Okay Oppo, find me a convertible!

Kinja'd!!! by "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
Published 03/12/2017 at 17:38

Tags: new relationsips
STARS: 2


Bumped for the weekday crowd, because I really do want to collect as many ideas as possible (okay, and maybe a few laughs, too).

Kinja'd!!!

It’s time to start the process, and that means I need ideas. Your ideas. Parameters:

Transmission . Must be auto. Shouldn’t be difficult.

Price. Let’s try to keep it under $40K.

Practicality . This will be a daily; so, practicality is always a plus. However, we do have the wife’s minivan, and I’ve been given permission to have a little fun with this purchase. That means two seaters are still on the table.

Other than that, I’m trying to keep an open mind. Can be new or used. So, tell me what you can come up with. Thanks in advance.

Cue the Murano Cross Cab posts in 3...2...1...


Replies (100)

Kinja'd!!! "Bman76 (hates WS6 hoods, is on his phone and has 4 burners now)" (bman76-4)
03/12/2017 at 17:40, STARS: 6

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Kinja'd!!! "Berang" (berang)
03/12/2017 at 17:41, STARS: 6

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Kinja'd!!! "AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
03/12/2017 at 17:42, STARS: 1

Leaves enough in the budget for some boost as well

Kinja'd!!! "404 - User No Longer Available" (toni-cipriani)
03/12/2017 at 17:43, STARS: 1

http://www.buick.com/convertible/cascada-luxury-convertible.html

And you’ll have a rare car since it’ll probably be the second last Opel based Buick.

Kinja'd!!! "djmt1" (djmt1)
03/12/2017 at 17:44, STARS: 3

I assume these must have depreciated through the floor and they’re mostly Ford Mondeo so parts should be cheap.

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Kinja'd!!! "JR1" (type35bugatti)
03/12/2017 at 17:48, STARS: 1

V10 M6

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Or a 997 911

Kinja'd!!! "Nothing" (nothingatalluseful)
03/12/2017 at 17:57, STARS: 4

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Kinja'd!!! "CRider" (crider)
03/12/2017 at 17:58, STARS: 4

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Kinja'd!!! "TheTurbochargedSquirrel" (thatsquirrel)
03/12/2017 at 17:59, STARS: 1

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Kinja'd!!! "scoob" (scoobsti)
03/12/2017 at 18:00, STARS: 1

Mmm yes

Kinja'd!!! "OPPOsaurus WRX" (opposaurus)
03/12/2017 at 18:01, STARS: 0

This this this this V8 swap

Kinja'd!!! "CRider" (crider)
03/12/2017 at 18:08, STARS: 0

A Hellcat should fit, right?

Kinja'd!!! "SpeedSix" (speedsix)
03/12/2017 at 18:11, STARS: 2

If you’re going to daily it, it probably shouldn’t be too old. A very nice W124 convertible should run about $20,000.

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A R129 could work too, if you’re so inclined.

Buy the best example you can find.

Kinja'd!!! "My bird IS the word" (mybirdistheword)
03/12/2017 at 18:13, STARS: 2

Sensible choice? Just get a mustang . Cool choice? Build a factory five cobra replica, I’m pretty sure they make soft/hard tops for those, and you can just install an auto instead of a manual.

Kinja'd!!! "LeftOfTheDial" (leftofthedial)
03/12/2017 at 18:21, STARS: 1

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Auto, fairly reliable, room for (tiny) humans in the back and a hardtop convertible.

If you want some money leftover and don’t mind an older car, the volvo is great  

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Kinja'd!!! "LeftOfTheDial" (leftofthedial)
03/12/2017 at 18:24, STARS: 0

What do they share with the Mondeo?

Kinja'd!!! "djmt1" (djmt1)
03/12/2017 at 18:26, STARS: 0

Odd electronic bits or the bits that fail on Jags. Things like the buttons, antenna, switchgear.

Kinja'd!!! "misfitmascots" (misfitmascots)
03/12/2017 at 18:28, STARS: 1

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Kinja'd!!! "Tohru" (tohrurokuno)
03/12/2017 at 19:39, STARS: 2

From cheapest to most expensive:

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One of these should work. Good luck!

