RideLust

Summertime means loading the car, heading for the beach and packing on that summertime tan. You need a way to get there though so below is a list of 10 automobiles that will provide you with the perfect means of transportation to whatever sandy spot of land you wish to go to. There is also a quick 1-10 rating scale that shows you if these babies are man cars or total chick rides. Listen, that’s important stuff so just deal with it ok.

1. Mini Cooper Convertible

It’s small, it’s cute and it’s got no top… sounds enticing doesn’t it? The Mini Cooper Convertible is everything you’d want in a small summer drop-top. Because of its size it will fit just about anywhere, you can put 4 people in it in a pinch and it’s good on gas which means you’ll have more money for beer and BBQ goods when it comes time for the barn fire later in the evening. At under $25,000 to start it’s also a bargain as well. But be warned, I would consider this a chick only car or possibly one for a spicy man. Manly men should look elsewhere on this list for something that contains a little more testosterone.

* Man Rating: +2 / Female Rating: +9

2. Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler has been around since dirt was invented. It’s bulletproof mechanically, will go just about anywhere and at the end of the day you can pull the carpets out and hit the entire thing with a hose to clean it. Men and women love them, kids love them and so do pets. From a beach buggy standpoint, you’re looking at the king of the sandbox.

* Man Rating: +8 / Female Rating: +8

3. Toyota FJ

The Toyota FJ is another go anywhere, do anything 4×4. It’ll cross rivers, climb mountains and bound along a sandy beach with ease. It’s also a great looking truck that took styling cues from the FJ’s of the past. Size wise it’s big enough so that you can throw some surfboards on top and boogie boards in the back. For an all around beach buggy the Toyota FJ is a great choice.

* Man Rating: +8 / Female Rating: +4

4. Ford Mustang Convertible

The Ford Mustang convertible has been a beach favorite for years. It’s good looking, has room for 4, a usable trunk and is just begging to have a few surfboards hanging out of the rear. Plus, with it’s new V6 it’s as economical as ever. Men and cool chicks need to opt for the Mustang GT and say screw the fuel cost… all others can get the V6.

* Man Rating: +7 / Female Rating: +7

5. Ford Explorer SportTrac

The Ford Explorer SportTrac made the list for the simple fact that it really is a great beach cruiser. With an open bed in the back that’s perfect for coolers, boogie boards, chairs and umbrellas the SportTrac will transport up to five people in air conditioned comfort while at the same time providing you with the off-road capabilities you’ll need if you decide to venture from the pavement.

* Man Rating: +8 / Female Rating: +2

6. Porsche 911 Convertible

The Porsche 911 convertible is a car for beach goers who want to make a statement. It says, “I’m wealthy, but not filthy rich and I like to lie on a lounge chair with a big umbrella over me”. Listen the standard 911 is a nice car, there is no doubt about it and the convertible is even nicer. Hell, if I had the means I’d buy one to go to the beach in.

* Man Rating: +8 / Female Rating: +6

7. Chevrolet Avalanche

The Chevrolet Avalanche takes beach going to the next level by providing everything the SportTrac does and more. It’s got more power, more room and more macho. Plus it can tow just about anything. The Avalanche is perfect if you are hauling the family on the inside and then towing that Airstream trailer out back. The only downside is that this sucker is huge and when navigating through a tight beach parking lot its size could cause problems.

* Man Rating: +9 / Female Rating: +1

8. Mazda Miata

The Mazda Miata is a great little beach roadster for 1 person. It’s perfect for the man or woman who goes down to the beach early on a Sunday morning to simply do a little reading or catch-up on some alone time. It’s quiet, handles well and is really fun to drive. I categorize this as a one person vehicle because at the end of the day it’s simply to small to fit two adults and their beach gear.

* Man Rating: +8 / Female Rating: +8

9. BMW Z4

The BMW Z4 is basically the German version of the Miata but with more power, more prestige and a bit more room. It’s also a hoot to drive fast and is a bit more appealing to both men and women.

* Man Rating: +7 / Female Rating: +7

10. Lamborghini Murcielago

You may be thinking that the big bad Murci isn’t a beach car, but you’d be wrong. Head down to the beaches of southern California and you’ll not only get instant rock star status, but you’ll be getting hit on by every gold digger on the sand. Sure, it may not be the best way to go about picking up chicks, but at the end of the day you need to go with what works.

* Man Rating: +10 / Female Rating: +3