This ought to be easy for you guys...

Another What Car thread.

The parameters?

Convertible automobile (no Jeeps allowed).

Cheap to buy.

Reliable.

For a family of four, two adults (tall), two small kids.

Go.

E36 M3

A miata and a trailer.

Mustang? Cheap and simple. May have downsides

RX7 drop top.

/thread

In reply to pinchvalve:

What is that?

Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme

Depending on your definitions of cheap and reliable I do think the E36 is your best option, and maybe your only option if you'd like to have any fun driving it.

fasted58 wrote:

+1x infinity

Shamless plug: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1991-BMW-318ic-Convertible-LOW-MILES-Near-Cream-Puff-/200654540943?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item2eb7f1508f#ht_500wt_1182

I'm gonna say Nissan Murano Crosscabriolet, not because I think it's a great idea, but because I'm still suffering a case of what-the-eff over it.

Seriously though:

Cheap has many meanings.

BMW 3 series\Saab 900 - Just play with the year and condition until you hit your budget.

If your "no jeep" policy isn't actually anti-SUV, how about a Ford Bronco? The latest models (I think 1991 and later) got shoulder belts in the rear, so removal of the hard top became unsupported, but you really can remove the roof from any of them, they're roomy and reliable. All are 4x4. There are a number of manufacturers offering true soft tops that are better suited to impromptu top-down motoring.

pinchvalve wrote: /thread

I have never driven one, but I love the look of these.

Would a targa top do it for you?

I was under the impression the Sebrings were notoriously unreliable. We rented one, once, and liked it okay, though.

stroker wrote: I was under the impression the Sebrings were notoriously unreliable. We rented one, once, and liked it okay, though.

Depends on what generation you are buying and how it is equipped. Now, even though it is a porker, 4cyl/5spd model for me please. I would run FAR away from a 2.7 model.

I've got a BMW E36 328 convertible, and the only cavaet I'd have with them is that your small children have to be big enough they're out of a rear facing car seat. Carrying a rear facing car seat in one can be done but is a bit of a challenge.

Super cheap possibilities: Chrysler LeBaron or other K-cars, Chevy Cavalier.

One that's not going to be easy to find, but probably won't cost much when you do: Infiniti I30. Sort of a stretched, non-turbo Z car, or a V6 powered Skyline.

I am disappoint.

One that's not going to be easy to find, but probably won't cost much when you do: Infiniti I30.

I think you mean M30.

I dont like sebrings from an enthusiast point of view, but it really does seem to be the most obvious, most relevant solution. It will be slow with the 2.4 but i'd get a 2.4/4spd auto and just drive it. Enjoy it for the convertible aspect and think of it as any old transportation appliance when the top is up.

In reply to Datsun1500:

Yes they are.

BoxheadTim wrote: In reply to Datsun1500: Yes they are.

Pretty much.

I know some 2+2 RX-7s exist. They were more popular in other markets. Also, I'm not claiming that I know the convertible was available with them.