I'd be replacing the TT. The reasoning is partly technological — I want a car with Apple Carplay and some of the safety things like a blind-spot alert and a backup camera. And it's partly aesthetic — I love the TT and don't think any car is prettier, but the window space is relatively small and with a convertible I could really open up the visibility. I've got my eyesight fixed, and I'm getting back to driving again, and I want to drive through the American landscapes and have a great visual experience from the car.
The car is the "Final Edition" Beetle.
Posts
197 comments:
Looks like a hundred years of advancement to this Model A
Happy Motoring!
Ford Mustang Convertible. You would be surprised how comfortable that car is.
MINI Cooper S 4-Door Convertible.
Convertibles are not driven when it's cold out, when it's raining, or when there are swarms of bugs around (if you're driving in town). That's 80% of the time in Wisconsin, I'd wager.
This will not be a practical decision if you decide to get it.
Car looks fun.
"MINI Cooper S 4-Door Convertible."
Is there a MINI Cooper 4-Door Convertible? I'm interested in the 2-door MINI. That's next on the list to check out. There is one other. Perhaps 2 others.
"Ford Mustang Convertible. You would be surprised how comfortable that car is."
I'm afraid that's too large for me. I have strong feelings about whether a car is right-sized for me and do not like too much car around me.
"Convertibles are not driven when it's cold out, when it's raining, or when there are swarms of bugs around (if you're driving in town). That's 80% of the time in Wisconsin, I'd wager."
With the top up a convertible is just as warm as a hardtop. You just get to choose the position. I think top down is also bad if you're going at all fast or if you want to listen to the audio system. But what I want it for, however small the percentage, is something important to me.
Since price is our issue, we r looking at the Fiat.
I really want a convertible, but if I had the money and liked the design, I’d check out the Toyota Supra.
The little old lady from Madison-dena needs a red Genesis G-80 Sport with the 365 HP Turbo Twin V-6. It has it all you asked for, except that silly removable roof feature that is only usable a few weeks out of the year.
I second the Mini Cooper S. Volkswagen has a not very good reliability record for their gas engine cars - you can look it up on the internet. Plus, the Beetle is worse to work on than the Mini Copper (not that I think you will be doing any of the work).
I would aslo take a look at the Mustang as well, and if a two seater is a possible, then take a look at the Mazda Miata too.
I do like the new Beetle, but they have issues that a gearhead cannot ignore.
Happy motoring whatever you decide on.
PS. For the Miata, you can also get an optional hard top for the base model, and new this year is the RF model, which has a retractable roof - best of both worlds.
Also, the Genesis gets 28 MPG on the open road.
If you can afford it, buy it and have a good time.
Haven't had a car payment in 4 years. I'm driving a 2011 Ford Ranger pickup, 143,000 miles.
I love not having a car payment.
Of course, you can probably afford to pay cash.
The Mazda Miata is one of the 4 on my list. I need to make sure it has Apple Carplay. I'm seeing ambiguous info about that.
No one has named the 4th car yet.
Either you're a woman of small stature or Beetles are a lot bigger than I remember.
"The little old lady from Madison-dena needs a red Genesis G-80 Sport with the 365 HP Turbo Twin V-6."
I'm not sure why you'd recommend that for me (even aside from the lack of a convertible roof).
I don't want a lot of car around me. I like to feel a close connection between myself and the perimeter of the car, like the car is a comfortable extension of my body, not a big old unwieldy thing that I'm tasked to control.
"No one has named the 4th car yet."
Honda 2000S
The New Beetle is quite spacious compared to the original.
I had a convertable (VW) and never drove with the top down. Too much trouble.
Also youtube for yourself bad drivers, and see how many cars wind up upside-down after collisions at intersections. Excellent defensive driver training films too.
I drove Mustang 5L V8 convertibles for years and loved 'em. Even with the top down in the snow around town.
Only caution is if you or Meade have allergies. Spring, when you want to have the top down, can be miserable with allergies.
I hope you can get a stick shift too. So much more fun to drive!
The Genesis has near instant acceleration that gets you out into traffic and escapes problems.
Not that you would need that unlesss a milk cow wanders onto the road. Size is relative. And next to the F-250 Mega Trucks everywhere a Genesis is petite.
I may have to replace my beloved 2006 hardtop MINI S soon, but not quite yet... It's a hell of a car, but visibility is not its forte (presumably the convertible with the top down would alleviate that). I'd definitely recommend the "S" or even the John Cooper Works if your budget can stand it. BMW really puts their heart into the S model; the non-sport MINI is a convenient, fun car, but it doesn't have the OMG handling and punch of the S.
Convertible?? A sun roof is just as much fun, and it is a lot warmer in the winter. Safer too!!
My 2011 Ford Ranger has a front bench seat, so I sit up like in an old fashioned pickup without bucket seats.
Great for my back and for vision of the road.
I'll have to buy a car in a couple of years. I'll buy something 2 or 3 years old that my son-in-law has checked out completely.
Ford has reissued the Ranger in 2019.
Cool little car but not practical for me.
I'm not a fan of convertibles. I rode around in one in the early 1990's and I hated it. Came home smelling of traffic. Wind blown hair. Sunburn. No thank you.
But it is cool.
The Toyota Yaris has an exceptionally hard ride, if you want that experience.
How about a Porsche Boxster?
Is the fourth a MB convertible? Might be too big given the others on your list.
