don't know why, but they are appealing)

• Mercedes W209 CLK (CLK63 AMG??? )

• Mercedes R230 SL500 (2 seat but damn beautiful enough to be worth the sacrifice)

Opinions, thoughts, experiences?

It's a true 4-seater at least.

This is easy....two Miatas.

Here's your easy button:

Datsun1500 wrote:

+1. These are going for CHEAP now.

Also interested in this topic, the E46 is too old for me. The E90 convertibles are very high on the list. Anyone have experience with the E90 convertible?

Might not quite be luxury, but much cheaper on the maintenance front than a Mercedes/BMW and you could likely have a nice V8 car for the same money as the other things you have listed.

My wife has a Solara convertible. Its had no problems (tires and brakes), but it isn't exactly soul stirring. I swear I think it needs the computer re-flashed or something. We test drove an older model with much higher mileage that seemed to drive much better.

Best 4 seater convertible. Not a premium name but hey it does the job well.

I came hoping for Murano convertible content and was not disappointed.

10/10 would view again.

Thay Nissan is hideous lol. No, thanks on the cutlass unless its an 80s, cant do two Miatas. Would not workout for the kid.

I'm leaving towards an e90 or 1series. With the e46 m3 after that.

This would be my picks. You can actually fit people with legs in the back seats of these.

Eos would be the answer, If you could ever bring myself to recommending an Eos to someone.

What's that Saab?

yupididit wrote: Thay Nissan is hideous lol. No, thanks on the cutlass unless its an 80s, cant do two Miatas. Would not workout for the kid. I'm leaving towards an e90 or 1series. With the e46 m3 after that.

Yes, that was the point. Most 4-seat 'verts aren't the most useful or elegant and the back seat folks either look like a dictator or are miserable due to wind buffeting.

Probably best to compromise with a vehicle that offers a large dual-panel sunroof, etc with 4-real seats at a minimum.

A Fiat 500 Convertible or the 500L with the large sunroof fits the bill:

There's always the 4 door, 4 seat AWD for foul weather option from Subaru

pillarless windows look weird with the top down though, I'd go Murano instead if I were in the market.

In reply to yupididit:

It is a last generation 9-3. My Dad has an 06 that he really likes.

That is an 08+ Saab 9-3. my mother bought one 2 years ago it has been trouble free. My wife drives a 2010 9-3 sedan they are very good cars for the money.

I came in here because I'm shopping for a 4 seat 'vert too. But alas, your budget is well above mine. A nice E36 is as far as I can stretch.

Comedy Option: If ride quality has zero priority (or you're willing to dump $7k into the suspension with King shocks, air bumps, custom springs and a watts link conversion) and a true superleggera is desired - 2012+ Wrangler (Unlimited).

WTF to the 'vert WRX!

I'm surprised that nobody has mentioned the C70 yet. Gen 1 or Gen 2, both are nice, safe, relatively roomy convertibles.

In reply to Petrolburner:

Rusted_Busted_Spit wrote: In reply to yupididit: It is a last generation 9-3. My Dad has an 06 that he really likes.

Thanks will look into it.