Mini GTish type thing

[Captain_Morgan]

I’ve just sold my 89 300SL to release some cash, now unfortunately I feel the gap of a effortless wafting GT type thing.

I’m now looking to get a cheep (sub £4K) toy ideally drop top but not tied to that. It’s role will be early weekend morning a / b meandering and euro holiday cruising, to that aim it needs to be an auto and heated seats which limits options significantly.

So far I’ve considered:
R170 SLK - Auto and drop top, 2.3 or 3.2v6 in budget but most seem frilly around the arches but do have the waftability I’m seeking and the most natural successor to my old SL.

R171 SLK - 1.8 bit gutless 3.0 high miles 100k+ both have that nose, not convinced I want to do the top end of my budget on one.

Chrysler Crossfire - well its a R170 in a different frock, not sure about looks but mileage and bodywork seem better than in the SLK.

Z4 - 2.5’s and 3.0 are just in budget but most at this price seem low spec (no heated seats) and / or Barry’d up. Not a no but unlikely.

Audi TT - coupe or convertible seem a touch ubiquitous and concerns over dsg and haldex at my budgets age and mileage.

I’ve already discounted these:
CLK, CLC, 3 series Coupé and compact, 407 Coupé - all too big and not special.
MX5 NA - Rust / Availability?
MX5 NC- autos over budget
Smart Coupé - too small car and engine
350z - no autos?

So are there any contenders that I’ve missed

[Deep Thought]

I would reconsider an CLK...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

[SWoll]

I'd have a haggle over this https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Mileage looks genuine based on MOT history and only fails have been windscreenwipers in the past 10 years so would suggest it's been looked after. Certainly looks very good and the fact it's an SE I would see as a positive for long distance cruising as a lot more compliant in the suspension department than an M-Sport model.

Then buy 2 of these to keep your bum warm when required.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/European-Drivers-Heated-T...

Edited by SWoll on Saturday 15th June 13:44

[Deep Thought]

Heated seats can be retrofitted anyway if required.

There are aftermarket kits.

[ZX10R NIN]

Why aren't you looking at a 280 they tick all the boxes mileage is sensible rust won't be an issue as they're galvanised.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

350

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

I also know of a very low mileage 350Z Auto Convertible in budget PM me for the details.