~$50,000 Roadster

Hi everyone, im looking for another convertible to replace my Z3. What convertibles are in my price range? I want something sporty, probably a 2 seater, and probably a manual transmission. I currently have a 2001 BMW Z3 with a 5 speed transmission. Id love anohter BMW, but i dont like the look of the new Z4's.

Im open to suggestions. Thanks in advance!

Here are some of the roadsters I like, and suggest:

06 Audi TT
250hp
~ $45,000
also has all wheel drive
http://storage.audiusa.com/spanish/images/2005_main_ttroadster.jpg

06 Honda S2000
237hp
~$35,000
http://automobiles.honda.com/images/banners/2006/s2000/exterior_gallery/large2.jpg

06 Nissan 350z
300hp
~$35000
http://www.nissanusa.com/img/vehicles/gallery/z/gal_02_med.jpg

If you want to be completely unique, and get alot of stares, check out the
Lotus Elise
190 hp
~$45,000
However, even though it has a Toyota engine, it was still designed
by a Brit :uhoh:
http://images.google.com/url?q=http://www.diseno-art.com/images/lotus_elise_111r.jpg

Are you sure about BMW?
For ~$50,000 I would seriously look into the new Z4-M.
330hp
262lb-ft torque
0-60 in 5 seconds flat -sounds like fun to me :)

http://www.bmwusa.com/NR/rdonlyres/B01C9FA1-8BBA-46BD-8DEB-61541F2C0691/0/MRoadster_gallery_02.jpg

There is also the Pontiac Solstice GXP to consider. Sure, it is a GM car but mind you it is using the same platform that much acclaimed until now Opel Speedster will be using, so there must be something good going for this roadster aside from its rev happy but torquey turbocharged ECOTEC engine.

Pontiac Solstice GXP
260hp
260ft-lbs torque
Starting price ~ $25,000
http://auto.tom.com/img/assets/200601/0601231503142007-Pontiac-Solstic-GXP-FA.jpg

I doubt you'll even consider though because of the moniker. But if you want a great roadster for pure performance than really look into the Lotus Elise, despite having "only 190hp" it can still go toe to toe with the Ferrari 360 on the track and a come really close to a Porsche 911, which brings me to one other roadster.

2007 Porsche Boxster
base 2.7l 4 cyl engine- 245hp, S model 3.4l 6 cyl engine- 295hp
201ft-lbs torque, S model 250ft-lbs torque
Starting price ~ $46,395, S model starts at $56,295
http://www.leftinsmoke.com/files/2006PorscheBoxster.jpg

ooh, get a lotus. those things are awesome.

ooh, get a lotus. those things are awesome.

Normally I agree, but dont get it for a daily driver.

My suggestion, Z4 M Roadster...if not, then Z4 3.0si. That car is a beaut to drive, handles well, and has a killer exhaust note. I like the looks. It's definitely a ride I look forward to driving every time (I've driven them at least 6 times via BMW's Drive 4 the Cure events over 3 years).

Go all the way and get a Corvette.

Go all the way and get a Corvette.


I second that.

thanks for all the quick replies!

i dont want a racing car, i love the heated seats in my bimmer, and i want something sporty, but i dont need like 500 horsepower.

I wont buy another car without heated seats, i fell in love with those. I just need something civilized, but something that makes the drive to work more fun. I like the porsche, ill be sure to go test drive one of those when i get a chance.

yea i would go with the porsche, my second choice would be the s2000, just sitting in that thing makes it feel like it was made for you. the vette would be a good choice but if i was buying a vette it would def. be a coupe, it just doesnt seem like a roadster.

It sounds to me like the Boxster is your kind of car. You really do get what you payed for. Overall, it is the best roadster made for under $60,000. The only thing you have to look out for is the massive options list.

The M Roadster is a little less refined but also a bit more exciting and a bit faster.

This video explains alot-
http://youtube.com/watch?v=L5mFe3cLLo8&search=Top%20Gear%20BMW%20M

I would also look at the Mercedes SLK 350, which is more on the luxury side of these roadsters and has a nifty folding hardtop.

The Z4M, Boxster, and SLK are a step up from the 350z, S2000, TT, and Solstice. You will notice a huge difference between the $30,000ish cars and the $50,000ish cars. If you are willing to put down 50 grand, those three are the only ones you should be looking at.

Regarding the Corvette, yes it is more powerful, but that is all it has going for it. Cars that begin as coupes and are chopped into convertables are rarely as good as cars designed to be roadsters.

The convertible vettes are almost indistinguishable in performance from the coupes. They weigh the same and are still very rigid. Also I think that they are at least good looking as a convertable, where the 350Zroadster looks like hell.

Regarding the Corvette, yes it is more powerful, but that is all it has going for it. Cars that begin as coupes and are chopped into convertables are rarely as good as cars designed to be roadsters.

Given the very strong sales of Corvette convertibles, I doubt that Chevy designed the Corvette to be primarily a coupe and then "chopped" it into a convertible. The car was probably engineered to perform almost equally well in either form.

Go for an s2000. I know i would :)

S2000 or Corvette C6 convertible!