Which car - fun, convertible, room for my woman and small dog?

My turn for one of these. Thinking about a cool, fun to drive, sporty, cruiser for day and weekend trips with my woman and small dog. Preferably convertible. Budget under 15k but prefer under 10k. 
 

Had a s197 Mustang but none of us wound up liking it after a year. Shifter was terrible, meh suspension, wind beat up on the dog in the back seat so he hated being in it etc. 

Automatic is ok. 
 

Have considered Mercedes SL and CLK but haven't driven them. Would love a vette or boxster but doesn't seem to have room for the dog. Unless maybe corvette with the targa type roof. 
 

Thoughts?

Base Porsche Boxster.  Probably can find one with the IMS taken care of at that price. 

Take a look at an e46 convertible. You should be able to find a nice one in that price range.

"Woman and small dog" tells me you probably want a more GT-ish convertible with a vestigal back seat. I'd be looking at M-B C-class convertibles, BMW 3/4-series, Lexus IS convertible, Volvo C70, stuff along those lines. Bonus is that hardtop convertibles are pretty common in that category so putting the top up doesn't feel like a punishment.

Does it have to be a car?  I fell in love with my Wrangler, and it's perfect for two adults and a dog.

Based on Woody's thread, I was going to say Wrangler, too!

Is this dog Yorkie small or spaniel small? Will it need a seat of its own, or is it small enough to ride on a lap?

Jaguar xkr can be found in that range in good shape.

For a retro touch I saw a Saab 900 convertible the other day that looked fantastic. 

SAAB C900, has to be manual though as the autobox is an atrocious BW35. 

BMW 3 series or Saab seems like a good answer. Comes down to: would you rather straight 6 rwd or turbo 4 fwd.

Or perhaps you prefer your rad sports car to be built on 90s economy car bones? Hey, it's got a backseat and there's a turbo version! $10k could probably buy the nicest one on the planet.

I think Wrangler might be your best option. If it doesn't work out, there wouldn't be too much of a financial hit to get out of it also.

Murano crosscabriolet

Fun and street use do not go hand in hand with a wrangler. This would actually be fun, get decent mileage, comes in a manual, top goes up and seals decently and a small dog will fit no problem int he back. 

In reply to amg_rx7 (Forum Supporter) :

The Late Jaguar XJS  six cylinder meets all your requirements. 
 First,  if you buy the later 1990-1997  once Ford bought Jaguar quality massively improved.   Some years reaching the top of the JD Powell ratings. The six cylinder ( all aluminum 4 valves per cylinder  ) is no where near intimidating as the V12  and very near the same horsepower to weight ratio. 
  It's very special, comfortable, quiet, fantastic handling. Elegant. It was a 4 seater but reduced to a 2 seater to fit a folding top. Size is the same so room behind the seats is perfect for a dog. Even a bigger dog.  The console would provide access for the dog to share and a smallish dog could ride on that.  
     However best of all it is appreciating.  Jaguar has a habit of doing that.  The XKE is now worth $185,000 while in the 1980's- 1990's  you could pick them up for less than $1000 in driver condition. 
         Finding a nice one  in your budget might be a stretch but they are well worth the effort.  
     Unlike the earlier ones rust is not typically  an issue 

I actually agree with Frenchy, late XJS fits the bill. An E320 C124 would also but a 10k version is bottom of the barrel it seems.

In reply to amg_rx7 (Forum Supporter) :

"wind beat up on the dog in the back seat so he hated being in it etc. "
 

I didn't think this was a thing considering how many times I've seen a dog hanging out a car window. 

rustybugkiller said:

In reply to amg_rx7 (Forum Supporter) :

"wind beat up on the dog in the back seat so he hated being in it etc. "
 

I didn't think this was a thing considering how many times I've seen a dog hanging out a car window. 

I know! Imagine my surprise when I discovered this. Sigh...

My dog is smallish at 30 lbs but definitely not a lap dog. 

chandler said:

I actually agree with Frenchy, late XJS fits the bill. An E320 C124 would also but a 10k version is bottom of the barrel it seems.

I too would suggest a later Jaguar as well.  But lack any personal experience or knowledge with them.  I do know there is a period there where the V8 hadn't been properly sorted out and had issues with the nicosel linings, timing chain tensioner.  While that was dealt with I can't say when.  
      Perhaps others can?  Go on the Jaguar forum and ask.  They are really good .