Looking for ideas - inexpensive vintage convertible

[JParm]

Just beginning my search for a fun vintage-ish weekend car, preferably in the $10-20k range.

Have always been a fan of the Jaguar E-type, but that's way (WAY) out of the price range. I'm been looking at things like an Alfa Romeo Spider or maybe even an MG, but that's just a starting point.

Interested to see what you all have / had / any ideas on other models I should be thinking about. Also, what should I watch out for if I were to go down the Alfa Romeo route.

As a reference, below the Solstice that we used to own and took along the PCH a few years back. It was my wife's car and I loved the look, but hated the sluggishness of it. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on what to get next, and pics are always appreciated!

[rmagoo57]

Howz about a 2013 ish Mustang Convertible? You can bring the youngins along for the ride too.

[Watchflair]

Based on your pics I see you have two kids - you need a 4 seater -

Porsche 911? early 2000's model can be had in that range.
American muscle - Mustang or Camaro?
Not a sports car but meets the convertible aspect - Jeep Wrangler

[JParm]

Originally Posted by rmagoo57

Howz about a 2013 ish Mustang Convertible? You can bring the youngins along for the ride too.

Thanks - just personally not into the 2000's mustangs.

Originally Posted by Watchflair

Based on your pics I see you have two kids - you need a 4 seater -

Porsche 911? early 2000's model can be had in that range.
American muscle - Mustang or Camaro?
Not a sports car but meets the convertible aspect - Jeep Wrangler

I've thought hard about a 911, but worry about upkeep / reliability. Not into muscle cars really. The Wrangler is another option - our 5 yr old loves Jeeps, but that's another reliability question for me.

Though, those two probably aren't any less reliable than an 80's Alfa...I think? I obviously know nothing about cars.

[El Patron]

1996 XJS, really smooth and they are on the way up in value, classic design with most modern features. This is my wife’s car, I have a blue and a light sage green with the updated XJR wheels..






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[Knappo 1307]

I have to laugh, and enviously BTW, how are you going to enjoy a weekend car when you are never home on the weekends?
My vote would be a Jeep Wrangler, given where you live, close to the beach, and have kids.....

[330ci]

I love my 330ci, you could easily get a well sorted E46 M3 in your price range.

[JParm]

Originally Posted by El Patron

1996 XJS, really smooth and they are on the way up in value, classic design with most modern features. This is my wife’s car, I have a blue and a light sage green with the updated XJR wheels..

That's a great look car - love the shot with the kiddo in front! Adding that to the watch list.

Originally Posted by Knappo 1307

I have to laugh, and enviously BTW, how are you going to enjoy a weekend car when you are never home on the weekends?
My vote would be a Jeep Wrangler, given where you live, close to the beach, and have kids.....

I literally laughed out loud at this.

[.brian.]

Define "vintage"

BMW Z3/Z4
Porsche Boxter
Miata
Corvette
Lexus SC430
Mercedes SL/CLK

[HippoPAPAmus]

Wranglers are a blast, highly customizable and can be had new or CPO for a very reasonable price (and with a factory warranty so there is nothing to worry about). I also know they come in a color we both enjoy.









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[HippoPAPAmus]

A mid-2000s SL500 could also be a good option. While amazing, the hydraulic suspension can be tricky and expensive though so you want to get one that has already had it replaced or make sure you know an honest mechanic and factor in a few grand for when the issue inevitably arises.


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[gnuyork]

If you want an inexpensive, low maintenance, worry free, peppy, fun car, I would recommend a Miata (in any form). It's not rocket fast, but it's fun to drive and handles superbly. I own the ND version and have driven an NB version. You can do some light tuning and upgrade exhaust to enhance sound and performance or go crazy and drop a Corvette V8 in it.

I love the looks and style of the NA version. Just classic much like the car that is was modeled after - the Lotus Elan. I'm tempted to pick up a white NA with a tan top...but I'm out of garage space as it is.

This video has sold me on the idea of tuning my ND down the road (after warranty runs out, maybe sooner?)... Nothing too extreme, but enough to give it some British roadster character.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyhSMbQ_wfo

[themast]

I will say it: Maserati Spyder.

I don't own one but I have been researching them and from what I could understand the main maintenance item is the clutch on the CambioCorsa. If you can stomach a $4,000 new clutch every ~20,000 miles, that car would tick a lot of boxes for me. Giugiaro classic design, Ferrari V8, nice leather interiors.

[Rashid.bk]

A Fiat 124 Spider Abarth.

[Watchflair]

Originally Posted by El Patron

1996 XJS, really smooth and they are on the way up in value, classic design with most modern features. This is my wife’s car, I have a blue and a light sage green with the updated XJR wheels..






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Gorgeous car but from a reliability and repair cost stand point it's terrible

[Blansky]

My issue with some of the traditional sports cars is after driving SUVs, that they sit sooo low and seem kind of dangerous. But they do look fun.

Chrysler made the Crossfire and the Prowler.

There are the Brit ones like MG and Austin Healey

This is an interesting link though...

http://bestride.com/news/five-amazin...s-you-need-now

[Watchflair]

Originally Posted by jpeezy14@hotmail.com

Thanks - just personally not into the 2000's mustangs.



I've thought hard about a 911, but worry about upkeep / reliability. Not into muscle cars really. The Wrangler is another option - our 5 yr old loves Jeeps, but that's another reliability question for me.

Though, those two probably aren't any less reliable than an 80's Alfa...I think? I obviously know nothing about cars.

The Jeeps are actually pretty reliable and parts etc are inexpensive

[yoast]

If you like that Jaquar that was mentioned before, Take a look at the XK8 also. Beautiful car and quite reliable (if the chain tensioners have been taken care of)

[.brian.]

Honda S2000

[Sleepy996]

Jaguar xk8 clean one should be around 15k. GL

[brandrea]

I can see your family cruising in something like this?

You could probably pick up something that's not pristine for alot less.

https://classiccars.com/listings/vie...lifornia-95670

Screenshot_20201020-114220_Chrome.jpg

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[JParm]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I can see your family cruising in something like this?

You could probably pick up something that's not pristine for alot less.

Oh man, the wife would kill me if I got something like that. Too much muscle.

[JParm]

Appreciate all the ideas, gents! I also like the links / pics being thrown up.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by jpeezy14@hotmail.com

Oh man, the wife would kill me if I got something like that. Too much muscle.

Lol, I had her read wrong

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[Blansky]

Jeeps are fun vehicles and as someone said probably the easiest vehicle to customize.

Buying them used, you have to be careful someone didn't use them too much offroad.

If you can find a stock one with low miles its a great vehicle BUT unless you actually customize a Jeep they look pretty bad. Almost all Jeeps need to be lifted at least 2-4 inches, and have bigger rims and tires.

The problem is they need to be lifted by people who know what they are doing because you are changing the suspension angles and it can be expensive AND it can be dangerous when some guy who doesn't know what he's doing, does it in his garage.

Sites like Quadratec is a good site to see some of the customizable toys available.

My current 2005 and my 1987 I had in LA.

[swils8610]

I had a 1993 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce that was a blast to drive.

Also had a 2003 BMW 325ci that was great.


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[Laszlo]

Originally Posted by swils8610

I had a 1993 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce that was a blast to drive.

Also had a 2003 BMW 325ci that was great.


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Ha! I was just about to suggest the Graduate. Such a fun car.

[Ferdelious]

How about a mid 2000's Merc CLK 500 or 55 AMG Cabriolet?

[SearChart]

Jaguar XK8

[Pw92676]

No useful suggestions but will happily follow along on your journey just to see some more amazing pics when it arrives. Good luck with the decision.