Convertable Search / input

Looking for input, searching for a sub 6k convertable.

Fox mustang 5.0 cons/ wierd suspension, poor mileage pros/ V8, easy to work on, reliable, cheap parts

FC RX7 cons/ poor mileage, engine problems if not cared for by PO. pros/ I like the look. cooler after V8 installed, but no time to the swap.

F body cons/ RATTLES pros/ SBC engine, cheap parts

Fiat/Alfa/MG cons/ RUST, hard to find parts. pros/ ?

Please tell me the answer is not Miata. What have I missed? Help

I really enjoyed my 1990 Saab 900 Turbo convertible. Parts are plentiful and affordable and you most likely won't pass another on the roads very often.

I can't remember the exact numbers, but I paid $1000-1500 for this one. It ran and drove and all it really needed was tires and seats from a junkyard car, as the original leather was in sad shape.

It got mid-high 20s MPG on the highway and all I ever had to do aside from fresh fluids was replace the ignition coil. Its very easy to get additional power on the cheap, but if you want to go really fast, you'll just eat transmissions. Not really worth it to me for a fun cruiser.

For some reason, women seemed to really like this car, too. I guess it looked more expensive than it was.

Whatever. It was fun.

Also.... Miata.

Datsun1500 wrote: Mitsubishi Eclipse

Ban! Eclipse spyders were never offered in AWD, and a 2WD DSM makes the baby jesus cry (3rd and 4th gens make him throw up a little in his holy little mouth).

I have three foxbody 'verts (yeah, THREE, I'm that retarded apparently); my old aborted 2.3->5.0 project, a 5.0 parts car, and my 5.0 driver that's slowly turning into my track car. I wouldn't call the suspension "weird" (it's just mchpherson strut front, 4-link rear) but it definitely needs be addressed. A set of full-length weld-in subframe connectors is MANDATORY on these cars... total night and day difference from that one mod alone.

With a $6k budget you could pick up a CLEAN 5.0 'vert for $3k, and do all the suspension mods to turn that car into something that actually handles.

The answer is Miata.

However, the E30 'verts are quite nice too.

Where are you located? I pass by a nice black RX7 convertible every day that's for sale.

Another BMW owner stepping up. I've got an E36 droptop that was just a little over your price range; a higher mileage example should be doable. $6,000 should buy the nicest E30 Cabrio you could find, too.

It's getting harder to find '60s and early '70s convertibles at a reasonable price, but you may be able to find a Falcon or Mopar A-body at that price, or a full sized convertible.

240sx convertible.

You may be able to find an early C4 convertible in that price range. What is the intended purpose?

The 3 series BMW fits that price range. Condition varies widely on those cars.

The FC 'vert has been my favorite 'vert over the years. The passenger compartment is fairly well isolated with the top down making for a comfy passenger space. Its also very roomy in there and can comfortably fit normal sized adults. The car is fun to drive and looks reasonably nice. Mechanically, the car is 20 years old so it may require some maintenance depending on the previous owner, Stock, they don't have much power and have a low rear gear spec'ed for cruising. When shopping for these, pay attention to the condition of the top. Those can be pricey.

I don't have any experience with the Mustang but its not a bad choice. Drive them all and see what floats your boat.

In reply to todd900ss:

1992 Duster/ Shadow. You could convert it to a "Shelby" as well. CK

I wonder if you could find a C4 convertible for $6k. I know the nonvertibles are very cheap around here.

And yea... E30 convertibles are hot.

ZOO wrote: You may be able to find an early C4 convertible in that price range. What is the intended purpose?

The intended purpose would be a weekend car, autox if I ever get the time. Driver a few days a week.

I think it is down to a Mustang or RX7. But keep the ideas coming.

ReverendDexter wrote:

Datsun1500 wrote: Mitsubishi Eclipse

Ban! Eclipse spyders were never offered in AWD, and a 2WD DSM makes the baby jesus cry (3rd and 4th gens make him throw up a little in his holy little mouth). I have three foxbody 'verts (yeah, THREE, I'm that retarded apparently); my old aborted 2.3->5.0 project, a 5.0 parts car, and my 5.0 driver that's slowly turning into my track car. I wouldn't call the suspension "weird" (it's just mchpherson strut front, 4-link rear) but it definitely needs be addressed. A set of full-length weld-in subframe connectors is MANDATORY on these cars... total night and day difference from that one mod alone. With a $6k budget you could pick up a CLEAN 5.0 'vert for $3k, and do all the suspension mods to turn that car into something that actually handles.

I have owned two fox body 5 liters, none were verts. Have not seen any clean 3k verts around here, but even if higher this might be the best choice.

$6K Huh?

How about a VW Cabrio with a turbo and GTI suspension bits? Won't be as luxurious as some of the other options, but it will scoot and handle very well, and parts will be a breeze.

Spend the rest on a nice weekend getaway cruising with your significant other somewhere beautiful that's worth driving topless.

Or something classic- Corvair convertible?

SVreX wrote: Or something classic- Corvair convertible?

+elevenbillionty

Decent drivers can be had at pretty good prices. 6K can buy one that is damn near mint.

the 240sx only came in slush box mode... :(

todd900ss wrote: I have owned two fox body 5 liters, none were verts. Have not seen any clean 3k verts around here, but even if higher this might be the best choice.

Weird, around here, 'verts are easily the cheapest of the three bodystyles when it comes to foxbodies.

I've got a '66 Vair 'vert I might sell you. It's not ready to roll- it will need effort. But you can build it your way and keep it under your budget for your own personalized bit of awesomeness.

1990-95 Chrysler Lebaron. They're practically free and nothing says, "I don't give an E36 about what you think of my car" like an old Lebaron. .

a Sebring vert just like Michael Scott :)

Of course, the answer is Miata but if you refuse to listen then here are some other choice not yet mentioned.

Toyota Celica Convertable. Please make mine an '85 GTS (last of the rwd)

If not this version there are still many nice versions (in all price ranges) in years right up to '99.
Maybe out of the price range but early Solara's as well.

SVreX wrote: I've got a '66 Vair 'vert I might sell you. It's not ready to roll- it will need effort. But you can build it your way and keep it under your budget for your own personalized bit of awesomeness.

I have been tempted to do this in the past. My Dad had a new 63 or 64 Spyder. I don't remember the car, but I love the looks. Projects, I love them & have built many. However, homeowner, single dad of teen that plays baseball = zero time for dad.

All good ideas.

I've owned 2 Capri XR2's and several Fiat X1/9's. The Capri's are a fun easy to maintain option and sorta rare. The Fiats are a hoot to own, I'd love to have another sometime in the future.