TTAC Commentator Ronman writes:
Hi Sajeev and Steve, hope all is well. I have a query for a friend. He is a photographer in California, and has recently felt the urge to buy a convertible. His requirements are kind of eclectic with a sort of tight budget.
Here it goes: he wants a convertible so that he can enjoy the sun in his neck of the woods, he wants one that drives well with some decent power and with the top down he would like to be able to use the car for tracking shots and the like. He would prefer a hardtop for safety reasons (theft) as some of his gear might be in the car at times. Also since his budget spans from 12 to 16k, he would prefer the used car he is going to ultimately buy not be a pocket burner in terms of maintenance. So a model that can be acquired with extended warranties would be preferable.
He’s already tested a 2002 SLK280, but he’s wondering what would be nicer on the mid term, the SLK, a similar vintage Boxter, or Audi TT convertible. I had advised him about the presence of the Honda S2000, Mazda MX5 (he said it’s too girly), and the Pontiac Solstice or Saturn equivalent (not sure if those slot in the budget) however he did mention that if it’s worthwhile he would try to up his budget somewhat. a 2 seater convertible is not a strict thing but it is preferable. So what do you and the B&B think?
Tagged as Boxster, Convertible, honda s2000, kappas, Miata, MX-5, New Or Used?, pontiac solstice, SLK, TT, value engineering
Recent Comments
mkirk - Guess they limit it to so called developing markets then.
Beerboy12 - That is an unnecessarily unpleasant comment but while we are at it, get serious and drive naked!
tresmonos - I think it evolved from necessity (modding FWD penalty boxes). All I could afford in high school was a 1991 stripped cavalier (only option...
mkirk - See the Toyota 1FZ-FE. It was the successor to the Toyota F series six which was similar in use and longevity to the 300 and was in itself pretty much a metric copy...
RobertRyan - No it does not. but Ford Australia had a lot to do with it’s development.
mkirk - Don’t go bashing Tempos around here…they have a following rivaled only by the Panther and the Brown Diesel Wagon cults. The Contour SVT was the true...
mkirk - Does Australia get the global Ranger based SUV? I think it is called the Everest or something. I used to see them around Kandahar. Not as refined a vehicle I...
Crabspirits - I’m kind of an “old wrench” on the early import stuff. I got into it around 93′ in Japan. A lot of the cars we...
Hummer - Let me restate that first one, For the US it is no longer the chief exporter.
mkirk - The GM Atlas six was by all accounts a great motor saddled with a mediocre vehicle to pull around. I thought there were issues with inline sixes and emissions due...