What drop-top would you consider as a replacement to the Boxster?

[Grizzly]

I've been thinking about this all day (I know, scary isn't it). With a ceiling of $40,000 and change, there really aren't too many inspiring cars out there, particularly if you want something you can comfortably drive daily. If you were looking for a toy, there are many offerings in that range (the 550 Spyder and Cobra replicas immediately come to mind). I have to say that if you don't like the 996 and you don't want to stay with the 986, the NSX is not a bad choice. Still, you're going to be pressed to find a good, later model example in the price range you're talking about.

The Mercedes SL500 and SLKs really don't do it for me, especially after my experience with my last E Class. It probably varies by area of the Country, but around here, everybody seems to have one. They're like the Annapolitan Corolla or something.

To me, the MGF is still a pipe dream and even if it does happen and appears on our shores, it looks eerily like this...



I guess if it were me, I'd upgrade the Boxster or step up to a 987S ...which is probably why I bought a Boxster when looking for a fun rag top in the first place.

Good luck.

[Grizzly]

Hey, how about the Elise? They are a blast to drive and the way their values have fallen off a cliff, you may be able to get one and a half of them for $40k. Of course, if they haven't improved their reliability over the years, you may need one and a half of them just to keep it running. I'd recommend the roadside assistance insurance, but it is cool.

[CJ_Boxster]

Originally Posted by Grizzly

Hey, how about the Elise? They are a blast to drive and the way their values have fallen off a cliff, you may be able to get one and a half of them for $40k. Of course, if they haven't improved their reliability over the years, you may need one and a half of them just to keep it running. I'd recommend the roadside assistance insurance, but it is cool.

Lotus, Yes... Elise no.... Exige S OH YEAH BABY!
top comes off too!

Supercharged, more aggressive styling, slightly better suspension and better tires.

[Grizzly]

Originally Posted by CJ_Boxster

Lotus, Yes... Elise no.... Exige S OH YEAH BABY!
top comes off too!

Supercharged, more aggressive styling, slightly better suspension and better tires.

...And bigger price tag too. That's why I mentioned the Elise. Exige is cool as hell for $55 grand.

[Jeph]

If it were me, and I was deciding between those 3, I'd go for the NSX. It's a sweet sounding car... It's a Honda. It turns heads more than the other two ever could. It's got healthy performance numbers. Getting an '02, as some one suggested earlier, is probably out of your price range judging by the fact you're looking at used E46s.

Now then, if TOPLESS didn't have to be a requirement, I'd say M3 (maybe with a sunroof?) hands down. In fact, why won't a sunroof cut it? The M3 is a serious machine, but a bit on the conservative side (in terms of looks), but a contender nonetheless.

The mall I work in has a BMW dealership in it so I see all the new cars everyday. They have a 6 series and a z4 coupe thats new in there. They also had a Z4M in last month. By the looks of it, the coupe looks quite nice, I didnt think Id like it due to the older style coupes (ugly), but its pretty clean. Now a Z4M coupe... thatd be a hard car to not want to buy. Personally Id buy a hyundai tiburon and put a V8 in it, with nos, and lots of stickers on the side, with air ride suspension, and a sweet body kit. And still have 20,000 left over.

[Bavarian Motorist]

Top does not come off the exige because the supercharger air feed is on the top.


On the REGULAR exige which I don't believe is sold anymore, the top is removable with some tools.