opinions re 4 seat £8,000 hardtop coupe convertible
Discussion
Erm not very PH cars but im after a 4 seat £8,000 hardtop coupe convertible. Ive read some online road tests, but is it me or are road tests getting blander and vaguer?
Main things im after are nicish looks, glass roof, not too old, reliable roof mechanism, prefer diesel, but petrol ok too.
focus: ok but looks a bit blobby.
astra : lovely looking, apparently dodgy roof (?true), not glass roof.
prev (chunky bum) megane: ok looking in dark colour or red, glass roof.
C70 : nice looking, too pricey, not glass roof
BMW 3 : nice looking, too pricey, not glass roof.
Any I missed? opinions?
Im pretty handy with spanners so if the roof mechanism fails, what is failing exactly? though electrics can be a bit baffling.
Right now it is either JLo bum megane or astra CC.
Main things im after are nicish looks, glass roof, not too old, reliable roof mechanism, prefer diesel, but petrol ok too.
focus: ok but looks a bit blobby.
astra : lovely looking, apparently dodgy roof (?true), not glass roof.
prev (chunky bum) megane: ok looking in dark colour or red, glass roof.
C70 : nice looking, too pricey, not glass roof
BMW 3 : nice looking, too pricey, not glass roof.
Any I missed? opinions?
Im pretty handy with spanners so if the roof mechanism fails, what is failing exactly? though electrics can be a bit baffling.
Right now it is either JLo bum megane or astra CC.
bencollins said:
Erm not very PH cars but im after a 4 seat £8,000 hardtop coupe convertible. Ive read some online road tests, but is it me or are road tests getting blander and vaguer?
Main things im after are nicish looks, glass roof, not too old, reliable roof mechanism, prefer diesel, but petrol ok too.
focus: ok but looks a bit blobby.
astra : lovely looking, apparently dodgy roof (?true), not glass roof.
prev (chunky bum) megane: ok looking in dark colour or red, glass roof.
C70 : nice looking, too pricey, not glass roof
BMW 3 : nice looking, too pricey, not glass roof.
Any I missed? opinions?
Im pretty handy with spanners so if the roof mechanism fails, what is failing exactly? though electrics can be a bit baffling.
Right now it is either JLo bum megane or astra CC.
Why only solid roof options? Also are any solid roof convertibles equipped with a glass roof or do you mean GRP?Main things im after are nicish looks, glass roof, not too old, reliable roof mechanism, prefer diesel, but petrol ok too.
focus: ok but looks a bit blobby.
astra : lovely looking, apparently dodgy roof (?true), not glass roof.
prev (chunky bum) megane: ok looking in dark colour or red, glass roof.
C70 : nice looking, too pricey, not glass roof
BMW 3 : nice looking, too pricey, not glass roof.
Any I missed? opinions?
Im pretty handy with spanners so if the roof mechanism fails, what is failing exactly? though electrics can be a bit baffling.
Right now it is either JLo bum megane or astra CC.
When you say 4 seats, how big and how often will the seats be used?
Personally for a 4 seater soft top I'd probably look at a Cooper S convertible or a PT Cruiser convertible. I'm aware neither meet your exact request, but I can't see how they wouldn't be able to do the same job just as effectively.
300bhp/ton said:
Why only solid roof options? Also are any solid roof convertibles equipped with a glass roof or do you mean GRP?
When you say 4 seats, how big and how often will the seats be used?
Personally for a 4 seater soft top I'd probably look at a Cooper S convertible or a PT Cruiser convertible. I'm aware neither meet your exact request, but I can't see how they wouldn't be able to do the same job just as effectively.
A PT Cruiser......Seriously? I've driven a few when in the states so I can say first hand that these are poo.When you say 4 seats, how big and how often will the seats be used?
Personally for a 4 seater soft top I'd probably look at a Cooper S convertible or a PT Cruiser convertible. I'm aware neither meet your exact request, but I can't see how they wouldn't be able to do the same job just as effectively.
Mr Roper said:
A PT Cruiser......Seriously? I've driven a few when in the states so I can say first hand that these are poo.
You've driven a few rentals then?poo compared to what - take a look at the list of cars in the op!!
BTW - if it's as bad as you say, how come the PT generally received good and positive reviews?
CandD said:
2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser convertible
C/D Overview:
This is a four-seat sunshine scooper with cuteness to spare. Dicing with the likes of the VW New Beetle and Mini Cooper convertibles, it has more cargo and people space and looks fabulous with its '40s-era fenders, high beltline, and color-keyed, body-stiffening hoop.
