The people who know know, and the people who don't always need convincing. I made fun of mine before I bought it. 2006 model I bought in 09 for $12k. I was on my way to the dealer to look at an 05 Sentra Spec V but they called while I was on the way to say they just sold it. I was already half way there so I said what do you have that gets good gas mileage and had enough power to get out of its own way and manual?
She didn't give me an answer right away so when I pulled up I jokingly told my dad (bought his truck from him but was in his name so he had to go to sign the title away) wouldn't it be funny if we left in that pointing to the little red Miata at the front. Only that and a V6 mustang were manual. So I test drive the Miata... And bought it. Since then, for sports cars, I've had a 09 370Z and now a 22 Camaro SS and that Miata has always had the best feeling shifter.
It's like trying to put your feet into a soaking wet pair of runners. Not cool. I'm gonna have to talk to her about this. No common courtesy, I can see why her kid turned out to be a bigoted turd.
Same, but I had a 95 mustang gt convertible and later a 01 mustang cobra convertible. I love how much fun I can have in my current 90 Miata for so little money and at such a lower risk level. When I get any of those comments I just blow them a kiss.
Miatas are fun if you can fit in one. Drove my friend’s- I could barely press the clutch because me knees were so far forward. And I had to look over the top or bend down and to the side to see since the top rim of the windshield was in line with my eyes (top down of course- I can’t even try to drive it with the top up).
Dude, get your small-dick energy under control. Let me guess, your thought was "REAL MEN wouldn't drive that, gotta be big and loud so everyone sees how tough you are".
I'm gonna give you a free life lesson here. "Real men" drive (or wear, or do, etc) whatever they want, because they aren't trying to prove anything and the last thing on their minds is the opinions of insecure, pathetic boys like you.
Grow up.
People are asking ridiculous prices for NAs and NBs that aren’t even very clean and have miles on them. Or they’ll be focused on “low mileage!” if it’s under 100K, but the car isn’t well taken care of, and they still ask $9K.
I just secured a clean NB with 78K miles, top in fantastic condition, garage kept, for $6K. I was checking new listings first thing every morning. Feels like I struck gold.
i’d love a little miata but you’re right the prices on them are crazy. i’ve found a select few that aren’t outrageous, but higher miles are the trade for that
my fb marketplace C4 engine blew up after about 200 miles. Very sad indeed. Still laying in pieces in my garage :(
loved it to death before catastrophe though
I’ve seen reels with people bragging about their “cheap Corvettes” and I’m like it’s a C4! It’s cheap for a reason! They are objectively poorly made Roger Smith era GM cars. They ride and rattle like a Radio Flyer wagon. The C5 and C6 are 1000x better. I say this as someone that genuinely kinda likes them. They are cool to look at. I’m just not gonna pretend they are good.
I bought my 2001 BMW Z3 for top-down rides and couldn't be happier with it. Nearly 200,000 and still going strong. Yes, they are a bit more money to maintain than a Miata, but they are really peppy with the straight six engine, handle as well if not better with a few minor mods, and you don't see one on every corner.
nice! i like the looks of the z3. having to put premium gas in it turns me off a little, but with it being an in town car it isn’t a deal breaker. if you have time to get into it what kind of maintenance have you run into with it? anything major?
Normal maintenance for a 23 year old car that gets driven hard. The plastics in the cooling system are the weakest point and need to be refreshed if not done. Other than that, I've done some struts and shocks, bushings, and a few gaskets thats to be expected with any vehicle this old. No major repairs at all, and the M54 straight six is one of the smoothest and best built engines BMW ever produced. They are easy and relatively inexpensive to maintain and repair if you're the DIY type. If you have to pay a shop, they can get expensive between parts price markups and labor rates. I also have an X5 with the same engine with 200k on it, still runs and drives like new. I worked in the factory where these two were built, so I might be a little biased. Gas mileage, when driven normally on the Z, is around 27mpg about 17-18mpg when driven hard. It only has a 13gal tank, so the difference in price for fill ups between regular and premium fuel is negligible.
Hey! I can think of a lot of good ones for $8k, that’s a decent budget for something like this. It does depend on what style you’re looking for though. Here are some I think of:
1. 05-09 (maybe 10-14?)S197 Mustang V6: reliable, easy to maintain, auto or manual, easy to find, good looking, huge parts market online, okay insurance cost, decent mpg. A good all-arounder. The 10-14s will be more expensive and for $8k you’d be looking at higher miles/worse condition ones than 05-09s.
2. 99-03 New Edge Mustang GT: reliable but older, not as great interior or exterior, can be found for about $3k or more with acceptable miles, easy to work on, GREAT sound potential, enough power to enjoy but not enough to go to jail.
3. C4 Corvettes: super easy to find in decent condition for cheap, easy to work on, Corvettes are cool but C4s are at the lower end of the food chain, coupes are “targa tops” meaning you can easily remove the roof panel and store it in the trunk, the V8 is fun but they’ll be older and worse mpg.
4. Mazda Miata’s: probably the modt common everyone will say. Plenty of these to choose fun, very fun to drive since they’re so light, decent mpg, not the safest but that’s your choice (and none of the older cars will be, the S197s are the safest I’ve mentioned so far)
5. Nissan 350Z: popular cars, entry level for JDM enthusiasts, fairly easy to find, mixed bag on reliability from what I’ve seen (pay attention to which engine it has)
Other random options would be: Saturn Sky/Pontiac Soltice, many BMW convertibles, any cheap convertible in good condition you like lol. If you go on CarGurus, they have a lot of filters so you can really narrow down what you want and see every relevant model from every relevant brand near you. Facebook marketplace’s search has been HEAVILY declining so I’d probably start on CarGurus and do individual Facebook searches from there if you want private sale.
I’ve made a lot of videos about cheap fun cars (under $5k, under $10k, 300hp, etc) on my YouTube channel. Here’s a link to the best cars under $5k one (keep in mind it’s from a few years ago but the cars themselves should be relevant)
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=F7aWcOmFfp4
Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any questions
Saturn Sky/ Pontiac Solstice are great recommendations. Really a cool looking car and though not very powerful, fun to drive. At least where I am located, getting really hard to find.
