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| Editors' Most Wanted Vehicles for 2003 |
Most Wanted Convertible Under $45,000
Winner: BMW
3 Series
We recently conducted a nine-car luxury convertible test. Amazingly,
many editors chose the BMW 3 Series convertible as the car they would buy, even
if they had access to twice the amount it costs. It goes to show you how
powerful an allure the Bavarian holds over this staff. With an absolutely gorgeous
exterior, unmatchable driving experience and an M3 version that blasts the volume
of every aspect, the BMW is by far the most wanted vehicle in this, and other
categories. Are we biased toward German cars? Yes, but only when they prove to be the most desirable.
Honorable Mention:
Mercedes
SLK-Class
When the SLK first debuted in 1998, bystanders literally clapped from sidewalks
at the sight of the slick folding hardtop in fluid motion. Since then, other carmakers
have followed suit, including the big brother stablemate, the SL500. The SLK is
still a polished package, though, giving you a choice between the 2.3 Kompressor
inline four, the smooth 3.2-liter V6 and the blistering SLK 32 AMG with 349 horsepower.
It's due for a complete refurbishment next year to compete with the BMW Z4, but
we're willing to bet that the current Benz roadster will hold onto its appeal
and value for many years to come.
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