Summer Convertible

[Tallerton12]

So the sun has come out finally and me an my partner have decided we would like a convertible for the summer.

We both have our own cars so it wouldn't be a daily so not to bothered about spec or anything but I do want it to be a fun drive.

Have a budget of around 3k. Any suggestions?

Thanks all.

[AB]

BMW Z4?

[66HFM]

Isn't the answer always an MX5?
I've had a couple of MK1s and my (now) wife had a MK1 as well, although one of the many special edition ones.

[Tallerton12]

66HFM said:

Isn't the answer always an MX5?
I've had a couple of MK1s and my (now) wife had a MK1 as well, although one of the many special edition ones.

Yeah, i think that is the most likely, just thought i would check if there is anything else i should consider. Is there anything to look out for buying an old mx5, don't they have a tendency to rust?

[blue_haddock]

mk3 MR2?

[boyse7en]

Mazda MX5
Audi A4
Saab 9-3 Aero
Mercedes SLK
BMW Z4
PT Cruiser (only joking)

Or go retro and get an MGB or a Triumph Spitfire.
Or even more left-field, what about a Caterham-alike, like a Tiger or Westfield?

[Petrus1983]

With that budget I'd be in the Z4/MX5 camp.

[Shooter McGavin]

I had a Z3 six cylinder from new back in the day and really enjoyed it, marvellously smooth engine and a lovely little thing to run around in on a summer's day.

Something like this in budget?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202502129...

[paddy1970]

MG TF - Great handling, distinctive looks, watch for head gasket issues
Audi 80 Cabriolet - More practical 4-seater, robust build quality

[jamesbrady50]

Tried a variety of Z3s and Z4s before settling on a 2007 slk. All are quite different so worth looking at whatever you like the look of before buying. Never drove an mx5 as a dodgy shoulder means I look for autos.

Z3- now in “modern classic” status? Doesn’t feel modern and feels small and light for sure. I liked it but wouldn’t fancy the motorway with roof down

Z4 - much more meat on the bone vs Z3. Bigger in size, more modern interior, I think all had electric roof? Those electric soft tops have weak points with drainage so are often relocated - a point to look for.

SLK - hard top makes it great for both open and closed driving. Usual Mercedes auto, cruise, interior.
Air scarf a nice benefit too!
We got a 200 rather than 280/350 to avoid V6 balancer shaft issues and have been very happy for last 6 months / 2000 miles and it was perfect for the weekend we just had

[66HFM]

Tallerton12 said:

66HFM said:

Isn't the answer always an MX5?
I've had a couple of MK1s and my (now) wife had a MK1 as well, although one of the many special edition ones.

Yeah, i think that is the most likely, just thought i would check if there is anything else i should consider. Is there anything to look out for buying an old mx5, don't they have a tendency to rust?

The Mk1 & MK2 both rust quite badly, you may be getting into a MK3 within your budget.

The MK3 MR2 as mentioned earlier, is also another good shout, although its squashy bags only within no boot.

[Chainsaw Rebuild]

And now for something left field: Jeep Wrangler. You can take the roof and even the doors off, you could do some green laning, I believe they hold their money and they have 4 seats.

I do love MX5s though!

[paul_c123]

I bought a Volvo C70 last week for £500. It doesn't really tick the "fun" box - I think a lot of the bigger convertibles are more about wafting along, than throwing it into bends - but its a genuinely nice, comfortable car. They seem to retail starting at about £2500 so would meet your budget. They are strangely cheap, compared to others. So are VW Eos but I'd avoid them for a number of reasons.

Saab 9-3 is a good car and would be within budget too. I think the Volvo is better though.

[jrock78]

An Alfa Romeo Spider would be my choice

[Pickle_Rick]

Daihatsu copen or Toyota mr2 roadster (I presume you want to drive it, not admire it while it's sat on an AA low loader which is what will happen with some of the suggestions so far)
Remember what is a £3k car now was a £1500 car 5 years ago

[paradigital]

Depends on if you are interested in it having the most driver involvement and sharper handling, or you just want to smoke around in it, in comfort.

I’ve had two cheap (£1500) convertibles over the last 6 years, a a mk2 (2003) MX5 1.8, and a mk1 (2004) TT V6. The MX5 was definitely more of a driver’s car, but the TT was the better of the two to just roll around in, visit a local country pub, etc. I even found myself using the TT to commute in on nicer days as even with the roof up during unexpected showers, it was massively quieter than the MX5 and more comfortable too. The MX5 also ultimately showed its true colours (brown, orange) and became a moneypit, so it was scrapped.

The TT on the other hand I still have, and will keep for as long as I can economically keep it on the road.

[ZX10R NIN]

Z4:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202502259...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202502219...

S4:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202412237...

TT:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202503039...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202502199...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202503039...

[normalbloke]

Chainsaw Rebuild said:

And now for something left field: Jeep Wrangler. You can take the roof and even the doors off, you could do some green laning, I believe they hold their money and they have 4 seats.

I do love MX5s though!

Show me a Jeep Wrangler for £3k that isn’t an absolute basket case?

[Chainsaw Rebuild]

normalbloke said:

Chainsaw Rebuild said:

And now for something left field: Jeep Wrangler. You can take the roof and even the doors off, you could do some green laning, I believe they hold their money and they have 4 seats.

I do love MX5s though!

Show me a Jeep Wrangler for £3k that isn’t an absolute basket case?

Thats a fair point, some budget creep might be required..... However it would be fun.

[paul_c123]

£3000 buys a budget car which is half way through its life or more, these days. If you want to make it an "interesting" or sporty car etc at that same budget, you'll be veering towards the older - ie 2000-2010 - stuff, with 90k+ miles. Or something exceptionally cheap and/or private, or sold with faults. So the comment about a basket case Jeep Wrangler could apply to pretty much all cars in the "Summer Convertible" category.