You’re in a difficult position, since you’re not spending your own money. Are you borrowing the money or is this a gift? You didn’t tell us the year of this shiny red convertible, or the mileage, but I suppose we can guess by the price it’s perhaps a mid-to-late-90’s car. Am I close?
I suppose my next question is “Who’s going to pay to keep this car running?” It will need maintenance, insurance, fuel, etc. Who’s paying for that?
I know you’re seeing a flashy convertible, but I’m sort of on dad’s side here. I don’t always agree with CR, but they have lots of research to back up their findings. VW’s reputation for reliability has been less than stellar for years, and their repair costs can be rather high when something goes wrong. Then there’s the oil consumption issue, but we wont’ go there.
Here’s my personal theory: If I were giving my adult daughter money to purchase a car (which I have done in the past) I would not put any restrictions on what she bought. I would strongly advise her to purchase something reliable and economical, and not to let emotion cloud her judgment, and I would show her the statistics to back up my advice.
But if she chose to buy a VW Cabrio so be it. I know a good VW mechanic, and I would recommend she take the car to him. She would be expected to pay for maintenance, repairs, insurance, etc. I think she would take better care of a car she likes than a car she felt “stuck with.”
Good luck.