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There are just the 2 of us, the kids having flown the nest, so we can now enjoy a car. We want a convertible with a solid folding roof. Don't ask why, we just do! An SLK is beyond our means so don't go there. A 206 seems to have problems with its roof. Rather like the 307CCs and MeganeCCs. Reckon we will be buying a 1 year old model and keeping it until the wheels drop off. What do you guys reckon?
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If it has, and I mean HAS, to be a CC then I guess I'd have the 307CC. However, I could be tempted by a Vauxhall Tigra 1.8 Sport (simply because it looks better, and Corsa-base is proven) or I'd wait for the new Mitusbushi Colt CC (see what it's like).
If however, I wanted a durable sports car that's actually fun for around £15-20k, then it'd be Toyota Celica all the way.
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convertibles can be a joy to own - even when it's cold.
They can also be much more expensive to own, and so I wouldn't want to say that a 307CC would be much cheaper in ownership terms than the SLK.
I would certainly want a car that was designed at the outset to be a convertible and not just an additional model in a range of sedans, hatchbacks, estates etc.
Some of these cars do incredibly low mileages and are very cossetted, and can be a good deal even if older than you would normally consider.
I would go for the SLK - they are not so expensive now and are in good supply secondhand. If you can't go for a purpose built CC - I'd go for a cheap ragtop as a 2nd car, and here the MX-5 is the obvious choice.
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I think that we would be looking for something that is more of a cruiser by nature. My racer days are long since gone, went when I sold my Sierra Cossie many years back. (Gone but not forgotten). I would agree that if we wanted a rag top then the MX5 would be top of the list but as the car would be parked on road overnight me thinks a solid top would be more secure. I have a problem with SLKs, something to do with image-not so much the cars but the drivers (sorry any SLK drivers out there). Besides they are still a bit dear to buy. I really do think that it will come down to a choice between 307CC and MeganeCC.
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The new focus and astra cc's are being launched very soon.
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Just returned from a test drive in a micra CC. Absolutely astounded. What a sound little car, that 1.6 engine was a delight. I had thought it would be a straight choice between the 307 and megane but I think I may have to go back to the drawing board-things aren't quite as easy as I thought.
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FWIW our Megane CC has been totally reliable over the 16 months we've owned it... Had the roof down today as a matter of fact; only 9 degrees C down on the south coast, but bright sunshine and a clear blue sky! We preferred the style of the Megane; the 307 is a bit too 'blobby' for my liking, but each to their own.
Peter
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Thanks for the info Peter. I think I agree with you about the blobbyness of the 307 but you do see an awful lot of them about. Did you actually test drive a 307CC as a comparison before you went for the Megane or was the choice made on looks and price?
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Decisison was entirely based on looks, combined with the fact that the folding roof is glass. Ours is a 1.6 Privilege with the lux pack, which means you get the light in interior in full leather. Combined with the glass roof it really makes the interior a nice place to be.
I had driven 307 hire cars and not been overly impressed, and they also seem (to me) to be quite high cars. The 307 CC is a dfferent kind of car to the hatch though, so if you like the looks definitely give it a go
Peter
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Yeah, I picked my wife on the same basis but couldn't afford to upgrade to the lux pack.
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Thanks for all the info.I have booked a test drive for the weekend in a Renault CC Privilege from a local dealer. Looking forward to it. How did you go about buying yours, dealer or broker.
Well, you may have the sun down south, but we've got the water up North!!
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Geoff, I liked the comment about your wife even if nobody else has commented on it!!!
: )
Personally, I think the Mégane looks nicer; more balanced.
Has anyone seen the Eos on the VW website? Looks lovely. As a VW Group worker I am hoping it goes on our company lease scheme as soon as possible!!!!
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I must be weird then! I thought the 307 was the more beauteous machine...
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The cabin of the Megane does seem to be a nicer place to be in. Must be the glass sun roof that does it. However a large glass roof does make aircon a must have.
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The cabin of the Megane does seem to be a nicer place to be in. Must be the glass sun roof that does it. However a large glass roof does make aircon a must have.
Agreed, though all but the base 'Extreme' come with A/C anyway, with the Privilege having climate control. The glass in the roof quite tinted, and I think has the same heat reflecting layer as the windscreen to cut down on heat build up in the car. There is also a roller blind screen fitted, which is useful to prevent dazzle.
Hope you enjoy the test drive!
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"The cabin of the Megane does seem to be a nicer place to be in. Must be the glass sun roof that does it. However a large glass roof does make aircon a must have"
All doubtless true. But if you and wife plan to do any serious travelling with luggage, give some consideration to the boot space, which you may find is not very versatile or large. Some stuff may have to be stowed in those rear mini-seats.
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Ours was bought through Norwich Union Direct and delivered through our local Renault Dealer. Can't remember the exact price, but the discount worked out at about twice what the dealer offered IIRC.
BTW, I think you're in the better position. Much easier to drive a car to the sun than drive water your home!
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Try to avoid the 17'' low profile alloys if possible, they spoil the ride IMHO.
