If you were picking a convertible...

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Goleafsgo

New member
I think its time to upgrade my TT with something a bit more fun. I've had it for the last three years and I may keep it for winter duty, I'm not sure yet.



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I've narrowed it down the BMW Z4 M roadster, Porsche Boxster S, Porsche 911 and the Honda S2000. So far, they are listed in my current favorite order.



I've driven the S2000, the BMW Z3 M roadster, and a base Boxster. I have to say I had the most fun in the Z3 M.. the torque got me. Now I've never driven the Z4 M yet but it just has to be better right? 90 more horsepower, better suspension, etc..



The Boxster has that great engine with a great sound though.. its great hearing that engine scream right behind you



I'm still on the fence of the styling of the 911 convertible.. some days I like it and some days I don't. If I wanted another coupe I would have already picked the 911 and bought one already.



The S2000 has pretty much lost already.. I don't really want another four cylinder. Even though its a great four cylinder



The car will be used of course.. The cars I've been looking at range from $25000 to $35000 for the 911s. Couple years old, less than 35k miles preferably..



So what would you take?
 
The 911. Fantastic car and I really like the styling. I really don't like the boxter. Don't know why, but I think it is just not a Porsche. I also really like the Z4 M roadster.
 
I always did like the looks of the TT,but to small for me. Of your favorites I like the Porsche. But if I had my choice for a convertible it would be a Cadillac XLR. My choice. It's a bit pricey,but very classy.
 
I was in the same predicament a year ago that you are in now. I traded in my car and crotch rocket for something more fun...a convertible. Although my price range wasn't as high as being able to buy a Porsche, I decided to get a Saturn Sky Roadster Redline Turbo. Yes, it is a 4 cyl, but has plenty of snap to it due to the Turbo, handles great, is really fun to drive....and it turns a TON of heads no matter where I go with it. They have the Carbon Flash model too, with some neat little features.



It came in at around $32,000.00.





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The Sky RL also suffers from the insane Saturn depreciation. You can get it for way cheaper than the others you mentioned. I'd like to have a Mallet Sky with an LS7 =P



The Z4M is a hot car, but i like the hatchback version's styling more. It's very similar to the last gen M3, same engine IIRC. Why not just get the M3? Then you'd get a tiny backseat as well.



There's some other great choices out there too, stuff like the Corvette, 350Z roadster, Audi S4 convertible, cars like that which you haven't mentioned. My question is have you considered any of those?



Personally, I'd almost go with a newer Audi TT 3.2 Quattro. That or an S4. But I like AWD a lot.
 
The Porsches all end up on the high end of that range.. actually pretty much nothing worth looking at under 35k. I've found you can get pretty much whatever you want for a sports car right now for a lot cheaper than what you used to be able to



I think I want to stick with the 6 cylinders this time around too.. I've had enough of turbo four cylinders to hold me over for awhile
 
I was just in this situation. I sold my 97 Cobra and was looking at 911s and Boxsters. I ended up with a Seal Grey 03 Boxster S out the door for under $20k. its' fantastic. I love the feel of the mid-engine as opposed to the rear engine 911. It (and the Cayman) is arguably the best handling car Porsche has made. I don't regret getting it for a second. Come on over to 6speedonline.com, rennlist.com, and 986forum.com for some more info.



EDIT: and it's funny, people who don't own Porsche's talk bad about the Boxster. people who do own P-cars sing the Boxster's praises. I have a friend with a GT3RS, 430 Scud, 599, etc. and he was telling me how much he loves his Boxsters.
 
Thanks, I'll take a look at those sites. For a convertible I actually like the styling of the Boxster over the 911.. it just looks like it was meant to be. There is something about the 911 convertible that just doesn't sit right with me compared to the Boxster
 
I hate rag tops because to me they look horrible when the top is up. The only car that doesn't look like vomit but i still don't like in a rag top is the 911. The only convertible I would condsider is a Mercedes SL. The hardtop convertible looks better with the top up than most coupes do. You can find one in the 35K price range too for a used SL500.
 
All in all, you are in a happy dilemma. The cars you have mentioned all warrant a degree of respect. The Honda S2000 is in its last year. I like the styling of the Boxster and find it very well balanced. The BMW Z3 and/or Z4 are very nice. The 911 has been a mainstay for Porsche and its engineers have really tamed the handling. I would factor potential maintenance cost (I would assume that the Honda would be lowest, but I am uncertain) and depreciation. Best of luck.
 
There are a lot of Boxters around, not that many Z3 and Z4 Ms though.

I have a Z3 M Coupe so I'm a tad partial to the Z4 M roadster. Huge power, huge handling (better if you swap out the run flats), and imagine the summer with the top down. I'm just giddy thinking about it.

I vote for Imola red.

-John C.
 
goleafsgo said:
Thanks, I'll take a look at those sites. For a convertible I actually like the styling of the Boxster over the 911.. it just looks like it was meant to be. There is something about the 911 convertible that just doesn't sit right with me compared to the Boxster
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Its the hump. When the top is down there is a bit of a hump in the rear engine cover.
 
One I'd certainly consider is a new 2008 Toyota Solara with the V-6. They are still available. and well within your price range.
 
There is no substitute !!! 911



As for pricing, the recession has affected the Porsche market pretty hard. If your patient you will find one for your price.
 
Street5927 said:
I decided to get a Saturn Sky Roadster Redline Turbo.



It came in at around $32,000.00.
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Yowza... had no idea the Sky got that pricey... for a few thou more, I got this...



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a 2240 lb, 612 hp rocket... both sounds like it and goes like it!
 
But it's not real :P Not at that price at least. Not something you'd want to drive around town in either.
 
The Saturn is BAD! Wifey wants one ,probably in a month or so. I will let her choose it,it will be her summer ride,I get to keep it clean. I still want the XLR!
 
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