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The TR is not much of a problem, except CA gas ate my carb jet o-rings.
The Scout needs some rust repair that is waiting on time and money. Before that it ran great!
To get back to the OP, I have always had a 'thing' for BMWs but could never afford the right one. I would vote for the Bimmer, but that is my biased opinion.
Until recently, all of my daily drivers for the past 10+ years have been convertible two-seaters. My ex had a "sensible" car, which was the deal we made long before we got married. Now that I am single again, I decided to get a "big" car. I hate it. I need something open air, but I'd like something more practical than a two-seater.
I'm really torn on what to buy. I want to stay under $10K because A) I don't want to make payments. B) I already have a "toy" car that I would rather devote "car money" to. So, here are the criteria
* At least some excuse for a rear seat that could hold stuff or maybe small children.
* Somewhat reliable. I work from home, so I don't commute, but I don't want to spend a fortune on repairs on a regular basis.
* Not boring
* Available with a manual transmission is a big plus
I'm considering the following:
Mid-late '90s BMW 3-series
Saab 900 or 9-3
Jeep Wrangler
Dark horse: Porsche 944 or 968 Cabriolet
I've had bad experiences in the past with Mustangs and Chryslers, so I'm not really interested in either.
Anybody have any input? I'd love something with a bit of character.
Thanks!
-Paul
Just now saw this thread. Curious, what did you decide upon, if anything yet?
One suggestion, that didn't see here, and is not for everyone, but did you consider Celica or a Supra convertibles?
I've a '92 Celica - coupe, not a convertible, but does have moonroof
,,,and,,,
A soon to be proud owner of a '99 Celica 5-speed convertible
Had eyes on a '93 Supra, but the semi-practical side of me went for the '99 Celica instead.
Anyhow, can find Celicas for under 10k, they are very reliable [my '92 has 250k miles, gets 30 mpg, just minor repairs, etc.] and is quite fun & sporty to drive - its no 'vette, etc, but does handle and go quite good . Oh, and there is a decent rear seat, and fairly good sized trunk - not a sedan, but for size of the car, and what they are, size there is good.
Good luck finding a Solara for that price point...my mom's been searching for a while, and can't seem to find them for under 15-17k...although they may be "newer" than what you'd be looking at...not sure.
My favorite convertible is the late 90's Porsche Boxster, which I can find all day on Craigslist or Cars for under 10k...typical prices for older used models with less than 100k miles is about $9k.
Z3 would also be a good suggestion as stated.
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. Oh, and there is a decent rear seat, and fairly good sized trunk - not a sedan, but for size of the car, and what they are, size there is good.
