I shopped really hard and paid $2k more than I had to for the car I wanted. Bought an '08 Coupe w/a six speed. My research tells me it might be the last 6 sp. out there. Paid $23k. Could have gotten an '08 w/an automatic for $21k. One dealer wouldn't go under $24 k for anything. A new '07 sold recently on ebay from a CA dealer for $19,999. Likely for the same reasons you state, I went with the coupe. Had a convertable (different make) here in Vegas, and just too darn hot in the summer and too darn cold in the winter. Not worth the extra noise and future maintenance/problems. If your looking for presence, looks, and point and shoot drivability, for the price I am certain there is nothing better out there.