Alternative to a 320i Cabrio?

[TheLemming]

Looking for some advice from the multitude, although this time its not for me, mores the pity.

My mother is looking for a new car and has decided on a 320i Sport Cabrio.

She needs 4 seats etc and fancies a convertible, power isnt a big issue with her (last car was an ickle suzuki...)

Any suggestions for plausible alternatives in the sub 30k range? (Either new or sub 12 months old).

Im currently thinking the beemer is possibly the finest 4 seater cabrio in that price range, unless anyone has some more ideas to throw her way?

[plipton]

The Volvo rag-top might fit the bill.....
www.volvocars.co.uk/

[incorrigible]

Or the Saab

Not speaking from experience I hasten to add

How important are the back seats, if they're not used every day what about an XK8, might have to go 2 years old

[shnozz]

Audi? Saab?

Merc E320 cabrio?

>> Edited by shnozz on Monday 24th March 16:34

[sparks]

Saab 9-3 Convertible?

Not the best handling + scuttle shake by the boat load (), but big boot, comfortable, better equipped (for the money) than a BMW and no 'i own the road' stereotyping.

I had one, and the Saab dealer I used was by far and away the best dealer I have ever encountered.

Sparks

Edited to add : - the A4 is suposed to be pretty good, I think the cabrio is out. The Volvo is good, but I thought it a bit 'volvo like' (bloody barge ) when I was looking.

>> Edited by sparks on Monday 24th March 16:42

[mrsd]

Old 900 Cabrio ? Unbeatable build, appreciating asset, very comfortable, doesn't shake like a blancmange (unlike the recent one),no cavalier underpinnings, dunno why I sold mine really

[FourWheelDrift]

Nice open top sir....



Preferred to a BMW though.

[shadowninja]

Audi Cabriolet... very nice and very rare at the moment (the new ones I mean).

[trackdemon]

For that kind of cash, 320i Cab is right on the money - the best there is with 4 seats. The Audi is super handsome and superbly built, may even hold its value a touch better to start with... but if you like driving the Beemer wins all day long. And if you REALLY like driving have a look at an E36 M3 Cab.
In fact if you really REALLY like driving then you'd probably find a 911 cab or Mondial spider for <£30k. They kind of have 4 seats.
If you dont like driving and enjoy sea-sickness then the volvo or saab cab's should be ideal!

>> Edited by trackdemon on Monday 24th March 17:06

[gemini]

bmw is a great car but the driver image is a bit sh-t these days - and too many
volvo is a surprisingly tastey motor - and rarer
audi is for sloanes in knightsbridge - ooh just dont go there!

[shnozz]

my old man has an E320 cabrio - bit different to ya 3 series and very well built. Last of the more boxey merc shapes



this one is on an L - £12k on autotrader

>> Edited by shnozz on Tuesday 25th March 08:43