A 4-seater convertible for £10K or less

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
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Wed 24 Mar 2010 16:52
A 4-seater convertible for £10K or less - Sulphur Man

Dear All,

I'm in the market for a 'family' convertible, ie a four-seater, for the coming summer (assuming we have one) which can transport wife and two small children.

Something strong and smooth to drive. It's a leisure car so no real concern over MPG. A usable amount of boot space is needed, to store baby strollers and a few bags.

Initial thoughts are an older premium badge car, or a newer non-premium CC style car, such as a Focus CC

I'll probably keep it about a year, and sell on Spring 2011.

Suggestions and experiences much appreciated.

SM

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Wed 24 Mar 2010 18:12
A 4-seater convertible for £10K or less - Graham567

SAAB 93 Convertable?

In my opinion the best looking convertable by far.

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Wed 24 Mar 2010 20:54
A 4-seater convertible for £10K or less - barney100

Same scenario 3 years ago. Saw a Clk 320 convertible and that was that. Not as bad on fuel as you would think either. Legal limits are a stroll in the park and open top motoring on a sunny day is great. Even have the top down on a sunny winter one sometimes too, heater on full blast. Boot isn't very big but I can get the golf clubs and trolley in. Merc servicing is expensive but I use an indie who knows the cars well and its not too bad.

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Wed 24 Mar 2010 23:52
A 4-seater convertible for £10K or less - Avant

If you're thinking of selling it next year, go for an older 'premium' make (Audi, BMW, Mercedes) - a newer Focus or Megane will depreciate faster - so I fear may a Saab.

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Thu 25 Mar 2010 11:34
A 4-seater convertible for £10K or less - legacylad

In January 2010 I bought an '04 330Ci Convertible, 2 owner, 42k miles run out model with Mtech kit. Very pleased with it so far. Quite nippy and reasonably economical, 30mpg or so , and I paid within your budget for it. So far only my terrier has sat in the back and he finds the legroom acceptable. Not so sure about larger humanoids though.

I prefer it to my friends Peugeot 307? convertible, but definitely prefer my friends TTRS convertible, although that is within neither your, nor my, budget!

Our first choice was a 2.0 MX5 with folding hardtop, but unfortunately my elderly mother had trouble accessing it, so a 330 turned up after a search for alternatives.

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Thu 25 Mar 2010 16:18
A 4-seater convertible for £10K or less - Sulphur Man

Funnily enough, the 330Ci is near the top of my list. It seems to tick all the right boxes. Sounds like you got a good deal there, legacylad. I've skimmed the BMW official networkand there's nothing for under £12K, to be expected I suppose.

CLK320 is another good shout, allthough Im not taken with the looks - never liked the round lights on Mercs. Glad they've moved away from them recently.

VW EOS is another possibility, but not many under £10K yet.

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Thu 25 Mar 2010 21:12
A 4-seater convertible for £10K or less - legacylad
SM
I bought privately, and with confidence, as I know many BR's are averse to paying out near on five figures for such a purchase.
I kept an eye on Autotrader for private sales, then when no longer listed inspected the vehicle, and dependent upon circumstances, made a realistic offer. I am sure there are plenty of 'good value' purchases to be had with private sales, but keep in touch with your gut instinct and common sense.
Personally I would not touch an Eos with a barge pole. No comparison whatsoever with a 330Ci Convertible.
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Fri 26 Mar 2010 08:27
A 4-seater convertible for £10K or less - ijws15

Having had 2 convertibles I don't believe they mix with buggies/strollers.

Check boot space with roof down - will force you to the bigger, soft top versions.

Our second was an Eos and a suitcase would fit in the boot roof down as long as you did not want to get it out until you put the roof back up

Aside - why is the web software putting the punctuation at the start of the line???? !

Edit - OK it does it in the compose screen to confuse me and then displays it as it was typed !!

Edited by ijws15 on 26/03/2010 at 08:28

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