C/D Overview:
This is a four-seat sunshine scooper with cuteness to spare. Dicing with the likes of the VW New Beetle and Mini Cooper convertibles, it has more cargo and people space and looks fabulous with its '40s-era fenders, high beltline, and color-keyed, body-stiffening hoop.
Motor Trend said:
Picnic-table level of conversation with the top down--one of Chrysler's claims about the social prowess of its new PT Cruiser Convertible. We're able to confirm that passengers en route can quietly plot a defense against ants, choose sides for badminton, and snag one of Aunt Mabel's famed deviled eggs--with nothing but sky overhead and a little wind in their hair. This new PT convertible is a pleasantly quiet (top up or down) and well-damped handler, with generous cargo room for Sunday afternoon gear, too.
Although it mirrors much of the original PT's heritage styling, this variant is engineered from the ground up as a two-door convertible; more than half of its components are unique from the sedan. While the PT Convertible shares the wheelbase and overall length of the four-door, additional longitudinal and cross-structure reinforcements designed into the body not only sharpen its topless ride and cornering manners, but counter noise and shake as well. Surprisingly, this added stiffening raises curb weight by just 150 pounds over the sedan.
The power fabric top includes a heated glass rear window and operates easily: A D-ring handle at the center of the windshield header releases the front latches, and a pushbutton completes the topless transformation in about 10 seconds. Touring and GT-model buyers also get a flexible boot secured by two snap-on fasteners.
Aside from the design, what also makes this convertible unique is its cargo capacity. Top up or down, the 50/50-split rear seats fold to make a flat stowage area and tumble to reveal a wide trunk pass-through that creates room for two golf bags, skis, or garden tools.
The PT Cruiser Convertible will be the least-expensive four-passenger convertible sold in North America, with a base price just under $20 grand. Power and amenities range from the Standard model's cloth seats and 150-horsepower inline-four to the GT's leather interior and new High Output 220-horse turbo motor.
With interior volume and rear-seat legroom that bests the VW New Beetle and Ford Mustang convertibles, plus a base price that undercuts those competitors by thousands, Chrysler could draw in new drop-top buyers that had previously considered a ragtop too spendy or impractical. However, a larger question might be how traditional image-conscious convertible customers will embrace the PT's signature nod to styling cues from the past.
Although it mirrors much of the original PT's heritage styling, this variant is engineered from the ground up as a two-door convertible; more than half of its components are unique from the sedan. While the PT Convertible shares the wheelbase and overall length of the four-door, additional longitudinal and cross-structure reinforcements designed into the body not only sharpen its topless ride and cornering manners, but counter noise and shake as well. Surprisingly, this added stiffening raises curb weight by just 150 pounds over the sedan.
The power fabric top includes a heated glass rear window and operates easily: A D-ring handle at the center of the windshield header releases the front latches, and a pushbutton completes the topless transformation in about 10 seconds. Touring and GT-model buyers also get a flexible boot secured by two snap-on fasteners.
Aside from the design, what also makes this convertible unique is its cargo capacity. Top up or down, the 50/50-split rear seats fold to make a flat stowage area and tumble to reveal a wide trunk pass-through that creates room for two golf bags, skis, or garden tools.
The PT Cruiser Convertible will be the least-expensive four-passenger convertible sold in North America, with a base price just under $20 grand. Power and amenities range from the Standard model's cloth seats and 150-horsepower inline-four to the GT's leather interior and new High Output 220-horse turbo motor.
With interior volume and rear-seat legroom that bests the VW New Beetle and Ford Mustang convertibles, plus a base price that undercuts those competitors by thousands, Chrysler could draw in new drop-top buyers that had previously considered a ragtop too spendy or impractical. However, a larger question might be how traditional image-conscious convertible customers will embrace the PT's signature nod to styling cues from the past.
Edited by 300bhp/ton on Thursday 16th June 10:58
300bhp/ton said:
Why only solid roof options? Also are any solid roof convertibles equipped with a glass roof or do you mean GRP?
When you say 4 seats, how big and how often will the seats be used?
Personally for a 4 seater soft top I'd probably look at a Cooper S convertible or a PT Cruiser convertible. I'm aware neither meet your exact request, but I can't see how they wouldn't be able to do the same job just as effectively.
Thanks for your reply 300, you are a bit of a legend on here! Im honoured When you say 4 seats, how big and how often will the seats be used?
Personally for a 4 seater soft top I'd probably look at a Cooper S convertible or a PT Cruiser convertible. I'm aware neither meet your exact request, but I can't see how they wouldn't be able to do the same job just as effectively.
Cooper S is a good shout but sorry prefer hardtop, live in central sweden -30 in winter etc. PT cruiser is a bit vomit inducing on the looks side, as the other chap mentioned.
