Looking at getting a convertible. Engine/Transmissions to avoid?

I ride motorcycles, but my wife has mild narcolepsy, and falls asleep on long drives and she is, rightfully so, not comfortable going for any long rides with me. So I'm looking for a convertible to get some of that experience with her.

My dad has a Fiata (2017 Fiat 124 spider) so I've driven in that, and as much as I like it, I am too big/tall for it, and my eyeline is right at the top of the windshield, and I have to hunch to fit under the roof.

So looking at larger convertibles, and wondering if there are any engines and/or transmissions I should avoid. I can drive a stick shift, but leaning towards automatics, because I'm going to drive this on long scenic drives with the wife and probably sell my current daily and replace it with this which means rush hour traffic driving a couple of times a month (I'm a remote employee, but still go to the office once or twice a month, which is a 2 hour one way drive). I don't need a v8, it's probably better if I don't get a V8, lol, my driving record would not appreciate it.

How reliable are the automatic tops? anything specific I should be looking for when looking? my price range is hopefully sub $15k, so these will be used vehicles. I'm in AZ so rust isn't a big issue on any vehicle.