Another recommend me a car thread (roadster)

[KCZ]

Mull this question over for me, if you don’t mind, during your post-holiday stupor. I’m thinking about putting a roadster in that empty space in the new garage…something just for fun on a nice summer day. I’ve been looking at three cars with nearly identical performance specs but not prices. Nicely equipped, the Boxster S is $76K, the 370Z is $48K, and a Z4 is $62K.

I test-drove and liked the Boxster, except for the price tag. It’s really nice, and much more civilized then my present cars, but I can’t convince myself that it’s provides $30K more entertainment than the less refined 370Z.

I’m a long-time Datsun/Nissan Z enthusiast, and the 370Z is fun to drive and has a lot of good points, but I’m not sure how much use I’d get out of it. Its non-existent storage space means you can’t run errands in it or take more than an overnight trip. It also has a history of PITA problems with roof fitment. And I kind of want something different.

I’d like to look at a Z4, but neither of the dealers has one in stock, and the salespeople aren’t even motivated enough to find out when they might get one. I’m not sure if the Z4’s hard top is desirable enough to outweigh its poor reliability history and all the Z4 forum inhabitants seem to think it needs a zillion mods to be livable.

Your opinions, please. Or is there something else that should be on my short list (in this general price range and with a MT)? If I’m going to order something and get it by spring, I’ll have to decide by the end of January.

[Surge]

Nice problem to have!

You may want to check and see when the Scion FR-S cabrio is coming... Should cost about $30K.

[s2kjoe]

Drove the new boxster s at a auto x demo and loved it. Had pdk and much better than previous gen but the price tag was a bummer. Z4 s35i is great also has power and handling is great but not as good as the boxster but the hardtop makes up for it, imo! Jag xkr roadster are nice also as a cruiser with great comfort!

[Notorious]

TT? I like those cars. The Quattro turbo is no slouch either.

[KCZ]

From what I've read the FR-S cabrio won't be available until MY14. The XKR is out of my price range and doesn't come with a MT. I really like the looks of the F-type, but that won't be available with a MT until ? MY14 and is likely to be >$100K also.

I hadn't thought about the TT. Will take a look.

[Drew09]

I love the z4. That would probably be my choice. Although like you said, not too much space. Although, our dealer doesn't have any either. They are a little difficult to acquire right now for some reason.

[trentor]

If you're not stuck on a brand new car, there are plenty of low mileage M3 and 911 convertibles to be had in that price range too.


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[Surge]

If you want a car with minimal reliability issues, and I think you mentioned the Z4's less than stellar record, you really can't really go German unless it's Porsche.
Someone here is selling a 2011 Boxster Spyder for $52K with about 5K miles... Great price for a car that's likely to be a collector's item.

[s2kjoe]

The problem with z4 turbo engine 3.0l is the fuel pump issue but that was in earlier engine they have since fix that issue! The audi tt is a lil bit on the girly side..does the ttrs have a convertible version?

[Notorious]

Originally Posted by s2kjoe

The problem with z4 turbo engine 3.0l is the fuel pump issue but that was in earlier engine they have since fix that issue! The audi tt is a lil bit on the girly side..does the ttrs have a convertible version?

Yes, they do.

[KCZ]

OK, I looked at info on the TT and TTS. The performance on both is such a step down from what I own now that I think I'd be very dissatisfied. I also can't get beyond the impression that they look like bloated Beetles. It doesn't appear that the TTRS is available as a roadster in the US.

I thought about used, maybe a V8 Vantage but those are not very plentiful. I think I'd rather have a new Boxster S than a used 911.

[aschen]

Boxster s really is one of the finest overall sportscars ever made. Porsche pricing is of course absurd. You could get a certified pre owned couple year old boxster s for half original msrp with a warentee though. Ecconomics aside it is just a better car than the other 2.

Ever thought of just getting a lightly used S2000 and save a boatload of cash? A grandsport vette is also an option if you want to give up a little civility for ludicrous speed.

[me73]

What are you going to be doing with it!

[KCZ]

Originally Posted by aschen

Boxster s really is one of the finest overall sportscars ever made. Porsche pricing is of course absurd. You could get a certified pre owned couple year old boxster s for half original msrp with a warentee though. Ecconomics aside it is just a better car than the other 2.

Ever thought of just getting a lightly used S2000 and save a boatload of cash? A grandsport vette is also an option if you want to give up a little civility for ludicrous speed.

I've thought about the used route, but the problem is that good used roadsters are not numerous in the area where I live. I can either order something new now, or wait to find something used in the spring and risk not finding anything. I would really like something to use this summer.

[Minnis]

I beat all of the Z4's I've owned and never had a single failure-actually in any of the BMW's I owned. I thoroughly enjoyed the Z435iS, but was a few Lotus deep at the time. That is a loud car stock at WOT. A whole bunch of tires and one idler pulley(didn't fail, noisy bearings, it was a used car) out of 6 cars.

[jbs986]

Originally Posted by s2kjoe

The problem with z4 turbo engine 3.0l is the fuel pump issue but that was in earlier engine they have since fix that issue! The audi tt is a lil bit on the girly side..does the ttrs have a convertible version?

+1, I would go with the a used Boxster.

[SwingLo]

If it's just a weekend fun car, why not go something completely different and go Superformance or Factory Five Cobra? The SPF with the Roush 427 is great stuff! Sure you can find a nice used one:

[Notorious]

I thought long and hard about getting a replica 7 but the lack of any adverse weather capability sorta changed my mind... no doors, no windows, no top really, no sound insulation, nothing... not even fun on a cold weekend when you think about it.

[plastique999]

Originally Posted by KCZ

OK, I looked at info on the TT and TTS. The performance on both is such a step down from what I own now that I think I'd be very dissatisfied. I also can't get beyond the impression that they look like bloated Beetles. It doesn't appear that the TTRS is available as a roadster in the US.

I thought about used, maybe a V8 Vantage but those are not very plentiful. I think I'd rather have a new Boxster S than a used 911.

V8 Vantage is beautiful but underpowered

[SwingLo]

Can you give us more criterion?

- Weekend fun only? Any track or spirited stuff?

- Location? Do you get a lot of rain?

- Spousal Unit - ie, would she complain about a Seven or Cobra experience?

- Do you want creature comforts? TC, Cruise, et al

Totally off the wall, but what about looking out for something TOTALLY unique like a Panoz AIV?