My 1978 Fiat 124 Spider is only driven with the top down. If I need to put the top up I don't drive it. The only time I wasn't happy about the top being down was midday on an 80 degree and sunny Boston day in typical Boston traffic. "Baking" is too gentle a word to describe what was happening to me.
Is if fair for me to say that I find it amusing that you are buying a new car because of a desire for a short list of modern automobile technological features? :-)
Regarding the Mustang, rear wheel drive for anyone long accustomed to a front or AWD is not recommended.
Since even responsible drivers can encounter road clowns from time to time with harmful results...
https://www.foxnews.com/us/arrest-announced-in-horrific-florida-hit-and-run-rollover-crash-caught-on-video
...I was somewhat concerned that the VW Bug convertible doesn't seem to sport a safety roll bar like a Porsche convertible.
But wait. There may be a hidden one!
Volkswagen Rollover Protection System
Safety has always been a top priority of Volkswagen. We know this because they’re committed to giving drivers a driving experience that is as safe as it is enjoyable. Drivers in need of extra protection are those behind the wheel of convertible vehicles such as 2015 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. When driving with the top down, driver and passengers are exposed, increasing the risk of injury in the event of an accident. To protect passengers in the event of a rollover accident, Volkswagen has developed the active Roll-Over Bar System. This is the Volkswagen rollover protection system that activates in the event of an accident in order to prevent a rolling vehicle from crushing passengers.
Pictures of same at:
http://www.speedcraftvw.com/blog/volkswagen-rollover-protection-system/
Whether it's also standard equipment on the later models is something one should inquire about. Also, it's history of deployment reliability in rollovers (over the years).
Speaking of bird droppings, swarms of Robins are at the Smooth Sumac tree berries, which berries are so distasteful that birds don't eat them until there's nothing else. It's sort of emergency rations.
This happens every year when it snows late.
Go ahead and get a convertible. Probably will find the noise is bad inside with no hard top. And also probably get tired of it pretty soon but then sell it, chalk the loss off to just another bad investment. And now you can say you owned one.
I was trying to figure out if the Fiat 124 Spyder (which is a Miata underneath) would support Android Auto. It looked like there was some semi complicated hacking involving an after market hub required to get AA or Apple Carplay to work on the Miata/Spyder, but I wasn't sure. I'd love to hear a definitive answer.
You don't need a special caught-on-video thing. Russian driver always have a dashcam on to prove they're not a fault, and capture countless educational crashes. Check youtube.
Miata
Is
Always
The
Answer.
All 2018 Mazda Miata models can be dealer updated for Apple Car play and all 2019 models come with Apple Car play from the factory. What a great little car it is to drive!
Of the three cars mentioned, I would buy the Mazda.
Is there a MINI Cooper 4-Door Convertible? I'm interested in the 2-door MINI. That's next on the list to check out. There is one other. Perhaps 2 others.
---------
Ah... My mistake... I assumed there was a 4-door version available, but it doesn't look like there is...
But if that's not a deal breaker for you I highly recommend them... I've had 4 so far and they are extremely fun, zippy little cars that are built extremely well with many luxury features that rival those found in BMW, Audi or Mercedes... If you do end up getting one, definitely make sure to get the following "extras"
- Cold Weather Package
- Driver Assistance Package
- Steptronic 6-Speed Shifter
- Cooper S or Cooper Works
- Harmon Kardon sound system
- Rear-view Camera and sensors
- Integrated Touch Screen
- LED Headlights
- 17" Alloy Wheels
- Leather Interior
golf Cabrio?
If you really want to be cool, you should get a heat sensitive color changing car wrap. That way your car can look normal, but then when it gets hot out, it will reveal a new paint job or maybe even a cool design. It would be really cool. Maybe a hidden portrait of Amy Klobachar eating salad with a comb?
Heat Sensitive Car Wraps Video
Most mid to high end aftermarket radios (~$500) have Apple Carplay built in. With an iDatalink Maestro RR module (~$150), it will integrate all your car functions like climate control, backup camera, tire pressure monitoring, etc., that the factory radio can do. So don't let lack of Apple Carplay limit your car choices.
I just went through this on my ten year old car to get Android Auto and it feels like I have a brand new car. The Google navigation is so much better than Toyota's navigation.
I thought Boxsters were only for gay men.
Have to admit, I was never into fancy cars. To me, a car is an appliance. If it will economically get me where I want to go, that's all I care about.
Aren't you moving to Asheville?? Have you overlooked all-wheel-drive?
My recollections of the area are well past the sell-by date, but I seem to remember snow, and hills.
"Either you're a woman of small stature or Beetles are a lot bigger than I remember."
I am 5'5" — exactly average height for a woman.
Land Rover Evoque convertible. Car Play and 4 inches longer than the beetle.
Winter capable, natch.
I had a convertible for a few years. It was fun on the pretty days, but I regretted it after a few years. While an hour of beautiful driving is wonderful in a convertible, it's a pain on the freeway (my hair annoyed me hugely, even in a ponytail), and even when I put the top up, the car was very loud because of it's "less airtight" nature. Now I drive a normal car and rent convertibles when I'm on vacation. But you look great in the car - it is so cute.
Althouse - if you're driving, your missing most of the beautiful scenery that you're passing through. Give your eyes (and nerves) a rest and take advantage of an existing transportation resource. Meade!! Buy a 4-wheel drive truck, like an F-250 with all the bells and whistles and let him chauffeur you around the country. He works and you enjoy. I do this for my wife and she enjoys the leisure that comes with a skilled (and cheap) personal driver. You win and Meade also wins as he'll get props from other drivers (especially in places like Montana) for sitting behind the wheel of a 1 ton road beast. And if you ever get a boat or an RV, you'll need that truck. Just sayin'.