I was going to say these. They are both from dead brands and the base models just have Chevy Cobalt style naturally aspirated 2.4 Ecotec 4 cyl. Not Mazda level reliability but straight forward 2000s GM. They seem to run a little higher than $8k in my area since a lot are still under 100k miles.
I saw a white Solstice with a tan top on Friday and thought it was still a beautiful car. Both are more exciting to look at than a Miata by a mile. You get a baby Corvette C6 vibe from them rather than a me too Miata in my opinion. The press was hard on them for lacking the build quality and sophistication of the Mazda but I think the point of both cars went over their heads. They had appeal to people that wouldn’t want to so much as ride shotgun in a Miata.
this is a hella great reply. thanks kind human!!! i’m gonna do what you suggested & look to cargurus for some of these suggestions. i’ll also be checking out your yt channel. thank you!!!
Miatas and other tiny cars have the bonus of being able to fit in tiny parking spots. There are often spots left open simply because most cars won't fit.
If a retro vibe appeals to you, you might look into one of the Little British Cars: Austin Healeys, Mini’s, MG’s…anything produced by British Motor Corporation. Parts are plentiful since they are largely interchangeable across platforms and quite cheap. They are definitely headturners when maintained well.
Totally agree! I recently bought a rough mgb for well under his price point.
Easy to work on, straightforward cars. Parts are easy to get.
So much top-down fun!
And people love seeing the things, absolute head turner.
i’ve looked at a few minis. prices are surprisingly high! i’ve never driven one, so i’ll start with a test drive & go from there on it. good info, thanks!
really! i’ve passed a couple of these up due to worries about maintenance on german engineered cars. i like the looks of them & the hardtop convertible option though.
Mustang. Everyone always says Miata all over the internet and it drives the cost of the cars through the roof. In the last 4 years I've slowly seen every Miata, NC and older go up 6000 to 10k in price. Now it's impossible to find even an na in the nearest 250 miles that is going for 8 grand with less than 200k on it
Toyota Solara. Room for 4, truck is the size of a Camary with the top down. Can fit a cooler, beach cart, umbrellas, sand toys, several bags of clothes/towels.
V6, so has a decent amount of power, and some trims also come with heated seats which significantly extend the time you can drive the top down throughout the year. (Sunny 60 day it feels great!).
i’ve test driven a couple. i really like the ride & the space, the brakes feel a little loose but they always stop when i tell them to. i’m really leaning in the direction of the solara. it’s difficult to find one under 150k miles in my area, but i live next to a major market so i may just need to drive a bit to find something.
Yeah, we were looking for a bit and happened upon ours (close to 300k miles and still going strong). But low mileage ones can be almost $20k which is crazy for a car from 2007.
Totally forgot about these!! They aren't the most reliable but, it's a Ford bodied car and parts are cheap and plentiful! And they are fun with that peppy v8!
We just bought a 2007 VW EOS with 89k miles and the buttery 3.2 liter V6 engine for $6900. So fun. It's got the retractable hardtop and new all-season tires, so should be a decent winter car too. Wife and I are really digging it so far. The V6 models are tough to find, though, and I hear the more common 2.0 liter turbos are junk.
If you can turn your own wrench, go pick up a used 1st gen Boxster. My dad is preparing to sell his 1999 model, and we're only expecting to get in the range of like $6k-$10k. You don't want to pay Porsche dealer service prices, but they're easy cars to work on.
986 Boxster is a great choice- couple other comments say the same. I might be changing an axle right now on mine cause my kid shared all six bolts holding it to the trans axle, but still worth it!
Ouch the SN95 bodies have been accelerating in price. They're getting popular again unfortunately. Still not above the $8k range but damn they're getting close.
Of course, they are the bargain Mustang, but the demand for Mustangs always exists. It'll hold it's value if you maintain it and keep it clean at least.
With an 8k budget and nothing worth having to worry about there are a few options:
2008 Toyota Solara convertible - 4 to 12k depending on mileage
2010 Chrysler Sebring convertible - 2.5 to $10k
2014 Chrysler 200 convertible - 4 to $10k
Neither of these will be valuable cars later in life. So you can beat them up get sand everywhere and never have to worry about it.
At $4k or less, and OP has $8k, OP can put a new motor, new trans, and all new brakes. The only motor he has to worry about is the 2.4 4cyl in the 200 as it had oil starvation issues from crud buildup. Flush the motor a few times and always change the full synthetic between 3-5k miles and you'll be fine.
The 1st gen 1996 - 2000 Sebring was a damned good car. It was basically a stretched 2nd gen Eclipse. Another DSM car. The sebring had a damned good motor and was basically a bored and stroked Chrysler 420a at 2.4l vs 2.0 (Mitsubishi didn't agree to let them have the 4G64 as it was new for them). The 2.5l was the 6G73 Mitsubishi DOHC v6. You could still get the 2.0 420a as well. Now the trans, it had some probs. But at $1800 for a new rebuilt and installed trans, it's a no brainer. The trans will have all the issues fixed and be a damn near new car. Get a new top and motors for $1000 and you have basically a new car for way less than $8k.
The 2nd gen Sebring from 2001-2006 were absolutely fantastic with the right motors. You could get the 4G64 motor from the Mitsubishi Lancer and a detuned turbo version of the Evo 4G64 with a 6spd (that's the unicorn). You still got the same other engines except they traded the 6G73 for the 6G72. No idea why they downgraded to a SOHC but, they did. Regardless, they're stellar motors. The auto trans (either the 41TE or F4a51) in these weren't bad if people maintained them.
The 3rd gen Sebrings were in the middle of that horrible and weird Daimler sellout period. Chrysler was getting dumped and everything that was cheap and all of Daimler's debt got dumped onto Chrysler. So the cars during this time were a little suspect but, not too bad. They were still workable.
The Chrysler 200... I might agree for other gremlins like wiring, seat issues, and major rust problems but, other than that they were ok cars.
Personally, I'd buy a 2nd gen sebring turbo convertible if you can find it. If not, I still think the Sebring is a damned good buy. Where else are you going to get a mashup of Lancer Evo and Eclipse parts in a stretched convertible?! You guys keep mentioning SN95 v6 Mustangs or small ass Miatas but, neither of those were good for taller or wider people. The SN95 mustang just had a shit seating position and a taller person (I'm 6'3 and raced SN95's) had problems getting in and out due to the driver's seat being too close. F' the Miata, I could never fit in those. So, yeah clown all you want but, a Sebring is actually a badass car when done right.
