Convertibles are like swimming pools. A lot of people think they want one, but then discover the tradeoffs of ownership often outweigh the benefits. Still, it’s almost always the case that the soft top edition of a car will be more dear than its hard top cousin.
That doesn’t, however make it the case that all convertibles are desirable. Today what we’re looking for are the worst convertibles that history has to offer. What do you think have been the most despicable drop tops that money could buy?
Image: CadillacForums
Hooniverse Asks: What's The Least Desirable New or Used Convertible?
By Robert Emslie
Aug 18, 2015
Jeff Glucker
Low hanging fruit out of the way…
http://www.convertiblecarmagazine.com/wp-content/gallery/lexus-sc430/lexus-sc430-002.jpg
God help me, I actually don’t hate these cars. Seems like you could get one for pretty cheap and enjoy the Lexus reliability and open air motoring (disclosure: I know nothing about the specific reliability or resale values of these cars).
I have driven too many to want to mention. The stereo is incredible (for the era and for today) and it cruises on the highway and in town like a proper boat should; smooth, comfortable, doesn’t make a lot of noise. The reliability is superb.
They’re just an execution in bland styling going so bland that it becomes unbland in a bad way.
I notice that you chose a beige example to post. Intentional? Or subliminal?
I couldn’t post the 2007 Pebble Beach edition in pearl white with red leather and call it bland, could I? Because i would borderline rock that one…
http://thumbnail.image.rakuten.co.jp/@0_mall/autoproz-usa/cabinet/lexus-new/pt413-24041-2.jpg
cause PBJoe wants it’s to look like de turd in the punchbowl … good job again by the way !
I saw one a few months ago that looked like a Pep Boys threw up on it. Stick on chrome, fake ostrich seat covers, a big hood ornament, the works. I can’t say it was good looking, but it certainly was no longer bland.
There is a pro drifter who runs an SC430, it is almost as jarring as a Rolls Royce lowrider
Although speaking of that stereo, the SC430 was apparently the last car sold in the UK with a cassette player.
The inputs are one thing, the output is another, haha.
Yeah, this and the Toyota Avalon were the last the US to have tape decks.
The resale values are considerably lower than a contemporary LS, but it’s every bit a Lexus.
Excellent boulevard cruiser, completely useless rear seats.
No matter the looks, if there really was a vivid market for ‘verts, these should be good value. I don’t understand humanity sometimes.
I certainly wouldn’t kick this out of my garage, even if it does have fairly fat hips.
Only looks okay with the top down. Up — very awkward.
My big problem with the SC (beyond how much more ugly it is than the original SC coupe) is that the gorgeous Jag XK exists, and one of those shouldn’t be much worse for reliability if all you’re looking for is a weekend toy.
Lexus SC versus Jag XK and you’re claiming the Jag wouldn’t be “much worse?” Surely you jest?
…it’s relative. I mean, if you’re driving about 5k a year, I don’t think the Jag will give you enough problems (or the Lexus good enough) to make having to look at that malformed blob worth it. Or to develop a crippling addiction to fake tanning.
Also, hadn’t mid-oughts Jags achieved a pretty respectable JD Power showing (or was that just initial guality?). I know Nikasil was an issue around 2000, and the R-grade transmissions are stronger than the 8’s, but are there any other common issues?
I really think you’re underestimating the problems a Jag will give you. Even a good one is a ticking time bomb. A friend had an XK showing similar duty (<5,000 miles a year) and spent thousands a year on maintenance and repairs.
Versus the SC – I have a GS430 and it's the same exact drivetrain. The entire drivetrain and suspension and electrical system is absolutely bulletproof. You will have zero problems driving an SC around 5,000 miles a year.
The cost comparison would be oil changes and occasional tires on the SC versus $2000+ per year driving the Jag. Yes, even for the limited usage scenario. Jags find ways to break even sitting still.
They are beautiful and wonderful to drive but heartbreaking in every other way. Honestly? I'm still probably more likely to own an XK than an SC though – the SC is really comically bad and the XK is so awesome. Make mine an XKR hardtop though.
That’s entirely fair, and I’m likely blinded by my severe dislike of the SC. I’d have a much harder time picking between your GS430 and an XK8/R than the SC and a Jag, even for a weekend wine county transport for two.
