Hil I will try to add a different prospective rather then rehash other things.

First, I am in your age/status (retired) group. I own a 2007 Limited Coupe (7,000 miles) and a 2005 Limited Roadster (21000 miles). I only drive the Xfire in good weather and they are both NOT daily drivers. I have always owned a 2 seat roadster. Enough background so you see my situation is very similiar to yours. Mileage is what the car had on them when I bought it.

Second, Since I only drive in good weather, I hardly ever drive the coupe anymore except for a long trip followed by more then a weekend stay. I take the coupe on these trips because of the trunk storage. I bought the coupe first. Nothing is better then driving with the top down. I drive the coupe once a month. It is an automatic and the roadster is a 6 speed. If I were you and this is your wife's retirement toy, I would get a automatic. My wife hates the stick and always takes the automatic. I find both enjoyable. Someday when I can't shift anymore I will have the automatic.

Third, I restored cars as a hobby. Notice the past tense. I bought the roadster for $8,000. It was mechanically perfect and in fact the carfax said no accidents. Well they were not telling the truth. It had quit a few bangs and the paint was in terrible shape. I really don't think the average person would have seen all the imperfections but like they say it had good bones. Here is a secret I'd like to share. I took it into 2 body shops for estimates to fix the repair work that had been done previously. Both estimates were a low price off $2000. I took it to a dentless repair guy and had him work on it. I cost me $140. Dentless repair has its limits but I knew this. Well I still had the body work that needed to be redone to my satisfaction and the price had dropped to $982. That is about a $1000 savings.

Fourth, if it is your wife's car let her pick the color, style and interior. I have been married for 43 years to the same lady and I have learned a lot and try not to make stupid mistakes twice.

Fifth, get to know your local car clubs. They are a great source and many of the guys are in the trade and will do work at a discount if you are a person interested in cars.

Based on all I read get a low mileage, late model automatic roadster in the color she loves. Have patience and when the car is right pull the trigger.

LET US KNOW WHAT YOU GET.