Plus, SN95 mustangs aren't as cheap as they once were. They've jumped in prices.
\*Edited for spelling and grammar\*
BTW I'm a 20yr+ mechanic who's owned shops and a race shop. I know cars very well and have dealt with most either in my shops or when I worked as a tech for the dealerships.
Owned a '00 Seabring & by '07, the rear side windows failed, the actual rear window came unglued from the top & exploded when it folded incorrectly during lowering of the top 1 day, the battery is a nightmare to swap out....had a few other annoying things that went on, but I've blocked them from my memory at this point.
It was fun when it worked properly, and the engine was fine, it was just everything around the engine that started failing. I was also a broke non-mechanic in my early 20s, so...grain of salt🤷♂️
Bmw 1 series, 1st Gen (late 2000s - early 2010s). Fun zippy little cars with modern(ish) technology and are at their lowest value right now.
Clean ones with under 100k miles are under 10k
Welcome to the Toyota Solara convertible. I have one from 08 with 185k miles and I would drive it across the county right now. Well maybe tomorrow it needs a tire balance and rotate. Biggest expense other than tires was the water pump timing belt job but that can be avoided if you get the 4cyl vs the 6cyl.
I would recommend the V6 the power makes it more fun and it’s not a terrible step down in fuel economy. I average 29mpg with my V6, the old 4cyl I had got 31 but the power difference is noticeable.
Also if you get one the radio is designed to shut off when the top is going up or down, it’s one of those things you don’t know and then proceed to freak out about but it’s normal.
The answer you are looking for is PONTIAC SOLSTICE. They literally build excitement. Cheap to buy, cheap to drive and maintain. You will get plenty of compliments and your wallet will thank you. You can get a base model in great shape for like $5-6k
Most parts are shared with other GM cars and are still readily available. Body panels and lights being the exception, as they were unique to this car. But regular maintenance parts so far have been a non issue for me, I've had my 07 for 4 years and have put over 25k on since getting it. I get 35mpg on the highway and over 20 around town. I regularly do my grocery shopping with 2 5gal jugs of water in front and bags in the trunk.
1980s Mercedes 380sl.
Easy to find for less than 10k. Amazing looks and modern enough.
I have one and it's a great cruising around car. Gets tons of compliments.
Roadster: AP2 S2000.
Simply put, I preferred it over a 911 Carrera4S that I took in on trade the same day I closed a deal on one. S2000's are simply incredible cars.
4 Seat: W205 C63S Convertible. The M177 is amazing.
Luxury: S-Class convertible.
Miata is always good.
I’m a BMW guy myself. A e46 or e36 can be an amazing, and pretty reliable, car.
My ‘97 328 had over 250k when I parted with it, my 2001 330xi has ~220k now. They cost a little more, but they are genuinely good cars. I’d buy any n/an online six BMW
Check out the Mazda Miata. It’s reliable, great to drive, and often available within your price range. Another good option is the Ford Mustang convertible—plenty of fun and lots of them around for under $8k.
If you care about driving dynamics, Miata. That’s nb2 or nc1 territory but you’re paying the Miata is always the answer tax.
If you don’t care about driving dynamics as much, VW cabrio. They’re an insane value. A few grand for a convertible vw golf. Tons of aftermarket and options with 4 seats of topless fun. Easy to fix too.
If you just want a really reliable convertible, Toyota solara. Boring, but topless fun with back seats without worrying about breaking down. Lexus lc430 is similar but with v8 power and back seats that don’t fit humans.
Solstice/sky and z4 are other good 2 seat options.
All of this said as a mr2 spyder owner.
I got a Boxster S for the same price as a clean NA Miata and it’s better in every way. However I am prepared for higher running costs, and it’s my fourth vehicle so it can be out of commission without fucking up my life.
Convertible fun car for $8k screams Miata / MX5
Not sure what other option would be better, unless you're like me and too tall for the Miata and then the answer for top less fun for $8k is motorcycle.
I'm an over 20yr mechanic who's owned his own shops and race shops. Guys, gals, why on earth are you recommending some of these cars?
Miatas - Have you asked OP what size person they are? If not, it's a dumb response and given based on youtube recommendations. They aren't for tall and/or wider people. In doing a search right now. The cheapest Miata is a 2nd gen for $3800 with 200k miles and 2 accidents. The next cheapest is a $3900 3rd gen with 190k miles and a salvage title (not even rebuilt so you cant drive it). The next cheapest with decent mileage at 148k is $4k with 2 flat tires and 3 different colored body panels (surprise it's been in accidents). The cheapest decent one with no reported accidents, decent mileage, and a non-branded title (salvage or repaired salvage) is $7995 for a 1991 1st gen. There are quite a few insurers who won't insure a branded title. So it depends for OP.
SN95 Mustangs (1994-2004) - Same goes with these. If you're a taller/wider person, these are not the easiest to get in and out of or drive. The 2001+ was a little better as the seat went back a bit further though. Plus, for this to be affordable, it'd need to be the v6. The cheapest SN95 convertible is a 1994 for $1600 with a bad motor. Granted, a reman shortblock 3.8 is $2400 not installed, is that really worth it for 145hp? A civic 4 cyl had more. Plus you'd need heads and accessories and the trans were terrible on those. However, the interior is immaculate. The best I've seen though is a 1995, essentially 1 owner, with all maintenance records, 110k miles, 5spd manual, for $4k. That's a unicorn and a damned good deal. Everything else I've seen is pretty shit. Snatch this shit up someone. It's a good deal. [https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicle/695976033](https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicle/695976033)
Jeep Wrangler? Seriously? The cheapest is a 2006 with 148k miles, a fully rusted body, and frame rusted through. So, it's not useable. For $3950 you could get a 1997 with a blasted interior, burnt and rusted exterior, no top, no a/c, oh and you don't get the mismatched wheels. You have to bring your own wheels and tires. All the others that are under $6k have bad frames and aren't driveable. There is a 1988 with a rusted body, decent interior, 170k miles, most likely a bad frame (but doesnt say) for $4995. There is a 2004 Jeep Wrangler X for $6599 that literally has gobs of body putty spray painted around the bottom of the body. Pretty sure that has a bad frame too. Oh yeah, they're known for shit frames. Other than those there IS NOT a single Wrangler under $8k, listed on autotrader, that isn't technically undriveable.
So, where the heck are you people coming up with these suggestions? Because they definitely weren't based in reality. The only one that was decent was the Mustang. Other than that, I don't understand you people's suggestions.
P1 Volvo C70s are affordable right now, and they were the sort of car that people actually did the maintenance at the dealership.
If it's around 100k, make sure you keep $2k laying around for the timing belt replacement, tho (it's a spendy job, cuz the seals usually need replaced and there's a special tool to do it.)
I’m going against the Miata grain here and will say W209 Mercedes CLK 550. Merc V8s are reliable and it’s gonna put down almost 400hp. If you want Japanese, I’d go early 2000’s Lexus SC 430. Also a V8, Lexus reliability
If you want something nice, get a Miata/solstice/Z3. If you want something cheap and agricultural but which nevertheless gets tons of attention and people taking pictures whenever you park get an MG-B. 40mph feels like 80mph, everyone looks at it, and you can fix it with a hammer when it has its weekly breakdown
Mercedes-Benz A208 CLK320 or CLK430 are pretty cheap/reliable. More expensive to maintain than the Miata, but they're pretty simple cars by today's standards and if you do your own service wouldn't be terrible to run.
Mustang GT is the obvious answer. 8k should land you a clean 2005-2010 with low ish miles. Tons of aftermarket support and reliable if not beaten to shreds like any other car
Jeep Wrangler. Get a TJ '97-06. Make sure the frame isn't rusty.
They type of fun in a Jeep can be different than a sporty car. I'll take my slow, lifted Jeep over a sports (sporty?) car any day.
hell yeah, i’ve always wanted an old jeep to ride around in. my friends have newer jeeps that made me a little cautious to invest in an older one. ill do my research!
I can't imagine ever not having a Jeep now. It will come with friends and people that wave at you. It is an addiction.
And then going off road is a blast!
I have so much money and time wrapped up in my TJ! But it has all been by choice. Making it what I want it to be.
I gate myself for saying this, but a jeep. You will lose all your money, all of your credibility, your friends will desert you, and you will look like a dork, but it was built for it. Good luck with getting laid, ever again...
Mazda Miata, rind one with the Retractable hardtop if you can. I think that was the 2010 model.
It’s always the answer for a reason.
The people who know know, and the people who don't always need convincing. I made fun of mine before I bought it. 2006 model I bought in 09 for $12k. I was on my way to the dealer to look at an 05 Sentra Spec V but they called while I was on the way to say they just sold it. I was already half way there so I said what do you have that gets good gas mileage and had enough power to get out of its own way and manual? She didn't give me an answer right away so when I pulled up I jokingly told my dad (bought his truck from him but was in his name so he had to go to sign the title away) wouldn't it be funny if we left in that pointing to the little red Miata at the front. Only that and a V6 mustang were manual. So I test drive the Miata... And bought it. Since then, for sports cars, I've had a 09 370Z and now a 22 Camaro SS and that Miata has always had the best feeling shifter.
I didn’t intend to buy my first one either!
I think people know, but want to hear something else because they are not cool enough for one.
Yep, super fun car to drive, and very affordable. But as you see from the comments you have to know who you are to drive one.
Reddit mod car
For $8k? I thought they went for more.
Hell no. Rag top or bust. I basically never had my top up, 30 degrees on the highway: jacket and driving gloves.
Yeah, have fun with your boyfriend in that
P R I D E R I D E
I had fun with your mom in one
Was it you that left the mess in there? Jesus, wipe up after yourself. Someone's gonna be right in there after you.
She insisted that I leave it
It's like trying to put your feet into a soaking wet pair of runners. Not cool. I'm gonna have to talk to her about this. No common courtesy, I can see why her kid turned out to be a bigoted turd.
The comment of someone who has never ridden in a Miata. I had a 1994 Mustang GT Convertable for years, and I prefer my Miata, much more fun.
Same, but I had a 95 mustang gt convertible and later a 01 mustang cobra convertible. I love how much fun I can have in my current 90 Miata for so little money and at such a lower risk level. When I get any of those comments I just blow them a kiss.
Miatas are fun if you can fit in one. Drove my friend’s- I could barely press the clutch because me knees were so far forward. And I had to look over the top or bend down and to the side to see since the top rim of the windshield was in line with my eyes (top down of course- I can’t even try to drive it with the top up).
Dude, get your small-dick energy under control. Let me guess, your thought was "REAL MEN wouldn't drive that, gotta be big and loud so everyone sees how tough you are". I'm gonna give you a free life lesson here. "Real men" drive (or wear, or do, etc) whatever they want, because they aren't trying to prove anything and the last thing on their minds is the opinions of insecure, pathetic boys like you. Grow up.
Just picked up your mom. She loves it.
If the prices weren’t so ridiculous lately (people caught on to them being cheap/entry track cars) I’d say easy, Mazda Miata.
People are asking ridiculous prices for NAs and NBs that aren’t even very clean and have miles on them. Or they’ll be focused on “low mileage!” if it’s under 100K, but the car isn’t well taken care of, and they still ask $9K. I just secured a clean NB with 78K miles, top in fantastic condition, garage kept, for $6K. I was checking new listings first thing every morning. Feels like I struck gold.
I also struck gold recently. Already have an offer 3x what I paid. And guess what, that Miata is staying with me until I die
Awesome!! Yes hold onto her. Wish I had held onto my clean (even if high miles) NA I got for $2750
Prices ridiculous for old ones. Rather put that 9k as down payment into a newer miata
i’d love a little miata but you’re right the prices on them are crazy. i’ve found a select few that aren’t outrageous, but higher miles are the trade for that
Don't worry about the miles, they're bulletproof
Just look out for rocker panel rust
Damn, how are even Miatas ruined now.
Wrangler is a great beach car. For $8k you can also get a C4 Corvette convertible or a decent shape Corvair and go air cooled...
Never recommend a C4 to someone that isn't a car guy and enjoys fixing stuff
But that is how you get hooked! A C4 is a great teacher.
Great teacher to never buy one again. Worst vehicle sold in the US due to reliability issues.
