Another recommend me a car thread (roadster)

[SwingLo]

Just thought of another thing. Maybe it makes sense to create a list so when know what we are looking at. Reality is, there aren't that many roadsters out there. So, let's start.

Others, chime in if I'm missing anything (new and used):

Euro:

- BMW Z3/Z4, 1 or 3 series cabrio
- Merc SLK, CLK, S500
- Audi TT, Audi A4 Cabrio
- Porsche Boxster
- Porsche Boxster Spyder (LOVE this car)
- Porsche 911 Variants
- Aston Martin Vantage
- Maserati Spyder
- Maserati Gran Turismo Cabrio
- Lambo Gallardo Spyder
- Ferrari 355/360/430/California Spyder

Japanese:

- Honda S2000
- Nissan 370
- Mazda Miata

American:

- Panoz AIV
- Panoz Esperante
- Corvette
- Mustang
- Camaro
- Solstice GXP
- Saturn Sky



Other:

- F5 or SPF Cobra
-

[Notorious]

Mini Roadster.

[KCZ]

Originally Posted by 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?

Weekend fun, including spirited driving, but if it had enough storage space for errands (like groceries), it would get more weekday use too. No track stuff (my Z is already set up for the track).

I get sudden rain. That means the car needs a retractable, rather than removable, top.

Any potential spousal unit will just have to deal with it.

My biggest creature comfort requirements are comfortable, supportive seats. I have a back injury, and I don't want to be crippled by cheap seats.


That's a pretty fair list. I live out in the boondocks, in a northern climate, and except for the Mustang/Camaro/Vette/Miata, you just don't see most of those cars here. Finding a used one would require a lot of traveling. Hmm. Esperante. Hmm.

[SwingLo]

Originally Posted by KCZ

Weekend fun, including spirited driving, but if it had enough storage space for errands (like groceries), it would get more weekday use too. No track stuff (my Z is already set up for the track).

I get sudden rain. That means the car needs a retractable, rather than removable, top.

Any potential spousal unit will just have to deal with it.

My biggest creature comfort requirements are comfortable, supportive seats. I have a back injury, and I don't want to be crippled by cheap seats.


That's a pretty fair list. I live out in the boondocks, in a northern climate, and except for the Mustang/Camaro/Vette/Miata, you just don't see most of those cars here. Finding a used one would require a lot of traveling. Hmm. Esperante. Hmm.

My buddy has an Esperante and loves it. Turns heads like you wouldn't believe.

Ken Olendzki (KOMotors here on the forum) has a beautiful yellow Esperante GLM. He also has an Esprit and a Frogeye Sprite and other toys. Filled with envy, I am!

Here's his car:

[KCZ]

That is gorgeous. I've never driven one, only ogled a couple a few years back at the Panoz driving school at Road Atlanta.

[JonS]

Originally Posted by SwingLo

My buddy has an Esperante and loves it. Turns heads like you wouldn't believe.

It looks too much like a Pixar character to me! Too cute!




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[Notorious]

Originally Posted by SwingLo

My buddy has an Esperante and loves it. Turns heads like you wouldn't believe.

Ken Olendzki (KOMotors here on the forum) has a beautiful yellow Esperante GLM. He also has an Esprit and a Frogeye Sprite and other toys. Filled with envy, I am!

Here's his car:

Reminds me of these things:

[Drew09]

[tmr]

Why not a 3-series convertible? You can probably get a swinging deal on a special-order 335i with manual (or a 335is w/DCT if that's your thing) if they're still available. With the N55 single turbo engine, reliability has been better from the 2011 model year on than the twin turbo N54 engine (although 335is still has it).

I really like my 335i E90 sedan as a daily driver and for fun when the Lotus is not going to work due to passengers or stuff. The convertible has the folding hardtop, but is a true four-seater, unlike the two sports cars in your motor pool.

[Notorious]

I have to jump in and vouch for a nice comfortable 4 seat convertible for those days when you don't feel like buzzing the roads with your hair on fire and just want to have a relaxing cruise and be able to bring stuff or friends along... or not, but just have the extra room and space to lay out and relax. It is a nice thing.

[Drew09]

I'm sure the e93's can be had at pretty decent prices too since the body style is about to be changed in the next year.

[evomind]

The Viper is a pretty cool roadster....

[KCZ]

No, no, and no on the pet fish, the four-seater, and the Viper. (Although the fish is kinda cute. Is that chrome orange?)

[Notorious]

I think the fish is more burnt orange but the younger ones can be chrome orange.

As for the Viper, I love those cars, until you want to turn.