This particular one always gave me a chuckle. http://image.superstreetonline.com/f/54107819+w+h+q80+re0+cr1/2013-formula-drift-long-beach-daigo-saito-lexus-sc430-05.jpg
Thanks for posting that
Gosh, I keep walking into this fruit, it’s so low hanging…
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/2f/1990_Chrysler_TC_By_Maserati.jpg
Is the TC actually less desirable than the LeBaron it resembles?
At least the LeBaron was in a Cake song.
The LeBaron doesn’t cheapen a famous exotic name the way the TC does.
Instead, it bears a name of a famous aristocratic title that in turn is featuring a contraction with an exotic article.
Rather, it bears the name of a famous coachbuilding company of the ’20s and ’30s, long before there was any association with Chrysler.
http://www.coachbuilt.com/bui/l/lebaron/lebaron.htm
Oh, I don’t know about Chrysler name finding procedures, but I surely did not assume they just picked the best among DerLord, ElMarquis, TheFürst and LeBaron. On the other hand…
This. The ergonomics were so bad, I nearly cried. The window lift buttons were behind my elbows. Thankfully it was a day rental. But still, it was painful to be in, and embarrassing to be seen in.
Saw one of these around here. It was parked in front of a garage with a lot of crap around it. Still looked drivable.
dawgit – I am late to these posts – PBJoe has got em !
http://car-pictures.cars.com/images/?IMG=USC40NIS131A021001.png
Even lower hanging fruit, here…
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/2011-nissan-murano-cross-cabriolet—01.jpg
Really, you’d think a convertible SUV would be hoonworthy, rather than a glorified minivan with the ugliest convertible modification ever.
Your words… They make me want to fab a roll cage for it, hog out the fenders with a sledge and sawzall, and beat on it off-pavement until it breaks.
Has anyone come up with a GRM or LeMons-style challenge for off-roaders, yet?
I have seen several in the DC area. I kept pinching myself to say that either; 1) there was an incredible clearance sale for these limited to the DC/Northern VA area or 2) I am stuck in a bizarro world where I never get the joke.
If you’re inside the Beltway I’m definitely going with option 2.
I saw one in Saskatoon. Which doesn’t seem that weird unless you know that Nissan didn’t sell these in Canada – the dealers all roundly rejected them – so someone went through a great deal of effort to buy one and import it.
Their license plate read “oddball”.
That’s not low-hanging fruit, that’s rotting on the ground covered by ants.
hardy harr – thems fire aints too betcha marmer ! there are plenty of these yucksters tooling around Nashville, every day !
http://www.classicpark.nl/vehicleimages/0000255%20Volvo%20P1900/1956%20Volvo%20P1900%20(0000255-08).jpg
But the Volvo sport will always, always be the worst ever.
It was so bad the head of the company cancelled the car after riding in it.
It wasn’t quite the European Corvette it was supposed to be either…glassfiber and all. Today, these are fantastic collector’s items and a real headturner at Volvo meets.
Sorry, that’s kinda nice.
Its looks aside (it’s funky, not really ugly) it was garbage. And its demise gave us the P1800, so at least there’s that…
“Look, we’ve managed to make this wee car safe with this incredibly strong ‘safety cell’ design! Brilliant! How shall we celebrate?”
“Chop off its roof!”
“Give that man a bonus!”
http://s1.cdn.autoevolution.com/images/news/gallery/smart-fortwo-cabriolet-is-the-cheapest-convertible-in-the-us_24.jpg
This is so low-hanging that it’s getting stepped on…
I would probably hate the way it drives, and fixing it every 5 seconds, but that’s not a bad looking car. That would probably trick me into owning it.
Undesirable for normal people, but I want one for the weirdness.
Nothing says “Just gimme a car without a fixed roof, okay???” quite like the Cavalier Convertible.
http://tenwheel.com/imgs/a/b/i/p/t/1997_chevy_cavalier_convertible_ls_3_lgw.jpg
http://media.ed.edmunds-media.com/pontiac/sunfire/2000/oem/2000_pontiac_sunfire_convertible_gt_fq_oem_1_500.jpg
You forget its stablemate. Specifically 2000-02.
