Convertable for 10K??

Slime101 · 24 Sep 2009 at 19:43

Dad and his wife are looking for a convertable, needs to be comfortable, have reasonable power and preferrably an auto; must be reliable.

They dont need bags of room, just enough for a small case or 2 as they wish to use it for touring to places such as italy.

Ideal Budget is 10K although this isnt set in stone and could easily be expanded.

"We" have looked at many, and he is driving an mx5 this weekend, and recently tested an SLK and thought it was very good.

Lord-Jaffa · 24 Sep 2009 at 19:45

You won't find better than an S2000 for this price range.

[TW]Fox · 24 Sep 2009 at 19:46

In before the 330Ci Sport guys to say dont bother. Something like a Merc CLK perhaps?

Firestar_3x · 24 Sep 2009 at 19:46

For touring an S2000 would do my nut in, get something bigger than a two seater, much better to drive long distance imho.

[TW]Fox · 24 Sep 2009 at 19:47

Lord-Jaffa said:
You won't find better than an S2000 for this price range.

They would prefer a comfortable automatic. Not a hardcore manual.

Slime101 · 24 Sep 2009 at 19:51

Dad has a bike (or 2) if he wants to hoon, auto is preferred due to distances and also my step-mum only likes to drive an auto by choice.

I'd forgotten about the S2000 but think it might be a bit racey for them tbh.

I'll suggest the CLK, is there any point in looking at Z4?? (can you get one for that money?)

Dorje · 24 Sep 2009 at 19:53

Old Merc SL drop top? Could prove to be more reliable than a newer Merc.

Quick browse found this.

Spuderoony · 24 Sep 2009 at 19:54

You can get an 03/53 plate Z4 for 10k, definitely. The lowest ones are just over 9k. Will have anywhere from 40k to 70k miles on, typically. Its boot is also roomier than you'd expect, in my opinion.

[TW]Fox · 24 Sep 2009 at 19:54

Z4 is not comfortable - the ride is rock hard and autos are quite rare. BMW wise a 330Ci may suit but avoid the Sport and go for a nice SE auto.

wez130 · 24 Sep 2009 at 19:58

Audi A4 looks gorgeous and is what i'd be looking at personally, that's not to say i would discount the BMW 3xx, also the next few months are probably the best time to look at convertibles as winter sets in.

mjt · 24 Sep 2009 at 19:58

E46 6 pot or an A4

the CLK is a bit **** isn't it?
should get an SL. the 320 should suffice
they're a bit dated, but are the epitome of a reliable open-top tourer

Slime101 · 24 Sep 2009 at 20:06

Dad isnt impressed by the 3 series BMW or the A4....too big apparently!

mjt · 24 Sep 2009 at 20:07

how about a dihatsu copen?
or a suzuki cappuccino

spaz · 24 Sep 2009 at 20:12

Audi TT?

K.C. Leblanc · 24 Sep 2009 at 20:25

How about a Chysler?

http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1218300.htm

Slime101 · 24 Sep 2009 at 20:40

He hates the TT's looks, i'll suggest the Chrysler.

I shall suggest the SL when i see him tomorrow.

Spuderoony · 24 Sep 2009 at 20:50

[TW]Fox;14957809 said:
Z4 is not comfortable - the ride is rock hard and autos are quite rare. BMW wise a 330Ci may suit but avoid the Sport and go for a nice SE auto.

I find it comfy, but then again the biggest car I've ever owned is an RX-8 and I've got rid of the runflats (a must, if you want one)

There are a fair few autos on autotrader, but I wouldn't touch some.

iaind · 24 Sep 2009 at 20:51

[TW]Fox;14957748 said:
They would prefer a comfortable automatic. Not a hardcore manual.

Thats what I thought, although he did say they were looking at an MX5...

E46 or A4?

Dorje · 24 Sep 2009 at 21:06

MX5's do come in automatic form, or at least used to. I suspect there will be one for the mk3/3.5. MX5's never were that hardcore, the latest will be the least so. Worth a look at, but the SL is in a different league for touring.

Firestar_3x · 24 Sep 2009 at 21:16

The Mx5 is not a good touring prospect, mine did my head in for this, an E46 or A4 cab is the logical choice imho.