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Saturday morn arrived and by the time I arrived at the main dealers the sun was shinning. Once I had managed to grab the receptionists attention she pointed me to a waiting area and said that she would let Tony know that I had arrived. 15 minutes later he arrived. No appology for being late for an appointment made 3 days earlier. "The car you wanted to test has been taken home for the weekend by one of my collegues, but we have a different one for you to test." He showed me down to a garage area where someone was putting some plates on the car. Must say it really did look nice in dark metallic blue with very large gold alloys and I had a good look around it. The someone started it up-it was a diesel. Now I had told them 3 days earlier that I was interested in a 1.6 petrol and they presented me with a diesel with just about every fitted extra in the catalogue. So, I was supposed to test a car which would perform totally differently to the one I was seriously interested in, handle totally differently (thanks for the tip Xileno) and had probably £3k worth of extras on it. But that didn't matter at least a member of staff had a nice car to pose in over the weekend. I asked him what sort of discounts were available and was told "Around £500 on the base models to about £750 on the top spec ones". I turned to Tony and said "Forget it, I've changed my mind" and left. Absolutely no point in test driving it. I went home and decided to write to both the Dealership and Renault but then thought "Why bother", and went fishing instead. I really do not see the point of main dealers any more.
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"The car you wanted to test has been taken home for the weekend by one of my collegues, but we have a different one for you to test." >>
That is very frustrating though dont damn the car because one salesman is carp, you could be cutting off your nose to spite your face. Of its genre the Megane CC is supposed to be good (I have not driven one) and the 1.6 engine is crisp and free revving (I have driven a hatch). I should also say that you may have been pleasantly surprised by the diesel.
As has been said the Focus CC is due soon and is a very handsome car where as the 307 has simply awful rear styling.
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The car I have not dismissed, the main dealer experience I have. I will certainly test drive a Megane CC before making up my mind. The Focus CC will probably be out of my price range and it will most likely be next summer before they are decently discounted. I want mine this summer - but then I was spoilt as a child.
Does anyone know what car salesmen/wommen do Monday to Friday 'cos the showrooms always look empty when I drive past.
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I am also tempted to buy a new CC.The new VW EOS will be the best quality buy but is priced, as usual for vw, way over the top,at from £20k for the base model.The focus is meant to be from £19k but you'll get a discount. The Astra twin top at £17k seems better value, but if you want the best deal surely the Megane cc must be the best value BUT ONLY IF YOU DON'T BUY FROM A MAIN DEALER.If I was brave enough,I would save £5000 and buy from one of the many discount sites advertised on the net.As I am not brave enough to hand over £12995 to a stranger up north however,I can still save nearly £3000 if I go through my bank!
This still makes a new one about £2000 cheaper than a used one from a main dealer! Renault build quality will not be on a par with VW of course but at a difference of £6k plus,who cares!
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What have you got against strangers from up north???
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Nothing! Some of my best friends used to be strangers from up north but they didn't want,(cheap though it seems),£13000 for a car which may or may not be a uk car, or may or may not be new or pre registered,until I collect it!
PS My local renault service centre which sells cars must have read my post as the local paper carries their advert for new megane cc at £14995.
The main dealer(different company)advertises them for just over £18000! Don't these dealers know that people shop around!
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"Renault build quality will not be on a par with VW of course but at a difference of £6k plus,who cares!"
It's closer than you might think. I have both VW and Renault, controls feel more solid and smoother in the VW but seat trim and paint finish just as good on the Renault. Both cars can rattle a bit on rough roads. Panel fit fine on both. Renault need to spend a bit more on the heater controls and the column stalks but as you say, it's 6 grand cheaper...
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Well gents I have just returned from a test drive in a 1.6 Megane CC from a car supermarket and a very nice car it is indeed. Before I finally take the plunge what don't I know about this model? What breaks, what wears, what's hidden waiting to jump up and bite me?
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Having a neighbour who used to work in a Renault dealership I can tell you that the CC models were regular visitors to the workshop.
From what she said it was usually down to operator error - i.e owners not reading the manual and fully understanding how and when the roof should be opened.
Apparently there are very specific requirements before the roof is operated. If these are ignored be prepared to spend up to £200 on a dealer reset.
The other major gripe was the plastic keycard - treat it like you would a newborn baby - don't drop it, don't trust a 5 year old kid to treat it properly and keep it nice and clean. Again a few hundred quid to sort out if you fail to look after it.
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Dephaser pulley can fail, resulting in no start or poor running. Very common problem on the 1.6 VVT apparently but **should** be sorted by now.
Some early models suffered water ingress into the fusebox and through the door speakers. Again these appear to be fixed, my 2004 model has been almost faultless in 17K miles. Just one problem with the sunroof sticking, fixed in 10 mins by the dealer. And a suspected sooted up EGR valve due to not driving it hard enough.
As I said above, try to avoid the 17'' low profile alloys, they really don't suit a Renault which should waft along in comfort. I have since driven a Megane with standard 16'' wheels and it rode much better.
Some owners report squeeling brakes but mine's been ok.
Bear in mind there's a new model out now, although it looks very little different make sure you're getting the latest. Or plead disappointment and seek a good discount.
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At first glance I might be tempted to think I would be better off looking elsewhere but these few faults are nothing compared to what could befall me if I went for a 307CC. "User error" seems quite a common fault on a lot of cars but in reality it is because the manufacturers has made things too complex and there are too many electronic boxes. (Still cannot figure out the i-drive on my brothers 5 series and neither can he!) Assuming I shall be buying one still under warranty I should be covered.
Anything else?
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