When I get my spring bonus check (if the boss ever gets around to signing them, that is), I’m going to buy a used convertible as a second car for our household.
I’m looking for something smallish and reasonably fuel-efficient; definitely 4 cylinders or smaller. I ran a cars.com search on the Geo Metro convertible (43MGP :eek: ) and it seems they’re relatively hard to find, least 'round here. Through trial-and-error searching, it also seems that the VW Cabrio(let) and Mercury Capri also fit into my definition of “small.”
I’m getting rather tired of doing trial-and-error searches for what I need. So, can anyone recommend Make & Model convertibles that are reasonably small and reasonably fuel-efficient? And I’d rather not go with anything that would be too hard to get parts for, so Fiats and MG’s are probably out.
I agree with mudcrutch: it seems that you’re searching for a Miata. They’re fairly easily had, too. I would stay far away from a Metro or similar–your driving pleasure (after all, that’s what a convertible is for, right?) would be definitely detracted from by the tiny engine and low quality materials.
I have a Cabrio that I bought new in 2002, and I love it. You may have to go back a few years before you can find one “cheap”; they seem to hold their value pretty well, at least early on.
Don’t buy a Geo Metro convertible. They are one of the junkiest cars out there. The reason they are hard to find is that they are all in junkyards. I remember when that car came out that the weight capacity on the vehicle meant that you and your passengers combined weight had to be less than 250 lbs. The only one I ever drove had such horrible cowl shudder that the steering wheel seemed like it was trying to jump out of your hands whenever you hit a bump.
Hmmmm, I just noticed you’re a US buyer so I can’t recommend or think of too many of the desirable convertibles I would like if I had the money. Would a Saab 93 or BMW 3-series be too far out of your reach financially?
I owned a Metro convertible for years, and it’s not nearly as bad as the rap it gets.
First of all, its mileage is incredible. Typically between 40 and 50. Secondly, I had no problems driving around with both myself (160lbs) and my friend (240lbs), plus additional junk in the trunk (I was using a stick btw, I believe they’re a bit more effective than the automatics).
The car can also hold an impressive amount of things. The trunk is fairly spacious, and there’s considerable room behind the two seats. If you found one for cheap and in decent condition, I highly recommend it.
This may be a great time to get a used Miata. My son is the general manager at a large Mazda dealership in Houston, TX. Two years ago he knew his mother was looking for a car and told us that Mazda was running a special on 24 month leases in April, 2002. We got one and will be turning it in next month. Since from what I understand that special was very successful that should mean loads of 2004 models coming on the market next month.
I fifth the Mazda Miata. They’ve sold hundreds of thousands in the US and they last pretty much forever so good condition used Miatas can be found at a really reasonable price. Whether the car is reasonably small or too small depends on how much stuff and people you want to carry.
They’re quick and nimble and a blast to drive. There’s a big selection of aftermarket add-ons available and a very large knowledge base of owners online (check out Miata.net and its forum for everything you could ever want to know about the cars) and local Miata clubs all over the country.
buy the miata!
I bought one for my trip to and from the ferry–best little fun car I have owned.
it is great for the few days we get sunshine here in Seattle! I can change to the convertible in about 10 seconds–you can’t beat that. And there are lots of after market options and as Santos said miata.net is a great site.
good luck
I drove a new-at-the-time ('96, I guess) Chevy Cavalier convertible in driver’s ed, and it was pretty nice, for a little car. It has a backseat, and a perky 4-cylinder. Might be a reasonable alternative if the Miata’s a bit too small.
A guy I went to high school with was always talking about getting a Miata; that amused me, because he was 6’3" tall. We haven’t kept in touch, so I don’t know if he ever got one.
There was also a 4cyl version of the early '90s Mustang convertible; it might be a bit big by your standards, though.
We’re at opposite ends of the spectrum: the convertible I’m looking for has a V8 that gets 9mpg at best and is so big a Miata would almost fit in the trunk.
I’m a little confused by the conflicting reports on the Geo Metro convertible. FWIW, I researched them on cars.com and the results were equally ambiguous. 3 out of 5 stars in pretty much every category. C’est la vie.
I can only spend about $3,000, so I think the Saab 93 or any BMW model may be out of reach. Thanks anyway, Pushkin.
As for the Miatas, according to cars.com there are none in my price range within 250 miles of my location, so it looks like I’m SOL for that.
At this point I’m leaning toward the Mercury Capri.
Do you HAVE to buy it now? Save up for a bit until you can afford the Miata. I would suggest not settling for your other options as you may regret it. Before you make any decisions, test drive a Miata and compare to the Geo and Mercury - you will be astonished by the difference in quality.
Find one. If you are going to buy used, buy something with a reputation for quality. The Mazda Miata has consistenly been on Consumer Reports “Best Buy” list.
I owned one for a few years (before kids). I loved it. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy another one.