Kinja'd!!! "The AE86 of Mt. Akina (Hachi)" (theae86)
03/12/2017 at 19:48, STARS: 5

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!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

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!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

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Kinja'd!!! "OPPOsaurus WRX" (opposaurus)
03/12/2017 at 19:54, STARS: 0

Maybe. There have been hemi swaps

Kinja'd!!! "SpeedSix" (speedsix)
03/12/2017 at 20:06, STARS: 0

It might not - it’s a fairly tall engine - too tall for the Viper.

Kinja'd!!! "CRider" (crider)
03/12/2017 at 20:17, STARS: 1

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The V8 barely fits too, but a little bit of supercharger poking out is never a bad thing.

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/12/2017 at 22:04, STARS: 0

Was not expecting that. Hmmm.

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/12/2017 at 22:05, STARS: 0

Sat in one that looks exactly like this Monday. I was wondering if the feel would be as open with the top down. I need to test drive for sure.

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/12/2017 at 22:06, STARS: 0

Absolutely on the list. Good idea. I need to look for some in my area.

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/12/2017 at 22:06, STARS: 0

This...this is why I asked Oppo, for stuff you won’t see in any buyer’s guide.

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/12/2017 at 22:07, STARS: 0

I like this idea. Will reliability and repair costs be manageable?

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/12/2017 at 22:09, STARS: 0

Thinking outside the box, for sure.

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/12/2017 at 22:11, STARS: 0

You had me until the Ferrari. I especially like the baby blue boat, and I am testing the Fiat for sure, although probably not the Abarth.

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/12/2017 at 22:13, STARS: 0

I’m not normally a BMW guy, but that idea appeals to me, especially in that color combo. I’ll look into it. I have thought about a Volvo, although not too old. I have no experience with them, but they’re worth a look.

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/12/2017 at 22:14, STARS: 0

The search is over. We have a winner!

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/12/2017 at 22:15, STARS: 0

Seriously considering a Mustang. The Cobra idea is intriguing.

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/12/2017 at 22:16, STARS: 0

Good thought. I’ve had my eye on the Cascada since Opel introduced it. I saw it at an auto show a year or so ago. I don’t know if I can get on board with the bland styling though. Instead of growing on me, it seems to be going the other way.

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/12/2017 at 22:17, STARS: 0

Awesome! So, what do I buy to drive while it’s in the shop?

Deep dark secret: I don’t like 911s. Shhh, don’t tell on me.

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/12/2017 at 22:19, STARS: 0

Saw one pulling out of a parking lot this evening and pointed it out to my daughter. I said, “I could get one of those.” She said (I kid you not), “Eww, why?” So, veto on that.

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/12/2017 at 22:22, STARS: 1

Mercedes: that’s a good thought. I’m wondering what I could get used in my area. I’ll search. For the right price, it could have everything I need, even if it isn’t very different.

Camaro: the 12 year old in me likes them. The adult in me keeps wondering about the boy racer vibe. It would have to be one of the new models because I can’t stand the Playskool interior of the older ones. Seeing the new ones in person, though, I like.

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/12/2017 at 22:23, STARS: 0

Does it need a V8 swap?

Kinja'd!!! "My bird IS the word" (mybirdistheword)
03/12/2017 at 22:33, STARS: 2

Mustangs are common because they are good cars. I know american muscle cars get a lot of hate but they are durable and fun if nothing else. Plus japan has kinda dropped the ball in the last couple of years. You can always get cheap parts for them, and they honestly handle fine, much better than is required for DD duty anyhow.

You know you want the cobra. FF actually has a soft top in their parts catalogue. Most use a ford AOD transmission when going the automatic route.

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JUST DO IT

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/12/2017 at 22:35, STARS: 2

Wow, that is pretty. And different. Yeah, I kinda do want it.

The Mustang is on my current short list because, yeah, they are good cars. The convertibles get pricey, but not out of reach, especially used.

Kinja'd!!! "The AE86 of Mt. Akina (Hachi)" (theae86)
03/12/2017 at 22:37, STARS: 1

Oh shit I forgot the material for the top!

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Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/12/2017 at 22:41, STARS: 1

No, that’ll be the headliner. So fluffy!