PS why haven't you mentioned a triumph herald or stag yet
300bhp/ton said:
You've driven a few rentals then?
poo compared to what - take a look at the list of cars in the op!!
BTW - if it's as bad as you say, how come the PT generally received good and positive reviews?
It is a truly awful car and as far as cars in the OP go; its' not in the same league as a Focus or an Astra let alone the Volvo or BMW.poo compared to what - take a look at the list of cars in the op!!
BTW - if it's as bad as you say, how come the PT generally received good and positive reviews?
bencollins said:
Thanks for your reply 300, you are a bit of a legend on here! Im honoured
Cooper S is a good shout but sorry prefer hardtop, live in central sweden -30 in winter etc. PT cruiser is a bit vomit inducing on the looks side, as the other chap mentioned.
PS why haven't you mentioned a triumph herald or stag yet
Oooh ! Soon time for the Power Big Meet !Cooper S is a good shout but sorry prefer hardtop, live in central sweden -30 in winter etc. PT cruiser is a bit vomit inducing on the looks side, as the other chap mentioned.
PS why haven't you mentioned a triumph herald or stag yet
Baffled Spoon said:
Focus is meant to have a terrible roof design. There is also the VW Eos. Iirc, most of the failure reports are to do with the seals not working and leaking.
Ah yes, good point. Mind, they are a bit dull looking and another dodgy roof apparently according to those who know on the net...is this not people lubricating the pivots and hydraulics though? WD40 with a straw can work wonders...........or?I think the astra CC is the best looking, roof up or down.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ncu88SiB2E
Ok, I've had a bit of experience with these.
The Megane we have now is a 2005 model, had it for 3 years. So far, 2 snapped springs, a leaky roof, both passenger side window regulators have failed meaning the roof can no longer be safely operated. There is a godawful knock from the nsf suspension, no sign of any play or wear or leaks anywhere.
We have the 2.0 vvt model which only makes 136bhp.
Equipment wise its well specced but its very French inside, the plastics are hard and cheap. It also scuttles like a b
d with the roof up or down. That said, its her car and she likes it, and to be fair while I would have gone for the rx8 we would have taken a bath on costs.
We have also owned an astra g soft top which was warm to -20c with the roof down in the snow - nuclear heater on them, and a much better drive than the Megane.
There is also the saab 9-3 which is worth a look, very good in the cold.
Forget the pt cruiser, they are fking awful. She wanted one and its one of the only cars she has wanted that I have vetoed.
The eos is nice to look at, nice to drive but bland inside and feels cheap.
Focus is ok. And that's all I have to say about that.
307 is worse than the Megane, and gave me backache
If I were buying and I will be again soon. I would/will be in a 9-3 in a shot, folding hard tops are no warmer, more leaky, and more expensive to fix when the go wrong, and they will.
Do yourself a favour and avoid French electronics and go with the technology that is well developed.
The Megane we have now is a 2005 model, had it for 3 years. So far, 2 snapped springs, a leaky roof, both passenger side window regulators have failed meaning the roof can no longer be safely operated. There is a godawful knock from the nsf suspension, no sign of any play or wear or leaks anywhere.
We have the 2.0 vvt model which only makes 136bhp.
Equipment wise its well specced but its very French inside, the plastics are hard and cheap. It also scuttles like a b
d with the roof up or down. That said, its her car and she likes it, and to be fair while I would have gone for the rx8 we would have taken a bath on costs. We have also owned an astra g soft top which was warm to -20c with the roof down in the snow - nuclear heater on them, and a much better drive than the Megane.
There is also the saab 9-3 which is worth a look, very good in the cold.
Forget the pt cruiser, they are f
king awful. She wanted one and its one of the only cars she has wanted that I have vetoed. The eos is nice to look at, nice to drive but bland inside and feels cheap.
Focus is ok. And that's all I have to say about that.
307 is worse than the Megane, and gave me backache
If I were buying and I will be again soon. I would/will be in a 9-3 in a shot, folding hard tops are no warmer, more leaky, and more expensive to fix when the go wrong, and they will.
Do yourself a favour and avoid French electronics and go with the technology that is well developed.
ferkle said:
Ok, I've had a bit of experience with these.
The Megane we have now is a 2005 model, had it for 3 years. So far, 2 snapped springs, a leaky roof, both passenger side window regulators have failed meaning the roof can no longer be safely operated. There is a godawful knock from the nsf suspension, no sign of any play or wear or leaks anywhere.
We have the 2.0 vvt model which only makes 136bhp.
Equipment wise its well specced but its very French inside, the plastics are hard and cheap. It also scuttles like a bd with the roof up or down. That said, its her car and she likes it, and to be fair while I would have gone for the rx8 we would have taken a bath on costs.
