After a string of bad luck with my Jetta, I'm thinking it's time to part ways. So, for my wild-ass idea I've been tempted with finding a used Miata...

Would it be as quick as my turbo Jetta? Probably not. But, the simplicity of a Miata with a manual transmission is really tempting. I'm not sure if I want to live with the complexity of the turbo and the DSG forever.

I'm just not sure how I feel about daily driving a convertible. My dad had an Alfa Romeo Spider when I was a kid, so I guess it's not that wild of an idea.

So, auto board, what are your thoughts?

Do it.

Hard top? Yes.

Soft top? Hell no.

If you live in coastal sunny California town with a local commute without an interstate drive, Yes.

Top down driving in temperature above 75 is painful.

Top down driving in an interstate is too loud..and not pleasurable.

Top down driving in temperature below 50 degrees is no fun.

Soft top...don't do it. Unnecessary decibels while you drive.

I'm responding because the OP asked for daily.

Now garage queen, go for it.

Daily'd a 2004 Mustang GT 'vert for a couple years.I almost never put the top up, in Texas or in Iowa (had a 4x4 Explorer when I had the 'Stang here).

DO EET!

You can get a C5 or C6 'vert within your budget.

BigRobSA said:

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Daily'd a 2004 Mustang GT 'vert for a couple years.I almost never put the top up, in Texas or in Iowa (had a 4x4 Explorer when I had the 'Stang here).

DO EET!

You can get a C5 or C6 'vert within your budget.

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Crazy mofo!

Did you put on sunblock and/or ear muffs!

AggieDruggist89 said:

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BigRobSA said:

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Daily'd a 2004 Mustang GT 'vert for a couple years.I almost never put the top up, in Texas or in Iowa (had a 4x4 Explorer when I had the 'Stang here).

DO EET!

You can get a C5 or C6 'vert within your budget.

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Crazy mofo!

Did you put on sunblock and/or ear muffs!

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No and no. It's not that bad, but as a half-xican anyway, I just got darker and darker.

What about a car with an automated hard top? I was in a hardtop ~2009 335i not that long ago and it was damn slick.

I'd recommend it. My DD for the last few years has been a '87 560SL. Usually the hard top is on, but for about the last two years I've used just the soft top. I haven't had any problems relating to it being a convertible - the only leak has been from up underneath the dash somewhere.

YouBet said:

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What about a car with an automated hard top? I was in a hardtop ~2009 335i not that long ago and it was damn slick.

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The idea is simple and sporty. An automated hardtop isn't simple.

Yeah, road noise with a soft top is a concern, but my coworker has a Wrangler with a soft top and it's not that loud.

I need to go test drive and make sure that my 6'-3" self fits comfortably,

eight said:

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YouBet said:

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What about a car with an automated hard top? I was in a hardtop ~2009 335i not that long ago and it was damn slick.

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The idea is simple and sporty. An automated hardtop isn't simple.

Yeah, road noise with a soft top is a concern, but my coworker has a Wrangler with a soft top and it's not that loud.

I need to go test drive and make sure that my 6'-3" self fits comfortably,

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I had a Jeep Brah with a soft top. It was loud. I have a soft top convertible now and it's loud.

Drive 70 to 80 mph on interstate in a soft top and see how well you can communicate on the cellphone on both ends.

I DD'd a BMW Z3 for a few years. Loved it.

I used to daily my S2000 and I didn't like it. Driving was a chore and I no longer enjoyed it. Even with the soft top up its almost impossible to talk on the phone. If you're in traffic the manual sucks. My commute was all interstate and then city though so if you have a good commute it could be a great stress reliever.

eight said:

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Yeah, road noise with a soft top is a concern, but my coworker has a Wrangler with a soft top and it's not that loud.,

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Dahfuq?

There are days when I want to drive my Jeep and can't because I have to make a phone call during my commute.

And I have the Besttop super sail coated whatever BS that's supposed to be quiet.

Hard top is as simple as it gets - push a button and it folds itself into the trunk. I drive a Lexus IS 350C - way more quiet than any ragtop and plenty of zip. It's been a perfect DD for me.

Why are you all making phone calls while you should be driving? No wonder **** sucks so bad out on the roads.

TulsAg said:

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Hard top is as simple as it gets - push a button and it folds itself into the trunk. I drive a Lexus IS 350C - way more quiet than any ragtop and plenty of zip. It's been a perfect DD for me.

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Yeah, I'm not worried about simple operation from a user point of view. I'm worried about the added complexity of the mechanical wizardry required for a folding hardtop. With the ragtop of the Miata, it's not power operated so there's less likelihood of something breaking.

I used to carpool in a miata with a buddy in 2003. Through cool 70 degree country roads between orchards in the morning. It was ok. Then 90+ in the afternoon...was miserable.

More importantly, I'm 5 inches shorter than you OP.

And I swear my head was above the windshield.

Yaassss! E class, or maybe a 911 Turbo. At least until I got tired of it.

I DD'd a '90 Miata for years when I was a young officer.

Never had any issues, and wasn't bothered by the noise.

A/C worked fine.

Has adequate storage space provided you aren't also carrying a passenger.

Just get a cobra replica with a TVS Coyote, TR-6060, and a tarp.

The real problem with hard top convertibles is that they take over the whole trunk. We rented an SLK in Miami a while back and my wife had to hold luggage in her lap.

Buy my car! I DDed it for a year and enjoyed it. Been used as a pleasure vehicle since.

http://texags.com/forums/50/topics/2769633/replies/46877709#46877709

I'm about to sell my truck and DD my 1999 996 C2Cab. I've owned it for 6-7 mos and been pleasantly surprised by how nice it rides with the top up. This is my first soft top cab and it's much quieter than I imagined it... Much better than my old soft top jeep.