Kinja'd!!! "TheTurbochargedSquirrel" (thatsquirrel)
03/12/2017 at 22:50, STARS: 0

They are so much fun though.

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/12/2017 at 22:56, STARS: 0

Showing this to my wife right now. This is her favorite.

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/12/2017 at 22:57, STARS: 0

I believe you. They have a high funkiness quotient going for them.

Kinja'd!!! "djmt1" (djmt1)
03/12/2017 at 23:01, STARS: 0

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Score 1 for England. Woo!

Kinja'd!!! "Tohru" (tohrurokuno)
03/12/2017 at 23:23, STARS: 1

You can’t go wrong with a 1971-1975 GM B-body convertible. 2 doors, seats 6, V8, automatic, RWD.

For years I’ve wanted to do something special with one of those.
I used to have a 1976 Oldsmobile Delta 88 - the first year of the square sealed beams.

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I wanted to put that style front clip on a 1975 Delta 88 Royale convertible.

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Making the one the General never did - a 1976 B-body convertible.

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/12/2017 at 23:42, STARS: 0

Not showing her this one.

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/12/2017 at 23:45, STARS: 1

I see what you’re going for. I prefer the older front end. Maybe it’s nostalgia for our old ‘73 station wagon. That Royale is making me tingle.

Kinja'd!!! "pip bip - choose Corrour" (hhgttg69)
03/13/2017 at 01:26, STARS: 1

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Kinja'd!!! "JR1" (type35bugatti)
03/13/2017 at 06:27, STARS: 1

Whatever floats your boat. If you’re wanting a Land yacht I suggest a 58-60 Lincoln Continental convertible. Almost 20ft or pure American sheet metal.

Or the early gen 3 Thunderbird or Kennedy Continental

Kinja'd!!! "OPPOsaurus WRX" (opposaurus)
03/13/2017 at 09:59, STARS: 1

From what I’ve heard the V6 is pathetic

Kinja'd!!! "Alan" (thefrostyman)
03/13/2017 at 10:27, STARS: 1

Saturn Sky Redline.

Kinja'd!!! "Alan" (thefrostyman)
03/13/2017 at 10:28, STARS: 3

I own a Mini Cooper. Don’t.

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/13/2017 at 10:51, STARS: 0

I’m thinking about it. It doesn’t look boring with those wheels and that color.

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/13/2017 at 10:52, STARS: 0

Now there’s an idea!

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/13/2017 at 10:53, STARS: 0

I do like those.

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/13/2017 at 10:53, STARS: 0

Oh. Okay.

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/13/2017 at 12:44, STARS: 0

Hey, I hope I didn’t come across a poo-pooing your suggestions. I thought you were joking about the M6. I do like it, but I thought repairs on that high-strung engine would be huge. I really don’t go for 911s, but that’s a solid and rational choice, a great mix of performance and practicality.

Kinja'd!!! "TheHondaBro" (wwaveform)
03/13/2017 at 12:50, STARS: 2

Lexus IS-C. Because let’s face it: a Lexus is the most reliable car on the road. It’s RWD, adequate space for your things, and there’s room for extra oomph.

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Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/13/2017 at 12:53, STARS: 0

Solid choice. Good performance and reliability.

Kinja'd!!! "vicali" (vicali)
03/13/2017 at 12:59, STARS: 1

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Beat it.

Kinja'd!!! "My bird IS the word" (mybirdistheword)
03/13/2017 at 13:02, STARS: 0

No, just no. Never mini ever again.

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/13/2017 at 13:03, STARS: 0

That’s so cool! I didn’t know this car existed. Thanks.

Kinja'd!!! "RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht" (ramblininexile)
03/13/2017 at 13:03, STARS: 1

Here’s something along the lines Jarod Rose suggested. A bit overpriced for what it is:

https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/lincoln/continental/1871062.html

It would probably be possible to get one for about half that, and it does have a 350hp (gross) engine and yuge doors. Electric windows all around including the back, power steering, power brakes. 5200lb+ of AMERICA

Kinja'd!!! "random001" (random001)
03/13/2017 at 13:05, STARS: 1

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Not even joking. So. Much. Fun.

