OT - Need a Summer Cab, but what ?

I don't want to sell my '99 C2 but want to have a cab for the summer - probably should also be a TIP so my wife can take it out - since it will be for casual cruising, I don't mind the Tip so much. Also want to keep the price under $25k and miles under 50K Options are as follows, (since I don't think I can get a 996 Cab in my budget (correct me if wrong)), and I'm open to other suggestions: In no particular order: Buy 3 series (325) (practical, shopping/beach run with the 2 kids) Buy Boxster/Boxster S Lease 350SLK (although I don't like being locked into anything) Buy Z4 Buy Audi 225TT (had one, loved it, when chipped, it moved, handling was not Porsche, but overall an excellent fun roadster)

I have an '00 C2 cab and bought the wife an '04 325 CI cab. Nice lookin car. DULL driving though but the 'whopping' 174 hp does ok. Other than that i like the 'B' car. It was an off lease for mid $28k (25k miles). Sounds like you have kids in the mix. If so, I was in the same boat and your cabs with 4 people capacity are limited. You might find a '99 C2 Cab below 30 but I doubt down to 25. Good luck on the hunt. RB

Buy your wife an '05 CLK320 Cab. I just happen to have one I am selling. PM me if you are interested. I can email some pics.

How about an M Roadster? Almost 300 Hp, a blast to drive and could probably pick up a fine speciman for low 20's.

Audi TT

M Roadster doesn't work Kolshak as no cars with tip available although I loved my Z3 2.8 that I had some years ago. Pick a Z4 Roadster. Amazing handling, great reliability and fair price used! If you get a 3.0i, I'm sure you'll find yourself more and more in the car and the P sits at home. Only if you need four seats, then take the 3-serie convertible.

Thanks for the replies. The CLK is out, something I would by for the wife only. The Z Roadster is a possibility but I've driven one numerous time (my brother had one) and truth be told, I enjoyed my TT much more and bought the TT over the Z series. The 3 series is interesting as well as the thought of another TT. No one mentioned the Audi A4 cab but VERY interesting is that no one suggested the Boxster.

I forgot about the tip requirement. I enjoyed my MY01 M roadster more then my MY98 boxster but the boxster was still a fun car. If I had it to do over again would have kept the M a while longer & an added an SC. Actually I'm using this thread as an excuse to post gratuitis pictures of my last BMW.

I would suggest the Boxster S. :-)

Is this decision solely dependent upon you or do you need the frau's approval? If you need her approval, a 4 seater would be the most palatable. The only vehicle that meets that requirement would be the E46 3 series. If not dependent upon approval, get a Z4 3.0 or a Boxster S.

dare i say, saab 9-3 convertible. loads of torque steer but a decent alternative to the bimmer, mb, and audi in terms of 4-seat convertibles. much better pricing too, although residuals will kill you later. just a thought. i'm partial to bimmers having several of them. a 325cic or 330cic is prolly your safest best.

Don't need the wife's approval - she'll just look at me and, with a smile, ask why do we need another car (the Cab will make 4). I'll say b/c we don't have a cab anymore. Ok, that's the end of it. Not a big fan of the Saab's but the low cost is appealing. I'm leaning towards an early Boxster/S or Audi TT but like the idea of some beach runs with the kids in the back - family outings -kids are 3 and 6 - which leads me back to a 3 series or the Audi A4. I personally think the Audi TT is a great looking auto with a fantastic interior -love the '02 I had and should have kept it - and with a little patience think I can re-teach the wife how to drive a 6 speed and can avoid a Tip - not so sure I want to do that with a Boxster. I never drove the Boxster, so maybe that would be in order. So, I think I've eliminated a 996 cab (cost) unless someone knows of one for around $25k-$30k, eliminated the CLK, gone is the Z3/Z4 (would go for the TT instead - not as good on performance but a great touring roadster when the turbo is chipped). The crucial first question to be answered is 2 seater or 4 seater ?

Get a 4 seater! I would have loved to ride around in a vert when I was a kid, but my parents always had hardtops. They did buy my brother a MGB many years ago, but he never put the top down. As I got older, I got myself a Vette and had the t-tops off all the time. Then I bought a SL and left the top down. I'm a vert person!

No argument, I love ragtops and had a dad who bought the Eldorado Covertibles starting in 1972 - we would go on cruises up the east coast - fire engine red, front wheel drive, 500CI, 8 mpg - on the highway. It's on my list of things to get one day. But, I'm wondering if my kids are still too young to enjoy it let alone appreciate and remember it. As I write, perhaps I should go for the 2 seater now and when the kids are closer to 8 and 10, then move to a 4 seater - or the 1972 Eldorado !

Or you could buy something REALLY nice.... like a Chrysler Sebring Convertable.

Actually, it bothers the s-t out of me that this country can't seem to produce a quality vehicle.

Ain't that the truth! Sad, but true!

how about mini?

Mini - Not my cup of tea. Old Alfa or Jensen, on the otherhand - was also thinking about an older SL - OR, should I sell the ''99 C@ and get a CAB ? When the hardtop is on (winter) is it close to being a coupe ?