NoProblem

Convinced the gf to trade in her Civic ($10k), will put in $5-10k and want a used, fun, convertible for the daily commute to add to the A6/Grand Cherokee stable.

Thinking Miata, she's thinking Mini. 4 seater not a necessity, as two other cars are. Low maintenance a necessity as two other cars aren't!

2-4 seater, 4 cyl hopefully blown/turbo'd, but will fit a 6'3. Rented a Miata for a few days and fit was acceptable... Also, will be parked in DC a lot so size is crucial.

Saw a nice 05' Cooper S, less than 30k miles for $20k. What are your thoughts?

jfk92

what about that Pontiac Solstice? not sure of the price....though....two seater...never driven....i saw something on the TV the other night about the miata and someone that set it up for racing......or maybe that was in Automobile magazine....memory fading...

JLaws

Midsized and reliable.

Cargasm2.7

Enjoy your new S2000

bac2h

not to nit pick but he did say he's 6'3" which leaves out the Honda imo..I'm 6'1" and it was ng..

bac2h

Plenty of room..drove one in CA for a week...not that big on the fun scale tho...

saabSean

I'm 6'4 and fit just fine in 9-3 vert. I know it's not exactly what you're looking for, but low mileage examples of an '02 or '03 9-3 vert are relatively inexpensive to buy, own, and insure.

Check out the one at the link provided. If that car had been available last June when I was buying... it would've been mine. Low miles, manual transmission, less then $14k.<ul><li><a href="http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?rdpage=thumb&amp;car_id=237498101">http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?rdpage=thumb&amp;car_id=237498101</a</li></ul>

mkaresh

You'll have to live with torque steer and cowl shake, but the Volvo can be affordable, quick, and VERY comfortable. A friend of mine has had a 2002 for a few years.

Edit: now that I've actually read your post --

If you fit in a Miata okay, then you'll fit in just about anything. It's hard to go wrong with the Miata. The S2000 is fun, but less livable, and it's insurance costs will eat you alive. You won't find a turbo Solstice in your price range yet, and it's not as good all-around as a Miata.

If you decide you want something you REALLY fit into, then the Volvo or the Saab are probably best in your price range.

saabSean

It's a nice car, definitely, but only comes in automatic and they have a history of eating their own tops. The design of the top is suspect and it causes the top material to fray and tear over a short amount of time.

Bruce M

2001 CLK430, very nice ride, and cheap used.