Any such thing as a non-hairdresserish convertible?

Slig · 05-06-2008 11:58am #1

With the nice weather around I'd say convertible sales have gone through the roof (pardon the pun). I'm just wondering if there are any (small) convertibles that a man can drive without people questioning their sexual orientation. (BTW I'm not being sexist, just curious)
I'll start the ball rolling with Honda S2000, any other suggestions?

KTRIC · 05-06-2008 12:00pm

Slig wrote: »

With the nice weather around I'd say convertible sales have gone through the roof (pardon the pun). I'm just wondering if there are any (small) convertibles that a man can drive without people questioning their sexual orientation. (BTW I'm not being sexist, just curious)
I'll start the ball rolling with Honda S2000, any other suggestions?

I'd have to swing towards the S2000 myself. Seems to be the only mans man cabrio on the market.

Mena · 05-06-2008 12:02pm

To be fair, who gives a ****e how people judge your sexuality based on a choice of car, they can FO to be honest. Pick something you like, that's all that really matters no?

KTRIC · 05-06-2008 12:04pm

Mena wrote: »

To be fair, who gives a ****e how people judge your sexuality based on a choice of car, they can FO to be honest. Pick something you like, that's all that really matters no?

I bet you buy cars based on colour !! :rolleyes:

Slig · 05-06-2008 12:04pm

true but if practicality came before looks we'd all be driving Multiplas:D (according to J Clarkson)

Mena · 05-06-2008 12:06pm

KTRIC wrote: »

I bet you buy cars based on colour !! :rolleyes:

How do you figure that? I have a preference for certain colours but that has nothing to do with the car.

cormie · 05-06-2008 12:06pm

Call me what you want in this bad boy: http://www.jeremycopp.org/images/GallardoSpyderFront.JPG

Slig · 05-06-2008 12:09pm

cormie wrote: »

Call me what you want in this bad boy: http://www.jeremycopp.org/images/GallardoSpyderFront.JPG

Yup that would do it alright, unfortunately it would need a roof as once you sell your house to buy one youll need somewhere else to live:D

RobAMerc · 05-06-2008 12:12pm

Do you really buy cars in order to reaffirm your sexuality ?

And why does everyone in this country think a car has to say something about them ?

Can't a person drive a car because its nice to own, drive and they like the look of it rather than what it tells the Joneses about them ?

peasant · 05-06-2008 12:13pm

enough Testosterone in this one for you?

cormie · 05-06-2008 12:19pm

RobAMerc wrote: »

Can't a person drive a car because its nice to own, drive and they like the look of it rather than what it tells the Joneses about them ?

I've always had a thing for lambos, ever since I saw my cousins model lambo when I was about 5, I've always loved them. I'm not into cars at all and certainly wasn't when I was 5. I can appreciate the look of "nice" cars, but I wouldn't be bothered with them, next car I buy will probably be a lambo, until then, the van is fine :pac:

Anan1 · 05-06-2008 12:19pm

Slig wrote: »

true but if practicality came before looks we'd all be driving Multiplas:D (according to J Clarkson)

Funny you should say that, there's a Multipla on display in the Museum of Modern Art in New York.;)

@ Mena - Couldn't agree more.

@ Slig - How about this?

Monsoon26 · 05-06-2008 12:21pm

Yeah, who gives monkeys what people think anyway !
Be your own man, thats what I say !!
I'm happy out with my saab convertible - shes 205 bhp, so fairly moves !!

Slig · 05-06-2008 12:21pm

RobAMerc wrote: »

Do you really buy cars in order to reaffirm your sexuality ?

And why does everyone in this country think a car has to say something about them ?

Can't a person drive a car because its nice to own, drive and they like the look of it rather than what it tells the Joneses about them ?

unfortunately thats the culture that we are in. A big thing I see everyday in my job is people wanting a new house that absolutely HAS to have a big entrance hallway with a stairs, even if it takes room off the living rooms. These Hallways are a waste of space and money and are only put in so that they impress visitors.
I dont know anybody that would willingly drive a car that makes them look poor or stupid. Irish people just got used to buying what they want

Biro · 05-06-2008 12:24pm

Lotus Elise is a guy's car!

SV · 05-06-2008 12:25pm

You could get away with a Z4, not a hope in a Z3 though.

Victor_M · 05-06-2008 12:25pm

RobAMerc wrote: »

Do you really buy cars in order to reaffirm your sexuality ?

And why does everyone in this country think a car has to say something about them ?

Can't a person drive a car because its nice to own, drive and they like the look of it rather than what it tells the Joneses about them ?

Whilst I agree with you in principle on that one Rob, if you drove around in a Micra convertible even the steeliest of the I don't care what anyone else thinks brigade would get fed up being laughed at in the traffic, I had a convertible 320Ci a few years ago, no matter what way you look at it you are a lot more exposed to the elements and pedestrians, and convertibles good or bad attract a fair bit on attention and lots of comments, being in Ireland usually snide and bitter, but comments none the less, so for a bloke it would be wise to choose a masculine-ish convertible, and as the OP stated the S2000 is a very good starting place, 3 series aint bad, but it has to have a 6 cylinder, A4's are (IMO) driven by women only, Saab's are nice looking convertibles, Porsches I would guess get mixed feedback (as I said like it or not it's inevitable), and every one will drool over supercar convertibles.

Merc SL's are nice too best of both worlds (newer ones anyway) stay away from the French CC's they are attrocious. I'd also stay away from SLK's and Z3/4's

cormie · 05-06-2008 12:27pm

Slig wrote: »

unfortunately thats the culture that we are in. A big thing I see everyday in my job is people wanting a new house that absolutely HAS to have a big entrance hallway with a stairs, even if it takes room off the living rooms. These Hallways are a waste of space and money and are only put in so that they impress visitors.
I dont know anybody that would willingly drive a car that makes them look poor or stupid. Irish people just got used to buying what they want

I disagree, when I arrive to a house with a big sofa in my van, nothing worse than seeing a tiny door

onemanband · 05-06-2008 12:28pm

What about the new M3 Convertible with the double clutch? Has anyone any information to provide on this beauty.

RobAMerc · 05-06-2008 12:35pm

Victor_M wrote: »

Whilst I agree with you in principle on that one Rob, if you drove around in a Micra convertible even the steeliest of the I don't care what anyone else thinks brigade would get fed up being laughed at in the traffic, I had a convertible 320Ci a few years ago, no matter what way you look at it you are a lot more exposed to the elements and pedestrians, and convertibles good or bad attract a fair bit on attention and lots of comments, being in Ireland usually snide and bitter, but comments none the less, so for a bloke it would be wise to choose a masculine-ish convertible, and as the OP stated the S2000 is a very good starting place, 3 series aint bad, but it has to have a 6 cylinder, A4's are (IMO) driven by women only, Saab's are nice looking convertibles, Porsches I would guess get mixed feedback (as I said like it or not it's inevitable), and every one will drool over supercar convertibles.

Merc SL's are nice too best of both worlds (newer ones anyway) stay away from the French CC's they are attrocious. I'd also stay away from SLK's and Z3/4's

I take your point - but I would say a micra CC or whatever just shows pretty poor taste but there is no doubt that some cars are aimed towards women drivers but just because you drive an open top car doesn't make you a woofter does it ?

Anan1 · 05-06-2008 12:40pm

Victor_M wrote: »

no matter what way you look at it you are a lot more exposed to the elements and pedestrians, and convertibles good or bad attract a fair bit on attention and lots of comments, being in Ireland usually snide and bitter, but comments none the less, so for a bloke it would be wise to choose a masculine-ish convertible

To be quite honest, if other peoples comments bother you then you're f***ed either way in a convertible. The best advice for those sensitive types would be not to buy one.

Ferris · 05-06-2008 12:44pm

This is pretty tough looking, not really a 'small convertible' tho:

or this boxster S with a GT bodykit:

media?id=714978233

I don't think the Boxster is girly, has to be an 'S' though. My friend has just got one and he says he wishes he had it when he was single:cool:.

Anan1 · 05-06-2008 12:48pm

Remember that scene in the Sopranos where Ralph describes the Boxster as a 'Porsche with panties'?

