Summer times almost here (California) and I've always wanted a convertible weekend car. Must be Manual since I really miss it. Which convertible would you pick for $20,000 max?

2004+ Honda S2000
2006+ Mazda Miata MX-5
2003+ BMW Z4 3.0si
2002+ Porsche Boxster S
2004+ 350Z Roadster

 

I'm leaning towards the S2000. Absolutely love the small cockpit like seating position and is the most likely to be a classic later on.

 

I think you're probably gonna get a lot of S2k support here I would choose it over your list as well.

Besides it just being a fun ride, it'll be newer and less costly to get parts for than the Euro choices should it break on you as well.

 

Wow nice choices and tough selection!

I would prob go with the BMW Z4 or Porsche Boxter

 

Porsche of course.

 

Porsche or s2000. Me personally though, i'd get a classic convertible like a restored spitfire

 

Even fully-restored classic British sports-cars can be a PITA to own. The Lucas electrical systems, engine/drivetrain seals, and body/cabin sealing in bad weather can be especially poor.

Those cars, BTW, were the main reason why the reliable Mazda Miata was developed.

 

Coming from a past s2000 owner, get the boxster S

 

Coconut, out of the list you provided, I'd pick a couple-year-old Miata. Simple, reliable, and less-expensive than the S2000. It's not as ultimately powerful as the S2000, but max available-torque in the Miata is at a much lower RPM, so you start to feel some response around 3500-4000 RPM. The S2000's VTEC four has more high-end HP, but little available torque, and for what torque is available, you have to wind the engine out to absurd-RPMs to get it.

Unless you have bad arms, shoulders, hands, or fingers, I'd forgo the Miata's optional power-folding hardtop and get the simple manually-operated ragtop. The manual ragtop is a marvel of both speed and simplicity....far better than the ones on the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky. All you have to do is unsnap the windshield header-lever (newer Miatas have only one snap instead of two), flip the top back right over your head, and drop it down behind you. I've done it, from start to finish, with my right-arm, in three seconds....but I'm taller and heavier than average. Bolt-on hardtops, in body-color, are also available if desired.

Newer Miatas are noticeably roomier than 1Gen models, but, like most small two-seaters, still are rather cramped inside for anyone over about 5' 8" or so...they just are not designed for NBA guys. So keep that in mind if you are tall or large.

 

Depends on whether if you want manual or auto. If you prefer manual S2000 or Z vert. For auto I'd go with porsche or Z4.

 

Boxster S and Z will be most satisfying. But extra cash for repair reserves would be advisable (separate from the purchase price parameters already defined).

 

C5 Corvette

 

Being on a Lexus forum and a SC430 owner myself, my choice would be a 2002 SC430, you can find them for under $20k now

 

+1Another great selection.

 

From the list you have, I'd go with the Miata. My wife had a 92 (NA) and it was a fun summer car. The current generation has the most useful trunk space. If you want the car to be fast in addition to quick, there are lots of go-fast parts.

As also mentioned, a Corvette is also a lot of fun and there a lots of aftermarket goodies. I had an 02 C5 with a Borla exhaust that sounded awesome. However, remember it's a Chevy with plenty of rattles and stuff that goes wrong.