[ryanSTL]

I am looking for a cheap used convertible as a third car / weekend car. There are lots of 75-125k mile base 3 series verts and Z3's for under $10 grand.

If I was looking to spend less than $10,000 and my primary criteria was reliability and not wanting the thing to be falling apart ... what would you suggest? The more basic and reliable the engine (into high miles) the better.

I'm not married to BMW if something else is a better choice. There are lots of Saab 9-3s, Volvos, and Audi's in the same age and price range.

I'm also very willing and expecting to take on preventative maintenance on a car of this nature. I'm just not wanting major expenses, sh!t quality, or general headaches.

thanks for suggestions

[ShocknAwe]

What about a Mazda MX-5/miata or Honda S2000?

My rule is that if the car was originally built as a roadster/convertible then it will be far superior to any car that was built as a coupe/sedan and converted to accept a ragtop. So if the convertible is what you want, go for one that was originally designed that way.

[ryanSTL]

miata is a definite possibility .. should have mentioned that. s2000 under ten grand seem to be beat to hell