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In an attempt to challenge Mercedes-Benz’s R107 for chassis longevity, Volkswagen’s introduction of a more affordable German drop-top in the 1980 Rabbit Convertible stretched production until 1993. That meant that the A1 outlasted all of the A2 production cycle and was no squarely into the newly launched A3. Volkswagen introduced their replacement for the aging and renamed Cabriolet with the Mk.3 Cabrio in 1994. As with the A1, production again would extend beyond the A3 chassis life, because in 1999 VW introduced us to the fourth generation Golf. As with the 2nd generation, VW didn’t plan a convertible version for the Mk.4 – well, at least, not for the Golf, as convertible duties would be handed off to the New Beetle. But since the launch of the nostalgic Beetle Convertible waited until 2003, VW covered the gap with the “Mk3.5” refresh on the Cabrio. It received softened and rounded bumper covers, Mk.4 inspired lights, and a lightly revised interior. As with other VW models, there was a base GL model or the better equipped GLS, like today’s example:
I don’t think I’ve ever featured this 911 model, which given that it’s a basic model seems surprising. I’ve featured the Coupe, but never the Cabriolet. I digress. The 996 finds its way to our pages predominantly because of its excellent performance value relative not only to all other 911s, but to most other performance cars in general. Our focus usually falls upon the 996TT, which significantly ups the performance ante while still maintaining those reasonable prices. But we’ve long been at a point where we really can’t consider those to be inexpensive; they’re just phenomenal performance bargains. When we step away from the Turbo suddenly the prices themselves begin to step into that inexpensive territory. The usual 996 caveats apply; there is a reason they’re much less expensive. Regardless, as a way to experience and appreciate Porsche’s iconic sports car a 996 can make a lot of sense. The example here has a few more miles on it than most we see, but the condition looks good and the price is quite attractive itself. Here we have a Black 2000 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet, located a little outside Cleveland, with 149,500 miles on it. That it includes a factory hardtop is a nice plus, especially for those who may plan to use this in a colder climate.
Every now and then, I come across an interesting car which I slot into my weekly rotation at GCFSB last minute. This 2000 BMW 323i Touring is one of those cars. I was in Hingham, Massachusetts on holiday last week, spending a few days at the house of a childhood friend. He’s been a BMW guy ever since they days my 1988 325is convinced him to take the plunge on a 1992 325i 5-speed sedan. He has stayed true to BMW with his latest rig, a 2009 328i xDrive Touring equipped with a 6-speed manual. We discussed how great this car was, allowing you to have your family car cake and eat it too. But one question posed by my friend was what to do now that BMW no longer imports a 3 series Touring with a manual gearbox. Well, you could always dial back the clock and explore the other interesting Tourings from BMW’s past. This E46 323i Touring for sale in Minnesota belies it’s age and 146,000 miles on the clock thanks to some fastidious care. It also has some tasty bits included, such as M3 front seats, a ZHP shift knob and Alcantara trimmed M3 steering wheel to provide maximum driving pleasure behind the wheel.
The M Coupe has really emerged as the next great thing in the BMW world, with nearly every single for sale advertisement riddled with hyperbole about how they’re the next big thing and how incredibly rare each particular color combination is. The truth is that if you’re just trying to get on to the M Coupe train, you’re a bit late to the party – but that doesn’t mean it’s not worthwhile to check out a good looking one:
