[BruceH]

1. Tiptronic v manual. which requires more maintenance.

When I was looking, my mechanic suggested the manual is easier/cheaper to work on. It sounds like you might be better off with a TIP though.

2. What is the cost to upgrade top to hard glass.

I replaced mine with a ATD(same as GAHH) for $1060 installed, worth every penny.

3. I have found a 2001 with 50,000 dealer owned for $12000. Ballpark?

Yes it is ballpark, but really depends on condition, and service. The S model gives you a little more robustness such as bigger breaks besides the extra power and the price premium can be next to nothing, but that is coming from an S owner. I looked for an S model since I knew I would always wonder what I was missing if I didn't. In my opinion, I did not pay any extra for it when I compare what I got to the base models that I looked at. If you are patient, you will find the "right" one.