Mike2006 · 05-06-2008 12:54pm

I am surprised that nobody has yet suggested the MX-5.

fletch · 05-06-2008 12:55pm

Z8 perhaps?

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/05/BMW_Z8.jpg

omb0wyn5ehpij9 · 05-06-2008 12:56pm

s2000 definatly, and a mark II mr2 turbo (not completely convertable but they are lovely)!!

Slig · 05-06-2008 12:56pm

fletch wrote: »

Z8 perhaps?

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/05/BMW_Z8.jpg

ya but if I'm interrested in what people think of me I'm hardly gonna buy a beemer:D

Slig · 05-06-2008 12:59pm

Ferris wrote: »

This is pretty tough looking, not really a 'small convertible' tho:

What is this? an early 90's SL?

Ferris · 05-06-2008 1:07pm

Its the w129 SL, 1990-2002.

rx8 · 05-06-2008 1:13pm

Spotted a Chrysler Crossfire convertible yesterday.Don't know if they are still available though.

alpina · 05-06-2008 1:38pm

If you're really worried about what people think

Drive what you want to drive for goodness sake, if you need other people's opinions to get that feel good factor well, you've just bought the wrong car..

Slig · 05-06-2008 2:18pm

alpina wrote: »

If you're really worried about what people think

Drive what you want to drive for goodness sake, if you need other people's opinions to get that feel good factor well, you've just bought the wrong car..

Firstly: The reason I started this thread was to get other peoples opinions on cars (and not just the usual VRT, tax and diesel price related threads:D)
Secondly: I'm happy with what I drive, its a commercial so maybe in the future (when I dont have a wedding, house and countless car loans to pay for) I might get a second car for myself. I have no intention of buying a convertible at the minute or even in the near future but its nice to dream.

Zube · 05-06-2008 2:57pm

alpina wrote: »

if you need other people's opinions to get that feel good factor well, you've just bought the wrong car..

The whole point of a convertible is cruising around town so everyone sees you in it, it's all about other people's opinions.

pburns · 05-06-2008 2:59pm

alpina wrote: »

If you're really worried about what people think

Drive what you want to drive for goodness sake, if you need other people's opinions to get that feel good factor well, you've just bought the wrong car..

I'm all for independant thinking - I buy out of the whole German-car/interior-plastic myopia that seems to be the main pre-occupation of many boardies.

However...
if you buy a convertible your gonna be
a.) very exposed (at least with the top down!)
b.) at least partly concerned about image...

If not exactly 'gay', the image of many convertibles is - at best - a bit...metrosexual:rolleyes:... That's not the type of image most guys want to project...

Having said that many of the convertibles mentioned above would not be girly IMO - S2000, SL, M3 etc...

Alun · 05-06-2008 3:03pm

Zube wrote: »

The whole point of a convertible is cruising around town so everyone sees you in it, it's all about other people's opinions.

Maybe in your world it is, but that doesn't mean everyone buys one for that purpose.

I don't have one now, but used to have an MX-5, and I only had that because I enjoyed driving an open topped car. What anyone else thought they could infer about my character purely by what car I drove around in was irrelevant to me.

Anyway, why would you care two hoots about the opinions of hundreds of people you a) don't even know, and b) probably will never see again in your entire life? I just don't get it, sorry. If you're that insecure maybe it's a psychologist you should be visiting, not a car dealer

Slig · 05-06-2008 3:06pm

The reason a convertible appeals to me is the openness of it as your driving (girlfriend wont let me get a motorbike)

RobAMerc · 05-06-2008 3:14pm

Zube wrote: »

The whole point of a convertible is cruising around town so everyone sees you in it, it's all about other people's opinions.

no its not - the whole point of a convertible is to drive around with the wind in you hair, in fact I would have the windows blacked out in mine to stop tools staring at me if I was not accused of being a drug dealer instead.

Zube mate - just coz you think you'd like every one to look at you doesn't mean everyone buys one for the same reason as you.

Jaysus we should all drive toyota carinas just incase anyone thinks I am trying to get above myself.

