Buy This Not That Sports Cars

Here’s the latest on a recommended “Buy This, Not That” small convertible sports car summer cruisers that you will want to know about ahead of time for some summer fun...as well as those which can be a summer disaster.

Summer Cruisers

Summer cruisers are a great way to enjoy the outdoors for car enthusiasts who do not find much fun in RV’s or SUV camping as a way to get back to nature. The freedom of the open road, the convertible top down, and a leisurely mile-eating day drive has a lot to offer when it’s just you, your car, and nothing else to anchor you to your home and your job.

However, if you have not owned a sports car in a while it helps to know what mechanics know when it comes to selecting a used sports car.

While many are drool-worthy models that can bring out the inner kid in you, you will want to make sure to avoid choosing the wrong car that could crush your summer plans…and your bank account.

That said, here is a recent Car Wizard YouTube channel “Buy This, Not That” recommendation of small convertibles that is a good start toward finding this year’s summer fun and avoiding those guaranteed to ruin your summer.

In the video you will find that his recommended “To Buy” Models include:

• 1999-2007 Toyota MR2---can be found between $12,000 and $15,000 needing only minor work.

• 1996-2004 Porsche 986 Boxter---the "cheaper Porsche" that you can find between $15,000 to $20,000 used.

• 1995-2005 Mazda Miata--- can be found between $10,000 and $15,000.

Also in the video, you will find that his recommended “Not to Buy” Models include:

• 1998-2006 Audi TT---Expect to pay more in repairs than what you paid to buy one as they are not reliable at all and are very expensive to fix.

• 1960’s-1970’s VW Convertibles---Old technology leads to summer heat issues and expensive repairs on multiple components. Old carb does not handle modern gas well.

• 1980’s and 1990’s VW Cabriolet---Complex Bosch electronics repairs and can be a headache if car has sat too long that includes fuel system problems.

• Mercedes Benz SL600---Only…only consider buying one if it has maintenance records and a separate inspection shows that it has been well maintained. It is not a worthwhile project car for the summer that may take until the following summer to get road ready and a bank loan to pay for repairs.

Related article: Here’s one about a SL600 Nightmare for this used car buyer.

For More Details About the Choices

If the summary of listed models has you scratching your head wanting more details, here it from the man himself and see if you agree with his choices and maybe find out why not all sports cars are not equally fun to own:

The CAR WIZARD shares which fun Summer Convertible Cruisers TO Buy & NOT to Buy

And finally…

For articles mentioning some new sports cars (among others) recommended by Consumer Reports, here are the ones they listed:

Consumer Reports Best New Car Deals Lists Sports Cars, Sedans, and SUVs

SUVs, Sedans, and Sports Cars That Made Consumer Reports Best New Car Deals List

COMING UP NEXT: Toyota Tundra Warning About Its Engine Change

Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.

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