Picking up a winter bargain convertible?

[mattman]

After last years unintended success in buying a Mk1 MX5 inpatient the end of November and selling during the heatwave of April/May, I’m thinking of doing it again.

Self imposed budget of £2,000 - must be a convertible, in decent condition and a MOT.

Seems that a Mk1 TT, Z3 or Z4 are in budget - any major issues I should be looking for?

SLK’s of that vintage seem to be very rusty. a4’s could be ok but think I prefer a 2 seater for a bit more fun

Anything else that I’ve missed?

[magpie215]

Mk3 MR2

[ChrisH72]

Agree on the mr2

I bought one on New Year’s Eve several years ago. Kept it for just over a year and sold in the Spring. It’s the only car I’ve ever made money on. They’re still cheap but as good ones become rare prices will rise.

[ZX10R NIN]

Renault Wind

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111249...

MG TF

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111249...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111279...

Vauxhall Tigra

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104302...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111199...

Z4

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111199...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202112010...

Late high mile MX-5 should see you avoiding rust:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202111249...

[mattman]

Thanks for the suggestions - must say the Wind is blooming horrible even if it is one of the newest.
The mx5 looks like a bargain though - hadn’t seen any mk3’s in my searches.

Will add those and the MR2 to the list, although prefer the Mk2 but they are way out of budget now

[Frimley111R]

100% MR2 Mk3.

I've had 2 x SLK, 2 x Z4, 2 x MX5, Boxster, and god knows what else.

MX5 was rubbish, both versions. SLK and Z4 are nice but old and you won't get a nice one for your budget.

Old cars get more and more unreliable so stick with the master of reliability, Toyota.

IF you can, find one with air con as most do not have it.

[clarki]

We got this for £2,400 a couple of months back;

https://youtu.be/tuIwh_mPHJU

Drives great, 100% reliable, great spares network and really enjoyable and easy to work on - bit of a hidden gem these.

[Mr Tidy]

Frimley111R said:

100% MR2 Mk3.

SLK and Z4 are nice but old and you won't get a nice one for your budget.

Old cars get more and more unreliable so stick with the master of reliability, Toyota.

IF you can, find one with air con as most do not have it.

This might be in budget with a haggle and has A/C.


https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=132080

[mike74]

In these days of crazy demand and crazy prices (for just about everything) and all Rishi's free money still seemingly sloshing around...is there really still a significant drop in the price of convertibles in the winter?

[Walter Sobchak]

I bought a 2000 CLK 320 convertible at the start of October for £500, no rusty arches and bodywork ok- tiny bit of rust on front wing but going to get it sorted, AMG wheels and only 83k on the clock.
Really nice driving car, only thing wrong was the roof wasn’t working, an hour at a Merc specialist later it’s working perfectly, only thing to sort out by spring is the air con isn’t working but I’ve already traced the issue to the condenser so not a big deal.
Sadly there’s not many of the W208 CLKs left now, they’ve all rotted away!.

[rotaryjam]

I second thr MR2 roadster / mk3

I purchased mine only a few weeks ago with much the same idea of getting a winter bargain I can sell for more in summer.

It handles very nicely, well built, I've been driving mine in wintery.

Ive had an MX5 NB and I'd say they are pretty evenly matched overall, in sure you would be happy with either.

[Frimley111R]

Mr Tidy said:

This might be in budget with a haggle and has A/C.


https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=132080

Yep, dodgy roof though and a few other issues but if you take a chance you may be lucky.

[mattman]

Seen a couple of reasonable looking TT roadsters within budget.
z3’s seem to be really ropey at this price. Not many MR2’s either

SWMBO is fed up of me showing her cars already - it’s the hunt that’s the most enjoyable

[mattman]

Found a possible contender! Its quite fun fishing in the bargain basement and seeing what looks reasonable to be a complete basket case when you check the MOT history.

Have arranged to see the car, but the seller can't accept bank transfers - only cash - do i need to be worried or just take backup?

The area where the car is looks OK on google maps, not a war torn basement of bradford or a multi-storey car pak in Keighly

[Frimley111R]

mattman said:

Found a possible contender! Its quite fun fishing in the bargain basement and seeing what looks reasonable to be a complete basket case when you check the MOT history.

Have arranged to see the car, but the seller can't accept bank transfers - only cash - do i need to be worried or just take backup?

The area where the car is looks OK on google maps, not a war torn basement of bradford or a multi-storey car pak in Keighly

Link?

MoT history checks are great aren't they?!

[mattman]

Frimley111R said:

Link?

MoT history checks are great aren't they?!

Its on FB marketpace - not sure if this will work
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/39050659...

and there is this one too
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/35228220...

[E63eeeeee...]

mattman said:

Frimley111R said:

Link?

MoT history checks are great aren't they?!

Its on FB marketpace - not sure if this will work
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/39050659...

and there is this one too
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/35228220...

That red one looks excellent, but both look decent candidates if the MOT and service histories are ok. Good idea going for 2005 cars too, big difference compared to the 2000ish ones.

[Frimley111R]

Hard to go wrong for £1500. As long as it has an MoT and the roof works anything else is a bonus

[mattman]

Well I got one - not one that was on the list, but ticked all the boxes and some more

Alfa Romeo Spider 2.0 TS Lusso

It needs a damn good clean inside and out and has some micro blister on the bonnet and bootlid but its MOT'd, has service history, under 80,000 miles, drives OK and was less than my max budget

[ZX10R NIN]

Nice glad you got sorted OP.