Mom's looking for a drop-top for the summer. Preferably something that can be driven during the winter as well in case of emergency (convenience).

Ideally wants to spend no more than $30K. Only considerations are quality, reliability, and fun-to-drive (must be a low-mileage automatic but engine pwr not a factor).

Lookin' at 1999-2001 models of the following cars:

Porsche Boxster
BMW Z3
BMW 3 series convertibles
Mercedes CLK320 convert.
Mercedes SLK230

She finds the Boxster and Z3 the "cutest" (whatever that means:D ).

Personally, although it's not my car, I'd pick the Boxster, but don't know much about it's reliability history. I attempted to sway her away from the Z3 because it's so damn small (safety) and my popz has a 745i and M5, both of which are not very reliable. My popz suggested she should look into a Lexus SC or Solara Convertible but she only wants the Z3....she's stubborn:)

----All of you on CL seem to hold a vast knowledge of cars so I'd appreciate the advice you all have to offer...
Which of these cars would you all pick from a reliability/quality standpoint? Which would you pick overall?

I think 99 was the first year for the CLK320 Cab and that would argue against that one. A low mileage 00 is probably over your budget. My choice would be a 01 or 02 Solara. I think they got the bugs worked out by then and I like the look.

From the list you gave, I'd go for Boxster

Auto purchases made out of passion are the easiest and sometimes the best. If mom wants the Z3, get the Z3, no sense trying to talk her into something else. If she doesn't like it, she can just get rid of it. With a 745i and an M5 in the household, doesn't seem like auto budget is a critical item.

A few thoughts from a former M Roadster owner...

The Z3 is fun and cute, but woefully underpowered (only the 3.0 is decent, even the 2.8 is sluggish and don't even get me started on the 2.3 or original 1.8). I know your mom won't be hot-dogging it, but those smaller BMW engines are SO slow I consider it a safety issue. As with all German cars, the options list was quite long so she may have to look long and hard to find one that has the combination of features she wants. Also keep in mind that all Z3's were built in South Carolina (not Germany), so they have significant build quality problems. Finally, the cloth top is a drawback to me in a car that pricey.

Which leads me to the SLK230. Again, not a powerhouse, but it's sufficient and at least has a power hard-top. I think it still meets the "cute" factor, and has proven much more reliable than the Z3. She may even be able to find a used SLK320 for under 30K.

Has she considered the S2000 or Miata? To be honest, it sounds like a new Miata would be perfect for her--cute, fun, reliable, within her price range, and she'd get a full warranty. Even a new convertible Eclipse could fit the bill--don't let her go the snob route if a less prestigious car better meets her needs!

With any of these cars she'll probably want a whole different set of winter tires, because summer or even all-season tires won't cut it in snow.

Don't remember what the new S2000 cost but in the current CD (I know about mag comparos but what the heck) they chose the S2000 over the Merc, Porsche, Audi, and the Z4. But if mom's heart is set on the Z3, she should find out for herself.

Wow, thanks for all the responses.

She's ruled out almost every car on the list at this point except the Z3. Oddly enough, a new car has entered her list....a car I never expected....a GS300.

She saw a silver GS300 with 5 star chrome wheels (I assume either factory 16's or maybe even 17's by her description) with a spoiler on the highway and found it "very cute". She knows very well that Lexus makes the most reliable cars on the market and she really seems to love the "GS with spoiler".

Well thanks for your input guys, I guess I'll take the advice of RON430 and let her make up her own mind, It's interesting how she went from considering small, zippy convertibles to a GS300:D

thanks again!

Convertible beetle....j/k...she's at the GS300...now tell her that lexus makes a convertible too..dont forget to ask to borrow it once in a while.

of those choice u have up top i would go Porsche Boxster,

Perhaps a SC430? Nice convertible... Still a Lexus...

Originally posted by The_Hitman
Perhaps a SC430? Nice convertible... Still a Lexus...

Good luck finding one for $30K.


Why not go with a Audi TT? or a Corvette?

I know it's not on the list, but over all the cars you listed I would say go with an S2000 HANDS DOWN. You could even find a new 2004 S2000 (now with a 2.2 instead of 2.0 engine plus many other nice upgrades over the '03) for right at 30k, a lightly used for about 25k but (a BIG but) it only comes in manual and she wants an auto. So, that doesn't really help now does it.

In my opinion, a 2001 328cic would best suit the price range and would be my pick. Not the most interesting (or "cute") :egads: of the bunch but I would feel best about spending my money on it.

XenonES3, has your mom considered the Audi TT convertible. More style than performance (not a problem for her there) and a drivetrain that suits Illinois winters if needed :thumbup:

I can't help myselft, I had to post an S2k picture :D

Boxster hands down, but I don't know if any of those cars in your list is a good choice for Illinois winter.

i agree with LexRx , 2001 328ci or 2003 slightly used 325ci would be a great choice. can't go wrong with CLK320 convert if you can find one under 30K. or spend around 40K and try to get a SC430.
but here's what i would do:
convince her to buy honda 2004 S2K (should be S2.2K) and i am sure she wont like it since it is not that comfortable for daily use. then you will get that S2K and give ur ES3 to ur mom. :D
(I am just joking, of coz)

My pic would be the clk 320!!:thumbup: