Help me spend my money

I no longer need the 4WD of my S550, so I'm going to bid bon voyage to the barge and look for something much less expensive and a bit more fun to drive.

I'm looking to spend $25k or less, age doesn't matter.
A coupe two seater or 2+2.
I'd like a convertible, haven't had one in awhile.
It should have good grunt on the highway as that's where it'll spend most of its time.
Prefer RWD.
I'd like to be able to keep the insurance and service cost well under $3k a year.

It has to be able to pass the girls "pretty test", this will end up being the hardest part since her taste changes daily.

The current front runner are the 2003+ Mercedes SL500, but I'm not sure about the running cost of this car, I've never had a newer Merc that wasn't under warranty.

Thanks guys!

 

Can you get an SL for under $25k these days?

If you want a good-looking convertible that is pretty fast the original body style of the Jaguar XKR would also be a candidate, '03+ model year.

 

Boxster

 

corvette. you can get a really nice C5 for $25k. good handling and power, relitivly cheap to maintain, reliable etc...

 

a good boxster S might be nice

 

'03 E46 M3?

 

30 SL500's are on autotrader. Most of them with 55-75k on the clock. The problem isn't with finding one, it's finding one in good condition, with good history, and finding out about running cost's.

I like the XKR, but I prefer the hard top (the convertible part isn't a deal breaker, I'd just like it) which a good bit harder to come by.

I already had a Boxster, the M3 is a option that may lead to to much aftermarket fiddling , but still a option.

The girl HATES Corvettes, so that's a automatic no go .

 

S2000.

 

I'd have to agree with a S2000

Audi A4/S4 cabriolet
Audi TT roadster
Nissan 350Z Touring


I've seen a few Maserati Spyders for around 10K more than what you are looking at, same with the Lotus Elises mid 35k+ cars. Along with Dodge Vipers & BMW 645i's.

What do you think about t-tops?

 

S4 cabriolet

You can find Maserati Spyders under $30k

 

CLK 55

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CLK55-AMG-CONVERTIBLE-BLK-BLK-NAVIGATION-HEATED-SEATS_W0QQitemZ120542504395QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Cars_Trucks?hash=item1c10e4a5cb

 

A CLK hadn't even crossed my mind, let alone a AMG!

Any owner's willing to throw in there .02?

 

I just got done with one myself. Had it for almost 5 years. The only things it ever needed was a $300 sensor which failed and a battery which is routine. Lots of fun, top down, throaty exhaust note, great sounding radio and power to pass just about anyone on the freeway....

Check one out.

 

I can attest that plenty of ladies do like the Z's...I worked at a Nissan dealer for a while.

I prefer the original 350Z Track Models myself...and don't remember them having too many issues except for a strange tire wear problem and a few other minor recalls that should all be sorted out by now on a properly cared for car...

Have fun spending your money.

 

Great car but avoid the SMG transmission at all costs. You'll learn to hate that tranny so fast you'll wish you had just given the money to me instead.

 

Have you ever driven one? I find the only people that hate on SMG are the ones that have never really had any seat time with one. I will admit the first time I drove one, I really was not a fan, but 10,000 miles later I'm a believer. I will say, however, that 6-speed is the way to go.

 

Definitely meets the OP requirements for passing the "pretty" test.

I would stick with the vastly improved 2008-newer second gen car.

 

Maserati won't work if running costs need to be under $3K per year

 

I had an 05 M3 convertible for 6 months. In that time we put about 10k miles on. That transmission took all of the fun out of the car. It was too jerky, a joke when pulling out from a complete stop on a hill and not smooth shifting either.

 

You could send 5 grand my way. I need a new exhaust.

 

Caddy XLR, they are pretty rare to see compared to an SL. Maintenance is cheaper as well, and it has the Corvette platform underneath it. The only downside when buying used is the interior fit, finish, and feel, might leave you wanting more. The northstar engines are pretty tough motors. The styling is not everyone's cup of tea either.

Erik

 

Lotus Elise. Low maintenace, convertible, good looking and as exotic as you can get for $25K IMO.

Totally impractical, though.

 

my vote is for an m3 coupe w/ a 6speed. Quick, fun, and decent utility.

 

I had one of the first delivered cars. I couldn't wait to get it. Had it two weeks and promptly sold it because I HATED the SMG. Some folks swear by it. To each their own. Me, I'd opt for a 6 speed M3 convert, which can be had in the low 30's these days. I would stay away from the '03 MB SL's, having had an '03 SL55 which spent waaaaayy too much time in the shop for puzzling electrical gremlins which evaded diagnosis. It was a torque monster, but got rid of it within a year with only 5,400 miles. Enjoy the hunt!!!