Recommend a fun, quirky car - possibly a convertible - for under £7000?

I will soon graduate from university, and will be starting work at the end of the summer. Before I do so, I am looking to purchase a car that is both economical to run and insure but that is also quirky and fun. I am not averse to a convertible of some kind. My budget is £5-7000.

Asked on 1 June 2010 by rchurch89

Answered by David Ross
If you're after something quirky and fun but economical, then you could consider a Smart Roadster or Roadster Coupe. Thanks to the small engine they will do 55mpg plus they're great fun to drive - and of course both are convertible (they either have a retractable canvas roof or removable panels). For £7000 you could get the sporty Brabus version which has extra power and a bodykit. Alternatively, there's the funky little Daihatsu Copen which has a neat metal folding roof and also uses a small turbocharged engine so will easily do 50mpg+.
Similar questions
We want to buy a used 2-seater convertible for under £4000 for three/four long trips every year, so we need some luggage space, comfort for distances, low wind noise with top up for motorways, reasonable...
I am a pensioner and have a budget of around £50,000 to treat myself to a 'fun' car before I am finally too old to enjoy driving. I have owned many high-performance cars in the past and I shall keep my...
I have been considering swapping my 2003 Ford Focus Mark I, 2.0 Zetec, owned from new, for a convertible. I would prefer to retain front wheel drive, 2.0-litre petrol engine (or near equivalent) and manual...
Related models
Cute looks, comfortable ride and good grip. You can raise the hood while driving along. Makes far more sense second-hand.