![]() 11/04/2013 at 11:41 • Filed to: None | ![]() | ![]() |
I have a question guys! I really want a convertible in the next few years. But they only thing I've decided so far is that I'd prefer to spend as little as possible to get myself a running, decent looking vehicle, it doesn't have to be show quality and I am perfectly willing to work on it to get it up to snuff.
With that being said, I'd also like the thing to look classy, so to that end, I am a fan of quite a few 60's and 70's American "barges", I came across some neat looking Cadillacs, Pontiacs, Buicks and Fords. But I also happened across a '75 450SL that I quite liked. To give you an idea, the 450SL was going for $6200 and the barges it seemed could be had within my budget. I'm looking to spend no more than maybe $8k.
Are there any other neat convertibles I am overlooking? What in your eyes is the best compromise between class, reliability and value?
![]() 11/04/2013 at 11:51 |
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'98 Boxster - $7900 - This seems like a great idea, but I would love to hear, from guys who know these cars, if there's a reason they're so damn cheap now:
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/cto/415006…
![]() 11/04/2013 at 11:51 |
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http://www.ebay.com/itm/Chevrolet-…
![]() 11/04/2013 at 11:54 |
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Google "Porsche IMS". Catastrophic engine failure is the risk you get with early water-cooled Porsches. Also, the ones with the 2.5L engine are very slow, and that entire generation of Boxster came with a plastic rear window that is a wear item. At that price point you're better off getting an MR2 Spyder.
![]() 11/04/2013 at 12:06 |
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Seems that Miata is the answer now, too. Or maybe BMW Z3 if you don't mind the high expense or repairs.
![]() 11/04/2013 at 12:25 |
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Is the IMS an inherent flaw in the design, or can it be updated? This car in particular had it's engine replaced at 40k, which sounds like an IMS failure. Did Porsche sort this out, or were they replacing engines with the same potential issue?
![]() 11/04/2013 at 12:32 |
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Haha I looked at some Corvairs, but I don't think I am a big fan of them. I think they are a very neat piece of automotive history, just not the car for me.
![]() 11/04/2013 at 12:33 |
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Not a big Miata or BMW fan. If I had to pick between the two, I would go miata... I think.
![]() 11/04/2013 at 12:46 |
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You can go 80s/90s mustangs for real cheap and you can get v8 and stick shift
http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/cto/416218…
or
Some sharp old ford convertibles that no one thinks to look up:
http://annarbor.craigslist.org/cto/4163898299…
http://detroit.craigslist.org/okl/cto/416088…
![]() 11/04/2013 at 12:46 |
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or in that situation, you could walk lol
![]() 11/04/2013 at 12:51 |
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The situation of wanting neither of those = walk? It would be if that were the only options!
![]() 11/04/2013 at 12:52 |
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whoops didn't see this post! Now your other one is making a lot more sense!
That Galaxie looks pretty darn awesome!
![]() 11/04/2013 at 12:57 |
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Here's a little different direction for you, then.
http://www.ebay.com/sch/Cars-Truck…
![]() 11/04/2013 at 13:12 |
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It can be updated, but that is an expensive engine-out operation. No idea if this particular car got the updated IMS when the engine was replaced; the aftermarket has come up with its own solutions, but I don't know if they are superior to the factory fixes, or if the factory even had any fixes apart from putting in the same (flawed) design.
![]() 11/04/2013 at 13:30 |
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Suicide-door Lincoln Continentals are the best (IMHO) American luxo-barge convertibles. But probably out of your price range.
When I was in high school a buddy of mine's dad got an old Chrysler 300K convertible. That thing was gigantic. Probably can still be had for cheap?
![]() 11/04/2013 at 13:32 |
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Oh yeah... That's what I'd have if I could, but they are indeed out of my price range or in terrible state of disrepair.
![]() 11/04/2013 at 13:46 |
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Well you said if you HAD to pick one...
![]() 11/04/2013 at 13:47 |
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Mid 60's Galaxies are reallllyyy cool. You can get some monster motors in them too.