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20 October 2020, 10:43 PM | #1 |
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Looking for ideas - inexpensive vintage convertible
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!
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20 October 2020, 11:01 PM | #2 |
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Howz about a 2013 ish Mustang Convertible? You can bring the youngins along for the ride too.
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20 October 2020, 11:10 PM | #3 |
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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
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20 October 2020, 11:15 PM | #4 | ||
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Quote:
Quote:
Though, those two probably aren't any less reliable than an 80's Alfa...I think? I obviously know nothing about cars.
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20 October 2020, 11:16 PM | #5 |
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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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20 October 2020, 11:21 PM | #6 |
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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..... |
20 October 2020, 11:24 PM | #7 |
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I love my 330ci, you could easily get a well sorted E46 M3 in your price range.
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20 October 2020, 11:24 PM | #8 | |
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Quote:
I literally laughed out loud at this.
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20 October 2020, 11:45 PM | #9 |
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Define "vintage"
BMW Z3/Z4 Porsche Boxter Miata Corvette Lexus SC430 Mercedes SL/CLK |
21 October 2020, 12:16 AM | #10 |
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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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21 October 2020, 12:22 AM | #11 |
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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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21 October 2020, 01:12 AM | #12 |
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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 |
21 October 2020, 01:19 AM | #13 |
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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. |
21 October 2020, 01:23 AM | #14 |
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A Fiat 124 Spider Abarth.
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21 October 2020, 01:24 AM | #15 |
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Gorgeous car but from a reliability and repair cost stand point it's terrible
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21 October 2020, 01:24 AM | #16 |
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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
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21 October 2020, 01:24 AM | #17 | |
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Quote:
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21 October 2020, 01:33 AM | #18 |
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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)
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21 October 2020, 01:39 AM | #19 |
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Honda S2000
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21 October 2020, 01:42 AM | #20 |
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Jaguar xk8 clean one should be around 15k. GL
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21 October 2020, 01:44 AM | #21 |
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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 Sent from my SM-G960W using Tapatalk |
21 October 2020, 01:53 AM | #22 |
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Oh man, the wife would kill me if I got something like that. Too much muscle.
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21 October 2020, 01:54 AM | #23 |
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Appreciate all the ideas, gents! I also like the links / pics being thrown up.
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21 October 2020, 01:57 AM | #24 |
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21 October 2020, 01:57 AM | #25 |
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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.
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21 October 2020, 02:02 AM | #26 |
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I had a 1993 Alfa Romeo Spider Veloce that was a blast to drive.
Also had a 2003 BMW 325ci that was great. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro |
21 October 2020, 02:06 AM | #27 |
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Ha! I was just about to suggest the Graduate. Such a fun car.
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21 October 2020, 02:08 AM | #28 |
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How about a mid 2000's Merc CLK 500 or 55 AMG Cabriolet?
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21 October 2020, 02:20 AM | #29 |
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Jaguar XK8
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21 October 2020, 02:32 AM | #30 |
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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.
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