After spending some time with my dad driving around in his convertibles, it has made me want to add one for Summer use. I have a few stipulations. It must be a 4 seater so I can bring my son with me. It must be a manual transmission and a decently fun/fast car. I’m budgeting around $50k, but would gladly spend less if something checks the boxes at a lower pricepoint. I’m still compiling a list of candidates and I want to see if there is anything obvious that I’m not considering. The cars I am currently considering are the following although I haven’t driven any yet:
New 2015 Mustang GT - I like the looks, has a warranty which is nice, and it should be decently fun at 435 hp and a 6mt.
New 2015 Camaro SS - Same thought process as the Stang.
Used Mustang GT500 or Camaro ZL1 - Should be fun but haven’t driven either.
Used BMW 650 - Not quite as quick, but BMW fit and finish makes up for it.
Used BMW E93 M3 - Included as it’s in the right price range, but I’m not sure how I feel about the V8.
Other???
Cars that are out for various reasons. Audi S5 doesn’t come in a 6mt. Porsche 997 is a car that I like the coupe version way too much to ever consider a vert. BMW F80 M4 is in the same boat as the 997 as I’d really prefer the sedan if I ever bought an F80 and it’s well above budget. All MB is out because of no mt.
I’d appreciate any opinions on the cars I’ve listed as well as any choices I’ve missed.
Just sat in a 2016 this morning and the seats/interior were much nicer than the 2015. Plus the weight is down 200~300 lbs. I had the front seats almost touching the rear seats to get comfortable, but I am taller and like my space when driving.
I need to drive the GT but it looks good and is at least appealing on paper.
Thanks. I definitely want to check one out.
No 911 targa/vert for this one.
Good to know about the weight loss. I’m not sure how long I want to wait though.
I just meant the NA BMW is a bit meh compared to the turbo variants.
I oddly don’t mind either of those although a 15 year old Italian car seems like a bad idea. If a car seat would fit in the AM, that could be a pretty fun one,
GT500 and ZL1 seem to offer best bang for the buck. Not sure if I could swing a domestic yet.
gt500 vert.
from what i’ve heard, they don’t handle well, they have way too much flex, kind of feel sloppy, but you won’t care because you’ll be too busy smiling from the incredible sound and amount of controllable wheelspin/donuts. doesn’t get much more american than loud, powerful, and sloppy.
