Advice on Getting Used Convertible

[diondublin]

Hi

I would like to get a used convertible, probably 3 or 4 years old, and wonder what make/model I should be pointed towards for the lowest price possible subject to the following requirements; car must have or be:

- hardtop convertible
- automatic transmission
- air conditioning
- active roll protection
- satnav
- roomy for the larger driver :-)
- 3 doors is fine
- reasonably sturdy and stable...not needed to be a race car...with good safety specs


I would greatly appreciate any help

Many thanks

Adrian

[Zyp]

I'd guess the ubiquitous 3 series would fit the bill.

[Speed addicted]

3 doors?

[Roo]

Speed addicted said:

3 doors?

And, probably, out of date sat nav.

[Cupramax]

Why do you want a hardtop? They weigh a hell of a lot more than the canvas rooves and are even more complex.

[Zyp]

Speed addicted said:

3 doors?

Ah yes, that could be a tall order.

[blongs]

Some of the cheapest hardtop convertibles I see for sale are Megane CC's.

I'm not sure if you would class it as roomy though?

The appear to have auto available and a quick google advises the rear headrests form part of active rollover. Aircon won't be that hard to find but an out of date satnav might be the sticking point.

[300bhp/ton]

Zyp said:

I'd guess the ubiquitous 3 series would fit the bill.

Does that count as a 3 door convertible though

[Ozzie Osmond]

Zyp said:

I'd guess the ubiquitous 3 series would fit the bill.

^^^ This.

[MoelyCrio]

Are you Dion in Dublin or the actual Dion Dublin?

[J4CKO]

I am thinking Saab, anyoen else think the waist line on the three series is too low and you kind of sit on, rather than in it ?

[aka_kerrly]

VW Eos

[Dr Interceptor]

A Mercedes SL will fit the bill, as will a Ferrari California - two good value low price cars.

[mnkiboy]

Saab's are soft-tops I think. It's going to be something French. Probably a Megane or 307.
Maybe have a look at the SLK. I'd rather drive a 6 year old SLK than a 3 year old Megane.

[The Jolly Todger]

MoelyCrio said:

Are you Dion in Dublin or the actual Dion Dublin?

I'm guessing he is Adrian from Coventry

[aka_kerrly]

mnkiboy said:

Saab's are soft-tops I think. It's going to be something French. Probably a Megane or 307.
Maybe have a look at the SLK. I'd rather drive a 16 year old SLK than a 3 year old Megane.

EFA.

Saabs are soft tops but surprisingly strong chassis if you fit the front brace to stop the firewall cracking. I had the upper and firwall strut braces fitted to my 93 and it felt better to drive than the current Citreon that has 1/4 of the mileage and a few years newer!

[aka_kerrly]

The Jolly Todger said:

MoelyCrio said:

Are you Dion in Dublin or the actual Dion Dublin?

I'm guessing he is Adrian from Coventry

Or, Dion "the dube" Dublin

[joebongo]

What about that Volvo. It's FWD though but is meant to be good overall. Sorry can't remember the model but I think they only do the one.

[mnkiboy]

joebongo said:

What about that Volvo. It's FWD though but is meant to be good overall. Sorry can't remember the model but I think they only do the one.

C70. Good suggestion.

[diondublin]

Thanks for the useful replies.

I have narrowed it down to four or five and would appreciate opinions on these, when bought second-hand three or four years old. Any tips or advice most welcome

Renault Megane
VW Eos
Mazda Miata
BMW 3-Series
(Possibly the Volvo C70 but some reviews are disastrous!)

Again, many thanks in advance for any help.