Car shopping: sporty, easily parked city car for ex-128i owner

[Manual Transmission]

Spiritually I'm a 1 series owner, but the market for them seems insane right now, seems like other cars might be a better deal. Also after 3 years(the longest I've owned a car), I'm ready for a change. Budget is about 20k, maybe a bit more for the right car.

A little over a year ago I sold my perfect 128i convertible to buy a Tesla Model 3. At the time I was investigating founding a startup in the EV repair and maintenance space. It didn't end up working out and I just founded a start up in another industry. I want to reduce my costs given I wont have an income anymore, and frankly I never liked the Tesla much. It lacked soul, but at least it was stupid fast.

I live in San Francisco, so I need something short/easily parked with a locking trunk(window smash and grabs are rampant here). I also want something fun to drive, RWD/convertible. Ideally with modern luxury/convenience like found in a 1er or something classic and simple, ideally pre-1975 without smog restrictions.

Here are some cars I like. Suggest some more based on them:
- 128i Convertible: At 172 inchs it wasn't too hard to park in SF. A good balance of sporty, luxury and practicality. I'd buy another but prices seem insane in this market, plus I want something new. Comes in manual convertible.
- Porsche 911: 175 inches. always wanted one, but pricing starts at 30k for something pre-2005. I'd like something newer for 30k. Comes in manual convertible.
- Porsche Boxster: 170.4 inches, pricing starts at 10k, but also seems dated. I've always wanted a Porsche but doesn't seem like a great value for a daily. Comes in manual convertible.
- Z4: 166 inchs long. The 2009+ PRHT seems really nice. Decently short for parking, I presume BMW level handling/luxury. A friend drove me in his Z3 and my brother in his 2002 z4 and both felt really fun to ride in. I lean towards this the most of all, but could be shorter. Might even go for the 35i version, I've acquired a taste for speed from the Tesla. Comes in manual convertible.
- Miata ND: 154 inches. I used to own a 1990 NA Miata. Super fun car but sold it cause it felt like a tin can and I though I'd die in a crash. I've heard good things about the new ND and assume it's safer. The Mazda 3 premium sound is fun, more so than BMW premium sound. Comes in manual convertible.
- Mini Cooper Convertible: It's a BMW technically and at ~145 inches the shortest/easiest to park of them all, but still had a decent amount of room. As far as I know no locking trunk, and that's a major issue cause my Tesla was broken into twice in a month. My brother had one with the 1.8T and it was pretty fun to drive, but the torque steer sucked. Comes in manual convertible.
- Classic cars: Always wanted an older classic car. The simplicity is sexy and I like it. Plus they were smaller, easier to park and gave a rawer driving experience. Name some cool models for me to look into.

tl;dr: Looking for a short, fun to drive sporty car for the city. Budget ~20K, maybe a bit higher for the right car. Suggest some cars

[fotontom]

First, if smash and grab are that rampant, stay away from convertibles and roadsters. They just cry out to thieves, "here I am."

In hardtop form, all of the above are great candidates. When I lived in the area and was on a budget, I drove an MGB-GT for the same reasons. Changed the factory locks to something more secure, which is easily done. And by the way, the Bay Area had a great MG support group, not sure if it still does. In a small car, safety is not a strong feature, especially since there are now so many huge pickups, SUV's and yes, even a Tesla will go over 4,000 lbs easily.

It's a shame what has developed over the past 20 years in SF. Was once a wonderful place.

[iminhell1]

VW Golf, GTi, R

[tracer bullet]

BRZ / 86?

[NorthernDancer]

If you change cars every 3 years, you already know more than me.

[syd53]

If needed mostly in the city the Fiat 500 turbo is fun and easy to park. The electric 500e version is even faster and has a little more than 100 miles range. Both can be had for $15 K or less.

[10"]

just get another 128–buy what you love and keep it.

[Lucky1]

Originally Posted by 10"

just get another 128–buy what you love and keep it.

Love this advice. After driving and owning so many cars lately I can really tell you if you are particular like me this is the best advice for you. If you crave change then its a different ball game. I can't replace the 128i because nothing in its size compares and its not worth enough money to just give it away anyhow. Only other car I'm interested in in its size right now is the E46 M3 based on my Z4M but have not driven to confirm its what I expect.

[jdt10768]

motorcycle with hard bags, bmw gs with hard cases!

[Suprgnat]

Originally Posted by jdt10768

motorcycle with hard bags, bmw gs with hard cases!

Or both! Miss it, just wasn't getting enough saddle time.

[Leslie731]

Whatever you decide on, get security film installed on your windows,it'll take those knuckleheads a lot longer to break in Can't even imagine having that to worry about g l

[krhodes1]

Originally Posted by syd53

If needed mostly in the city the Fiat 500 turbo is fun and easy to park. The electric 500e version is even faster and has a little more than 100 miles range. Both can be had for $15 K or less.

I second this one- I had a '13 Abarth and it was probably the most stupid fun car I have ever owned. Sold it and got an M235i and regretted it.

They are surprisingly practical for such a small car.

[Lucky1]

Originally Posted by Suprgnat

Or both! Miss it, just wasn't getting enough saddle time.

Thats hawt. Blue all around even the house matches