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Thread: Best affordable classic convertible?

  1. #1

    Best affordable classic convertible?

    My wife and I are considering something to bump around in for the summer. We would prefer something with back seats if possible so if one of the kids wants to join, they can.

    I'd prefer the car to be European and have character. My budget is slim at $6,000 USD.

    Any suggestions?

  2. #2
    Master
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    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    Are you buying in the US?

  3. #3
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    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    Saab 99 or 900

  4. #4

    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    Audi Cabriolet from the late 90’s. 8)









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  5. #5
    Master kungfugerbil's Avatar
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    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    Quote Originally Posted by Josh B
    Saab 99 or 900
    Those crazy Europeans never made that many four-seat convertibles :lol:

    The Saab is the best budget 4-seat convertible if buying in the US and $6K gives you plenty of choice. Other options are the Audi as mentioned above, or an early BMW 3-series.

  6. #6

    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    How about a Volvo C70 cabrio? In the UK your budget would buy a nice, late (2004-ish) 2.0T in auto or manual. Lovely looking car in its way with a great interior (I used to have a coupe with a bigger engine), but not the best in class to drive - I understand the convertible has really bad scuttle shake. But not a problem if the roads you drive are smooth...

    They are cheap now too, at least in the UK.

  7. #7
    Grand Master Andyg's Avatar
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    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    In the US I would have thought a Golf (or Rabbit) might do the trick.

    However a Saab 9-3 might be just the answer.

    Andy

    Whoever does not know how to hit the nail on the head should be asked not to hit it at all.
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  8. #8

    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    Triumph Herald. Bit old but lots of character.

  9. #9

    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    These are getting cheap now, still look good today imho they have aged much better than the Audi or Saab


  10. #10
    Master
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    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    Quote Originally Posted by BondandBigM
    These are getting cheap now, still look good today imho they have ages much better than the Audi or Saab

    Excellent value for money if you can find a good one which might be difficult.

  11. #11
    Grand Master Dave+63's Avatar
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    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    MX5, tow rope and a skateboard?

  12. #12

    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    All of the above are very nice, I have Big M's E36 sitting on the drive but that being said "When in Rome"



    I've had a couple of these, completely unsophisticated tyre smoking fun and the V8 growl sounds way better than any old beemer :D

  13. #13
    Grand Master
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    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    A good selection of convertibles in the link below,great for summer or even rainy days :lol: .

    http://www.umbrellaheaven.com/


  14. #14

    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    Older late 80's BMW 3 series - I loved driving a 325i - and the 6 cyclinder is still one of my all time favourite engines.

    I had a golf GTI cabg as my first car and I loved it - but I don't think the were rated quite as highly in the US ;)
    It's just a matter of time...

  15. #15

    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    Quote Originally Posted by Omegamanic

    I had a golf GTI cabg as my first car and I loved it - but I don't think the were rated quite as highly in the US ;)
    This is for sale close by, I was tempted but the one I had before even with a new hood and seals leaked like a sieve.




  16. #16
    Journeyman
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    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    How about a Porsche Boxster? Not sure about the US but here in the UK you can get them from about £4000.



    Still a decent looking car.

  17. #17

    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    Quote Originally Posted by Mikey-r
    How about a Porsche Boxster? Not sure about the US but here in the UK you can get them from about £4000.



    Still a decent looking car.
    Hmm not sure how you get kids in the back of that but good luck trying :lol:

    My suggestion would be a classic VW Beetle Kaarman convertible. Über cool 8)

  18. #18
    Grand Master Foxy100's Avatar
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    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    Forget about the kids and get an MX5.
    "A man of little significance"

  19. #19
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    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    Quote Originally Posted by Casper
    Quote Originally Posted by Mikey-r
    How about a Porsche Boxster? Not sure about the US but here in the UK you can get them from about £4000.



    Still a decent looking car.
    Hmm not sure how you get kids in the back of that but good luck trying :lol:

    My suggestion would be a classic VW Beetle Kaarman convertible. Über cool 8)
    Doh, really must remember to read WHOLE post

  20. #20

    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    :lol: :lol: don't feel bad. I was going to suggest an S2000 :lol:

  21. #21
    Master
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    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    Porsche 968 Cabriolet

  22. #22
    Grand Master Foxy100's Avatar
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    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    Here's a 1930 Morris Minor we took to Classic Le Mans two years ago. It performed valiantly even though it was incredibly hot weather. You might be able to pick up something vintage...





    "A man of little significance"

  23. #23

    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    Not sure how much they would be in the US but a Maserati bi turbo spyder.

    Great fun different, quick and has little seats in the back

  24. #24
    Master Optimum's Avatar
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    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    BMW E30 cabrio?

  25. #25
    Craftsman
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    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    1986-1989 mercedes 300sl r107. Fits exactly your requirements. Looks cool understated.

  26. #26

    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    Mazda MX-5 or Miata as they call it over there :wink:

    A true classic, well built and VERY affordable,especially the first gen models.