This and the Cavalier were notorious for their safety record. 49%, yes nearly half, of all side impacts of over 35 mph would result in “serious injury.” It was so glaring I remember that stat to this day.
We took one i on trade once and i asked my Used Sales Manager what our culpability would be if we sold it.
Also the platform was so old it was apparently entering puberty, going by the acne on the front.
The expression “when the top goes down, the price goes up” does not apply to sawzall jobs.
https://chivethethrottle.files.wordpress.com/2012/01/image1926.jpg?w=500&h=270
WOW – no words – you think someone drove this ?
I would say Cavalier/Sunbird, but it was probably the cheapest way to get a convertible at the time, so that’s something. http://s1.cdn.autoevolution.com/images/gallery/CHEVROLETCavalierConvertible-1878_1.jpg
I also recently found out the Sunbird convertible was cast in a Japanese pop music video of all things. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1o_TOsnxdgo
Be ye forgetting the Metro Convertible, the very picture of emasculated rebellion?
http://images.craigslist.org/00L0L_1QgNGS0TEjc_600x450.jpg
Of course. Ok, cheapest 4 seat convertible.
I wonder if the most basic Tracker would have undercut the Cavalier too though.
MSRP on a 1989 Tracker 2-door convertible was $10,195. MSRP on a 1989 Cavalier Z24 convertible was $16,615. (Of course, it was Z24 that year…)
I was going to post this. Since I already had googled the brochure, here it is in all of its overwhelming 1990-ness.
http://www.motorstown.com/images/geo-metro-cabrio-04.jpg
That looks just like the one I pulled a turn signal switch off of last week, except it’s missing the truck-shaped smash on the passenger side.
Fun fact: take the larger brakes and the torsion bar off the heavier convertible and put them on a standard Metro hatch back and you instantly have a car worth less than $200 that can keep up with Porsches and Ferraris on twisty downhill roads.
They ditch you the moment the road levels off, though.
It might come in handy to drive the convertible then.
http://vignette1.wikia.nocookie.net/tmnt/images/f/f3/Ninja-grappling-hook.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20140929222841
Ooooh. . . Good idea. . .
My friend Clint had one of these for a bit about 10 years ago as a beater/commuter car. He decorated with a Jolly Roger on the hood of Col. Sanders face with chicken leg crossbones and lined the backseat area with stuffed chickens. I think it was this same color.
She’s trading her MG…
http://images.craigslist.org/00v0v_66GWIHR5CpG_600x450.jpg
There’s something about K-car convertibles that seems straightforward and honest. I like them.
In all honesty, I would totally rock one — especially with the wood applique sides!
Ah, the K-Car convertible! When you want to just tell the rest of the world: “I don’t give a good sh!t what YOU think of me. I’m driving a convertible!””
I feel the same way about the Renault Alliance I see in the service shop’s lot near my house.
http://www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/87-GTA-Convertible.jpg
It’s silver though… It’s far from pretty, it’s basically a heap of metal that rusts and runs on gasoline-lubricated parts, but I have to doff my chapeau to the guy that keeps it running and as shiny as that guy does.
I’m the guy that sent Hooniverse the email that seems to have started this thread. I have a K car ragtop and feel like I have one of the ugly, red-haired stepchildren of convertibles. I know a guy that has one for sale with 18K miles on it and he feels like he can’t give it away. they aren’t bad cars, but they’re just lowly K cars. Put Shelby Daytona suspension parts under it and it handles pretty nicely.
Agreed.
But you have to keep it “Just the Way it is”.
If you haven’t seen this video, watch it.
I watched it. That’s a strange dude. “I think this car will double its value in the next few years.” Yeah, from $400 o $800. Actually, I paid $900 for my ’85 a few years ago.
“But you have to keep it “Just the Way it is”.” So much for my plans of putting a Hemi in mine!
Eh, present it as a factory prototype that was never built.
Then you can pretend it’s all original.
Fun fact: When I replaced the top on mine, I could look down and see where they rather crudely air-chiseled the original roof off the car at the base of the ‘C’ pillar. The first (’82?) K ragtops were outsourced for the conversion but shortly after Chrysler decided it was cheaper to make the cars in-house. I was surprised to see that my ’85 example started life as a 2-door sedan.