We have also owned an astra g soft top which was warm to -20c with the roof down in the snow - nuclear heater on them, and a much better drive than the Megane.
There is also the saab 9-3 which is worth a look, very good in the cold.
Forget the pt cruiser, they are fking awful. She wanted one and its one of the only cars she has wanted that I have vetoed.
The eos is nice to look at, nice to drive but bland inside and feels cheap.
Focus is ok. And that's all I have to say about that.
307 is worse than the Megane, and gave me backache
If I were buying and I will be again soon. I would/will be in a 9-3 in a shot, folding hard tops are no warmer, more leaky, and more expensive to fix when the go wrong, and they will.
Do yourself a favour and avoid French electronics and go with the technology that is well developed.
wow that is a great (and sobering) post, thx, pity as i really liked the idea of a glass roof in cooler, snowier times.The Megane we have now is a 2005 model, had it for 3 years. So far, 2 snapped springs, a leaky roof, both passenger side window regulators have failed meaning the roof can no longer be safely operated. There is a godawful knock from the nsf suspension, no sign of any play or wear or leaks anywhere.
We have the 2.0 vvt model which only makes 136bhp.
Equipment wise its well specced but its very French inside, the plastics are hard and cheap. It also scuttles like a b
d with the roof up or down. That said, its her car and she likes it, and to be fair while I would have gone for the rx8 we would have taken a bath on costs. We have also owned an astra g soft top which was warm to -20c with the roof down in the snow - nuclear heater on them, and a much better drive than the Megane.
There is also the saab 9-3 which is worth a look, very good in the cold.
Forget the pt cruiser, they are f
king awful. She wanted one and its one of the only cars she has wanted that I have vetoed. The eos is nice to look at, nice to drive but bland inside and feels cheap.
Focus is ok. And that's all I have to say about that.
307 is worse than the Megane, and gave me backache
If I were buying and I will be again soon. I would/will be in a 9-3 in a shot, folding hard tops are no warmer, more leaky, and more expensive to fix when the go wrong, and they will.
Do yourself a favour and avoid French electronics and go with the technology that is well developed.
bencollins said:
Thanks for your reply 300, you are a bit of a legend on here! Im honoured
Cooper S is a good shout but sorry prefer hardtop, live in central sweden -30 in winter etc. PT cruiser is a bit vomit inducing on the looks side, as the other chap mentioned.
PS why haven't you mentioned a triumph herald or stag yet
ok, -30 is something else.Cooper S is a good shout but sorry prefer hardtop, live in central sweden -30 in winter etc. PT cruiser is a bit vomit inducing on the looks side, as the other chap mentioned.
PS why haven't you mentioned a triumph herald or stag yet
In that case I'd do some extra reading on leaks. I've heard a lot of the folding roof setups are prone to leakage.
I think the VW Eos has generally gotten good write ups.
300bhp/ton said:
Mr Roper said:
A PT Cruiser......Seriously? I've driven a few when in the states so I can say first hand that these are poo.
You've driven a few rentals then?poo compared to what - take a look at the list of cars in the op!!
BTW - if it's as bad as you say, how come the PT generally received good and positive reviews?
And by the way.....I wasn't comparing the car to anything...I simply said it was s
t. Mr Roper said:
300bhp/ton said:
Mr Roper said:
A PT Cruiser......Seriously? I've driven a few when in the states so I can say first hand that these are poo.
You've driven a few rentals then?poo compared to what - take a look at the list of cars in the op!!
BTW - if it's as bad as you say, how come the PT generally received good and positive reviews?
And by the way.....I wasn't comparing the car to anything...I simply said it was s
t. t one ! (if not two or more).bencollins said:
wow that is a great (and sobering) post, thx, pity as i really liked the idea of a glass roof in cooler, snowier times.
The glass is nice in principal, however in summer it makes the car a greenhouse, in winter offers zero insulation. Looks nice though. The soft tops have the outer vinyl, then insulation then the headliner, and in the vauxhall, a fission powered heater - seriously down to -8c in a t-shirt with the roof down with a slight sweat on. I'm almost ashamed to admit that I think the astra g bertone convertible is a handsome car, especially in Europe blue. ferkle said:
bencollins said:
wow that is a great (and sobering) post, thx, pity as i really liked the idea of a glass roof in cooler, snowier times.
The glass is nice in principal, however in summer it makes the car a greenhouse, in winter offers zero insulation. Looks nice though. The soft tops have the outer vinyl, then insulation then the headliner, and in the vauxhall, a fission powered heater - seriously down to -8c in a t-shirt with the roof down with a slight sweat on. I'm almost ashamed to admit that I think the astra g bertone convertible is a handsome car, especially in Europe blue. Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff