Your many terrific tips have kept my 2007 Toyota Solara running great. Now, I'm thinking of getting a new used car that is a little more current and pass my Solara over to someone who will enjoy it. But, while I wait for used car prices to come down, can you recommend a 2014-2016 convertible that you think is well built and will last? Toyota, Lexus (if I can get it cheap enough) or another? Thanks.
paul
Well insane used car prices probably won’t end anytime soon and I’d probably keep waiting because your car is still running okay and just keep up with maintenance. However, there aren’t that many Japanese convertibles in that year range, but one convertible/roadster you could get is a Mazda Miata with a manual (if you know how to drive one).
If you can get one at a reasonable price and a mechanic says it’s in decent condition, it can be a fun toy.
Thanks Matthew. The Miata is small for me. I'd be open to other than Japanese cars with similar maintenance stats if they exist. I'll keep looking.
Well Paul, another convertible you might consider is a Ford Mustang in that year range. However, avoid the manual and the turbo 4 cylinder because they’re both unreliable (2015 and above). The 2014 seems to be a decent vehicle.
Matthew - I'll certainly have a look at Mustangs, but I've always felt that Ford and the market has put a sports car premium price on them. I don't care as much about acceleration as reliability.
Does it have to be a convertible?
Well, I'm 71 and I've never owned a car that wasn't a convertible. So, it's my strong preference I guess.
Sure. Then if you want a toy, try to find a Honda S2000 which was well looked after. The value of those things are only going up at present. If the S2000 is too old for you, you may be better off leasing a new one from other OEMs. What are the available used choices in your area?
Nissan 370's come in a convertable. Its still a two seater but not as small as a Miata. The motors in them are bulletproof
I believe the Infinity Q 60 also were made as a convertable and they have the same engine as the 370Z