What would be a good choice as a sporty convertible with a back seat and a manual transmission?

Ive been looking at the BMW 650i and M6 (my wife really like them) but I’ve heard they can be horrific when it comes to maintenance.

So far I’ve been looking at the following convertables.

650i
M6
Mustang Cobra
335i
M3

I’m also considering a MK IV Supra sportroof (targa top) but the prices for even the non turbo versions have become a bit insane.

What else should I consider?

I'm fond of these

M4 convertible would by my suggestion.

Hands down a Carrera S Cabriolet

I’ve had a Mustang - that +2 is going to be for short times and people only. The Carrera even less so. Depends on your intended use for back.

The M3/4 is a good suggestion. The 6 series would rock too, but a much bigger touring car.

My BMW 325ci has been a good car.

Not a manual, but I got tired of shifting gears in the truck.

E46/E9x 335i or M3 is the first to pop in my head.

Is the 6-series even available with a manual? I've not heard good things about maintaining that wailing V10 in the M5/6.

Audi A5? Not sure if available with a manual.

Mustang would be my domestic choice, over the Camaro.

Less power, but there's also the Mini Cooper Convertible. A JCW would be fun.

911 is about the last one I can think of, without going a good bit older.

Here's a 65 2+2 convertible with a 428. I'd probably swap out the white walls for redlines, but it does have 8 lug wheels! Sweet lookin ride. You can even fit your entire family in the trunk!

2+2 Wiki
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontiac_2%2B2

Are you looking for a back seat that 2 adults can sit in semi-comfortably?

BMW 230 or 240. I don't have the 'vert, but I'm on my 2nd one & they are bulletproof & lots of fun.

Posted by TMats,

quote:

Are you looking for a back seat that 2 adults can sit in semi-comfortably?

Yepp.

There’s really only a couple of choices if you want late model as in 2016 and later. The BMW 4 series is the most affordable and reliable of the German cars with only BMW and MB making cars with your requirements. The Mini Cooper S convertible is another choice but not one I would consider. The 4 series is be most practical. The M240 and M2 are the most fun bit more cramped. The 4 series doubles as a year round driver with its hard top and all wheel drive options. You can get a used 2018 430i for under $38k with barely any miles on it. The mustangs os another option as is the corvette. Others can help you out there as I have not owned either.

My 430

quote:

Originally posted by stickman428:
Posted by TMats,

quote:

Are you looking for a back seat that 2 adults can sit in semi-comfortably?

Yepp.

MB C-class cabriolet

ETA: Great car (my brother has one, but the only MB available with manual is the SLK 250).
Never mind

I've owned several on your short list. The 650 vert was only briefly avail with MT; no longer available with MT so it's out. The M6 vert is still a great but pricy choice; mine was San Marino Blue and gorgeous. We just did Euro delivery on a 440xi vert - but auto trans :-(

From the cars on your list I'd choose the M4 vert; I would have gotten this in a heartbeat but we really need AWD in Montana

Have owned 3 Porsche cabs, great cars but pricy. If you can give up on +2 a recent Boxster is a fun car.

quote:

Originally posted by Dusty78:
There’s really only a couple of choices if you want late model as in 2016 and later. ....The mustangs os another option as is the corvette.

BMW 4 is a good choice, I don't believe a Corvette meets his requirement though. I'd probably go for a Mustang.

Just make sure the BMW has a factory MX plan / Warranty and sell it before it lapses.

quote:

Originally posted by stickman428:
Posted by TMats,

quote:

Are you looking for a back seat that 2 adults can sit in semi-comfortably?

Yepp.

You can forget the Mustang then, unless all of your adult friends are about 4 feet tall.

Don't remember how much room the back seat had but the BMW M2 to me, was way more fun to drive than the 3,4, or 5 was (based on beating on them at the BMW driving school at the factory).

The Mustang will fit the bill. A wide selection of options and trim levels.

My old Mustang 5.0 conv had a pretty small back seat. Have they gotten any larger?

My neighbor has a 6 series convertible that my wife loves. I’ve managed to find a few manual versions used but I’m thinking it could be a bitch to maintain a older 6 series. I do love the size of it though. A big luxurious convertible with a manual would be great.

quote:

I’ve managed to find a few manual versions used but I’m thinking it could be a bitch to maintain a older 6 series

Not hard, just expensive.