£5k Convertable for a one time trip to Monaco, then re-sell?

[humpbackmaniac]

I have won some tickets for the Monaco GP (very excited, never been before) going to treat the good lady to a week away at a leisurely pace, stopping on the way down and back.
I did want to buy and keep a TR6 but the lady she say no, too uncomfy unreliable etc..Bugger.

So looking for suggestions of a two seater, roofless, V8 for the trip to buy and sell with minimal loss. Currently thinking SL500 1994-7ish age, buy the best I can find and hope for the best on resale Mid Summer.

But open to ideas....

[StottyZr]

Sounds like a great trip! I have no idea on a car recommendation I'm stumped at V8, I'd get a S2000. It won't break down and you'll be able to resell it at a reasonable price I would have thought.

[carlove]

I'd say an Alfa Spider.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

Edited by carlove on Wednesday 4th January 15:46

[SWoll]

StottyZr said:

Sounds like a great trip! I have no idea on a car recommendation I'm stumped at V8, I'd get a S2000. It won't break down and you'll be able to resell it at a reasonable price I would have thought.

Not really a big comfy cruiser whic is what the OP is looking for I think.

TBH very difficult to see past the SL, seems to tick all of the boxes in your price range and i can't come up with anything even close.

[Crook]

Maybe something like this? Nice and refined, plenty of room and potentially less ruinous than an SL.
CE

[SWoll]

Crook said:

Maybe something like this? Nice and refined, plenty of room and potentially less ruinous than an SL.
CE

And the seller also can't spell convertible. Result.

[humpbackmaniac]

Thanks all, I was looking to go East a little on the way down so would need something comfy enough but also tasty for the Alps. S2000 may not be a bad idea though, hadnt considered that. Alfa however not my cup of Darjeeing.

[Davel]

What a fantastic idea!

[jagnet]

XK8 Convertible?



Prices on these are remaining firm so you really shouldn't have any problem selling it again in the summer.

[humpbackmaniac]

jagnet said:

XK8 Convertible?



Prices on these are remaining firm so you really shouldn't have any problem selling it again in the summer.

hadnt even crossed my mind, bloody good idea! Off to the classifieds now....

[Crook]

SWoll said:

And the seller also can't spell convertible. Result.

Who can? I always err on the side of caution and say drop top. Far more sense of occasion too.

[CraigVmax]

carlove said:

I'd say an Alfa Spider.
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

Edited by carlove on Wednesday 4th January 15:46

Insane choice for that trip

[VeeDub Geezer]

jagnet said:

XK8 Convertible?



Prices on these are remaining firm so you really shouldn't have any problem selling it again in the summer.

That's still a fantastic looking car IMO.

[RossP]

+1 for the S2000. I have driven mine across Europe and it was great!

[danyeates]

jagnet said:

XK8 Convertible?



Prices on these are remaining firm so you really shouldn't have any problem selling it again in the summer.

Winner winner chicken dinner!

[hairykrishna]

How brave are you feeling? XJS convertible for £5.5k;

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/JAGUAR-XJS-V12-5-3-LITRE...

Why have a V8 when you could have a V12...

[CraigVmax]

in the interests of being constructive:
SL is a good call as is the XK8 if checked thoroughly pre trip.

I'd add (and these arent neccessarily the most stylish but thinking in terms of getting you there and back and resale)

BMW Z4 3.0 Roadster

whilst I dont like them much, resale on this could be good:

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3472701.htm

or the great fun but fingers crossed choice...

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3492386.htm

[esvcg]

honesty I think you've already answered your own question!

Return on investment - check
running costs - check
reliability - check
performance - check
waftability - check
image and class - check

altho this might be misguided as I really want one of those older square mercs next!

[jagnet]

VeeDub Geezer said:

That's still a fantastic looking car IMO.

When you compare prices of these with Jaguar saloons of the same age the usual spiral of depreciation into shed territory just hasn't happened. They're still sought after and for good reason; with the usual caveats regarding timing tensioner upgrades on the 4.0l cars, and to a much lesser extent now the nikasil issue, they're very reliable. Their performance matches the looks too - capable of wafting across countries whilst still picking up their skirts and dealing with sweeping A-roads with aplomb should the mood arise.

In their favour is the fact that they haven't fallen into the hands of those with more money than taste when it comes to modifications either; nor will you look like a purveyor of narcotics from the more nefarious estates even when driving one at a relatively young age.

Too often overlooked imho, but that may be to its advantage.

[Dracoro]

If only for a week, would it not be more sensible to rent a car?

To buy and sell a used car in such a short time would be more hassle than it's worth, surely?