Soft top on a budget

[Car Obsessed]

Looking for some inspiration and ideas…

I now have the sensible daily duties covered by an EV and a Superb Estate, so I’ve started to casually look for a fun car, on a very small budget.

Criteria are fairly open…I’m not a fast driver, but I do enjoy driving. So I would rather have something engaging and that you can get enjoyment out of at sensible speeds than something very fast.

I’d also like it to look, feel and sound a bit special or different.

Must be petrol, 2 + 2 seats would be handy so I could use it for the school run as well as the commute. Apart from that…criteria is wide open. I’m fairly handy with the spanner’s, and would fully intend for it to be a running project/resto. A little bit of welding doesn’t scare me either, I have two welders and don’t mind having something to practice on!

Oh, and no MX-5s, I’ve had two of them so feel I’ve scratched that itch.

I’m in no rush, so happy to keep looking for the right one to pop up over the next year or so.

Now for the difficult part, I want to spend less than £1k. At first look I thought that would be impossible, but I think with patience and being ready to go when something comes up I might stand a chance.

[Tiglon]

For under a grand I doubt you'll find anything that feels special.

Can you still find a Mk3 MR2 for that price?

[chocolatefingers5000]

Not sure 2+2 convertibles are normally designed with “engaging driving” in mind… and at your price suggestion you are not swimming in options.

Decent cars (that aren’t engaging to drive) - Saab 93 convertible, clk (high peak autos and SPR Mercedes both have recent YouTube guides).

[Car Obsessed]

Ok, might have to rethink the 2+2. That’s doable, as a lot of my driving is just me or me + 1.

And certainly not worth compromising an engaging drive for.

I guess that leaves me in BMW Z3 or MR2 territory.

[Rich1973]

You should get a reasonable MG TF for your budget.

[ThingsBehindTheSun]

I saw a Saab 93 convertible last week and I still think they look really good. If I had somewhere to keep it I would love to buy one and keep it forever as I still think Saabs are deeply cool.

[Car Obsessed]

To be honest, the three I’ve had in mind so far are a Saab 9-3, CLK or Audi A4. Just concerned they may be a bit a bit dull to drive. But I suppose compared to the Skoda Superb or a Leaf they would all be more fun!

[chocolatefingers5000]

None of those 3 will compare to an MR2 for driving (I’ve tried all 4).
For open top cruising could also consider an e46 convertible. Nice 6cylinder burble and back seats for the kids

[White-Noise]

I would think you can get a convertible 3 series of some kind?

Or a VW Eos

Maybe a 206 cc

[Car Obsessed]

Or an Audi TT. Looks like I might be able to pick up a 1.8T Quattro within budget if I wait for the right one.

Thanks for all the replies so far.

I think BMW Z3 or Audi TT are the favourites at the minute.

[Scootersp]

CLK Merc 2000-2004 era?

[ChrisH72]

Mini cooper convertible maybe?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2025041112...

Personally I'd look for a tidy MG TF.

But it's possible that the 2+2 cars you mentioned might actually be cheaper and better value as they're less popular than the 2 seat roadsters.

[paul_c123]

Some of the above replies seem to have forgotten the £1k budget.

With that kind of money, and petrol, I'm guessing you don't want to be paying £760 road tax.

So, you're into the smaller engined stuff, which isn't that desirable: VW Eos, VW Beetle, Ford Focus CC, Renault Megane CC, Peugeot 307 CC, Vauxhall Astra, Mini Convertible. Out of that lot the best to drive is probably the Eos or the Mini.

Anything else is either going to be a project, and/or really old (like Saab 9-3, Merc CLK, Volvo C70, any BMW). I am assuming you want to buy it, then use it this summer, not next!!

[ChrisH72]

This is nice, a bit over your budget but could be a deal to be done.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2025041112...

[bristolracer]

I’m sure someone on one these type threads said that all their kids did with the roof down was moan about the wind buffeting them whilst sat in the rear seats.
It may your fancy but not necessarily theirs.

[Car Obsessed]

Thanks all…keep them coming!

The budget is more of a self-imposed challenge than a hard limit! How much open-top fun can I have on a shoestring budget?

I must admit I’m scared of the MG head gasket problems, is this a real worry? I could probably tackle one myself - but not sure I really fancy that job.

And good point about the kids - they used to love the MX5 with the top down but maybe the back seat is a different experience altogether.

[Pickle_Rick]

Save up for another year. Any £1k convertible as we near summer is one heading for the scrapheap.

[ChrisH72]

I'd imagine that most MGs will have had the HG done by now given their age.

These have always made me smile.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2025042416...

I'm not sure if they're okay to drive but they are cheap.