Kinja'd!!! "The Crazy Kanuck; RIP Oppositelock" (jukesjukesjukes)
03/13/2017 at 13:06, STARS: 1

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Kinja'd!!! "Stapleface" (patrickgruden)
03/13/2017 at 13:07, STARS: 1

If you’re going to be dailying it, why not something that you will know will be reliable?

Solara fits the bill.

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Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/13/2017 at 13:09, STARS: 0

I like!, even though the headlights make me think:

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Kinja'd!!! "Highlander-Datsuns are Forever" (jamesbowland)
03/13/2017 at 13:09, STARS: 1

Chevy SSR

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Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/13/2017 at 13:09, STARS: 0

I believe you. Parking would be a breeze, too.

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/13/2017 at 13:10, STARS: 0

Now, that is a distinct possibility. But, how about the G37 in comparison?

Kinja'd!!! "TheTurbochargedSquirrel" (thatsquirrel)
03/13/2017 at 13:12, STARS: 0

As do I. I quite like mine.

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/13/2017 at 13:14, STARS: 0

Normally a great pick, but I can’t, and you wouldn’t know that. We just off-loaded my wife’s Solara a year and a half ago after having it for almost 15 years. So, time for something else. Strangely enough, the reason we finally got rid of it was because a cylinder died, which I would not have expected in a million years from a Toyota with under 80K miles.

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/13/2017 at 13:15, STARS: 1

That’s pretty cute, and different.

Kinja'd!!! "RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht" (ramblininexile)
03/13/2017 at 13:15, STARS: 0

Jarod had a ‘59 four-door hardtop that he was not in the position to do some serious repairs on, and I was, so I bought it off him. This one:

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He and I are both fans of them, giant oddly refrigerator-like lards that they are.

Kinja'd!!! "random001" (random001)
03/13/2017 at 13:16, STARS: 1

I just got one. I can car seat. Parking is a breeze. It’s wicked fun. I am very happy with it. And you can’t beat the price.

Kinja'd!!! "My X-type is too a real Jaguar" (TomSlick)
03/13/2017 at 13:17, STARS: 1

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I found this Corvette with 11,000 miles for $40k

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=444383668&zip=30041&referrer=%2Fcars-for-sale%2Fsearchresults.xhtml%3Fzip%3D30041%26showcaseOwnerId%3D57027721%26startYear%3D1981%26vehicleStyleCodes%3DCONVERT%26incremental%3Dall%26endYear%3D2018%26driveGroup%3DRWD%26transmissionCodes%3DAUT%26listingTypes%3Dused%26minPrice%3D20000%26maxPrice%3D40000%26firstRecord%3D0%26searchRadius%3D0&listingTypes=used&minPrice=20000&startYear=1981&numRecords=25&maxPrice=40000&vehicleStyleCodes=CONVERT&firstRecord=0&endYear=2018&searchRadius=0&makeCode1=CHEV&modelCode1=CORV

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/13/2017 at 13:17, STARS: 0

I like that color, too.

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/13/2017 at 13:18, STARS: 0

I’ll show it to my girls and see what they think.

Kinja'd!!! "TheTurbochargedSquirrel" (thatsquirrel)
03/13/2017 at 13:19, STARS: 0

You’re the one who bought an early R56. I have had no issues with mine and would happily buy another one.

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/13/2017 at 13:20, STARS: 0

That’s not a bad choice. It’s got more storage than your average two-seater. And, I’m sure I won’t have the vibe of the middle-aged Corvette guy (not that I’d care if I did, tbh).

Kinja'd!!! "Stapleface" (patrickgruden)
03/13/2017 at 13:22, STARS: 1

Yeah, I can totally understand not wanting the same thing again. And the dead cylinder to boot, that’s enough reason in my book.

In that case, I say practicality be damned. Go for a C5 Corvette. http://www.vettefinders.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/corvette.cardetail/g/5/id/24286/2004-corvette-for-sale.htm

Kinja'd!!! "DipodomysDeserti" (dipodomysdeserti)
03/13/2017 at 13:22, STARS: 2

Kinja'd!!!

Do it.

Kinja'd!!! "RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht" (ramblininexile)
03/13/2017 at 13:25, STARS: 1

The exterior color is Peacock Green Metallic, which seems to be a hard color to match accurately. The interior is mostly light green with a bit of teal.