Zube · 05-06-2008 3:22pm

RobAMerc wrote: »

no its not - the whole point of a convertible is to drive around with the wind in you hair,

Fair enough, but I only ever see convertibles in two modes: driving from A to B with the top up (even on sunny days), or cruising below 30 mph with the top down, showing off the driver's designer shades, co-ordinated outfit and artfully dyed hair.

You like bugs in your teeth, good for you.

I think classic open cars like Morgans, Jag XKs or MG TDs are not gay.

galwaytt · 05-06-2008 3:23pm

911.

Saw a fab tiptronic 993 cabrio for sale last Sat when I was collecting my car from the garage. GBP23k, iirc........classic insurance eligible, too.

david collins · 05-06-2008 3:30pm

Victor_M wrote: »

Merc SL's are nice too best of both worlds (newer ones anyway) stay away from the French CC's they are attrocious. I'd also stay away from SLK's and Z3/4's

Have you had previous experiences yourself with French CC's? If so, what ones?

Victor_M · 05-06-2008 4:10pm

david collins wrote: »

Have you had previous experiences yourself with French CC's? If so, what ones?

I sat into a 206 CC, my mates sisters one, refused to let her take me around the block in it.

The umpa lumpa fake tanned middle aged oul wans that seem to make up the majority of 307CC and Megane CC driver do nothing for the cars image.

Take a good handling sports Coupe chop the roof off and you now have a highly compromised poor handling but good looking convertible.

Take the roof off a $hite handling, poorly built, unreliable car and what do you have?

david collins · 05-06-2008 4:22pm

I see. Cheers for the insight. :rolleyes:

Victor_M · 05-06-2008 4:29pm

david collins wrote: »

I see. Cheers for the insight. :rolleyes:

Sorry if I offended, not intentional (must have touched a nerve to get your first 2 posts:o), but the thread is about non hair dresser cars and the french ones are the poster child for hair dressers convertibles.

cancan · 05-06-2008 5:52pm

Zube wrote: »

The whole point of a convertible is cruising around town so everyone sees you in it, it's all about other people's opinions.

Ah - blanket statements!

ramanujan · 05-06-2008 8:08pm

and both of these

JHMEG · 05-06-2008 8:18pm

Something that can set its own paintwork on fire is def not for wimmin.

Anan1 · 05-06-2008 8:23pm

I think a TT may have snuck into your last picture.

MCMLXXXIII · 05-06-2008 8:49pm

Slig wrote: »

unfortunately thats the culture that we are in. A big thing I see everyday in my job is people wanting a new house that absolutely HAS to have a big entrance hallway with a stairs, even if it takes room off the living rooms. These Hallways are a waste of space and money and are only put in so that they impress visitors...

Have you thought that maybe some people just like it? Perhaps they do it so they can enjoy their own home. Same goes for cars.

The OP should get what he wants, and he wants a masculine car. Who cares if it's to impress others - maybe that's what he wants to do. He didn't ask for anyone to judge him, he just doesn't want to drive a girl car.
I wouldn't wear a girls pair of jeans even if they looked great, why would I drive a girly car?

Victor_M wrote: »

...A4's are (IMO) driven by women only...
Merc SL's are nice too best of both worlds (newer ones anyway) stay away from the French CC's they are attrocious. I'd also stay away from SLK's and Z3/4's

I was thinking about suggesting an A4 Cabriolet, but I do see a lot of girls in them...I still think they are cool for guys though. Besides that, the SLs are nice, but expensive. I agree with Victor_M in that the cheaper version - the SLK - is more girly, but the Chrysler Crossfire is less girly than the SLK, less expensive, AND is the same car. By same car, I mean that it's built by Merc in the same factory on the same line and it just has different (more masculine) body styling. I have heard it's going to stop being made, but it is still available now...or you can just get a used one.

SV · 05-06-2008 9:18pm

Mike2006 wrote: »

I am surprised that nobody has yet suggested the MX-5.

Are you serious?

That's the girliest car going..

x in the city · 05-06-2008 9:44pm

Honda S2000.

yummy

Max_Damage · 05-06-2008 10:23pm

An AC/Shelby Cobra is about as manly as they get.

Tad bit expensive though, unless you go for a replica.

Any such thing as a non-hairdresserish convertible?

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