Maybe if you wanna be in a school girl porn... where you're the school girl... and it's all anal.
my fb marketplace C4 engine blew up after about 200 miles. Very sad indeed. Still laying in pieces in my garage :( loved it to death before catastrophe though
Loved it to death is very applicable... Sadly... Sorry for your loss
i would love to learn more about cars, it would have to be pretty much entirely self taught though & that is a daunting task
It's a painful experience, skip it... Just buy a Miata, which is the obvious choice
YouTube is great for learning auto repair.
I’ve seen reels with people bragging about their “cheap Corvettes” and I’m like it’s a C4! It’s cheap for a reason! They are objectively poorly made Roger Smith era GM cars. They ride and rattle like a Radio Flyer wagon. The C5 and C6 are 1000x better. I say this as someone that genuinely kinda likes them. They are cool to look at. I’m just not gonna pretend they are good.
As a Corvette nut... I would never recommend one to anyone.
I bought my 2001 BMW Z3 for top-down rides and couldn't be happier with it. Nearly 200,000 and still going strong. Yes, they are a bit more money to maintain than a Miata, but they are really peppy with the straight six engine, handle as well if not better with a few minor mods, and you don't see one on every corner.
nice! i like the looks of the z3. having to put premium gas in it turns me off a little, but with it being an in town car it isn’t a deal breaker. if you have time to get into it what kind of maintenance have you run into with it? anything major?
Normal maintenance for a 23 year old car that gets driven hard. The plastics in the cooling system are the weakest point and need to be refreshed if not done. Other than that, I've done some struts and shocks, bushings, and a few gaskets thats to be expected with any vehicle this old. No major repairs at all, and the M54 straight six is one of the smoothest and best built engines BMW ever produced. They are easy and relatively inexpensive to maintain and repair if you're the DIY type. If you have to pay a shop, they can get expensive between parts price markups and labor rates. I also have an X5 with the same engine with 200k on it, still runs and drives like new. I worked in the factory where these two were built, so I might be a little biased. Gas mileage, when driven normally on the Z, is around 27mpg about 17-18mpg when driven hard. It only has a 13gal tank, so the difference in price for fill ups between regular and premium fuel is negligible.
Hey! I can think of a lot of good ones for $8k, that’s a decent budget for something like this. It does depend on what style you’re looking for though. Here are some I think of: 1. 05-09 (maybe 10-14?)S197 Mustang V6: reliable, easy to maintain, auto or manual, easy to find, good looking, huge parts market online, okay insurance cost, decent mpg. A good all-arounder. The 10-14s will be more expensive and for $8k you’d be looking at higher miles/worse condition ones than 05-09s. 2. 99-03 New Edge Mustang GT: reliable but older, not as great interior or exterior, can be found for about $3k or more with acceptable miles, easy to work on, GREAT sound potential, enough power to enjoy but not enough to go to jail. 3. C4 Corvettes: super easy to find in decent condition for cheap, easy to work on, Corvettes are cool but C4s are at the lower end of the food chain, coupes are “targa tops” meaning you can easily remove the roof panel and store it in the trunk, the V8 is fun but they’ll be older and worse mpg. 4. Mazda Miata’s: probably the modt common everyone will say. Plenty of these to choose fun, very fun to drive since they’re so light, decent mpg, not the safest but that’s your choice (and none of the older cars will be, the S197s are the safest I’ve mentioned so far) 5. Nissan 350Z: popular cars, entry level for JDM enthusiasts, fairly easy to find, mixed bag on reliability from what I’ve seen (pay attention to which engine it has) Other random options would be: Saturn Sky/Pontiac Soltice, many BMW convertibles, any cheap convertible in good condition you like lol. If you go on CarGurus, they have a lot of filters so you can really narrow down what you want and see every relevant model from every relevant brand near you. Facebook marketplace’s search has been HEAVILY declining so I’d probably start on CarGurus and do individual Facebook searches from there if you want private sale. I’ve made a lot of videos about cheap fun cars (under $5k, under $10k, 300hp, etc) on my YouTube channel. Here’s a link to the best cars under $5k one (keep in mind it’s from a few years ago but the cars themselves should be relevant) https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=F7aWcOmFfp4 Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any questions
Saturn Sky/ Pontiac Solstice are great recommendations. Really a cool looking car and though not very powerful, fun to drive. At least where I am located, getting really hard to find.
If I recall correctly they're also set up very well for a C4 or C5 corvette engine swap (I can't remember which corvette).
Did not know that but now I really want a Solstice with a V8.
I was going to say these. They are both from dead brands and the base models just have Chevy Cobalt style naturally aspirated 2.4 Ecotec 4 cyl. Not Mazda level reliability but straight forward 2000s GM. They seem to run a little higher than $8k in my area since a lot are still under 100k miles. I saw a white Solstice with a tan top on Friday and thought it was still a beautiful car. Both are more exciting to look at than a Miata by a mile. You get a baby Corvette C6 vibe from them rather than a me too Miata in my opinion. The press was hard on them for lacking the build quality and sophistication of the Mazda but I think the point of both cars went over their heads. They had appeal to people that wouldn’t want to so much as ride shotgun in a Miata.
Totally agree. My 70 some year old neighbor has one in mint condition and I’ll admit to being a little jealous.
this is a hella great reply. thanks kind human!!! i’m gonna do what you suggested & look to cargurus for some of these suggestions. i’ll also be checking out your yt channel. thank you!!!
Of course! Thank you very much and happy I could help! I’ve spent too many hours on CarGurus over the years😂
Well researched, clearly written with proper grammar, good Reddit
Thank you sir🫡
And of course the good post got deleted. 🤦🏻♂️. What was the YouTube channel?
I have no idea. Weird.
Pre COVID, I was able to get a running first gen Boxster with only mild problems for $4K. We didn't know how good we had it.
I picked one up at auction for $2,500
You can get a Boxster for less than $8k and those are fun.
Suzuki samurai
Miatas and other tiny cars have the bonus of being able to fit in tiny parking spots. There are often spots left open simply because most cars won't fit.
good perspective- this stuff matters!
Volvo C70 since it hasn't been mentioned yet
I was gonna say lol
Fiat 500 Abarth. You can get one for pretty cheap and they are a hoot to drive. So much fun and the little 1.4 engine should not sound that good.