  27. #27

    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    Keep the suggestions coming but... remember, looking for something with a back seat. Def would prefer something British rather than Japanese. 8)

  28. #28
    Master kungfugerbil's Avatar
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    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    Quote Originally Posted by 5freddys
    looking for something with a back seat. Def would prefer something British
    Good luck! For a British 4-seater convertible under $6K you will be looking at '50s and '60s really - things like Triumph Heralds/Vitesse, ropey Stag, Morris Minor... things that were never really rated for longevity/reliability and the like! I still think your best bet is go slightly newer and go German. An e30 beemer droptop looks classic and smart, and won't expire on you at a junction like an old Brit car :)

    This looks lovely, well within budget.... http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C282271


  29. #29
    Grand Master number2's Avatar
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    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    Quote Originally Posted by 5freddys
    My wife and I are considering something to bump around in for the summer. We would prefer something with back seats if possible so if one of the kids wants to join, they can.

    I'd prefer the car to be European and have character. My budget is slim at $6,000 USD.

    Any suggestions?
    Age and height of child would be useful,
    Jaguar XJS Convertible?
    Mercedes SL
    BMW 3 Series
    Saab soft top
    Volvo Soft top
    Audi cabriolet,
    i can only speak from experiance of the Audi, Saab, BMW, and Jaguar, and whilst the German cars are clinical, the Saab was fun, only the Jaguar had character, so in my case the choice would be the Jaguar.
    "Once is happenstance. Twice is coincidence. The third time it's enemy action."

    'Populism, the last refuge of a Tory scoundrel'.

  30. #30
    Journeyman
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    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    For the money I think an Audi or BMW cabriolet would be the best bet.

  31. #31

    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    Thanks, gents. Looking into a BMW and Audi. 8)

    I'd LOVE to get my hands on a well sorted TVR someday. :D

  32. #32

    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    I'd LOVE to get my hands on a well sorted TVR someday, LOL so would every TVR owner.
    BMW deff the way to go. so many options in few shells, Audi really more for the man who cant afford a BM and very VW ish not that thats a problem but just not quite BMW or Mercedes.

  33. #33
    Master
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    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    Audi for a man who can't afford a BMW? :lol:

  34. #34
    Craftsman
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    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    Quote Originally Posted by fishman307
    I'd LOVE to get my hands on a well sorted TVR someday, LOL so would every TVR owner.
    BMW deff the way to go. so many options in few shells, Audi really more for the man who cant afford a BM and very VW ish not that thats a problem but just not quite BMW or Mercedes.
    My TVR is well sorted - just cost a small fortune though

  35. #35

    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    Quote Originally Posted by tvralan
    Quote Originally Posted by fishman307
    I'd LOVE to get my hands on a well sorted TVR someday, LOL so would every TVR owner.
    BMW deff the way to go. so many options in few shells, Audi really more for the man who cant afford a BM and very VW ish not that thats a problem but just not quite BMW or Mercedes.
    My TVR is well sorted - just cost a small fortune though
    +1. Plenty of well-sorted ones about, but expect to pay good money for them. :wink:

    R
    Ignorance breeds Fear. Fear breeds Hatred. Hatred breeds Ignorance. Break the chain.

  36. #36
    Master
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    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    Quote Originally Posted by 5freddys
    Keep the suggestions coming but... remember, looking for something with a back seat. Def would prefer something British rather than Japanese. 8)
    In the 70s my parents had an MGB which you may know has a little bench (not a proper seat though) that three of us would cram into. I'm talking roadster here not the GT which does have rear seats.

    You'd probably get life imprisonment here now if you did that :D

    Anyway, haven't read the whole thread, but how about a Triumph Stag? Certainly classic British with 4 seats, bloody unreliable in the day but any survivors will have had the gremlins sorted by now...

  37. #37
    Craftsman
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    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    Chap import a 25 year old (that is the legislation loophole age for non-approved things I think) Land Rover 90 across, and a new chassis! I reckon that fits your budget *just*.

  38. #38

    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    Quote Originally Posted by andrew e
    Chap import a 25 year old (that is the legislation loophole age for non-approved things I think) Land Rover 90 across, and a new chassis! I reckon that fits your budget *just*.
    The bloke is looking for a nice Euro convertible not an old tractor :lol: :lol:

  39. #39
    Grand Master Dave+63's Avatar
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    Best affordable classic convertible?

    What about a Volvo c70?

  40. #40

    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    Quote Originally Posted by Dave+63
    What about a Volvo c70?

    I am looking for something a little more "fun".


    Focused now on a e30 Bimmer. Can anyone recommend a specific model or year?

  41. #41
    Master Optimum's Avatar
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    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    Quote Originally Posted by kungfugerbil
    Quote Originally Posted by 5freddys
    looking for something with a back seat. Def would prefer something British
    Good luck! For a British 4-seater convertible under $6K you will be looking at '50s and '60s really - things like Triumph Heralds/Vitesse, ropey Stag, Morris Minor... things that were never really rated for longevity/reliability and the like! I still think your best bet is go slightly newer and go German. An e30 beemer droptop looks classic and smart, and won't expire on you at a junction like an old Brit car :)

    This looks lovely, well within budget.... http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C282271

    Exactly the one I was thinking of. 8)

  42. #42
    Master kungfugerbil's Avatar
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    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?







    Yep, I'd have that in a flash at 3 and a half grand.

  43. #43
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    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    Quote Originally Posted by 5freddys
    Quote Originally Posted by Dave+63
    What about a Volvo c70?

    I am looking for something a little more "fun".


    Focused now on a e30 Bimmer. Can anyone recommend a specific model or year?
    Re the C70, if you get a T5 and fit a tow bar (reduces scuttle shake to a minimum) you will get more fun than you can handle + more comfort than any of the German ones.

  44. #44

    Re: Best affordable classic convertible?

    how about a R107 series SL?

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