a used convertible with decent storage space

Hi all,

I'm looking to buy a used car with the following features:

- reliable
- fun to drive
- convertible
- has storage space comparable to an Acura Integra '99 with its
fold-down rear seats ( I have a digital piano that I need to cart
around )

A Mazda Miata looks very tempting but I don't think the rear seats fold
down, do they? Any other recs would be greatly appreciated.

I'm looking to spend under $15K but am willing to go to an older model
( mid 90s ) if the reliability is there. ( Incidentally, I'm looking
to buy a car now because my Integra just got stolen and stripped!
Arggh! )

Thanks,

Isaac

On Thu, 02 Jun 2005 23:33:41 -0700, isaacyho wrote:

> Hi all,
>
> I'm looking to buy a used car with the following features:
>
> - reliable
> - fun to drive
> - convertible
> - has storage space comparable to an Acura Integra '99 with its fold-down
> rear seats ( I have a digital piano that I need to cart around )
>
> A Mazda Miata looks very tempting but I don't think the rear seats fold
> down, do they? Any other recs would be greatly appreciated.

I hope this is a joke. The Miata does not have rear seats at all and it
has a small trunk, definitely too small to carry your piano. If you don't
know that I suggest you do some more research before you decide on a car.

> I'm looking to spend under $15K but am willing to go to an older model (
> mid 90s ) if the reliability is there. ( Incidentally, I'm looking to
> buy a car now because my Integra just got stolen and stripped! Arggh! )

A Convertible with a large trunk is going to be hard to find. Dodge
Stratus might fit the bill, though I don't know whether its rear seats
fold. The rear seats in Convertible F-Bodies (Camaro/Firebird) don't fold
and the trunks aren't exactly large either. If your budget allows it,
maybe a Mercedes-Benz E300 Convertible might fit.

Chris

On Fri, 03 Jun 2005 00:42:22 -0700, C.H. wrote:

> A Convertible with a large trunk is going to be hard to find. Dodge
> Stratus might fit the bill, though I don't know whether its rear seats
> fold.

Oops, that should read Chrysler Sebring, we are talking Verts, not Coupes.

Chris

On Fri, 03 Jun 2005 00:42:22 -0700, C.H. wrote:

> If your budget allows it,
> maybe a Mercedes-Benz E300 Convertible might fit.

Just learned from an owner: the Mercedes doesn't have folding rear seats.
What about a Lincoln Continental from the 60s? It doesnt have folding rear
seats either but the trunk is big enough for a boat

Chris

C.H. wrote:
> On Thu, 02 Jun 2005 23:33:41 -0700, isaacyho wrote:

>>I'm looking to spend under $15K but am willing to go to an older model

> If your budget allows it,
> maybe a Mercedes-Benz E300 Convertible might fit.

A Mercedes-Benz E300 convertible for under $15,000?!

On Fri, 03 Jun 2005 07:53:40 +0000, Arif Khokar wrote:

> C.H. wrote:
>> On Thu, 02 Jun 2005 23:33:41 -0700, isaacyho wrote:
>
>>>I'm looking to spend under $15K but am willing to go to an older model
>
>> If your budget allows it,
>> maybe a Mercedes-Benz E300 Convertible might fit.
>
> A Mercedes-Benz E300 convertible for under $15,000?!

I saw one for $12k the other day, not pretty but supposedly ok to drive.

Chris

On Fri, 2 Jun 2005 wrote:

> I'm looking to buy a used car with the following features:
>
> - reliable
> - fun to drive
> - convertible
> - has storage space

> I'm looking to spend under $15K but am willing to go to an older model

Dodge Dart convertible, '63-'69. Reliable, fun to drive, and has a 35
cubic foot trunk -- almost enough room to stash the Mazda Miata you were
asking about.

Ah yes, sorry about the miata comment---

How about a Saab 900 SE ( circa 1995 )? Seems that the rear seats do
fold down...

http://www.theautochannel.com/vehicl...ws/wk9430.html

Isaac

wrote:
>
> Hi all,
>
> I'm looking to buy a used car with the following features:
>
> - reliable
> - fun to drive
> - convertible
> - has storage space comparable to an Acura Integra '99 with its
> fold-down rear seats ( I have a digital piano that I need to cart
> around )
>
> A Mazda Miata looks very tempting but I don't think the rear seats fold
> down, do they? Any other recs would be greatly appreciated.

I've driven two Miatas. Fun cars, but stiff suspensions that become painful
pretty quickly, especially if the paint on your local white lines is thicker
than usual.

--
Cheers,
Bev
-------------------------------------------------------------------
"We need to cut more slack for the stupid; after all, somebody has
to populate the lower part of the bell curve." -- Dennis (evil)

mercedes aren't reliable in the US. maybe they are in germany.

i've seen people 'convert' truck rollovers to 'topless'. terrible gas mileage.

i don't thik Saab are reliable. not very good MPG, from what i've read.

how about a matrix/vibe? (corolla wagon) soso mpg, not convertible
http://www.google.com/search?q=toyota-matrix+|+pontiac-vibe+mpg

try looking at CU's
i think they used to give interior dimension specs.

also the used car book at your library has comparative tables
Amazon.com: Books: The Used Car Book by Jack Gillis.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/se...1Jack%20Gillis