6+ cyl convertible for a 2 month Euro trip, around 15k

[M135idriver]

Hi, Mrs and I have received an offer to work overseas from autumn 2022, and before going would like to do our first and perhaps last European trip. I'm currently driving a 2014 M135i from approved used programme, which despite various shortcomings is a great all rounder and my first 6 cyl car! However having done 20k miles in it, I'm getting a bit bored of the car now.

I'd be looking to trade it back to BMW now, and buy a convertible for the trip. Hoping to get 10-12k for the M135i and add on some cash and buy the convertible. Would then need to daily this new car on a 10 mile one way commute. (and still enjoy it to an extent over winter) before the summer trip.

I realise the prices of used cars are high, but who knows when they come down, and I'm worried convertibles will be even more pricey in the spring. I'd be looking to sell the car after the trip and lose minimum amount of money on it!

I'd like at least 6 cylinders, and ideally 8. I realise it's not that much money to buy a car for, but there seem to be so many options, what would be your advice? I had a few thoughts:
- 6 series F12, quite 'grown up' car, same interior layout but much more premium. reliable 6 cyl petrols, but perhaps not enough change from before, 650i very problematic engine? 4 series vert has less premium interior not that different from my 1 series
- E93 M3, has a V8 but inside getting on quite a lot, and quite a heavy car? Various issues with the engine? Perhaps low risk of depreciation
- various flavours of merc SL, not convinced about styling, but maybe more comfortable and can have a V8?
- SLK55 AMG I think too small for a trip
- Jag XK 4.2 V8, love the exterior and interior looks even if a bit 'old man' - we are in our 30s - but I'd love to have one. How are people's experiences with it? It seems a lot of car for the money

Dropping to 6 cyls, I initially thought Porsche Boxster as a great value - but somewhat concerned about the car being a bit too flashy at work, even if bosses drive new X5s worth several times more, they would just see it as a Porsche?

Many thanks!

[village24]

I'd be looking at either a 650i, sl500, s5 cab, a5 3l tfsi cab, z4 35i.

I've missed the e93 due to running costs and warm up sequence with your daily 10 mile commute.

I'd want something easier to live with and hence the above options which still have enough poke

[Lee540]

Keep the car you have now.. for a summer trip in parts of southern Europe I'd rather have decent air conditioning

[Linkin]

If you can get around the company car-park politics i would definitely recommend the Boxster.
It ticks a lot of boxes and has loads of storage for a long trip.
Me and SWMBO have had plenty of trips in my 981 BS. Not quite as comfy as my old SLK55 but much more of an all-rounder.
Linkin

[Itsallicanafford]

My dad has a last of the line XK8 convertible.

Its a great bit of kit and he and mum mum travel across Spain in it a few times a year at it has never missed a beat.

Its unusual enough to attract a crowd when stopping in small villages.

Point is, they are in their mid 70 though, maybe a modern colour would help a little with that image?

[Tyre Smoke]

TVR Chimaera.

[ZX10R NIN]

It sounds like you're looking for a decent amount of luggage space (as in using the rear seats) if the SLK is to small, in which case I'd be looking for a 2+2 convertible.

E400

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110258...

E350cgi with the Air Scarf & Air cooled seats:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110218...

V8 M3

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111129...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202106113...

3.0 S5

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111239...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111079...

The 640i is nice but the other cars would be ahead of it imo, if I was to go for something like that then I'd take the CL500 once you open the roof & drop all the windows away you're 80% there in terms of the joys of a drop top.

Then there's the twin turbo V8 to waft you effortlessly or it can get a real move on.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109297...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110148...

335i

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111259...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111109...

[georgeyboy12345]

TVR Chimaera
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102108...


BMW Z4 M
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109147...


Nissan 370Z
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202110058...

[E63eeeeee...]

S5 convertible. Comfortable, plenty of space, and civilised but enough grunt, will cope well with the winter part too, always thought it would make a great road trip car. Brother loved his.

[Brett748]

SLK55 AMG. Nothing better than an AMG V8 in the sun £50k market.

[XR]

Some good suggestions but consider one of these especially in this colour.

Lexus 430 sc

[cerb4.5lee]

They are a bit marmite, but I've been very happy with my 370Z Roadster. It is a great cruiser and it sounds good(especially with the upgraded exhaust/intakes I have on mine). Plus it has a reasonable turn of pace when you rev it right out to 7500rpm.

[Mr_Webb]

I'd be looking at the E85 Z4M or the B7 RS4. The Audi would be better for daily duties but is pretty thirsty.

[cerb4.5lee]

Mr_Webb said:

I'd be looking at the E85 Z4M

I've had one of those.

It was fun, but not without its flaws though for me.

[msportpanda]

The Z4M is epic but if you're doing a lot of miles and don't want to compromise too much on comfort/space I think 6 series/SL sized things would be fantastic to smoke about in on the continent.

Quick look on autotrader shows you could get an SL55 AMG for about 15k!

[Mr_Webb]

cerb4.5lee said:

I've had one of those.

It was fun, but not without its flaws though for me.

Yes, I wouldn't be in a rush to daily one but would be good for the euro trip. My E86.

[Pothole]

M135idriver said:

H
Dropping to 6 cyls, I initially thought Porsche Boxster as a great value - but somewhat concerned about the car being a bit too flashy at work, even if bosses drive new X5s worth several times more, they would just see it as a Porsche?

Huh? I genuinely have no idea what this is about.

[Mr Tidy]

It all depends how you want to do your trip I think!

Roof down waftiness Merc or Jag seem like the best options.

On it flat out a BMW Z4MR or Boxster S might work better.

[85Carrera]

XR said:

Some good suggestions but consider one of these especially in this colour.

Lexus 430 sc

Never seen one in that colour but looks even worse than usual. Horrendous car that only Alan Partridge could possibly like.

[Inspectorclueso]

I once drove my old Chimaera down to Rome in June / July 2003 heatwave. I'd reiterate what a previous poster stated, make sure that whatever you take has air con that works if you want a break from the sun. It was roasting !

I'd also make sure that whatever you choose has the least likelihood of breaking while you're there, if that happens, it'll put a real downer on the trip. I got away with it in the TVR, never, missed a beat, but I think that was pure luck.

Of what you've listed, I'd look at a Boxster, or the 370Z convertible was a good shout. I have an M4 Conv now, to be honest that would be perfect but you'd need to stretch the funds. The other point to consider is how much stuff you can get in it...one of the great things about the TVR was size of boot, when compared to a Boxster. Not sure what the Nissan was like. I have also had an E350 merc conv, roomy, and would do this trip no probs, but no excitement to the drive, more of a cruiser, but may be an option.

XKR, I like them, if you could get a Silver / Black version with the right wheels, still look pretty good IMO...