Not even the ‘Murca theme could get me into it.
There was a young woman fueling one of these at my local KC-area gas station this morning. She wore hand-woven cotton clothing and braids, her car wore Oregon plates. My first thought was that she’s a long way from Eugene.
I’m torn. It’s small, boring (in looks and drive), and probably sloppy handling on top of it. I don’t know why, but otherwise, I kinda like it.
I’d venture to say that the Paseo was made
more desirableless undesirable by cutting off its roof.I continue to look for a Paseo for LeMons. They were less terrible than they looked and the 1.5L, though far from powerful, is a wickedly reliable little shit. I swear that engine was used in the Tercel, Paseo, and Echo only so it’s cheap owners would never be able to buy another car, “But it’s still runs perfectly.”
I have a fondness for the Paseo, as well. It was an honorable attempt at de-dorking the small economy car.
I actually like them, but I’ve always liked econocars.
Does this car make my butt look big?
Ugly as sin, but that can and has been fixed…
http://www.superridesbyjordan.com/img/s8/v85/p1481051658-3.jpg
http://www.hotrod.com/cars/featured/1503-cross-eyed-car-building-hallucinations/
Wow. interesting concept. Definitely looks better than an SSR, but not as good as a 59 El Camino. And with all the money and time they spent, they could have just built the El Camino (and sold the SSR to recoup some of the cost).
Are there so many shitty convertibles that the Sebring hasn’t made the cut yet?
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/9a/08_Chrysler_Sebring_convertible_2.jpg
I think we all tried to forget.
https://i.imgflip.com/ppuxe.jpg
Seriously… we had one of that generation when I worked for a rental place. I swear that car must have had automotive progeria. At 12k miles it felt more beat to shit than my 18 year old 240k mile Cherokee.
If you rented one, wouldn’t you beat it like a stepchild?
Most cars held up to the beatings they received until they hit 25k or so. Some were fine past that (Camrys and Sonatas mostly). The Sebring was utterly fucked shortly after 10k. I’m pretty sure we bought it with 3k on it already. Looking back it was a hard top too. You would think that would help keep it together. I’m still shocked when I think back on that car.
I can’t even fathom that a Yugo, Smart, Volvo AND Lexus convertible made the cut before someone posted the Sebring. The very first and only car that came to mind upon reading the headline was the Sebring. There’s nothing in line in front of it and it’s miles ahead of its closest “competitor.” The Cavalier is a pile of crap but at least it was cheap. The Sebring put on airs of being a decent car while completely failing to actually be a decent car. And yet its owners didn’t have the good sense to be embarrassed.
Well most of the owners were Florida-based rental car companies…
I too was amazed that I had to scroll down THIS far before the Sebring showed up! It’s a shame that I used to be a huge fan of the pentastar…
My wife and I were very seriously considering buying a brand new Sebring convertible back in 2000, and a conveniently timed trip to Hawaii allowed us to rent a fully loaded JXi for a week. We were so thrilled with it, that as soon as we got back to the US (a little Hawaii humor there) we went out and bought a nice & shiny, brand new…. Toyota Tundra pickup!!!
Fast forward 14 years and we get a call from a buddy of mine whose mother is finally selling her one-owner-always-garage-kept “girls night out or trips to the beach” 1998 Sebring convertible with only 110K on the odometer… And we decide that “since we’ve always wanted a convertible” we buy it. After owning it only 6 months, the rattles & squeaks are driving me nuts, and stopping up the small leaks of vital fluids is getting old, and there are two seams in the convertible top that are starting to come apart (and the local upholstery shops won’t touch it…)… Thinking very seriously about “fixing it” with some FOR SALE signs as I have done with several other troublesome cars…
Hmmm…..
I went to see Shuttle STS-126 fly, the rental car place “upgraded” for free with a silver one – I do have a fond memory for this craptastic car on the NASA employee causeway..
It’s because We Hoons try to find good in any car (evidenced by the conversations surrounding most entries), but this one continually befuddles our best efforts to find something redeeming.
I’ve met at least one person who loved his Sebring convertible. He seemed mostly reasonable otherwise.
