What 2 seater convertible?

[Ilikebeaver]

Have had a Z3 3.0 Sport which we loved, but started to get to the point that it was costing a lot in repairs.

So swapped it for a TT Quattro Sport (06), and it is nippy and so far has been very reliable, and feels like a much newer car.

However, it just doesnt have the fun factor or the feel that the BMW had, and feels like more of a daily driver.
It also doesnt have a soft top, which now the weather is getting brighter, we are missing.

The TT was 9k, so wouldn't want to spend any more than that really.

Have looked at Z4's and although they are a bit more fun than the TT, they still don't have that spark.

We will be driving this car every day to work and back, but want something fun that we want to be going for a drive at the weekend, just because.

The TT doesn't give us that.

I just had a look on the classifieds and there are no Z3 3.0 sports for sale over the country.

Is there anything else out there for us?

[billzeebub]

Boxster (S), as an everyday proposition it is a great compromise between reliability and fun. 2useful 'boots'as well. This would be where my money would go. Or the more unconventional left field choice of Honds S2000

[rfn]

There are a few Z3 3.0 Sports on Autotrader.

[craigjm]

billzeebub said:

Boxster (S), as an everyday proposition it is a great compromise between reliability and fun. 2useful 'boots'as well. This would be where my money would go. Or the more unconventional left field choice of Honds S2000

+1

[300bhp/ton]

Ilikebeaver said:

Have had a Z3 3.0 Sport which we loved, but started to get to the point that it was costing a lot in repairs.

Just curious, but what sort of things where costing a lot to maintain it?

[GuitarTech]

Before somebody else suggests it: MX5. Ticks all your boxes,and is cheap as chips compared to the cars you've had up until now. What's not to like?

Edited by GuitarTech on Sunday 18th March 20:37

[billzeebub]

GuitarTech said:

Before somebody else suggests it: MX3. Ticks all your boxes,and is cheap as chips compared to the cars you've had up until now. What's not to like?

You mean 5?!..and the OP hasn't specified yet whether he is a hairdresser or not if so!

[Ilikebeaver]

300bhp/ton said:

Ilikebeaver said:

Have had a Z3 3.0 Sport which we loved, but started to get to the point that it was costing a lot in repairs.

Just curious, but what sort of things where costing a lot to maintain it?

Just wear and tear. Plus someone had dented the door and drove off, sO I lost a bit of love for it then

[laam999]

wow 5 responses before the obligatory mx5 was said... especially for a 2 dearer drop top

[Jasandjules]

TVR Chimaera. Nothing comes close to fun, practicality and sheer perfection of a TVR with a V8 lump........


There is a small chance I am not impartial.

[Ilikebeaver]

billzeebub said:

GuitarTech said:

Before somebody else suggests it: MX3. Ticks all your boxes,and is cheap as chips compared to the cars you've had up until now. What's not to like?

You mean 5?!..and the OP hasn't specified yet whether he is a hairdresser or not if so!

Thought about them, but just not too sure I would be happy with the lack of power after coming from two 250bhp ones.

We are not hairdressers.

[mikey k]

I had 4 S2000's great cars

[Ilikebeaver]

mikey k said:

I had 4 S2000's great cars

I had always been put off these due to bad things I have heard.

Maybe worth a test drive then.insurance is much higher on the s2000 than the Tt, z3 & z4's though

[billzeebub]

Ilikebeaver said:

Just wear and tear. Plus someone had dented the door and drove off, sO I lost a bit of love for it then

..and my top tip of the day for Converibles is buy a waterproof car cover for it. Preserves the roof from weather/trees/birds and discourages vandalism by jealous scummers

[GuitarTech]

billzeebub said:

You mean 5?!..and the OP hasn't specified yet whether he is a hairdresser or not if so!

Of course I meant 5, damn red wine, hic..

[Ilikebeaver]

billzeebub said:

Ilikebeaver said:

Just wear and tear. Plus someone had dented the door and drove off, sO I lost a bit of love for it then

..and my top tip of the day for Converibles is buy a waterproof car cover for it. Preserves the roof from weather/trees/birds and discourages vandalism by jealous scummers

No problems with the roof. It was only an 02 plate so was in good condition.

I did have a cover for the winter, but it was more hassle to put it on and off.

We have secure locked parking, the dent happened when it was parked up in town for half an hour at lunch. Just so happens that when I went to the council to get them to check the CCTV that it was pointing the other way at that time!
Doh!

[Dracoro]

Ilikebeaver said:

I had always been put off these due to bad things I have heard.

Out of interest what "bad things" have you heard? (some maybe true, some maybe myths). For that matter, just about every car has some "bad things" about them so the S2k is not unique in this. It will most likely be the cheapest to run of the cars you are considering, although insurance can be high if you're young, costs me about 4/500 but I'm not young (not old either ).

[Ilikebeaver]

Dracoro said:

Ilikebeaver said:

I had always been put off these due to bad things I have heard.

Out of interest what "bad things" have you heard? (some maybe true, some maybe myths). For that matter, just about every car has some "bad things" about them so the S2k is not unique in this. It will most likely be the cheapest to run of the cars you are considering.

Just that you have to work it to get to have fun.

I really want a big engined car, 6 pot that sounds as good as it goes.

S2000's not my cup of tea.

TT never was my cup of tea, but the quattrsport with recaro bucket seats and two-tone paint seemed like fun.

I am thinking now that we should have gone for the v6 TT and then had the best of both worlds. (the seats drive us crazy too!)

[Dracoro]

In which case, I'd suggest either the Boxster or the 350Z. I think you'll get a newer better condition 350Z than Boxster though.

[Ilikebeaver]

I am starting to wonder if we need to widen our search, and if soft top is important, then maybe an E46 convertible, but it just seems too sensible