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/13/2017 at 13:27, STARS: 0

That’s really not all that impractical.

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/13/2017 at 13:29, STARS: 0

I can’t even. But, even if I could, the looks on my girls faces when I showed them this monstrosity exists said, “VETO”.

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/13/2017 at 13:29, STARS: 0

Of course it is. Nobody does interesting interior colors at an affordable price anymore.

Kinja'd!!! "Matt Nichelson" (whoismatt)
03/13/2017 at 13:31, STARS: 0

BMW M3 convertible. Because who needs money?

http://m.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?listingId=438485171&zip=39402&endYear=2018&vehicleStyleCodes=CONVERT&pageLayout=list&sortBy=mileageASC&startYear=2006&searchRadius=0&maxPrice=40000&offset=30&minPrice=10000&mmt=%5BBMW%5BM3%5B%5D%5D%5B%5D%5D

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/13/2017 at 13:33, STARS: 0

Add removed, but I get your point.

I have to save for college tuition; so, I think I’d stick to non-M cars.

Kinja'd!!! "DipodomysDeserti" (dipodomysdeserti)
03/13/2017 at 13:35, STARS: 0

Are they older? My four and six year-olds would think it was the coolest thing ever. My four year old told me she wants us to get “one of those cool cars with the sliding doors”.

But yeah, don’t get that monstrosity.

Kinja'd!!! "My bird IS the word" (mybirdistheword)
03/13/2017 at 13:37, STARS: 1

Considering it is a redesign of the r53, they should have less problems, not more. Also the third year of that model. Nor are they minor issues, including critical engine failures that were easily and cheaply resolved, but required a class action suit to fix. Glaringly bad by anyone. As such I have a reason to be upset and a reason to recommend any other brand.

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/13/2017 at 13:39, STARS: 0

Well, my 11-year old already has her sliding door in my wife’s Sedona. My wife just looked at the cross cab with a face that most people get when watching an autopsy. So, yeah, my gals have taste.

Kinja'd!!! "deekster_caddy" (deekster_caddy)
03/13/2017 at 13:41, STARS: 1

I’ll second the ‘Vette selection. Someday you’ll have kids and be ‘forced’ to get rid of it, so get it now and enjoy it for a while.

Kinja'd!!! "Matt Nichelson" (whoismatt)
03/13/2017 at 13:41, STARS: 1

It does that for some reason when linking to autotrader. You could always get a newer 440i convertible. Those should be under 40k at this point.

Maybe I am bit biased on BMW lol.

Kinja'd!!! "NojustNo" (front24200)
03/13/2017 at 13:42, STARS: 1

The g37 will be a softer ride and a bit quieter. But more $$$$$. That Nissan v6 in the z and g37 gets worse mileage than the vette, expect about 20mpg. If buying used look for low mileage to get the remainder of the factory warranty. If not under warranty get an inspection from a dealer to find any flaws before buying.

These cars need regular service like BMWs and are not cheap to work on unless doing your own labor. On the positive side the V6 holds up well if maintained. They use a timing chain so major service is infrequent.

Kinja'd!!! "Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle" (1500sand535)
03/13/2017 at 13:43, STARS: 1

BMW 128i - inline 6, no turbos, 4 fairly usable seats, if CPO cars are still available could probably get one and still be a bit under budget

Porsche Boxster - get something recentish with fairly low miles, baby it, keep up on maintenance, and it should treat you well; as an example $45k and it looks like it’s just past break in https://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/ctd/6006315327.html

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/13/2017 at 13:45, STARS: 0

Already have. That’s what the minivan is for. We are agreed I can have something less practical if it ticks the right boxes.

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/13/2017 at 13:48, STARS: 0

I never would have guessed!

Yes, I’m seriously going to look at the BMW selection in my area. I’d like to find one with a less common color scheme. Beemers are as common as Civics around here. It’s $30,000 millionaire country, you know.

Kinja'd!!! "Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
03/13/2017 at 13:53, STARS: 0

I’m used to poor mpg from my RX-8. So, no worried there. As long as it doesn’t cost too much to maintain, I’m good.