"golf Cabrio?"
Does that exist in the U.S. in 2019?
2019 Jaguar I-PACE
Watch before rejecting.
An alternative suggestion.
"Aren't you moving to Asheville?? Have you overlooked all-wheel-drive?"
It's just a place that we keep an eye on. We love Madison. It's the one to beat. Nothing has beaten it yet. It's not just the town, but you need to find a place you like in a location you like. That's really hard to do, and I don't have a lot of patience for searching.
I have looked at hundreds of for-sale houses in Asheville in the last 6 months and I have not seen ONE that I would want to live in (other than one or 2 places that cost more than twice what we want to spend and those are always much larger than what we want). Yes, I know you can build your own house, but that's a huge undertaking and it's not the hobby we particularly want.
Who else liked the Volkswagen convertible?
"Althouse reminds me of a certain leader..."
"Althouse - if you're driving, your missing most of the beautiful scenery that you're passing through. Give your eyes (and nerves) a rest and take advantage of an existing transportation resource. Meade!! Buy a 4-wheel drive truck, like an F-250 with all the bells and whistles and let him chauffeur you around the country. He works and you enjoy. I do this for my wife and she enjoys the leisure that comes with a skilled (and cheap) personal driver. You win and Meade also wins as he'll get props from other drivers (especially in places like Montana) for sitting behind the wheel of a 1 ton road beast. And if you ever get a boat or an RV, you'll need that truck. Just sayin'."
I have avoided driving for the last 5 months, because my vision was defective. I'm very much looking forward to driving again. We have a big car that is "Meade's car," and he does chauffeur me around a lot. But we don't go everywhere together. He has his mountain bike trips and other things and I need and want to be independent. I need a car that works for me and is fun for me.
2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
AA: The Mazda Miata is one of the 4 on my list. I need to make sure it has Apple Carplay. I'm seeing ambiguous info about that.
We have a vintage early-model Miata. No, a vintage Miata won't have the high-tech or modern safety features you want (and requires a husband who likes to work on old cars). But we had a blast road-trippin' through the prairies and the Rockies to parts Southwest in it, and I'm sure you'd have just as much fun in any contemporary convertible that took your fancy.
(Don't pay any attention to bitter killjoys who might shout "boomer scum" and flip you off as you zip convertibly and insouciantly down our endless highways, preferably on your way to one or another of our magnificent national parks.)
BMW z4? Alfa 4c? Fiat 500c? Or the current cabrio version of the TT?
Under the skin, the Beetle will be essentially the same engine and drive-train as the 2006-2014 Audi TT, for what that's worth. I'm not sure how noticeable that similarity would be in practice.
"2019 Jaguar I-PACE"
I don't want another SUV. I want a small car -- very small car -- that is my style. Also, I don't want an electric car. I want to be able to set out on long trips and not get caught running out of electricity!
Merc slc 300 roadster has carplay as an option. Hardtop roof, too
Blogger MadisonMan said...
Convertibles are not driven when it's cold out, when it's raining, or when there are swarms of bugs around (if you're driving in town). That's 80% of the time in Wisconsin, I'd wager.
This will not be a practical decision if you decide to get it.
Car looks fun.
I have a convertible (Mustang). I drive it all kinds of weather. Perhaps you meant to say “... with the top down.”
I guess that’s true, but what’s the point? I love driving the Mustang—top down OR up.
"2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata."
1. That guy is so annoying!
2. It looks horrible in that video!
Convertibles are always wonderful until it is cold, too bright, too hot, too windy, and too nosy on long trips as the fabric ages or the top is down. Enjoy your new car and more importantly your new improved vision.
"I had a convertible for a few years. It was fun on the pretty days, but I regretted it after a few years. While an hour of beautiful driving is wonderful in a convertible, it's a pain on the freeway (my hair annoyed me hugely, even in a ponytail)..."
Yeah, I remember that from the 1961 Impala I drove when I was in high school. The wind comes from behind and blows your hair forward. I'll need the right headgear... because I'm light sensitive.
"... and even when I put the top up, the car was very loud because of it's "less airtight" nature. Now I drive a normal car and rent convertibles when I'm on vacation."
Maybe I'll do a 2-year lease and enjoy it knowing it's only temportary.
"But you look great in the car - it is so cute."
Thanks! That is part of the fun. Feeling cute!
Absolutely. You need one. We're in NE Ohio, so weather is similar to yours. A Miata is probably perfect.
I have a friend from Sweden who has one. One time I passed him on the Interstate. It was snowing. His top was down.
He had on a stocking cap. I bought a roadster 20 years ago. I'm now on the second model, but we really love it.
Our summers are not hot enough to require having the top up and the A/C on. For about 8 months of the year, it
brings the outside to you. It's great.
Take it to your favorite space in Colorado, and you will enjoy it even more.
ted
Good God, no. Not a Volkswagen. Not any Volkswagen. The reliability is shitty and maintenance and parts are ridiculously expensive considering the car. There are so many better choices.
I love the TT and don't think any car is prettier
You're not wrong. I don't think I'd be able to part with such a car (if I ever had comfortably fit into one in the first place). But I hope you find something modern that inspires the same feeling.
Althouse takes a Leisurely drive around Madison
That guy is so annoying!
Says Reviewbrah promoter. . .
