I, too, have been considering a move to a FWD car, and have spent the last several months looking for the right C70 convertible, 1998-2002 vintage. I almost bought one last fall, but the seller had a story instead of a title, so I put my checkbook back in my pocket and walked away.

Last week, I finally pulled the trigger and bought a Swedish convertible. Not the C70, but a cherry 2003 five speed Saab 9-3. The car has 63K miles, is a one owner car, garage kept, with a trail of dealer service records. The only thing I need/want to do to it is a timing belt, because the mfg recommendation is 60K. I bought it from a Subaru dealer who took it in on a trade.

The C70 and Saab 9-3 are very similar cars in looks, stance, drivetrain and, according to KBB, price. But right now, the bottom has dropped out of Saab prices with the uncertainty of the company's future, and there are deals to be had. I think KBB pricing is inflated, but even so, I bought it retail off of a dealer lot for way less than what KBB says is the average wholesale.

Just a thought about an alternative. Your two grand might find a newer, better car that the C70 with a hole in the hood.