I fancy a little convertible for the summer, nothing expensive - around £3-£4k.

Anyone tried either Z3 or SLK or any other suggestions within this price range

Had a 98 SLK 230 Kompressor for the past 3 summers, Fab car, just changed it for a TT Roadster this year as i fancied a change... The SLK is a great machine and very basic engineering so can be repaired/maintained cheaply too Both around £3-£4K




Craig

Thanks Craig, that's what I like to hear must admit, I like the idea of the folding hardtop better than a rag top. Is there anything in particular to lookout for when viewing SLK, what are the weak spots?

Everything electrical! But they are so easy to repair if your into a little diy? The CL, EW and fan motors can all be stripped and repaired/reconed easily. Mine was mechanically bullet proof and at 100K miles it took all the abuse a good summer car could take... A little tip if your tall (im 6'3"), buy a cheap stick on boot lip spoiler (the type sold for BMW's and Jag X Types on eBay for £20ish and cut the ends off before painting, then fit to the top of the screen and it really does keep the wind away from your head when the roof is down (mine was down all the time) with a wind deflector you can drive upto 80mph without any wind in the cabin...



Craig

Mk1 MX5

MG Roadster .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962

Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999

Agree, an MX5 is a far better car to drive than either an SLK or Z3 which are very soft.

I keep a mk3 MR2 for the summer, it's the cheapest car I've ever run nothing ever breaks (touch wood), loads of fun to drive and got a hardtop for the winter.

I'm with The MX5. 2019 D5 HSE Lux SDV6 Indus
55 D3 SE
98 MX5 1.8 RS
gone 17 older variants of FFRR

Old Style Mustang GT

My Mrs has a little 2 seat Tigra. It's cute and fun to drive, it's also a bit girly lol No longer FF owner but still interested. Present car Jaguar XE
............................................

Previous car Td6 SE
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Previous LR- Disco 300TDi Auto

Martin wrote:

Agree, an MX5 is a far better car to drive than either an SLK or Z3 which are very soft.

Sorry to disagree Martin, but my wife has had two MX5's and i think they are old fashioned conpaired to the SLK! (or most other sports cars ive driven) I guess they are fine if you like old fashioned technology "a real drivers car" so ive heard in several reports... But IMHO they are just too underpowered and bland for my taste (i like tech and living in 2012 not 1950!) Hence the reason i run a FFRR not a 70's 2 door classic!

I only state my opinion, as this is important if both types of cars are to be considered...




Craig

How about this for a wild card!

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/adv...?logcode=p

OK, so it's over budget, it's not little, not particularly sporty, but the it's a Jag, and a beauty!

Or how about some Italian style?

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/adv...?logcode=p

Or if you fancy something fast which handles and has four seats:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/adv...?logcode=p

 2012 SDV8 Vogue SE

Depends what is wanted - toys and flab or a proper car

I said that I think that an MX5 is better to drive, IMO more rewarding than something point and squirt with twice the power.

Now you've got me looking damn you!

How about a Lotus Elan SE Turbo!
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/adv...?logcode=p

Or you could even get a leggy Cat D repaired Porsche Boxster:
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/adv...?logcode=p

Or if you fancy a plastic pig how about this:http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201214461285794/sort/priceasc/usedcars/price-to/4000/body-type/convertible/make/tvr/page/1/postcode/ox109qz/radius/1500?logcode=p

There's also a 350i available for £3,500.

Finally if you really want something small and nippy how about a Fiat!
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/adv...?logcode=p 2012 SDV8 Vogue SE

Or up the budget and buy a Boxster! Maybe the best of both worlds...




Craig