I'm Al from Phoenix Arizona.
I've been researching hard top convertibles, either through a dealer or private seller. I looked at Pontiac G6 but that company's gone and it'd be a nightmare to find parts for or a mechanic who could work on the folding top should it break. My dream car would be 2010 Lexus IS 250C but it's beyond my budget as they run 18k and up. The 350C even higher, so I've narrowed it down to either 2007 Volkswagen EOS or a Toyota Solara which has a cloth top. Your opinion and recommendation please? Thanks.
Tough price range to find a good, reliable hard top convertible. I wouldn’t trust the VW. The other Germans (BMW, Mercedes, and maybe Audi made one) are going to be more expensive and reliability on anything under $20k is going to be spotty.
The best hard top IMO is the Honda S2000, yes they made one but it’s a removable (not folding) top, stick shift only, and finding one in your budget will take a miracle.
But you can probably find a Miata with a removable hard top in your price range.
Otherwise, I’d go with the Solara soft top.
Thanks. 99% sure that's what I'll end up doing.
Buying a ten or more year old retractable hardtop? They are rare for a reason. Do you realize how many motors and/or hydraulics and sensors are in those things? And if just ONE of those motors/sensors fails, the whole system will start bending or damaging other parts. Nobody wants to work on them except those who charge an arm and a leg. Get a cloth top or a separate hard top or a t-top - don't say I didn't warn you.
It's really a bad idea to put your email address on a public website.
I know the perfect car for you:
The Volvo C70 with a 6 speed automatic / any manual.
An incredible little hardtop convertible coupe, but it’s a bit rare.
Generally very reliable cars, share a lot of their parts with Ford C1 platform cars and other P1 Volvos (C30/S40/V50)
If you don't have to have a hard top, besides Miata, Solara is a good choice. Otherwise, get the Miata.
Look for an NC Miata with the power retractable hardtop (PRHT). Personally the Miata is the only convertible I would give serious consideration to.
Is a decent reliable (30+) MPG hardtop convertible exist? On my bucket list but I don’t want to pay the gas prices for a V-8.
Please search to see if the question was already asked before posting a new one. Thanks.
What about the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF, assuming you fit?
https://www.motorbiscuit.com/2021-mazda-mx-5-miata-rf-performance-car-seeking/?amp
I've narrowed it down to either 2007 Volkswagen EOS or a Toyota Solara which has a cloth top.
Forget about a 15 yr old VW..
