Veeky Forums Im looking to buy my first car. I'd like your input on options for affordable convertibles. I've been looking at two cars the Mazda Miata and the Volkswagen Cabrio since Ive learned to drive stick and manual models of these cars seem to be in abundance. I'm looking to find out which one is more reliable, cheaper to repair and possibly easier to repair as I have never worked on cars before.
I'm also open to other car suggestions and since Im quite literally a "newfag" to cars Im not looking to do crazy work on it; I'd want a manual thats fun to drive and easy to keep.
The VW cabrio is known as a "bitch basket" due to the rollbar and being normally female-owned. Also, VW build quality.
Zachary Myers
Bmw e36 convertible Chrysler sebring Chrysler pt cruiser Chevy cavalier Toyota solara
Elijah Smith
I'd avoid the Cabrio, it has a sideways engine
MR2 Spyder is probably the most reliable convertible you can get, as long as you avoid the precat issue which is a piece of cake
Nicholas Johnson
yeah, buy a miata. cheap, abundant, huge aftermarket.
Jaxon Richardson
The female thing I couldnt give a fuck about. VW build quality = bad?
Christopher Ward
Yeah pretty bad, especially that era. The older Cabriolet is a bit better but again, they're old.
Joshua White
Thanks for that. Ill check them out :)
Carter Thomas
be warned, none of those are particularly reliable
Leo Peterson
I read that its the electrics that are problematic with the cabrio. Can anyone verify?
Nicholas Harris
Where as the Miata and Cabrio are?
Sebastian Edwards
You have to decide whether you are ok with a 2 seater.
If you are:
toyota mr2 spyder in black is your best "look good for cheap" and handle well convertible. if you want a 4 seater convertible, id recommend the sebring for a 4 seater.
Parker Gonzalez
The huge following and aftermarket seem to be a major attraction to the Miata. Any suggestion as to 1st or 2nd gen?
James Carter
Yeah that's one major issue, also the previous owners of VAG shit are usually terrible people
the Miata is mostly bulletproof, look out for rust under the doors and fenders and in the trunk where the battery is
They can also burn oil at high mileage
Brandon Wilson
Hit or miss on the volkswagens of that era
Jose Cox
buy a 1992 or later, between the NA and NB just depends on whether you like popup headlights
Charles Perry
wow! The toyota mr2 spyder's not bad looking at all. Thanks for that didn't now it existed
Jace Reyes
Look for that puff of blue smoke when starting up right?
Christian Mitchell
Toyota Camry Solara Chevrolet Cavalier (pic related) Pontiac Sunfire Chrysler PT Cruiser Chrysler Sebring Ford Mustang Chevrolet Camaro Pontiac Firebird Honda Del Sol Mercury Capri Saturn Sky Pontiac Solstice Chrysler LeBaron (Avoid the V6's. 4 bangers only)
Alexander Smith
that just tells you about the valve stem seals, you can burn through worn rings quite a bit without the smoke being visible
The last one a bit out of my price range at $9000, but the other two are they over priced as Ive heard MX5 owners to to overprice when reselling.
Asher Bell
It's not reaaaaally a convertible, but the top comes off and it has Honda reliability which is perfect for a first car. Honda Del Sol is my suggestion.
Blake Mitchell
...
Oliver Collins
Pontiac Sunbird
Connor Parker
Oh my god why would you want a convertible holy shit
Isaiah Turner
>bitch basket
holy shit my sides
Oliver Phillips
why not a z3 1.9?
its good for starters, m44's reliable af
William Clark
Sunshine, good weather?
Brandon Powell
Aren't BMW expensive for repairs?
Jordan Evans
Mr2 also has a.sideways engine
Joshua Sanders
If you're in Europe (not sure about the American situation) I can recommend the Audi Cabriolet. The V6s are reliable and it's a well-made car. Not at all sporty though if that's your thing.
Nathan Stewart
Also I like the soapbar look, sage for dp
Gabriel Moore
I'd you want to get a bitch basket your best bet is a mk1 or 2 just because there bullet proof and aren't gay like a miata
Adam Lee
rx7 convertable!
Angel Howard
If you can find a 1999 Saab 9-3 SE Convertible, you would be golden. Cars are very cheap now, parts are everywhere and they are easy to maintain since the 2.0 is running a T5 suite w/o MAF and bypass valves, which makes the 99' easier to tune. Very classy and has serious tuning potential with that B204 motor!!!