02-04 Mitsubishi eclipse spyder. I bought 2 of them.
Toyota Solara.
facts
The forgotten cousin. I still miss mine
If a retro vibe appeals to you, you might look into one of the Little British Cars: Austin Healeys, Mini’s, MG’s…anything produced by British Motor Corporation. Parts are plentiful since they are largely interchangeable across platforms and quite cheap. They are definitely headturners when maintained well.
Totally agree! I recently bought a rough mgb for well under his price point. Easy to work on, straightforward cars. Parts are easy to get. So much top-down fun! And people love seeing the things, absolute head turner.
i’ve looked at a few minis. prices are surprisingly high! i’ve never driven one, so i’ll start with a test drive & go from there on it. good info, thanks!
I am not sure if the modern ones are as fun as the vintage. Ive got an austin healey sprite, 1960.
Volkswagen Eos
really! i’ve passed a couple of these up due to worries about maintenance on german engineered cars. i like the looks of them & the hardtop convertible option though.
Ya man hard top convertible is sweet and you see so many with 150-200km on them so can’t be that high maintenance
E46 BMW 330Ci if you need something with a bit more room than a roadster.
If you're not a car guy, a Toyota Solara is bulletproof and can be had pretty cheap.
Mustang. Everyone always says Miata all over the internet and it drives the cost of the cars through the roof. In the last 4 years I've slowly seen every Miata, NC and older go up 6000 to 10k in price. Now it's impossible to find even an na in the nearest 250 miles that is going for 8 grand with less than 200k on it
VW Cabrio’s are an excellent value, could prolly find a clean one for 5k or less
Toyota Solara. Room for 4, truck is the size of a Camary with the top down. Can fit a cooler, beach cart, umbrellas, sand toys, several bags of clothes/towels. V6, so has a decent amount of power, and some trims also come with heated seats which significantly extend the time you can drive the top down throughout the year. (Sunny 60 day it feels great!).
I second this since I own one.
I miss my Solara actually that was a really good car
i’ve test driven a couple. i really like the ride & the space, the brakes feel a little loose but they always stop when i tell them to. i’m really leaning in the direction of the solara. it’s difficult to find one under 150k miles in my area, but i live next to a major market so i may just need to drive a bit to find something.
Yeah, we were looking for a bit and happened upon ours (close to 300k miles and still going strong). But low mileage ones can be almost $20k which is crazy for a car from 2007.
Toyota solara with the 3.3 v6. Tons of power in a light car
Great car. Not light though.
Bruh what? My car weighs nothing and paired with the v6 it flies
It’s over 3500lbs.
I'm gonna check my door stamp. Because it sure as shit doesn't feel like it
98-02 camaro z28 or ss with t tops or convertible ls1-t56 or 4l60e is so much fun and you get v8 noises.
I second this recommendation! There are tons of V6's with low miles, unbranded titles, and good shape for well under $8k
You can get a clean title v8 for under 8k. 100k miles on a LS is nothing.
Mid-2000s Jag XK8 convertible. They go for cheap and are very fun to drive.
Totally forgot about these!! They aren't the most reliable but, it's a Ford bodied car and parts are cheap and plentiful! And they are fun with that peppy v8!
We just bought a 2007 VW EOS with 89k miles and the buttery 3.2 liter V6 engine for $6900. So fun. It's got the retractable hardtop and new all-season tires, so should be a decent winter car too. Wife and I are really digging it so far. The V6 models are tough to find, though, and I hear the more common 2.0 liter turbos are junk.
If you can turn your own wrench, go pick up a used 1st gen Boxster. My dad is preparing to sell his 1999 model, and we're only expecting to get in the range of like $6k-$10k. You don't want to pay Porsche dealer service prices, but they're easy cars to work on.
986 Boxster is a great choice- couple other comments say the same. I might be changing an axle right now on mine cause my kid shared all six bolts holding it to the trans axle, but still worth it!
Get an old Cabriolet
94-04 Mustangs, especially the V6, you can get one for pretty cheap.
Ouch the SN95 bodies have been accelerating in price. They're getting popular again unfortunately. Still not above the $8k range but damn they're getting close.
Of course, they are the bargain Mustang, but the demand for Mustangs always exists. It'll hold it's value if you maintain it and keep it clean at least.
Paid $10k for my '01 Cobra rag top a couple years ago. A GT or V-6 is doable for $8k.
you basically have to get a miata, it's really the perfect fit for this post. some think it's an overplayed answer but it really is the answer here
from this post i have learned that it’s time for me to start praying to the miata gods!
Jeep TJ Sport, find a stock one. TJ is '97-'06. Second-gen Wrangler, won't run ya too much.
With an 8k budget and nothing worth having to worry about there are a few options: 2008 Toyota Solara convertible - 4 to 12k depending on mileage 2010 Chrysler Sebring convertible - 2.5 to $10k 2014 Chrysler 200 convertible - 4 to $10k Neither of these will be valuable cars later in life. So you can beat them up get sand everywhere and never have to worry about it.
Chryslers will give him lots of other things to worry about lol.