EDIT: And yeah, this was my first thought too. Also, add me to the crowd of hoons surprised they had to hit the “show more comments” button for this gem to pop.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/dc/MichaelScott.png
This guy?
Ah, the mid-life Chrysler!
I’m nearly tripping on all the fruit just lying here on the ground…
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d8/Ren1916vcabph1b.jpg
Critics said you could barely have a conversation at 80 km/h with the roof up because of the crappy soft top.
It was pretty mediocre in any form…
http://media.ed.edmunds-media.com/chrysler/crossfire/2005/oem/2005_chrysler_crossfire_convertible_srt-6_rq_oem_1_500.jpg
I agree. I don’t think anyone can defend Chrysler Crossfires. They are automotive abominations. : )
I think either they caught onto our game or every Chrysler Crossfire has been taken out back.
Somewhere out there the only reminders of its existence are skeletons of non-biodegradable interior pieces. Most of them are confused for bizarrely shaped Rubbermaid containers.
Or some sort of health aid suitable for use by the septuagenarians who form the heart of the market for Crossfires.
What about the SLK?
The first generation was kind of cool. The second and third don’t really do anything for me. Maintenance and part costs seem like an excellent reason for them to be listed as undesirable.
The Crossfire suffers from those same considerations. Plus the styling really isn’t aging too well. The SLK isn’t aging too well either.
I just have one of those weird compulsions – I can’t get behind the Crossfire being written off as laughable crap without the SLK being brought down with it, since they’re the exact. Same. Thing.
But then I also think we’ve been trained to know that Chryslers are just the worst, and all are deserving of our derision, while bad Benzes are accepted as just an aberration we kind of ignore.
I’m actually a Chrysler fan. The Crossfire was just poorly executed. I haven’t experienced an SLK, I’m sure I would feel the same way about it.
I feel the same way Tanshanomi does, I just know I couldn’t afford anything for the Crossfire when it does break. Which it will. 2000’s Mercedes broke… a lot. The things that break are expensive too.
A cool premise, but the execution was waaay too flawed.
https://helfmancars.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/1254369770.jpg?w=600&h=414
I had the solid roofed version. I can assure you that the flaws in execution began well before it went topless.
Cummins 4Bt would fix that ( and a few weeks of wrenching )
I had two of these. A fun truck but typical Chrysler quality.
You know that friend you can’t trust for movie recommendations, because she has such absurdly low standards for movies that she likes everything? The one who gushes about how hilarious/moving/dramatic she found just about any film you happen to mention, even if it was an eye-stabbing box office bomb? I’m that friend when it comes to cars.
http://tanshanomi.com/temp/image-macros/AshamedPuppy-IWouldRockThat.jpg
I would snap up a clean Dodge 400/600 convertible in a heartbeat. Also, I think the ‘vert option made the PT Cruiser fairly desirable. Sure, they look awkward with the top up, but they’re reliable and the chassis is fairly strong, thanks in part to the basket handle. I seen some on CL at an amazing price vs. mileage point over the last few years. CrossCabriolet? I actually suggested my insurance agent check one out; she did and she loves it. Crossfire? well—
Um, yeah, I guess I am too easily pleased.
Was this supposed to be a reply to mine? If it was, my secret is that I don’t completely hate the crossfire. Just trying to hang onto an old forum war as long as I can.
http://www.thenewestcars.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/nissan-micra-2015-5.jpg
Nissan Micra C+C.
Bulldog car. So ugly it’s cute.
Needs a Hello Kitty sticker.
This is all so…horrifying…
http://media.caranddriver.com/images/media/461504/the-zombee-looked-great-at-the-sears-pointless-race-legend-killer-zombees-photo-461582-s-1280×782.jpg
He said new or used. This clearly would be like new which should be a category all its own.
Rescued-from-the-scrapper?
It is the damned. It is not dead, it is not alive. It is the damned.
It was nicer before it took flight in LeMons.
Didn’t that little flip actually leave it straighter?
http://images.thetruthaboutcars.com/2011/06/Flight_of_the_Killer_B_cropped.jpg
perfect.
