Convertible wanted - which one? £20-35k budget

[BenB91]

Hello

Current car ownership includes a Mercedes R129 SL500 (weekend car), Jaguar XF SV8 (daily driver) and a 2016 VW Golf (partners car).

I've just put my SL500 up for sale as I want a more sporty car and something with a nicer/louder exhaust note.

What do I replace my SL500 with? Budget is circa £20k, would happily spend upto £25k but less is preferred as also saving for a new kitchen. Fuel economy isn't an issue, so V8s are very welcome. Ideally it should be a 2+2 (rear seats aren't needed for people; needed for my 2 small dogs).

- Jaguar XKR - very nice, but seem pricey in the current climate.
- BMW E93 M3 - These seem good value. Would be happy with either manual or auto.
- Mercedes CLK63 - Not many around and seem expensive given their age.
- Jaguar F-type - Very nice but not a 2+2
- Porsche 981 Boxster - Not a 2+2 and a bit boring. Wouldn't be a great example for sub £25k.

I can't think of any other suitable options? Have I missed some good options?

As another option, I could sell the Jag SV8 as well, then have a budget of circa £30-35k for one car. If I go down this route, it must be a 2+2 and must be able to hold 1 set of golf clubs in the boot.

- BMW F12 M6 - Very nice! This looks stunning - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204285...

- BMW M4 - Don't like the exhaust note, so ruled out. I do like the 440i exhaust note, but generally not a very special car to me.

Any other options to consider?

All comments/feedback very much appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[SWoll]

If you're going to replace your weekend car with something more practical then I'd drop both the Jag and the SL personally. V8 M3 Convertibles do look decent value, you should be able to get a very good example of either an auto or manual for around £20k, then take it to Evolve and let them work their magic.

For £25k you'll have a great sounding, well sorted, do anything car and plenty of budget for the kitchen.

Edited by SWoll on Sunday 1st May 11:43

[simonrockman]

If you want something similar an SLK55 AMG. For something different a Morgan plus8.

[SWoll]

simonrockman said:

If you want something similar an SLK55 AMG. For something different a Morgan plus8.

Neither of which are a 2+2. Did you read the OP?

[Mr_Webb]

You'd get a nice B7 RS4 cab for your budget. Whilst they have their critics, I've always enjoyed mine for a bit of top-down motoring in the nice weather.

[cerb4.5lee]

My BIL has had his DCT E93 M3 Convertible for 10 years now and he has been really happy with it. Even on the standard exhaust it still sounds lovely roof down.

I also enjoyed the test drive I had in a F83 M4 Convertible that I had back in 2016, but I also agree that noise wise they aren't the greatest though.

[BenB91]

Thanks for the comments so far.

M3 seems a good fit. I don't think the boot space would take golf clubs, so unlikely to be suitable for my sole car.

[Philv8s]

A couple of nice B6 convertibles coming up, only 4 in the U.K. so exclusivity is guaranteed.

https://collectingcars.com/for-sale/2006-bmw-alpin...


https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203043...

[PH User]

SWoll said:

simonrockman said:

If you want something similar an SLK55 AMG. For something different a Morgan plus8.

Neither of which are a 2+2. Did you read the OP?

I read the OP and it's says that it would ideally be a 2+2, not it has to be a 2+2.

[omniflow]

Maserati Gran Cabrio ticks all the boxes

[SFTWend]

Sporty and loud exhaust = TVR. I know people whose small dogs travel on the ledge behind the seats in their Chim. The Chimaera remains fantastic value at the moment.

How have you found the SL500? I keep looking at these but not seen one that appeals enough to buy.

[SFTWend]

Sporty and loud exhaust = TVR. I know people whose small dogs travel on the ledge behind the seats in their Chim. The Chimaera remains fantastic value at the moment.

How have you found the SL500? I keep looking at these but not seen one that appeals enough to buy.

[SWoll]

omniflow said:

Maserati Gran Cabrio ticks all the boxes

Other than the budget. Good luck finding a car for £35k, let alone a decent one.

[Fink-Nottle]

Ford Mustang Convertible. There are dozens on Autotrader sub-35k, including a couple of v8s. Not sure about the golf clubs.

On an entirely different and inappropriate note, I just noticed a 1998 official Corvette Indy Pace Car replica, available near mint for 30k. That one would bring down the house at the Lion's Club.

Total Hoot

[BenB91]

SWoll said:

Other than the budget. Good luck finding a car for £35k, let alone a decent one.

Interesting shout - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204174...

Cheapest one on AT. A bit too flash as daily driver for me.

[BenB91]

Mr_Webb said:

You'd get a nice B7 RS4 cab for your budget. Whilst they have their critics, I've always enjoyed mine for a bit of top-down motoring in the nice weather.

A good suggestion, which led to me an RS5 - https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203243...

I've never found RS Audi's very comfortable though. I test drove a 2014 RS4 Avant last year and just couldn't get comfortable in the seats, which caused me some back pain.

[ZX10R NIN]

At this price point there are some nice options it just depends on how much BHP you want, as an owner of a CLK63 I have to say they're something special but you do lose some of that specialness when you lose the roof & add scuttle shake.

I'd recommend teking a good look at the E400/500 convertible.

400

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204074...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202283...

500

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203223...

M6 it'll have the same potential bork factor as the M3 but you have that epic V10:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204014...

650i

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204134...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202202052...

435i M Sport:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202201211...

Leftfield

G37 (basically a 4 seater 370Z)

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204064...

[simonrockman]

Still no back seats but.. https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/13152218

[simonrockman]

Bentley GTC

[pdavison]

Another vote for a Mustang and mine just happens to be for sale (might also be interested in your SL!):

https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/12857287