Car for the better half ?

[pdavison]

I am looking to get my better half a new (well new to her) car and am looking for some ideas as to possible choices.

So far the criteria is:

Must be a soft top.
Must cost less than £7k.
Must be reasonably insurance friendly (she's 26).

What do you all think ?

[Fer]

If she does not mind left hand drive, I would recommend a Fiat barchetta. I have had mine for nearly 4 years, and loved every minute of it. Cheap to buy, there are some good specialist garages out there (ask me to point you in the right direction if required) and they are not as common as the MX-5.

[Plotloss]

Convertible Classic Mini.

Look great, a lot fun, cheap insurance and a style icon.

Matt.

[N17 TVR]

Honda CRX - not strictly softop, but with removable roof easily stowed.

N17TVR's CLW (common law wife) has one, and she likes it. It's nippy and very reliable.

They come in lots a bird approved colours as well, hers is a metallic lilac would you believe.........

[SGirl]

I'm still vaguely considering selling my Rover 216 convertible, though I'm hovering because it's one of the most reliable cars I've ever owned and three cars don't really cost a lot more than two to run I suppose.... It's a soft top (obviously!) and I'd want a lot less than £7K for it, but I'm afraid I can't remember what insurance group it is! Mail me through my profile if you're at all interested and I can tell you more. Don't worry if you're not, though - I'm more than happy to keep it!

[andyf007]

TVR S is out on insurance, so I'd invest in an MGB Roadster. Classic with cheap insurance and running costs, plus unlikely to lose money.

Andy

[Gargamel]

Triumph stag V8
TR6
TR5
Fiat 2000 - loverly one on PH clasifieds only 3000K !

any of these on a classic car policy - dirt cheap

or an alfa gtv ?
or if your sensible - how about a renault megane ?

[Don]

Forget stuff about "common" and go look at an MX-5. Its a classic British sportscar made by Mazda - if you see what I mean. It won't go wrong much and will be reasonable to insure and put fuel in. The cabin ambience is excellent in a really basic sort of way...if she leaves the roof off and it rains its not the end of the world.

A mate of mine has had one for several years and its been excellent.

The roof is quick to operate..and the boot surprisingly spacious given what it is.

There are lots of them so it should be possible to find one at the right price.

They hold their value reasonably well...

Sure..if money permits they aren't the quickest thing on earth and you can buy cars with a lot more go....and all the same conveniences..but bang for your buck I think its hard to beat.

[CarZee]

I agree with Don - MX-5 will sort her out (as it were)..

[markda]

The Alfa Spider will probably be too much on insurance, but you could look into it. You may be able to get a 1998ish model for that money.

I think I would point her in the direction of the Honda CRX. I have owned a couple of the hotter hondas and they excellent. In fact my girlfriend has a 1996 Civic coupe with almost 140k on the clock and not a days trouble!

MGF are trouble, mum had one and it was a nightmare...

[incorrigible]

Might just be able to sort an MR2 roadster for that cash, otherwise MX-5, or Alfa spider

[pdv6]

MX5 should just keep on rollin' come rain or shine. Dependable little beasties, those! :hairdressersmiley:

[M@H]

MX5 BBR Turbo or if insurance is really too much make sure you get a 1.8 ..I testdrove the 1.6 (for the wife !!)and it relly felt a bit guttless..

Cheers,
Matt


>> Edited by M@H on Tuesday 3rd December 16:48

[whatever]

CarZee said: I agree with Don - MX-5 will sort her out (as it were)..

...and I agree with both of 'em. I think the MX-5's a fab car.

[pdavison]

Thanks for the replies !

I was thinking along the lines of the MX5, but so far it's not popular from her point of view (she's a hairdresser and would hate to drive the stereotypical hairdressers car - sorry to all owners - I think their very good cars).

I have also heard horror stories about the MGF which is typical because it's at the top of her wish list.

The TVR 'S' would be my choice as I used to have one, but she's after something a little more subtle and not quite as 'lively' in the handling department.

I will look into the Alfa idea and possibly the Classic Mini Cabriolet (it's certainly a bit different!).

Any more ideas and opinions will be gratefully received !

[iguana]

Bit biased coz im selling one soon, but what about- although its not quite a soft top, a porker 944? It has a huge removable roof section for almost open air fun & frollics. Or actually thinking about it something like a 944S2 cabrio would fit in that budget

Agree ref new shape MR2, or how about a realy realy realy nice Mk1 MR2 ? can't cost more than say £4k-£5k for the nicest one in the world?

Suzuki Cappachino unless she does 200 miles a day on the motorway or is 7 foot 2 the EVO fella with the 355 (David Yu?) has one as his London car.

err run out of ideas now.

[funkihamsta]

Trying to get my lady to buy a Corrado to replace her ailing MR2 II. She's just extended her mortgage nicely but refuses to consider until she's finished doing up the house. Damn..where's me tools?

[wedg1e]

SAAB 900 Cabrio?
Otherwise, I'd say MR2 as well (looks meaner than the MX5).... although me Julie she like MX5. She also likes the Punto Cabrio; they look OK in a South of France kind of way....

Ian