Mini Convertible / Warm Hatch For Daughter

[V8RX7]

My daughter is now looking for her third car, she's been driving for 3 years and currently owns an 04 Civic 1.6 that's now needs too much TLC

She's tempted to buy another but I'd like her to try something a bit more fun.

Budget is £1500-£2k

I'd like her to try an MX5 but she needs to carry 4 people occasionally - how unreliable is a cheap Mini convertible, is an Astra Twintop worth considering ?

Or a Suzuki Swift ?

I think most Pumas will be rusty now

Any other suggestions ?

[RSTurboPaul]

If she likes driving, the Astra doesn't even belong in the same ballpark, nevermind the same sentence.

Could also consider a SportKa in tin-top or convertible version.

MX5 would be good, though - just get a subscription to a Car Club or the local Hire Car place for when she needs to carry more people.

[steve-5snwi]

The rear seats in the mini are pointless and £2000 isn't going to buy you a great example.

Saab 9-3's would make a great convertible for the money.

[V8RX7]

I suspected the Astra wasn't fun - except driving roofless is fun in itself.

The passengers are generally picking her younger sisters up from school so car hire isn't a realistic option - I've considered adding her to mine but you can't protect a Trade policy.

Sport Ka - not a bad idea but aren't they all rusty / awful in a crash. I thought the Swift was the modern equivalent.

[V8RX7]

steve-5snwi said:

The rear seats in the mini are pointless and £2000 isn't going to buy you a great example.

Saab 9-3's would make a great convertible for the money.

Generally only to carry kids a couple of miles though.

Saab is a bit grown up for a 25 yr old, I considered a 3 series but her "enthusiastic" driving style combined with limited experience....