Which cabriolet?
I'm changing my 3 year old CLK 200 sport cabriolet. I really want a metal folding roof as we want to do some long trips in Europe and I am not too happy leaving a soft top overight in many different places!
We need four seats to accommodate friends on days out (we live in Cornwall). I have test driven the Lexus IS250C and the BMW 320 SE Cabrio. I have never driven either before and they seem so different. I read reviews and the BMW is complemented and awarded "4 or 5 blobs" by most reviewers. The Lexus is less commended, except by your review, which does endorse the car.
I just cannot make up my mind between the two. We are a couple in our 70s. The fuel consumption of the BMW is impressive and costs are a concern for us pensioners. I read your column in the DT regularly and always seem to agree with you!
So I would appreciate any help with my choice.
We need four seats to accommodate friends on days out (we live in Cornwall). I have test driven the Lexus IS250C and the BMW 320 SE Cabrio. I have never driven either before and they seem so different. I read reviews and the BMW is complemented and awarded "4 or 5 blobs" by most reviewers. The Lexus is less commended, except by your review, which does endorse the car.
I just cannot make up my mind between the two. We are a couple in our 70s. The fuel consumption of the BMW is impressive and costs are a concern for us pensioners. I read your column in the DT regularly and always seem to agree with you!
So I would appreciate any help with my choice.
Asked on 25 May 2011 by vulcan44
Answered by
Honest John
As I wrote, I found the Lexus exceptionally smooth and with the huge benefit of virtually no buffeting with the top down. It isn't fuel efficient and the tyres are a bit too low profile for a truly comfortable ride but the tyres on a BMW will probably be even lower profile. The other reviewers probably judged it as a sports car. I judged it by its refinement, which may be of more interest to you.
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