Recommend a convertible
Recommend a convertible
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Discussion

JakesterUK

Original Poster:

869 posts

228 months

Sunday 1st May 2011
quotequote all
Unlike some of the recent what car threads where the OP goes off and buys a lemon in the exact opposite of everyone's recommendations I really will listen.

We're looking for a 2+2 or true 4 seater soft top with a sensible engine that can used as a summer only fun runabout for the family.

I've already got a V8 in the garage so don't need a sports car, more something that can be used for family fun, the budget to buy is 1,500.

I was thinking thus far, old clipper VW Golf or Saab but am open to suggestions.

scdan4

1,299 posts

189 months

Sunday 1st May 2011
quotequote all
generation 6 toyota celica convertible.

Ours was awesome until i stuffed it.


Avoid japanese imports, go for a uk spec one (better rustproofing). revel in late 90's jap build quality. Make sure the hood works properly and that the rear (glass) window is still bonded in properly.

should be a good choice available for 1500 notes.

billzeebub

3,911 posts

228 months

Sunday 1st May 2011
quotequote all
classic Saab 900, not worth trying to get into a Turbo/Aero at this price..look for a nice tidy 900i. One of the best things about these cars is their old money image, you never really know if it's a high court judge driving or a binman!!..classless and very robust

Liquid Knight

15,754 posts

212 months

Sunday 1st May 2011
quotequote all
MG Midget.

Aar0sc

279 posts

186 months

Sunday 1st May 2011
quotequote all
Liquid Knight said:
MG Midget.
Yeah, I definitely remember those being genuine four seaters...!

Triumph Stag?

SLCZ3

1,293 posts

234 months

Sunday 1st May 2011
quotequote all
Aar0sc said:
Yeah, I definitely remember those being genuine four seaters...!

Triumph Stag?
A Stag? Highly unlikely to get a reliable? runner for that money, get Saab, Golf or similar.

Jem0911

4,415 posts

230 months

Sunday 1st May 2011
quotequote all
Mercedes E class convertible.

A2Z

1,080 posts

255 months

Sunday 1st May 2011
quotequote all
One of the old Audi 80 soft tops like this:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2713579.htm

I don't know if this particular one is any good, just for illustration.

joncon

1,515 posts

252 months

Sunday 1st May 2011
quotequote all
audi convertible 96/97 should come in around your budget

Jem0911

4,415 posts

230 months

Sunday 1st May 2011
quotequote all
Whoops.
Just saw the budget.
Sorry still Merc is a lovely droptop.

NiceCupOfTea

25,586 posts

280 months

Sunday 1st May 2011
quotequote all
billzeebub said:
classic Saab 900, not worth trying to get into a Turbo/Aero at this price..look for a nice tidy 900i. One of the best things about these cars is their old money image, you never really know if it's a high court judge driving or a binman!!..classless and very robust
Seconded.

If you get a non-turbo 16v it will keep up with traffic fine, and these cars are cruisers and don't reward when driven hard. My dad had an LPT which was perfect. Buy on condition. Gearbox is a weak point but should be fine on a non-turbo. Check for rust in door bottoms, driveshaft tunnels, rear arches, and bonnet edges. Regular oil changes essential (try to find one with good history) and a decent hood (check operation). Standard stuff really.

I know I am biased but IMHO they are one of the classiest cars on the road. You see the odd one parked in Grosvenor Square or Knightsbridge, and even when covered in bird st and parking dings they are so much classier than the endless parade of Range Rovers and Mercs...


http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2701382.htm

£1695 for a full turbo

Several in the classifieds for under £2k, auto too if you fancy.

CampDavid

9,145 posts

227 months

Sunday 1st May 2011
quotequote all
Jem0911 said:
Mercedes E class convertible.
For £1500. Not not and not ever

Jw Vw

4,922 posts

192 months

Sunday 1st May 2011
quotequote all
billzeebub said:
classic Saab 900, not worth trying to get into a Turbo/Aero at this price..look for a nice tidy 900i. One of the best things about these cars is their old money image, you never really know if it's a high court judge driving or a binman!!..classless and very robust
+1 for the Saab

underrated classy cars.

Ben3883

1,975 posts

195 months

Sunday 1st May 2011
quotequote all
A2Z said:
One of the old Audi 80 soft tops like this:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2713579.htm

I don't know if this particular one is any good, just for illustration.
A few years ago it was difficult to get hold of roof seals if they needed them, and you were looking at a new roof (£1500+)....if our parts dept was to be believed.

Also, the rear 'seats' are only such in the loosest sense of the word. Your kids had better be small...

g3org3y

22,467 posts

220 months

Sunday 1st May 2011
quotequote all
E30 325i cabrio.

Can be picked up for 1.5k, but tbh won't be the best examples out there.

BrabusMog

21,785 posts

215 months

Sunday 1st May 2011
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For 1400 sheets that Audi looked incredible value, good job it's sold as my wallet was twitching for a moment!

hornetrider

63,161 posts

234 months

Sunday 1st May 2011
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I like that old Saab. Could you get a decent 3 series in budget?

Golf is a nice car though yes

Disco You

3,748 posts

209 months

Sunday 1st May 2011
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Two really scabby mx-5s? tongue out

Chrisw666

22,655 posts

228 months

Sunday 1st May 2011
quotequote all
E30 convertible best you can and ignore what is powering it, or a classic Saab 900 would be my choices at that budget.

If you're more wanting fun of a convertible and not a good car then the MK3 Astra and Last generation escorts are also in range and the best examples will be in budget. The 306 is probably worth looking at and is big enough for 4 and IMO is a good looking car.

hornetrider

63,161 posts

234 months

Sunday 1st May 2011
quotequote all
Chrisw666 said:
The 306 is probably worth looking at and is big enough for 4 and IMO is a good looking car.
Oh - excellent shout. There's plenty in autotrader in budget.