Than I suggest the Subaru BRZ coupe. Fully tricked-out with all of the sound and safety conveniences you might want, the price is about $36k. And it's a Subaru. If reincarnation is real, I want to return as a Subaru dealer here in NW Montana. Between the all-weather Subarus and work-horse Fords, all other vehicles are pikers. Oh, it might be more than $36k in Wisconsin. We have no sales tax in Montana.
my old neighbor, who moved away a few years back, drove a Prius. She didn't like it. Not good on bad roads. She traded it in for a Subaru.
This will sound silly,but make sure you don't have seasonal allergies before getting a convertible. It is absolutely miserable to want to drive with the top down only to find out yours eyes are watering, your sinuses are clogged, and your head hurts every time you do it.
We are about the same age, Althouse and I suspect you have been as financially prudent as I have. After years of Toyotas and Subarus, I went with the BMW (X3). I love it.
It's time to spend the money you saved!
Think Porsche
cant tell-- also Mk8--
will the dealer be straight up about availability or want to put you in a vehicle on the spot?
Every time I have been in a convertible during the day, my reaction has been "Put up the durn top, the sun is making me miserable". Of course I could have put on my sun hat, except that it would blow off..
I would never buy a car I could only use the main feature of for a few months during a few hours of the day.
You think: Sunshine and the breeze in your face.
Reality: Bugs in your teeth.
Mercedes SLC Roadster with retractable hardtop. Since this car is for enjoyment, lease it for two years.
https://www.mbusa.com/en/vehicles/model/slc/roadster/slc300r
The VW bug convertible is the automobile equivalent of shorts on a man.
I see Andy, just above me, also would recommend a Mercedes SLC Roadster.
If reliability and ease of maintenance are part of the equation, along with fun to drive, comfortable with modern convienences - then I think the Mazda would be the ideal choice. I own a Mazda 3 and am looking at the new 2019s. If I was looking for a two seater convertable, and since the Honda 2000S is out of production, I would be looking at the 2019 Miata RF (if the headroom was there)
Subaru ( we own a Forester ) has made some choices with their engines that affect reliability. Fiat is a reliability disaster. Volkswagon has issues beyond the diesel disaster.
From the folks who I have worked with who own Mini's - they tend to be enthusiasts who really like the cars, but also modify them a fair bit. The only downside in my area (Seattle) is that the dealers are not all that good.
This past summer there was a surprising number of new 911 convertibles tooling around Hanover. A little digging and turns out the Dartmouth profs bitched about salary inequality vs their peers at the other ivys and won. Of course a cost of living comparison vs Boston New York and CT wasn’t a factor they wished to compare.
The new Fiat 124 Spyder is a Mazda with better styling.
My ex had a 124 in 1973. Loved that car. Very rare and expensive, now.
My wife had a 2005 VW convertible. We really enjoyed it. But, she says she'll never have another convertible.
The best and worst place to own a convertible is LA. Best because of the weather and scenery. Worst because of the traffic.
I know the Mustang is not what you are interested in, but the GT convertible is truly a dream machine. I spent a few years recently as an automotive test driver, and the GT was my favorite, by far.
"2019 Jaguar I-PACE"
It's not big--or like any Crossover.
And the torque will help you get away from Madison nutters.
The 2019 BMW 3 Series has back-up assistant that retraces your last path exactly. In an underground parking structure with a lot of posts and tight turns, it's like magic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xNNEXLit0A&t=1213s
Actaully, the new Fiat 124 is mostly a Mazda Miata, but as with everything Fiat, the reliability is terrible as Fiat made specific changes to the drive train and not just the body.
Have you really looked at the 2019 Miata RF?
Notes on the VW conv:
1 the top goes up and down with ease. Shouldn't even give it a thought.
2 the removable wind screen that goes in the backseat area really does a good job of blocking the wind from blowing your hair forward.
3 it has good climate control. With the heater and seat warmers on, the rear wind screen in and the windows up you are quite toasty on cold days.
Go big. I don’t know about the size of these makes and if they have convertible, but: BMW, Mercedes, Porsche and Audi.
Just go blow your money on luxury. There are no trailers on a hearse.
Honda HR-V with a sunroof. A small car, but only on the outside. Amazing safety features, large windows, open roof. Don’t go for the ragtop, you will not enjoy it
The car is the "Final Edition" Beetle.
The "Final Solution" Beetle didn't make the cut?
Mrs. Tank loves her Mini. It’s fun to look at and drive, and feels very solid. Lot’s of pep even without the pep button.
A convertible in Wisconsin? A convertible isn't a practical car anyway, so I say go for it.
I bought an '88 Mustang 5.0 convertible 30 years ago and never regretted it. I knew I'd never be young enough to enjoy a car like that again, so I just did it. I owned and drove that car for 20 years, although it wasn't a daily driver for the last 12. I might get another now that I've moved to Coconut Grove.
A convertible in Wisconsin?
LOL exactly my reaction. But if it's worth it for the summer months, go for it.
--Rt1Rebel, I really have to manage these google accounts better...
Well, if you REALLY want a little car, I recommend the Vanderhall. Made in the USA! (Full disclosure: I am related to the guy that makes them. He has never given me any money for all my free advertising, though. I just think they look fun as hell.)
Technically it's not a CAR and you need a motorcycle license. But so fun!
Here's Jay Leno checking out the Vanderhall Venice: At YouTube
https://vanderhallusa.com
... and I just realized that it almost certainly doesn't meet the Apple Carplay requirements. Oh well. For any of the other people here that feel like spending their money on something convertible-y.
I'd consider the Fiat 124. Built in Japan with Fiat designed running gear. Reliable and character, how can you not love that?
Besides, "Final Edition" sounds like Final Solution. One of six million reasons to give it a pass.
Mazda MX-5 aka Miata. Perhaps not for you and Madison winters, But for me? !!!!!!!!!!
I Just saw Scott got in ahead of me. Why the Fiat rather than the Mazda? They're both built by Mazda, and as the reviews said, they took everything that is right about the new MX-5 and unimproved it. But truth told the Fiat is a stunner at which to look.
CPO Porsche Boxster.
You might not appreciate why, but Meade sure as heck will.
And no, it isn't a gay guy car — the Miata has that trophy.
Too bad you're getting rid of your Audi. What year is it?
I'd say get the Beetle. But, I'm one of the Audi/VW cult, so a no-brainer for me.
I don't like grey cars - so non-committal. White cars either, and they're more difficult to keep clean. Blue with white interior/top, or red with white interior/top. That's sexy.
--Rt1Rebel
In college I owned (among others) an army green 1974 Fiat 128 SL Coupe. That car was so fun to drive when it was running.
OK Skip, If you say so.
If you like it, buy it. Do what pleases...........
However if interested I still own a 1969 MGB - red. Needs new something every once in awhile. Best of British engineering (sic). Still turns heads in the summer..............
The Fiat 124 based on the Miata has a terrible reliabilty record - 2 out of 5, though owner satisfaction is slightly better at 3 out of 5. The Miata on the other hand has a 4 out 5 for reliability and a 5 out of 5 for owner satisfaction.
This consumer reports take.
My Fiat was Flintstone powered. Really, that car was a piece of ____.
Scott, for me it was a 1955 MGA 1500 RHD.
At one time, there was an Audi TT convertible.
I wouldn't buy one without a garage or at least a carport. They'll leak eventually, and the sun and snow will damage the roof.
Only caution is if you or Meade have allergies.
That's why I haven't replaced the gigantic Eldorado convertible I had 30 years ago. That and 3 skin cancer surgeries. Got my first sunroof in 2013.
Buick just cancelled its smallish Cascada convertible, which is actually a German-made Opel. You could probably get a good discount on it, but parts could be a problem in 5-10 years.
The Beetle has the highest seating position by far, something my knees and hips are interested in.
Is the 4th one a TT convertible?
Buy it! Looks great on you!
My sister bought a Volkswagen. Very excited at first, but she grew to hate it. Said it was piece of shit. Just one data point.
Couldn't you replace the radio in the TT with a Philips one that supports CarPlay?
Fix
It
Again,
Tony
In college in Connectcut I had a 1958 Triumph TR3, a classic sporstcar convertible. Enjoyed bundling up and driving with the top down
during the winter, with the leather tonneau cover enveloping me. A great ride on curvy Conn. roads. However, it was unsafe at any speed,
and I was fortunate not to collide with a much heavier vehicle.
All those safety features you mention are great. In addition, I have love the cross traffic alert system and the steering assist device that
helps me steer over 40 mph. It accurately controls steering on curves with minimum driver input.
Try the AMG Mercedes S63 Cabriolet. Quite distinctive.
1987 Mercedes 560SL cherry red convertible.
Perhaps Althouse could give us all an idea of her acceptable price range for the new car? That way we could eliminate suggestions that are just a bit expensive - like maybe the Merc?
I mean I like expensive as long as someone else is paying, but a bit more than half of what I paid for my current house? Why not just suggest an Aston Martin or Mclaren?
Obviously the advantage of a new convertible TT is that it can be all wheel drive.
I do agree w/ the folks who suggested Mercedes, but Mercedes is currently upgrading the interiors for a lot of their cheaper cars. The interiors and control stuff is turning into stuff that is sorta like the S class. I'd check to see if the SLC has been done yet. If it has, it may be a good option.
IMHO.
If you can wait, the car in my avatar pic will be available soon. 1966 convertible 350 HP, terrible mileage, can't hear the radio due to the side exhaust pipes, but a blast to drive.
Found
On
Roadway
Dead!
The Merc SLC 300 I and others mentioned is a comparable price point with th Audi TT.
It's not very windy in the showroom.
Well if she really likes the Audi TT, why not just get a 2019 Audi TT Roadster then? Starting at 48 grand and it comes in Quattro AWD.
Put me down as another vote for the Miata. I owned a Mazda and it was a well thought out, smooth and reliable automobile.
And am I the only one that thinks it looks better than it's Fiat equivalent?
I'm on my 4th convertible. I've had a Mercury Capri, a VW Cabrio, a Porsche Boxster, and I'm currently driving a BMW. The BMW is a beautiful car and fun to drive, but it's rear wheel drive, and it's not great in the snow. I bought it with a "winter package", but I don't take it out unless the roads have been really cleared. My favorite of the bunch was probably the Cabrio. It was a great little car all year, and I drove it 185,000 miles. As far as convertibles go, it's been my experience you either love driving one or you hate it. They aren't great if you want conversation when the top is down. You can pump music up loud enough to hear it. But if you worry about your hairdo, can't handle road noise and smells, or have a messy car interior, they lose their fun quota. I put the top down any day it's not raining and the temperature is above 65. I love the wind in my hair and the sun on my back. There's nothing like driving around on a warm summer night with the top down. I bought the first one on a whim, and I've never gone back.
"And no, it isn't a gay guy car — the Miata has that trophy."
Ha!
I read someone, seemingly, earnestly recommending that car. And, I bit my tongue. Cause it's not nice to not be nice.
But, since the door is open: the joke I've always heard is you pay for a Miata by handing over your balls.
I once mentioned that to a gal who responded by saying that it was bad to say that. And then she said that her uncle had a Miata, and he wore flowy scarfs while driving, and he had his dog w/ googles in the passenger seat.
We had a good laugh.
"The Merc SLC 300 I and others mentioned is a comparable price point with th Audi TT."
I just checked: it has the old interior and control stuff. I'd wait. Or do something else.
In fact I did, I recently wanted to buy a GLA 45 for a relative, but I saw the hideously dated interior and skipped. Anywho, she liked what she got instead.
If you like it, buy it. These days it is hard to f up buying a car.
An old college buddy in Madison back in the 1970's restored an old Triumph Spitfire. He said that it wasn't a Triumph but a Pyrrhic Victory. This guy had been a Classics major, so naturally he couldn't afford a nice car.
PBJ,
You really are an ass. But then again why go changin'.
At this point which of your taglines am I supposed to use. Anyhoo? I dunno?
Note to self: Never ask for advice on buying a car on a blog.
No Miata. There’s a hump on the passenger side floorboards.
You can add the machine gun turrets later.
CWJ,
IMHO.
MadisonMan said...Convertibles are not driven when it's cold out, when it's raining, or when there are swarms of bugs around (if you're driving in town). That's 80% of the time in Wisconsin, I'd wager.
I agree, not practical. But my father bought a '73 Mustang convertible which he kept garaged in Middleton. He only got it out on weekends in the summer. He was rather like the Clint Eastwood character in "Gran Torino." I can't recall whether he ever let me drive it -- let alone borrow it -- when I was a teen. Smart man.
Looking back, I think that purchase was a good thing in his too short life. He was Wisconsin born and bred and having a convertible was like giving the finger to Wisconsin weather.
You can add the machine gun turrets later.
And wear a Jackie Kennedy pillbox hat.
Hey if you want a 2019 Beetle "Last One" convertible go for it. But go for the high end with the fancy leather seats, the big wheels and the turbo. Get everything on it. And since it's assembled in Puebla Mexico, you might even find a burrito in the glove compartment.
My wife bought a new car last fall. She looked at several different cars, but her heart was set on a Subaru Forester from the beginning--and that's what she got. High end and tricked out with most everything on it. Buy what you want and ignore all other suggestions.
PBJ, I forgot that one.
But if it's worth it for the summer months
Or as I call them, the mosquito months.
He said that it wasn't a Triumph but a Pyrrhic Victory.
Credit where credit is due, that’s funny.
I think you will be disappointed by the lower level of,well everything in the VW as compared to the tt.
We went from the sportwagen tdi to the Allroad and the differences in fit, form, function, ride, and especially noise levels were substantial. But you probably already know this.
YMMV
Ann:
With all that Althouse Rat Family money coming in, you can afford anything you want!
"I can't recall whether he ever let me drive it -- let alone borrow it -- when I was a teen. Smart man."
When I was nine my grandfather told me he was going to teach me to drive. So, he pulls over on a substantial slope and has me take over the controls of his manual transmission Mercedes. I got it, eventually. Probably only used half of the life of his clutch.
He also had me using a giant, old chrome B&D circular saw when I was seven. I got it.
And he had me pilot his fancy boat into a only-boat-wide boat lift, with a good bit of wind when I was twelve. This was the first time I'd ever held the wheel of a boat. I got it.
Of course I also had parents who did the normal stuff re not trusting a dumb kid to be exceptional when there are real, meaningful consequences. Like most folks.
Good mix.
IMHO.
The 4th one is an Audi A3 Cabriolet.
It certainly is adorable.
adSs is right. Trumpists were stupid not to be born rich and should have been grateful to Hillary for condescending to tell them how to live.
I won't buy another car without cooled seats, which would be especially worthwhile after the sun has shone on your seat. But I don't recommend driving with your butt in the sun.
Alfa Romeo
And wear a Jackie Kennedy pillbox hat.
A leapordskin pillbox hat
The new Fiat 124 Spyder is a Mazda with better styling.
My ex had a Fiat Spyder convertible when I met her. It was a beautiful looking car.
The left front wheel came off when we made a lefthand turn on Sheridan Road (Chicago). I later appreciated the FIAT acronym:
Fix
It
Again
Tony.
It's really stupid to put those extremely low profile tires on a convertible--the jolt from a sharp bump will make the cowl shudder. Do it enough and you'll get rattles and your doors might stick.
I quoted Bill Clinton when my stepson asked to drive my red car. "Safe, legal and rare." (As in, not very often)"
Mazda Miata MX-5. The only roadster left out there.
Or maybe a Mini Cooper Convertible.
But I think the VW was you.
"The 4th one is an Audi A3 Cabriolet."
IMHO, this sacrifices a fair bit of "cute," when compared to the VW/Mini/new TT/MB (after int update).
"The VW bug convertible is the automobile equivalent of shorts on a man."
Yes.
I bought my wife a Mini Cooper a few years ago, it was fun for about 18 months, almost like driving a go kart, but after awhile we got tired of crawling in and out of it. They sit really low to the ground.
I think the A3 is by far the best of 4. You'll need a mouthgard if you drive a mini.
I want a 14' E63 AMG wagon. Preferably with an extended warranty.
I have a BMW 4 series i-drive (all wheel drive) hard-top. Driven it 4 seasons in New England, handles the snow well, hard top is super warm, drives nice. Well worth checking out.
I have a Fiat Abarth. It's not the fastest or most reliable, but it is damn fun to drive. And really the reliability hasn't been much worse than my VW was. I don't know how the visibility is on the covertable and I don't know about Apple integration. The Abarth 124 will probably have better visibility.
BTW,
If ya wanna F "cute" and go straight to the joy of living (re autos):
911
Get convertible and all wheel drive.
Probably seems a good bit past the budget comfort level, but still not insane (especially if ya move to some low cost-of-living place like Madison...what?...already there? = no excuses.
Just try it = discover the value.
Whatever convertible you get, remember this one key accessory if you do any extended driving in the summer.
Sunscreen.
I learned this last year the hard way.
Buy a small, cheap, reliable car (think Corolla), then, with the money you saved, buy a boat. Now THAT's living. Of course, you only have that little lake, puddle really. Not a real lake like Lake Michigan. Sad!
BTW,
I'd guess that the CRV has the keys that you never need to handle to enter or turn on the car.
That thing and other similar things do make it annoying to switch back to older cars. Meadehouse is probably feeling this re TT.
OTOH, when one of your other cars is a 1935 Packard, ya don't have that sorta thought when rollin'.
IMHO.
My wife put an Audi A5 cabriolet in our garage last week in preparation for summer. It is
fantastic. White with beige.
Packard is to Pierce Arrow as 911 is to TT.
Somehow, I'd bet Alpha Romero Giulia is really what your searching for....
Revel in Speed - I Am
What type of places do you want to go? Didnt read all the comments above, but have you looked at the 2 door Jeep Wranglers?
Go anywhere in WI, CO, UT, etc. They come with softops and optional 3 piece removable hardtops.
Dont love Jeep reliability....but probably just as good as VW reliability. Wranglers are easy to see out of, shorter fast turning wheelbase etc. Might just test drive one.
Also with a Jeep Wrangler...Meade wouldnt have to turn in his man card while riding in one like the beetle convertible.
@wary, Fiats are very reliable cars. Next to the Alfa Romeos.
I last owned a convertible in 1970. Driving back to Washington from a picnic in the Blue Ridge with the top down gave me and my girlfriend sunburn, and cost me a girlfriend.
I love my Mustang, but to each her own. A former neighbor had a Porsche Boxster that he loved very much. IIRC he had a removable hardtop that let him bundle up in winter, then he took it off and stowed it away in a corner of the garage for the summer.
I loved my convertible corvette.
But you get grime all over your face and hair. Just so you know.
Sunscreen.
I learned this last year the hard way.
So did I. A Labor Day weekend roadtrip in a '69 GTO convertible in SHORTS!, then sandblasting on Ocracoke Island gave me a melanoma on my thigh 6 years later at age 30.
Driving back to Washington from a picnic in the Blue Ridge with the top down
That was the last leg of my trip.
The primary reason for owning an Alfa, is to really appreciate all the other cars you've owned, or will own.
My memory is that when I first came to this blog, Ann was driving a VW Bug. Don’t remember though if it was a convertible or not. Then she moved up to an Audi TT. And wasn’t there a second one of those? Moving back to a VW makes a certain sense for her. Always wondered if I should switch from Audi to VW, because they are the same company, and the VWs are cheaper. Was underwhelmed though the couple times I rented them. But have now been driving Audi Quattros for 32 years now. That was 1987. Family bought their first one the year before, and my parents never bought anything else after that. All four of us boys have Quattros, though the middle two have A6 Turbo Diesels, which get great milage, are very fast, and both got money back after Audi was caught cheating on their milage.
As for convertibles, my partner had a T top Camaro (or was it the Datsun/Nisson Z), a souped up 500 SL, a Corvette, and finally a cherry red 450 SL with white interior (that I had to take my shoes off to ride in). Both the Mercedes had both hard and soft tops. (She always really liked fast cars - her father called her Parnelli). And probably didn’t drive with the top down more than a half dozen times in those four convertibles. Not once in the 450 SL that she consistently refused to let me drive. Could put gas in it, and ride in it without y shoes, but never allowed to drive it. Definitely not the wind-in-her-hair type of woman. My brother, with far shorter hair has a maybe 30 year old Alpha Spyder that he drives throughout the summer that rarely has its top put up. The only car he ever bought new. Obviously his summer car, that he rebuilds every winter (and rebuilds his winter cars in the summer).
This is the last Hitler car to ever be produced, so buy it, pack it in grease and store it for 10-15 years then sell it to fund your final years. I once told people to do that with the Chevy Volt, the electric car that runs on gasoline, but I warned that the battery and the car body needed to be separated to avoid garage fires. But now, it has become apparent that the Volt will be judged less successful than the Edsel, which has been dutifully described as either "a Pontiac pushing a toilet seat" or "an Oldsmobile sucking on a lemon."
Ha! Go big (not physically) or go home.
Polaris Slingshot. http://www.polaris.com/en-us/slingshot
Get one in black and pretend you are Bat Girl.
Audi A3 seems to be a good car. 3 Mini Coopers on our block. And Fiat 500 2door and 4 door.
If only they'd made the Volt a crossover, or at least a roomy sedan with a back seat for adults and a decent trunk. I'd rather have that than a full electric vehicle of any type or brand.
This Spring, Cadillac is finally producing their own V8, their first since 2011, with 500-550 hp and 550-627 lbft, depending on the trim, the cheapest of which is about $80k. Guess I'm keeping my 2008 with half the power for a few more years.
They were the first to mass produce a V8, in 1915, so it's a crime they only had Chevy ones for 8 years. Those are only on their most expensive models, too. Of course, they're all designed and made by GM Powertrain now, but the new one should be exclusively theirs.
A convertible is much more susceptible to break-ins than a hard top. Not a problem if you're parking in your home garage, but for road trips it's less than ideal.
https://convertiblecars.info/convertible-cars-theft.html
VFrom the Rolls Royce owner’s manual.
“In the event of a flat tire, have your man pull over to the side of the road.”
“The Perfectionists” Simon Winchester
My then boyfriend bought me a ring when we became engaged. I bought him a used VW beetle convertible that ran but needed work. He was in heaven on two fronts.
The REAL question is what rat sticker will Ann put on her new car?
My friend bought a fancy convertible VW Beetle a few years back and she loves it!! Travels solo all the time including trips from FL to VT and places in between. She previously owned an Audi and Saab and prefers the VW. Not much space for stuff or more than 2 passengers. I think the rat sticker should be custom color coordinated with the car.
Ann, Don't forget to look at the BMW 2 series - not sure if the convertible is available in the US, but it's better looking than the Audi A3. Rear drive, but winter tyres will take care of that. Or a slightly secondhand Porsche Boxster. But if you really want a car that shrinks around you, it has to be a Lotus Elise.
David Begley said...
"The REAL question is what rat sticker will Ann put on her new car?"
Follow up question: when is a rat sticker a dog whistle? If I still lived in Madison I might fear vandalism if I displayed an emblem that subverts Madison's dominant paradigm.
Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYtWrHMjG20
It might be a little late in life. A good touring motorcycle hits all your criteria. BMW maybe? A full faring, good helmet, and a super apple play system, and you're good to go. Spring for high end rain gear, and riding in the rain is not all that uncomfortable. But the beauty of being retired is spending a couple of hours in a coffee shop, and changing your destination due to weather is part of the fun, not an inconvenience. Short rides in the countryside around Madison. Wisconsin has great riding. Longer weekend trips. Week long vacations. You're At one with the bike, and the environment. Do a rally or two. The cross section of people you meet is amazing.
Rear drive, but winter tyres will take care of that.
I love RWD, even on snow, but I had a firm rule never to have anybody in the car with me in those conditions. I couldn’t live with it if something went wrong. Even with anti-lock brakes and traction control a spin out is never out of the question. But few things are as satisfying as recovering from an icy spinout. On dry roads though, RWD is the best, nice long curve, hit the gas... hyah!
If you get the beetle, get the manual transmission. The automatics are a real problem with this car.
It's never really productive to give out car recommmendations. The only thing I would advise is to take particular notice of how easy it is to get in and out because it's never going to get better, unfortunately.
I'm within a couple years of getting my retirement car. I've got my eye on the Audi A5 but not the cabriolet version. I'm too tall for a convertible.
I have a 20 year old Miata. I love it. My wife hates it. It's very minimalist.
Althaus schrieb: << Ich möchte durch die amerikanischen Landschaften fahren und ein tolles visuelles Erlebnis mit dem Auto erleben.>>
Sounds better in the original.
Practically speaking, I put the Mazda at the top of the heap. Handling characteristics are superb and they tend to be bang-on reliable. And excellent for the price. It is however, quite small.
Cooper's are stupid expensive to fix.
You know Audi's, so that would be my other choice if the Mazda is too small.
It might be a little late in life. A good touring motorcycle hits all your criteria. BMW maybe?
New Gold Wing with automatic transmission. (I ride a Harley)
The linked article refers to the interior as "funereal finery." If you want something funereal you should get a black Escalade.
But if your concern is the view from the driver's seat, buying something that's higher off the road (in a world in which there will be ever-more SUV-like vehicles on the road, at least until oil prices spike upwards again) would do more for driver-seat visibility than a convertible. Especially when you realize the top will be up far more often than it's down.
Of course, any added visibility in a convertible comes at the expense of rollover protection:
https://autoweek.com/article/car-news/ragtops-escape-roof-crush-rules-nhtsa-says-convertibles-cant-share-standards-fixed
Porsche has a solid reputation for reliability. You might see if you can find specialty rental companies that have the vehicles you want to try and rent them for a weekend. Also, some dealers have extended test drive programs. Get what makes you happy, that's the important thing.
Does the Audi A3 Cabriolet have Apple CarPlay? I just got an Audi Q5 (which I love) because I too was looking for a smaller SUV. It came with CarPlay. I took it on a 1,800 mile road trip with my dog; a great ride with good visibility.
buying something that's higher off the road
I've seen a convertible version of the midsize Nissan/Infiniti crossover. Ugly as sin from the back. Might have been custom.
Ann, you look kinda cute in that hat with hair streaming down (dont't tell Meade I said that.
Go for the convertible, whichever one is your flavor. I've owned several, enjoyed the ride even in the dead of winter. Just a warning, resale on converts is not good -- something about them developing rattles and other strange noises quickly, but then, who cares, they are fun.
Ah ha!So the volkswagon grew. It looks nice on you. But why don't you look at the new version of what you already own?
Ragtops are nice for the first couple of weeks, but after awhile the road noise gets to you.
VFrom the Rolls Royce owner’s manual.
“In the event of a flat tire, have your man pull over to the side of the road.”
Flat tire would result in temporary "Failure to Proceed"
Post a Comment