I'm shopping for a new........

[DIAMOND*QUEST]

Howdy- I am shopping for a new car and want opinions on what I should get. The only "must be" is a convertible and under 60,0000.00. I can either have a 2 seater or 4 seater. If you have pics please add them. Thanks a bumch. I haven''t been around lately so it has been nice reading posts and looking at all the new bling bling.

 

[IndiBlue]

That''s any easy question.


MINI Cooper S Convertible. I suggest the manual transmission, but if that''s not your thing- go for the Auto with Steptronics- that way you''ll have the best of both worlds (it is an automatic with the ability for you to shift it as if it''s a manual- Super fun!)

I used to work for MINI and would definitely recommend this car to ANY one looking for a convertible! It''s such a unique convertible- there is nothing like it on the market right now.

The convertible soft top has a built in Sunroof- Cool huh?!? You will also be able to fit your golf clubs as well with the flat folding rear seats.

And don''t worry about Safety the MINI had a great safety rating and they have taken a lot of care to make sure that the convertible is as well. While I worked for MINI we saw a convertible roll over and it was absolutely amazing the top didn''t even come close to buckling. BMW knew what they were doing with this one!

You should definitely test drive on! It''s awesome! They are also not too expensive either- an S Convertible with all the toys should be around 35k.

And the BEST part!!!!! You can order to your liking. The coolest convertible I sold was Chili Red with a black top with matching red and black leather seats! How cool is that?! You can see all the different options at www.MINIusa.com

Attached is a picture of me in a HyperBlue Cooper S! Good luck with your search!

 

[Gemklctr]

The Mini is very nice, but for less than $60K you can get a Porsche Boxster S, a Vette, or a Mercedes CLK350 convertible. A number of us on PS are partial to Porsches, and the new Vette has gotten great reviews (I think Ann gets hers in a couple of weeks). My SIL loves her CLK500. My son, who is a mechanic for Nissan, also raves about the 350Z roadster.

You should drive them all because these types of cars have distinctive personalities. Happy shopping!

 

[DIAMOND*QUEST]

Thanks Indi for the info. I will put it on the list. You look cute in it. I am a little older than you so I may have to see how I look in one. LOL!!!

 

[Erin]

This car is way under $60K but I just love the sexy body style of the Pontiac Solstice.

Front

 

[Erin]

Back

 

[PaulaW]

I vote for the corvette, you won''t get more bang for your buck elsewhere and they are HOT! My dad has the hardtop C6 and it''s nasty. He has the 6 speed and I have to say, it''s a very, very easy car to drive.

 

[PaulaW]

I also have a thing for BMWs... their quality and attention to detail astounds me. We have a 530i in the family also and it''s a beautiful thing. How about the z4?

 

[Gemklctr]

My personal favorite in your price range, the Boxster S:

 

[Dancing Fire]

Date: 2/23/2006 3:09:06 PM
Author: GemKlctr
The Mini is very nice, but for less than $60K you can get a Porsche Boxster S, a Vette, or a Mercedes CLK350 convertible. A number of us on PS are partial to Porsches, and the new Vette has gotten great reviews (I think Ann gets hers in a couple of weeks). My SIL loves her CLK500. My son, who is a mechanic for Nissan, also raves about the 350Z roadster.

You should drive them all because these types of cars have distinctive personalities. Happy shopping!

yep.... that''s the one

i saw an SLK 55 at the dealership last week.

 

[JDgirl]

I''d get a Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible. I LOVE Saabs! They are unique, luxurious, yet sporty, and they last!

http://www.saabusa.com/saabjsp/93c/index.jsp

 

[MsP]

The new Volvo C70 convertible is great... it have a retractible hardtop and is a 4 seater. Really nice... that or a Saab.

 

[marvel]

I just got a convertible BMW 325 and I LOVE IT!! I need a backseat, or I probably would have went for the Z4.

This isn''t my car, but it looks just like this.

 

[Libster]

How exciting!!! I have a 2001 M Roadster Convertible and just love it!!! It''s garaged most of the time and I only have 25K miles on it....

This particular model has a special 315hp engine and not many of them were made. When BMW released the Z4 they decided not to release an "M" version until now. I belive for 2006 or 2007 they will again have the "M" version. Please be sure to check this car out before making a decision....it''s a dream to drive.

I''m going to attempt to attach a pic of mine.

 

[Gemklctr]

I agree, you can''t go wrong with a BMW M model, whether the 3 Series or a Z roadster. I think the new ones may be 350hp or more.

I also expect the SLK 55 would be fun, but I wasn''t thrilled with my old model SLK 320. Even the new SLK 350 is supposed to be improved, but my 320 seemed more like a toy next to a Boxster.

 

[DIAMOND*QUEST]

Testing a 330Ci this weekend. I think the beemer is gonna be the one!!!!!

 

[Dancing Fire]

Date: 2/24/2006 9:42:23 AM
Author: GemKlctr
I agree, you can''t go wrong with a BMW M model, whether the 3 Series or a Z roadster. I think the new ones may be 350hp or more.

I also expect the SLK 55 would be fun, but I wasn''t thrilled with my old model SLK 320. Even the new SLK 350 is supposed to be improved, but my 320 seemed more like a toy next to a Boxster.