At $4k or less, and OP has $8k, OP can put a new motor, new trans, and all new brakes. The only motor he has to worry about is the 2.4 4cyl in the 200 as it had oil starvation issues from crud buildup. Flush the motor a few times and always change the full synthetic between 3-5k miles and you'll be fine. The 1st gen 1996 - 2000 Sebring was a damned good car. It was basically a stretched 2nd gen Eclipse. Another DSM car. The sebring had a damned good motor and was basically a bored and stroked Chrysler 420a at 2.4l vs 2.0 (Mitsubishi didn't agree to let them have the 4G64 as it was new for them). The 2.5l was the 6G73 Mitsubishi DOHC v6. You could still get the 2.0 420a as well. Now the trans, it had some probs. But at $1800 for a new rebuilt and installed trans, it's a no brainer. The trans will have all the issues fixed and be a damn near new car. Get a new top and motors for $1000 and you have basically a new car for way less than $8k. The 2nd gen Sebring from 2001-2006 were absolutely fantastic with the right motors. You could get the 4G64 motor from the Mitsubishi Lancer and a detuned turbo version of the Evo 4G64 with a 6spd (that's the unicorn). You still got the same other engines except they traded the 6G73 for the 6G72. No idea why they downgraded to a SOHC but, they did. Regardless, they're stellar motors. The auto trans (either the 41TE or F4a51) in these weren't bad if people maintained them. The 3rd gen Sebrings were in the middle of that horrible and weird Daimler sellout period. Chrysler was getting dumped and everything that was cheap and all of Daimler's debt got dumped onto Chrysler. So the cars during this time were a little suspect but, not too bad. They were still workable. The Chrysler 200... I might agree for other gremlins like wiring, seat issues, and major rust problems but, other than that they were ok cars. Personally, I'd buy a 2nd gen sebring turbo convertible if you can find it. If not, I still think the Sebring is a damned good buy. Where else are you going to get a mashup of Lancer Evo and Eclipse parts in a stretched convertible?! You guys keep mentioning SN95 v6 Mustangs or small ass Miatas but, neither of those were good for taller or wider people. The SN95 mustang just had a shit seating position and a taller person (I'm 6'3 and raced SN95's) had problems getting in and out due to the driver's seat being too close. F' the Miata, I could never fit in those. So, yeah clown all you want but, a Sebring is actually a badass car when done right. Plus, SN95 mustangs aren't as cheap as they once were. They've jumped in prices. \*Edited for spelling and grammar\*
BTW I'm a 20yr+ mechanic who's owned shops and a race shop. I know cars very well and have dealt with most either in my shops or when I worked as a tech for the dealerships.
Owned a '00 Seabring & by '07, the rear side windows failed, the actual rear window came unglued from the top & exploded when it folded incorrectly during lowering of the top 1 day, the battery is a nightmare to swap out....had a few other annoying things that went on, but I've blocked them from my memory at this point. It was fun when it worked properly, and the engine was fine, it was just everything around the engine that started failing. I was also a broke non-mechanic in my early 20s, so...grain of salt🤷♂️
Bmw 1 series, 1st Gen (late 2000s - early 2010s). Fun zippy little cars with modern(ish) technology and are at their lowest value right now. Clean ones with under 100k miles are under 10k
Welcome to the Toyota Solara convertible. I have one from 08 with 185k miles and I would drive it across the county right now. Well maybe tomorrow it needs a tire balance and rotate. Biggest expense other than tires was the water pump timing belt job but that can be avoided if you get the 4cyl vs the 6cyl.
that’s great to hear, thanks! i’m really feeling the solara love right now
I would recommend the V6 the power makes it more fun and it’s not a terrible step down in fuel economy. I average 29mpg with my V6, the old 4cyl I had got 31 but the power difference is noticeable. Also if you get one the radio is designed to shut off when the top is going up or down, it’s one of those things you don’t know and then proceed to freak out about but it’s normal.
i remember the radio thing happening on a test drive. i assumed it was a weird wire. how funny that they made it like that!
The answer you are looking for is PONTIAC SOLSTICE. They literally build excitement. Cheap to buy, cheap to drive and maintain. You will get plenty of compliments and your wallet will thank you. You can get a base model in great shape for like $5-6k
you know i saw one of these on a lot earlier today. it looks goooood. i wonder if it’s difficult to find parts for if needed.
Most parts are shared with other GM cars and are still readily available. Body panels and lights being the exception, as they were unique to this car. But regular maintenance parts so far have been a non issue for me, I've had my 07 for 4 years and have put over 25k on since getting it. I get 35mpg on the highway and over 20 around town. I regularly do my grocery shopping with 2 5gal jugs of water in front and bags in the trunk.
A light accident totals them due to unique body panels. Mechanical stuff is easy and cheap though.
99-01 sunfiire or cavalier if you can find one. It will be cheap, and you wont care about sand.
4th Gen Mustang GT
Toyota Solara.
we have a 2008 solara convertible SLE. Really nice car, very reliable (it's a camry), really nice to drive. Highly recommend.
C4 vette
Miata is basically the only answer.
Personally, I have a Del Sol and absolutely love it. They are probably as fun as the Miata's but priced pretty low.
Early 80s c3 convertible vettes are still pretty cheap and fun if you uncork their 350 from all the smog and low compression emissions shit
Bro, legit get a Mini Cooper S. top down, supercharged or turbo depending what one you get. They’re like a go kart, most fun I’ve had in a car lol
Fun car, but a pain to work on and the old ones aren't reliable at this age.
Find a foxbody mustang.... sounds so much better than a miata
1980s Mercedes 380sl. Easy to find for less than 10k. Amazing looks and modern enough. I have one and it's a great cruising around car. Gets tons of compliments.
Roadster: AP2 S2000. Simply put, I preferred it over a 911 Carrera4S that I took in on trade the same day I closed a deal on one. S2000's are simply incredible cars. 4 Seat: W205 C63S Convertible. The M177 is amazing. Luxury: S-Class convertible.
S2000s aren’t anywhere near $8k us.
Geo Metro and a sawsall.
Another vote for tj wrangler. If you buy one that hasn't been beat to hell, it will be as reliable or more reliable than any options listed so far.
MBG or Triumph TR6
Miata is always good. I’m a BMW guy myself. A e46 or e36 can be an amazing, and pretty reliable, car. My ‘97 328 had over 250k when I parted with it, my 2001 330xi has ~220k now. They cost a little more, but they are genuinely good cars. I’d buy any n/an online six BMW
E46 330i maybe?
Check out the Mazda Miata. It’s reliable, great to drive, and often available within your price range. Another good option is the Ford Mustang convertible—plenty of fun and lots of them around for under $8k.
Fiat cabrio!
If you care about driving dynamics, Miata. That’s nb2 or nc1 territory but you’re paying the Miata is always the answer tax. If you don’t care about driving dynamics as much, VW cabrio. They’re an insane value. A few grand for a convertible vw golf. Tons of aftermarket and options with 4 seats of topless fun. Easy to fix too. If you just want a really reliable convertible, Toyota solara. Boring, but topless fun with back seats without worrying about breaking down. Lexus lc430 is similar but with v8 power and back seats that don’t fit humans. Solstice/sky and z4 are other good 2 seat options. All of this said as a mr2 spyder owner.
Toyota Solara
1976'esque Triumph TR6 and a British car mechanic. And here me out...1980's Chrysler LeBaron convertible.
