Well the 2000 I have been drooling over looks like it will be mine as long as I want it, the owner is back from his trip and saving it for me but the weather turned bad so we are not going to get it till Wednesday. Meanwhile another one popped up, a 2005 X model with only 42,000 miles, garaged., but with a soft top and an automatic. Also priced $3K less than the 2000. I am still leaning toward the 2000 because A. it looks better B. it's a manual which I prefer and C. it already has a factory hard top. The money part is mostly inconsequential as I am not really on a budget and to add a hard top and wheels to the 2005 would end up costing more than buying the 2000 anyway.
The 2000 has 116,000 miles but only 3,000 miles on a fresh rebuild and a fresh transmission rebuild and clutch, also the wheels are 31" which I like. It basically needs nothing but the 2005 will need a top and possibly wheels and tires as they are OEM and boring. I realize there is a bit of a chance buying something with a fresh rebuild but I am willing to take that chance. The pros on the 2005 are the low miles, that's about it besides the color does match our motorhome. (Also I don't know if an aftermarket hard top will be as good as OEM as far as leaks and wind noise) My main uses will be towed behind RV, daily driver for me (no commuting, retired) and cruising on the beach in Mexico and CA.
I'll put pics below, comment's welcome. First is the Khaki 2005 automatic followed by the black and white 2000 5 speed MT
The 2000 has 116,000 miles but only 3,000 miles on a fresh rebuild and a fresh transmission rebuild and clutch, also the wheels are 31" which I like. It basically needs nothing but the 2005 will need a top and possibly wheels and tires as they are OEM and boring. I realize there is a bit of a chance buying something with a fresh rebuild but I am willing to take that chance. The pros on the 2005 are the low miles, that's about it besides the color does match our motorhome. (Also I don't know if an aftermarket hard top will be as good as OEM as far as leaks and wind noise) My main uses will be towed behind RV, daily driver for me (no commuting, retired) and cruising on the beach in Mexico and CA.
I'll put pics below, comment's welcome. First is the Khaki 2005 automatic followed by the black and white 2000 5 speed MT