I am wondering if there is such a thing as a decent $3k convertible. It sounds like a Top Gear Challenge. I mean anything that is mechanically sound, cosmetically clean and has a working non-leaking top should be worth more than $3k?
I am thinking a Saab might be the best value because people are afraid that there are no parts which is not necessarily true. However, the pre-2003 verts are really loose like a wet cardboard box. They look nice, have power and often have stick shift.
Another candidate not yet mentioned:
A 3G (2000-05) Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder would fit nicely in the $3k range and would be a much better choice than a Sebring.
It's offered in 2 or 3 pedal and 4 or 6 cylinder flavors. All of the possible drivetrain configurations are usually pretty reliable. Issues are usually centered around crappy clear coat and cheapy interior stuff.
Trick would be to find one owned by someone that didn't buy it because they watched 2 Fast 2 Furious...
The 2G (1996-99) had a ragtop option as well.
Another easily forgotten and very cheap to buy convertible option is the 1991-94 Mercury Capri...
Ha. There is a Sebring convertible that has been parked in our garage for a few months. My roommate bought it because he thought it was cool. It has since become known as the "Sebring of Regret."
He found out you have to remove a wheel and part of the fender lining to get to the battery and it was all downhill from there.
Just for shiggles I just did a local CL search for 'verts under $3400. The first two Sebrings needed new motors. The only cars that appealed were a Saab 9-3 and a VW Cabrio. You should be able to find a good late '90s Cabrio for your budget and it'll be a better car in every way than the Chrysler.
This thread is relevant to my interests- I'm probably going to (again) trying to find a budget convertible for us to drive over the summer. SWMBO needs to be able to drive it, so has to be slushbox and ideally have a semblance of a back seat (for the dog). Very quickly discounted the Sebrings after just a bit of reading about them. Would love a 2000 or so Camaro/Firebird, but current top contender is a '92 LeBaron (http://lexington.craigslist.org/cto/5503523337.html).
Unfortunately Eclipse Spyders are out for us- SWMBO's ex drove one and she loathes them as a result. 
BlueInGreen44 wrote: He found out you have to remove a wheel and part of the fender lining to get to the battery and it was all downhill from there.
Everybody complains about that on the Cloud Cars, too, but I don't get the big hassle. How often to you replace the battery, once every 5 years? So you have to pull a wheel. NBD. And that "part of the fender liner" is an access panel. And there are jumper/charger connection points topside.
KyAllroad wrote: You should be able to find a good late '90s Cabrio for your budget and it'll be a better car in every way than the Chrysler.
Except that even if it's not a complete chumbucket of rust, a Cabrio was just as floppy as a Sebring, yet not as smooth, even when new. Plus you need to get used to people shouting "Da DA da dah..." when you're driving around town.
Duke wrote:BlueInGreen44 wrote: He found out you have to remove a wheel and part of the fender lining to get to the battery and it was all downhill from there.Everybody complains about that on the Cloud Cars, too, but I don't get the big hassle. How often to you replace the battery, once every 5 years? So you have to pull a wheel. NBD. And that "part of the fender liner" is an access panel. And there are jumper/charger connection points topside.
Most customers discover the Dodge battery replacement party when their battery is basically dead and they just bought a new one at AutoZone thinking they'll replace it in the parking lot. Most customers aren't willing to get on their hands and knees or remove a wheel. Most customers don't own a jack other than the sketchy one in the spare tire compartment. Seriously... it was a dumb idea.
Meh, I'll take your word for it. That goes under "Minor Inconvenience" in my book, at worst. And I'm not really more than a very amateur mechanic.
Duke wrote:KyAllroad wrote: You should be able to find a good late '90s Cabrio for your budget and it'll be a better car in every way than the Chrysler.Except that even if it's *not* a complete chumbucket of rust, a Cabrio was just as floppy as a Sebring, yet not as smooth, even when new. Plus you need to get used to people shouting "Da DA da dah..." when you're driving around town.
Maybe so. This one looks pretty good though.
http://cincinnati.craigslist.org/cto/5509933242.html
What is the "Da DA da dah..."? I've never encountered that.
In reply to KyAllroad:
shelbyz wrote: Another candidate not yet mentioned: A 3G (2000-05) Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder would fit nicely in the $3k range and would be a much better choice than a Sebring.
I thought the Sebring from those years was an Eclipse - or was that just for the coupe?
I'll be putting my E36 Cabrio up for sale soon - it'll be close to the $3000 budget, for you guys looking for a convertible in that range.
MadScientistMatt wrote:shelbyz wrote: Another candidate not yet mentioned: A 3G (2000-05) Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder would fit nicely in the $3k range and would be a much better choice than a Sebring.I thought the Sebring from those years was an Eclipse - or was that just for the coupe?
That's just the coupe. The Sebring convertible of that era is based on the same awful Chrysler based Stratus/Sebring sedan, while the Stratus/Sebring coupe are just 3G Eclipses under the skin. Same goes for the previous generation, where the Avenger and Sebring coupe were based on the 2G DSM, but the Sebring convertible was based on the cloud cars.
If you don't feel like it's too small, I've vote for a late 90's to 2002 VW Cabrio. The 2.0l vw motor is very stout and good on gas mileage. Yes it's a VW, yes everyone complains they the electrical system is possessed by demons, but they are not nearly as bad as reputed.
Since you are down south you will have much better luck finding one that isn't rusted out. Take a good look at the strut towers anyway just to be safe.
The worst of the electrical issues you will face are probably as follows; bad power window regulators, faulty Cruise Control, Faulty ABS.
If I was looking for a convertible I wouldn't hesitate to buy one. I know a few enthusiasts who own these and I have never heard a major complaint from them.
Javelin wrote: Seriously, buy any other $3000 car and Sawzall off the roof. It'll drive better and leak less than a Sebring.
This x infinity. HEll, a tarp not tied down over the roof would be an improvement.
Kylini wrote:Duke wrote:Most customers discover the Dodge battery replacement party when their battery is basically dead and they just bought a new one at AutoZone thinking they'll replace it in the parking lot. Most customers aren't willing to get on their hands and knees or remove a wheel. Most customers don't own a jack other than the sketchy one in the spare tire compartment. Seriously... it was a dumb idea.BlueInGreen44 wrote: He found out you have to remove a wheel and part of the fender lining to get to the battery and it was all downhill from there.Everybody complains about that on the Cloud Cars, too, but I don't get the big hassle. How often to you replace the battery, once every 5 years? So you have to pull a wheel. NBD. And that "part of the fender liner" is an access panel. And there are jumper/charger connection points topside.
In southern states, its is not that big of a deal. In hte salt belt? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! The positive battery cable is part of the engine harness. Not sold seperately. So... WHEN (not if with salt) the cable disentegrates you can hack on a new replacement from the local parts store and solder it in etc or buy a $400 engine harness.
Absolutely BRILLIANT design as long as you never planned on the car lasting more than 5 years.
mtn wrote: My experience with one tells me that the better option is to search for either a Solara convertible, Mustang convertible, Camaro Convertible, or possibly a G6 convertible
G6 vert is a hard top with zero trunk space, I know, looked at one not long ago.
The 3.5L and 4 speed trans are really sturdy if a bit boring.
It may be a bit too old but any thoughts on the '95 - '99 Toyota Celica verts? Smaller car but soft top means some trunk space, I see them for $3k all the time. I see plenty still rolling with 200K+ miles. Have only ever driven a hatchback with a stick, don't know if the heavier vert with an automatic would be a bit slow when loaded up with kids.
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