GK
the SLK 55 has 365hp

with retractible hardtop.

 

[Gemklctr]

Date: 2/24/2006 10:02:43 AM
Author: Dancing Fire

Date: 2/24/2006 9:42:23 AM
Author: GemKlctr
I agree, you can''t go wrong with a BMW M model, whether the 3 Series or a Z roadster. I think the new ones may be 350hp or more.

I also expect the SLK 55 would be fun, but I wasn''t thrilled with my old model SLK 320. Even the new SLK 350 is supposed to be improved, but my 320 seemed more like a toy next to a Boxster.

GK
the SLK 55 has 365hp

with retractible hardtop.

I loved the retractable hardtop, except for the fact that it renders the trunk almost useless when down (though the new version may be better). You''re right about the hp, and with the AMG suspension it should drive much better than mine did. However, although I couldn''t find a price on Edmunds I believe it is more than DQ''s $60K budget.

 

[eks6426]

All those convertibles look like fun...but a girl''s got to ask...What kind of diamond can you get for $60K?

 

[Gemklctr]

Date: 2/24/2006 9:46:18 AM
Author: DIAMOND*QUEST
Testing a 330Ci this weekend. I think the beemer is gonna be the one!!!!!

Good luck with it. One of my partners has an early 2000s model and is very happy with it.

All those convertibles look like fun...but a girl''s got to ask...What kind of diamond can you get for $60K?

Island dreams, i''vebeen wondering when someone would make that point.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Date: 2/24/2006 10:46:53 AM
Author: GemKlctr

Date: 2/24/2006 10:02:43 AM
Author: Dancing Fire

Date: 2/24/2006 9:42:23 AM
Author: GemKlctr
I agree, you can''t go wrong with a BMW M model, whether the 3 Series or a Z roadster. I think the new ones may be 350hp or more.

I also expect the SLK 55 would be fun, but I wasn''t thrilled with my old model SLK 320. Even the new SLK 350 is supposed to be improved, but my 320 seemed more like a toy next to a Boxster.

GK
the SLK 55 has 365hp

with retractible hardtop.

I loved the retractable hardtop, except for the fact that it renders the trunk almost useless when down (though the new version may be better). You''re right about the hp, and with the AMG suspension it should drive much better than mine did. However, although I couldn''t find a price on Edmunds I believe it is more than DQ''s $60K budget.

the dealership mark up was 5k over sticker,i think the asking price was like $82k

i couldn''t afford one

just taking a peek inside the showroom,when my friend was picking up some parts for his E 55.

 

[DIAMOND*QUEST]

All those convertibles look like fun...but a girl''s got to ask...What kind of diamond can you get for $60K?

Probably a pretty nice one. Maybe I will just get a 10-speed. LOL

 

[Ann]

Vette!

My baby was born Feb. 6th. Should have her soon!!

 

[Dancing Fire]

Date: 2/24/2006 2:25:40 PM
Author: Ann
Vette!

My baby was born Feb. 6th. Should have her soon!!

Ann

i remember

your mid-life crisis upgrade.

hope you get it soon and post some pics.

 

[EdSkinner]

I have a real classic for sale: a 1992 dodge caravan!!! Only 128,000 orginal miles on the engine! Complete with AM/FM cassette, air conditioning, a full sized spare, power stearing, broken automatic transmission. I''m not pulling your leg when I say that this baby is loaded!!!! I know it isn''t a rag top, but think of all the eyes that will turn when you pull this bling machine into valet parking at the club!!!!!!! You will be the envy of every member!!! I can let you have it for $59,999.00. And if you pay with cash, I''ll throw in a Linen scented air freshner free of charge.

 

[marvel]

Did you do any test driving this weekend? I''m curious to know what you thought and if you made any *major* purchase? Do tell!

 

[LaurenThePartier]

I LOOOOOOVE my TT Roadster! The new engine is the VW R32 engine and drivetrain, and it''s just a fabulous drive!

 

[DIAMOND*QUEST]

I drove the 330ci which was fabulous and also the Audi Cabriolet. Both are awesome, but I am leaning toward the Bmw. I want to go drive a Mercedes. My first car was a Mercedes 280se. My father reburbished the 1971 "boat" for me as a high school graduation gift in 1982. It was awesome, but of course we spent alot of time in the shop. My hubby is not so keen on a small car and wants a Range Rover, but aren't they on the least reliable list? ANN- when do you get your vette? what color ect?

 

[just_looking!]

Hi Libster!!

We also have a bmw z3 M but in M blue. Aren''t heated seats great?!! We use them loads during the winter as we drive pretty much everywhere with the top down. We live in the middle east where you assume that no sane person could ever need heated seats but I couldn''t get a convertible without them now. The only time we fit the hard top is in the height of summer when it''s 48deg C and 90% humidity.

 

[marvel]

Date: 2/27/2006 3:41:18 PM
Author: just_looking!
Hi Libster!!

We also have a bmw z3 M but in M blue. Aren't heated seats great?!! We use them loads during the winter as we drive pretty much everywhere with the top down. We live in the middle east where you assume that no sane person could ever need heated seats but I couldn't get a convertible without them now. The only time we fit the hard top is in the height of summer when it's 48deg C and 90% humidity.

The best thing since sliced bread

...I'm in So. Cal. and use them all the time!