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

[SturdyJ]

XK8 wins I think. Ticks all the boxes, and it'll fit in fine at Monaco.

S2000 is firm, high revving, small cockpit. Not a long distance car.

[Harry Flashman]

Another vote for the XK8.

[marcosgt]

XK8 will be a nice cruise, but I'd go for the S2000 if you can do it.

Alfa GTV? Mmmmm - Bloke at work has trouble getting 25 miles each day and his is a nice example!

Dare I say MX5 would seem a perfect choice?

M.

[cragswinter]

superb thread op!

i'd have to say the jag must take some beating if it's properly checked out before purchased by someone in the know.

if it's a once in a lifetime trip (which it sounds as if it is what with winning the gp tickets an all) then i can't think of a better car for the "sense of ccasion", you don't want to look all "new money" in a honda or a bimmer do you?!

[CaptainSlow]

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

Yeah, and risk missing the GP?

[CraigVmax]

and when you arrive.... be subtle...

[jagnet]

hairykrishna said:

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...

I was tempted to suggest one of those, but then remembered he wanted the option of selling it again afterwards without a loss

XJS convertibles are frequently appearing in the classifieds at prices well beyond those of the equivalent coupe, whilst the coupes remain bogged down at basement prices for all but the very last models. Until the coupes show an upturn I'd be nervous that the convertibles are experiencing a premature bubble effect with over optimistic pricing from their owners. Given that they aren't yet especially rare, yet owners want similar money to the XK8s for an older car that barely turns 20mpg on a run...lots of brave pills indeed.

[Gruber]

The problem with the smaller options (S2000, Z4, Spider, MX5 etc) will be the inadequacy of boot space for a week's holiday.

Something like the CE, posted above, would at least give you a very decent luggage capacity.

Never seen the boot space on a drop-top SL or XK so can't comment on those.

[RP1]

Maybe this?


http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...

A bit more modern than the SL (albeit not a 2 seater) and plenty of poke from the 4.3 V8, not quite as classy as the XK8 but far more choice for under 5k. Heated orthopedic seats will be a big bonus on a long trip and the missus will probably love it too.

Edited by RP1 on Wednesday 4th January 16:34

[mikeyr]

Perhaps sir would like a 911... http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2011...



Maybe a leftfield suggestion would be a Chrysler Crossfire (well someone had to say it as 300BHP has been quiet recently!) or an Audi TT perhaps? But to actually meet you r brief (giant engine n' all) the Merc is a a good shout...

[Kong]

A tad over budget and not a 2 seater, however these are excellent and have 340bhp

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3514977.htm

[humpbackmaniac]

Thanks All, I must say there are some pretty absurd suggestions being thrown in though. MX5? 2500 miles in a tin can??? Chimera I like the idea but dont fancy 1200 miles home in an AA van, that said could always fly and wait at home for her to return.

430 Merc best suggestion so far I think.

I must just say this is for a fun drive, I already have the perfect car for the trip (E39 M5) if one were simply looking for ruthless mile munching at high speed, but this is for an open topped Jortle down to the Riviera! British is growing on me more and more actually.

[0a]

£4k M3 Evo?

[url]

|http://thumbsnap.com/Pn1i3cd0[/url]



http://pistonheads.com/sales/3320040.htm

[hairykrishna]

jagnet said:

hairykrishna said:

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...

I was tempted to suggest one of those, but then remembered he wanted the option of selling it again afterwards without a loss

XJS convertibles are frequently appearing in the classifieds at prices well beyond those of the equivalent coupe, whilst the coupes remain bogged down at basement prices for all but the very last models. Until the coupes show an upturn I'd be nervous that the convertibles are experiencing a premature bubble effect with over optimistic pricing from their owners. Given that they aren't yet especially rare, yet owners want similar money to the XK8s for an older car that barely turns 20mpg on a run...lots of brave pills indeed.

I agree that the prices don't seem to make much sense but decent ones have been up at ~£10k for a good while now. I figured a £5.5k one wasn't too much of a risk. Unless it breaks something expensive somewhere in southern France of course...

[chriscoates]

SL would be the only choice for me, this stunning 500 example is within budget: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/2996831.htm

[carlove]

Maybe the Alfa wasn't the best idea. It'd fit in at Monaco though.
Missed the V8 bit of the original post!
As someone mentioned I'd say an XK8 would be best.

[jonnydm]

SL & XK8 are probably the best bets.

[mercGLowner]

Some fantastic V8 metal here for the money. Great post and great idea for a road trip OP.

I would agree with the XK8 convertible suggestion.

[AndyCowman]

I saw someone suggested an MX5 - I would say dont!! We took outs for tens days (spending two days in Monaco) last summer and it is just to small to be comfortable really.

Amusingly the S2000 on the trip was the only one that had the breakdown people called out and didnt make it home (the competition included a TVR Wedge!!)

XK8 or SL both sound ideal, comfy, big cruisers ideal

[0a]

mercGLowner said:

Some fantastic V8 metal here for the money. Great post and great idea for a road trip OP.

I would agree with the XK8 convertible suggestion.

I'd go with the XK8 but would drive it for a few weeks beforehand to find any issues!