 Santa brought a 1997 red BMW 5 speed convertible to our house on Christmas morning in 2006.  My wife absolutely loves this car.  We took a ride along the southern half of the Blue Ridge Parkway this summer with the top down and it was an incredible trip.  We have had (knock on wood) no problems and no repairs since the day we got it.  All we have done in two years is change the oil.  Some day the top will need to be replaced but we knew that when we got it.  I compare this to a 1986 Buick "T" type I bought new that was suppose to be GM's answer to the BMW.  I spent $16K on the Buick, had it 9 years and put over $17K of my own money in repairs.  I now know, if you want a BMW, then buy a BMW!