FOR a stylish drive there's the VW Beetle cabriolet and the Mini cabriolet. Both look smart and are fun to drive, and you will be able to get them for about $40,000. Another way to go is to buy a coupe/convertible -- one that has a folding metal roof instead of a soft-top. That way you get the security and refinement of a coupe and the fun of a convertible. The VW Eos is a good one, as is the Holden Astra Twin-Top, but they will set you back about $50,000. For a sportier ride there is the Mazda MX-5 coupe/convertible, which is more fun but is only a two-seater. All those cars will be reliable and all represent good value.

I WOULD buy something else rather than gamble on a Cougar. It was yet another car imported by Ford to fill a hole while it was in an even deeper one with the Falcon. It was a good looker, and I'm guessing that is what got you hooked. It had reasonable performance, though my rating of it at the time was that it was a little too soft. Ford stocks parts and will do for a few years, but will eventually stop stocking them. I would look to something such as a Toyota Celica.