Alright, here’s the long and the short of it. I’ve got my heart set on a convertible. I’m specifically looking for mid-2000’s with a price tag of right around $10k.
I'm not looking for anything beyond a reliable daily driver. I just want to be able to put that roof down and enjoy the ride now and then.
I’ve been leaning heavily toward Toyota Solara’s. I test drove one about a year or so ago, but walked away because it was extremely shaky.
is my best bet to stick with Solara’s in my search, or should I be open to Mustang’s, Mitsubishi Eclipse’s, etc, and what specifically should I be looking out for when it comes to looking at these mid-2000’s vehicles? I had Saab 9-3 in the mix, but I’m weary as I know GM basically killed them in the end, and I’m seeing so many up for sale that it raises red flags.
any help is appreciated!
The gold standard is a Miata, though that’s smaller than the others you mention.
Seems like there was some love here last year for V6 mustangs from that vintage, for a daily.
@dad2lm2 the only reason I don’t have Miata in the mix, is because it would be nice to have the back seats in case I need to take the kids somewhere. Our family car is a 2016 Honda Odyssey, but I like to be prepared in case of emergency or what not.
I do see a fair amount of V6 stang’s, and I feel like right now they’re solid #2 if I can’t settle on a Solara. I really don’t care about if people are going to tag on me for it not being a V8 or anything.
The Solara would be the most reliable, at least with a V6. (The 2.4 4-cylinder engine is an oil burner.) Some Mustangs could be OK but you'd need to avoid years with inherent problems and V8 models are frequently beat half to death. Forget the Saab 9-3 unless you're already an enthusiast. The company is long gone, some parts are thin on the ground, and most mechanics are not familiar with them. If you don't need a back seat a Mazda Miata could be the ticket.
Since you're looking at cars about 20 years old, "reliable" is a relative term here. Any vehicle whose age is measured in decades will likely develop age-related problems.
@chucktobias are the V6 engines timing chains or belts? I was certain with it being Toyota that it was timing chains only, but then came across that they’re timing belts, but I wasn’t sure if that was the v6 engines or the 4 cylinder engines.
I like SAABs but most definitely am beyond wanting to turn wrenches and worry about fixing things, and I presume the fact I can find numerous up for sale at $5K, even with low mileage, is probably because of aches and pains people simply can’t fix or don’t want to drop the $ to fix.
are the V6 engines timing chains or belts? I was certain with it being Toyota that it was timing chains only, but then came across that they’re timing belts,
Spot-checking at rockauto.com it appears the Toyota 3.3 V6 engine of the mid-2000s uses a timing belt.
I like SAABs but most definitely am beyond wanting to turn wrenches and worry about fixing things
I've been driving Saabs for about 40 years now. The best ones were those designed before GM took over (like my 9000) but those are very old now. (The 9-3 is more GM than Saab.) However I do my own servicing, am familiar with working on them, and know where to get parts and technical support. Being a niche, special-interest vehicle I do not recommend them for most people, though with the company gone you can pick them up pretty cheap.
The only convertible I have personal ownership experience with is my 1967 Rambler Rebel. Much older than anything you're looking at and also from a long-dead car company.