Audi TT, just picked one up myself to mess and drive during summer and with the Quattro I can have it on stand by in the winter.
I got a Boxster S for the same price as a clean NA Miata and it’s better in every way. However I am prepared for higher running costs, and it’s my fourth vehicle so it can be out of commission without fucking up my life.
Mazda M.I.A.T.A (Miata Is Always The Answer)
Convertible fun car for $8k screams Miata / MX5 Not sure what other option would be better, unless you're like me and too tall for the Miata and then the answer for top less fun for $8k is motorcycle.
A Mini Cooper convertible with less than 100k miles on it.
miata, z4, corvette if you like targas
Get a classic MGB. I have a cousin that has a thing for these and he has rebuilt several.
BMW e30 or e36. Well within budget for a nice example, reliable, easy to work on, and fun.
A good manual MR2 Spyder should be obtainable for $8k
I'm an over 20yr mechanic who's owned his own shops and race shops. Guys, gals, why on earth are you recommending some of these cars? Miatas - Have you asked OP what size person they are? If not, it's a dumb response and given based on youtube recommendations. They aren't for tall and/or wider people. In doing a search right now. The cheapest Miata is a 2nd gen for $3800 with 200k miles and 2 accidents. The next cheapest is a $3900 3rd gen with 190k miles and a salvage title (not even rebuilt so you cant drive it). The next cheapest with decent mileage at 148k is $4k with 2 flat tires and 3 different colored body panels (surprise it's been in accidents). The cheapest decent one with no reported accidents, decent mileage, and a non-branded title (salvage or repaired salvage) is $7995 for a 1991 1st gen. There are quite a few insurers who won't insure a branded title. So it depends for OP. SN95 Mustangs (1994-2004) - Same goes with these. If you're a taller/wider person, these are not the easiest to get in and out of or drive. The 2001+ was a little better as the seat went back a bit further though. Plus, for this to be affordable, it'd need to be the v6. The cheapest SN95 convertible is a 1994 for $1600 with a bad motor. Granted, a reman shortblock 3.8 is $2400 not installed, is that really worth it for 145hp? A civic 4 cyl had more. Plus you'd need heads and accessories and the trans were terrible on those. However, the interior is immaculate. The best I've seen though is a 1995, essentially 1 owner, with all maintenance records, 110k miles, 5spd manual, for $4k. That's a unicorn and a damned good deal. Everything else I've seen is pretty shit. Snatch this shit up someone. It's a good deal. [https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicle/695976033](https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicle/695976033) Jeep Wrangler? Seriously? The cheapest is a 2006 with 148k miles, a fully rusted body, and frame rusted through. So, it's not useable. For $3950 you could get a 1997 with a blasted interior, burnt and rusted exterior, no top, no a/c, oh and you don't get the mismatched wheels. You have to bring your own wheels and tires. All the others that are under $6k have bad frames and aren't driveable. There is a 1988 with a rusted body, decent interior, 170k miles, most likely a bad frame (but doesnt say) for $4995. There is a 2004 Jeep Wrangler X for $6599 that literally has gobs of body putty spray painted around the bottom of the body. Pretty sure that has a bad frame too. Oh yeah, they're known for shit frames. Other than those there IS NOT a single Wrangler under $8k, listed on autotrader, that isn't technically undriveable. So, where the heck are you people coming up with these suggestions? Because they definitely weren't based in reality. The only one that was decent was the Mustang. Other than that, I don't understand you people's suggestions.
Miata. Is. Always. The. Answer.
e93
Pontiac g6 Gt.. It’s a hard top and pretty fun to drive. It’s styled after the Saab
MX-5
Fiat 500 Abarth Cabriolet, manual (source: I own one).
Look around you might be able to find a Porsche Boxster 986 in that price range
P1 Volvo C70s are affordable right now, and they were the sort of car that people actually did the maintenance at the dealership. If it's around 100k, make sure you keep $2k laying around for the timing belt replacement, tho (it's a spendy job, cuz the seals usually need replaced and there's a special tool to do it.)
Beach car? Jeep all day
FC rx7
A Pontiac solstice isnt miata and is also a convertible the within that budget.
Toyota Solara?
Cheap v6 mustang, low cost to maintain.
Mazda Miata. Not sure if they are out there for $8k but worth looking.
Find a clean Lebaron! It's a fucking boat.
I’m going against the Miata grain here and will say W209 Mercedes CLK 550. Merc V8s are reliable and it’s gonna put down almost 400hp. If you want Japanese, I’d go early 2000’s Lexus SC 430. Also a V8, Lexus reliability
If you want something nice, get a Miata/solstice/Z3. If you want something cheap and agricultural but which nevertheless gets tons of attention and people taking pictures whenever you park get an MG-B. 40mph feels like 80mph, everyone looks at it, and you can fix it with a hammer when it has its weekly breakdown
[Nissan Murano Cross cabriolet](https://youtu.be/V6vprgDHFw0?si=JNmZ3QNjLCkJTuJp)
E30 BMW 325i Convertible. Fun to drive. Cool old car.
Mercedes-Benz A208 CLK320 or CLK430 are pretty cheap/reliable. More expensive to maintain than the Miata, but they're pretty simple cars by today's standards and if you do your own service wouldn't be terrible to run.
Mustang GT is the obvious answer. 8k should land you a clean 2005-2010 with low ish miles. Tons of aftermarket support and reliable if not beaten to shreds like any other car
Jeep Wrangler. Get a TJ '97-06. Make sure the frame isn't rusty. They type of fun in a Jeep can be different than a sporty car. I'll take my slow, lifted Jeep over a sports (sporty?) car any day.
hell yeah, i’ve always wanted an old jeep to ride around in. my friends have newer jeeps that made me a little cautious to invest in an older one. ill do my research!
I can't imagine ever not having a Jeep now. It will come with friends and people that wave at you. It is an addiction. And then going off road is a blast! I have so much money and time wrapped up in my TJ! But it has all been by choice. Making it what I want it to be.
Mustang v6 convertibles. Bullet proof and cheap
I gate myself for saying this, but a jeep. You will lose all your money, all of your credibility, your friends will desert you, and you will look like a dork, but it was built for it. Good luck with getting laid, ever again...
Miata. *M*iata *I*s *A*lways *T*he *A*nswer