My mother wants to replace an Integra GSR and a NB Miata with one car.
She's 5'2" and wants a car with a low beltline, 2+2 seating, a manual transmission, and a convertible top. An ND test-drive only lasted a mile because she didn't have adequate side and rear visibility.
Budget is $20,000. So far I've thought of a Camaro or Mustang convertible with a height-adjustable seat, or a 996. What else is out there?
Almost everything these days has a pretty high beltline. Older cars or taller aftermarket seats (or stock ones built up with additional foam) are probably the only real answers.
My wife is 5 feet and ex NC2 MT driver. Had same requirements as your mom except manual trans. Reliability and +2 were most important
she hated 4 series —- too slabsided
wouldn’t look at 911 - millions in the neighborhood
came down to C43 vs ISC, she couldn’t conquer her euro fear, got ISC with only 2,400 miles. Has high belt line, but she raises her seat up all the way. From outside of car you would think she’s 6 feet tall.
Been 10 months, has been very happy. 300HP.
I did the F sport shocks and sways and springs
BMW 3 series.
If she can do with an auto, Volvo would be an option, as would G37 'vert
I'll have her check out the ISC. What else is good for a short driver?
Sure, its not a sports car but it is a reliable car...
Toyota Solara made up until 2008
Most like her Integra, the Celica was made till 1998
For manual trans and some fun a 2011 and newer V6 Mustang probably is a solid bet. The reason for 2011 or newer is that is when the V6 went to 300hp but still delivered 30mpg hyw.
BMW 3 series, E30, E36, and E46 would all fit the bill. E90 has a beltline that is probably too tall. Maybe a Volvo C70.
Celica convertible would be a good call.
Klayfish said:BMW 3 series.
If she can do with an auto, Volvo would be an option, as would G37 'vert
They're hard to find but 6MT G37 convertibles do exist and they get the rear differential from the Nismo 370Z.
On the less reliable side there are also Mini Cooper and VW EOS as 4 seat convertibles. Also Audi A4.
If you generally hate your mom you could recommend the PT Cruiser GT Convert
Do you also hate her enough to recommend the Mitsu Eclipse?
Saab 9-3
Volvo C70
BMW 3 series or 1 series
What kind of shape is the GSR in? 
The nicest E46 you can find. That would be my go-to.
Camaro and Mustang have hideous visibility. They are also ridiculously bloated on the outside for the tiny interior space you get.
We actually looked at the SOlara. But the newest ones we could find were old and ratty.
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