One that I legitimately don’t want but comes with a story that reminds me to be less of an asshole every time I see one.
http://appraisal.carlislejohnny.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/carlislejohnny1602.bmp
A couple years back I saw one of these queued up to take a turn. Instantly a hundred snarky dickhead jokes pop into my head generalizing how shitty it is. Then I get up next to the dude and he’s smiling away rocking his convertible… and I’m a pretty miserable looking prick. So that day I learned, and retained, that people are going to love just about anything and to live and let live.
That doesn’t mean I’ll think the car isn’t shit though. Just makes me respect that somebody else might enjoy the fuck out of it.
I had more fun in a beat-to-hell 1984 Pontiac J2000 convertible than I’ve had in any other car I’ve owned.
This is the most tolerant post in the least respectable language I’ve read today. Here, take this:
http://gfx.dagbladet.no/labrador/337/337596/33759606/jpg/active/978x.jpg
I think that describes me a little too well.
Take a perfectly good Fiat 850 and turn into a butt-ugly SIATA Spring.
https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7118/7660297812_da31b24748_b.jpg
Fiat 850 … good ? did a Metzler ( wait I meant dunlap ) tube splode on your head today ?
Good is a relative term so when I look at an 850 Fiat it looks “good” when compared to the SIATA. And I think you meant “Dunlop” and, yes, one did explode in my head today – no wait – I think it was a Trelleborg.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/aa/Fiat_850_Sport_1969_1.JPG
Zzzzzzzzzzzzz…*snort*Hm, wha? I’m up, I’m up!
http://www.jbcarpages.com/toyota/camry/2002solara/pictures/images/2002solara_toyota_camry_picture%20(10).jpg
The cowl shake on these would keep you awake.
More low fruit from the Dodge/Plymouth tree. I keep seeing these pop up in the local junkyards in both the Shadow and Sundance flavors. Stubby little things that don’t look any better with the top down.
Sundance is a pretty good name for a convertible though.
True dat.
http://www.larevueautomobile.com/photo-voiture/photo-voiture.php?src=/images/Citroen/C3-Pluriel/Exterieur/Citroen_C3_Pluriel_010.jpg
The problem with the Pluriel is that those big rails can be removed, making it a fully open-topped car- but if you do that, there is nowhere to store them.
And when you put them back on, the roof will probably leak.
The URL is, honestly, classytransportation.com. You couldn’t make that up.
http://www.classytransportation.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/webassets/Excalibur_Convertible_Rolling.jpg
Vomick – vomick everywhere… It is kinda fun dropping in late on the posts – and gets to make dumbass comments on everyone’s finds – Sjalabais, did you see that white Lotus I posted on the crapshoot ? trying hard not to contact them – always wanted one …
And i took this whole thing for a classy conversation… =8^) Going over to have a look. Instantly positive to Lotus-purchases.
Holden Barina/Vauxhall Corsa cabriolet
Take some Spanish-built Opel Corsas, ship them to Australia, let Holden lop the roof off, then sell them in Australia as Holdens and in the UK as Vauxhalls.
http://www.classic-auctions.com/Images/Report/113C/45235.jpg
Then there are these…..
would rock that.
I went through the entire thread. I wanted nearly every car. Only the Smart produced actual revulsion.
I have a problem.
Any ragtop is desirable if bought cheaply enough. but this one did kinda suck, even at the bargain basement price of 600$
http://blog.caranddriver.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/1991-Mercury-Capri-XR2.jpg
the top was literally a ragtop, came apart at every seam,flapping in the breeze, the headlight doors got stuck so I had to manually open them and leave them, the ignition switch was worn out so you didn’t even need a key to start it. replacing the alternator required a trained octopus. when the transmission quit, I scrapped it for 100$
Going by the folk who upvoted you, apparently Australians hate this car!
Like someone gave the Ford engineers a blurred photocopy of a picture of a Miata and told them to get on with it – and make it wrong wheel drive and give it 2+2 seating while you’re at it.
The Ford Karrman Ghia to Mazda’s Porsche 356.
This car and it’s USA warranty costs was perhaps the reason why the later Aussie Falcons weren’t considered by Ford for the USA.
And I saw a really tidy one driving around today here in NZ. So they’re still around.I stopped to talk to the grey haired lady driving The roof is now permanently stuck up and she’s trying to sell it ‘before it costs me any more money and I can get something better like a Renault”