Is there a better all round roadster for 6k than a Boxster?

[mattman]

Currently going around in circles trying to decide what to by next.

Coming to the end of a lease and with a house extension due I am looking to free up some cash by getting myself a little roadster for around 5-6k. Needs to be auto for my wife to drive, can be either 2 or 4 seats but want a drop top again

Feel like I've looked at everything but still come back to the Boxster - 2.7 or 3.2 guise with under a 100k can be had within budget.

Is there anything else with similar skills, reasonable image and performance? Lookied at the Z4, 645, TT, SLK etc but they all feel a step below the Boxster if you know what I mean.

Looking for a car that will keep me interested for 18mths to 2 years and hopefully won't lose a shed load of money.

Appreciate old porsche's have potentially higher running costs but happy to do routine stuff myself.

My other option is to drop the convertible and got for a CLS500, 645 coupe but seems a bit pointless getting a coupe with no option of getting the roof off - I'm one of those weirdo's that will drive it topless any weather as long as it's not raining!!

Anything I'm missing?

[mattman]

The auto requirement throws a lot out - Alfa Spider, S2000, MR2 - even looked at 350z but reviews don't seem too great on those.

Then there are left field like Lexus SC430 but are they any better or just different?

[mattman]

Z3 could be a good shout - surely can’t drop further and if you find and keep it original it shouldn’t harm the value - while still being a half decent steer in the meantime

[mattman]

Thanks for the feedback - definitely one to look at.

Is there much difference between the 3.0 and the older 2.8? I quite like the fatter arches on the older car

[mattman]

can't help thinking there is a nice car under the stick on tat and weird red side vents - a can of silver paint would sort those out in 5 mins and the bin would get the wind deflector, grill mesh, badges, etc. Duplicate service book is not ideal, but at this price and age - does it really matter if the car itself is good

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1998-BMW-Z3-2-8-Widebod...