Hi folks,
I'm thinking of getting a convertible. I have a budget of around £15k and downwards of course. Engine size ideally 2.0 and diesel, with a BHP of 100+ (the more the better!).
I like the look of the EOS and the Ford Focus, but are there any others I should consider?
TIA
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huge deals on s/h Saabs might be worth a look
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I'd second that.
None on DriveTheDeal just now but 3-4 wks ago were a variety around 17-18 grand (£10k off). I'd presume dealers will have a few still to get shot of, and as far as looks go, I think ragtops invariably look better than folding tintops as they don't need such a huge rump.
Even if SAAB go down the toilet, parts and servicing will continue as before.
If you don't need 4 seats then an MX-5 is best at that money.
Pug 207/308 CC maybe worth a look if you really must.
MINI convertible probably most depreciation-proof.
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Didn't know there was a Focus cabrio or do you mean the CC?-not quite the same thing!
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Ford call the CC a coupe-cabriolet.
The obvious competitor is the Vauxhall Astra Twin Top.
Edited by ifithelps on 01/07/2009 at 17:57
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JC2: Yep, I guess it must be. Aside from the additional "bump" at the back, is it dramatically different?
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.. is it dramatically different?...
SSR,
There's only one convertible Focus, it's called the CC and comes in three models CC1, CC2, and CC3.
Each has the same 'two piece' roof - the roof panel and the rear window fold into the boot to produce a 'full' convertible.
I've got a CC3 and have been pleased with it.
A lot on here will tell you the roof leaks - I think Ford admit the early ones did.
The problem seem fixed as I've had mine three months and it's not leaked.
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The problem seem fixed as I've had mine three months and it's not leaked.
Hate to point it out, but it hasnt rained for 3 and a half months :)
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Not rained, sir?
Bridge washed away in County Durham today, flash floods in Newcastle, roads closed, etc etc.
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It is indeed grim up North then...
...35C in Henley today ? even a tad too warm for rowing!
The Fiat 500 with a sliding-roof (does that make it part-convertible?) is launched tomorrow. I'm sure you'd get some change out of £15K?
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My TR7 for 5k - keep the 10k change. If you want it to go faster, a specialist firm will put a 3.5V8 in it for just a very few thou more.
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Fifth Gear did a (not particularly in-depth) test between a Peugeot cabriolet and the Eos.
Can't recall which one came out top but the VW was better quality. No doubt you can watch it again on Fives' version of i-player
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The answer is EOS, now what was the question!
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I got a CLK 3.2 last year and it is pretty good and for well under your budget. Room for 4 in comfort and goes well, even the economy isn't too bad. i like the Volvo but was told the earlier ones had scuttle shake.....whatever that is. Downside is not much boot space so a set of golf clubs just fits without the cage down.
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...The answer is EOS, now what was the question!...
I want a convertible which is overpriced and, despite a few years of development, still has a leaky roof. :)
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Scuttle shake is what you experience by going over a bump in the road and the whole windscreen/frame vibrates. Can be most disconcerting.
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Is diesel the right option for a convertible? Surely it has to be petrol so it sounds good with the roof down.
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>>despite a few years of development, still has a leaky roof. :) <<
Oh dear! I just like the look of them :)
>>Is diesel the right option for a convertible<<
Most certainly squire - they go together, like beer & custard!
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...Is diesel the right option for a convertible?...
Leaving the sound aside, it can be.
The roof adds a lot of weight and in the case of my CC3, the general thinking seems to be you need the grunt of the 2.0l diesel.
The only other options are 1.6l and 2.0l petrol.
I think the Eos is available with a bigger petrol engine, which could be the 'money no object' solution.
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Surely it has to be petrol so it sounds good with the roof down?
.. and perhaps smells better, too?
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...and perhaps smells better, too?...
Smell? The CC3 has a DPF and smells of nothing but roses. :)
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I'd like to continue the fine traditions of this website by suggesting something completely outside the remit of the actual questions asked. But I am at least going to be a bit different, in that it isn't a Mondeo TDCi.
TVR Chimaera.
You'd get an absolutely excellent one for £15k.
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TVR Chimaera.
Stacks of low mileage late 90's examples around £10k. £5k aside for bills. Excellent choice.
I fell in love with these cars within seconds of hearing one fire up from cold in an enclosed yard. Makes the hairs stand up on your neck.
Demand a lot of respect though, and apparently truly terrifying in the wet.
Edited by DP on 02/07/2009 at 10:36
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Thanks to all for the replies.
Saab: not a huge fan of the style. Also not bothered about buying something secondhand, although the newer the better of course.
MX-5: also not a huge fan of.
Ford CC: Can anyone clue me in as to what the difference is between the CC-1, 2 and 3? I couldn't spot anything obvious via a Google. Leaky roofs are a worry though. I do prefer a diesel, as I currently have a 2005 (Mk 1) Focus with 1.8D, and although not a rocket it has a fair bit of grunt.
Peugeot: Also not a huge fan of the style. I do sort of like the Megane convertible, but thought the reviews were a bit average.
EOS: not a super looker for me, but I see the reviews are good and it's likely to be reliable.
CLK: Good "out of the box" (is that the jargon?) choice, and they do seem to be in the price range. Not sure what servicing costs are like (a friend's BMW 3 series is cheaper for servicing than my current Focus!) and I'm guessing parts are expensive.
TVR: Another good "out of the box" choice, but the wife is likely to object. Also repair/servicing issues again I suspect, and understand them to be unreliable.
Just to refine a little, I'm ideally looking for something within last 3-4 years, and less than 50k (ideally less than 30k).
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... Can anyone clue me in as to what the difference is between the CC-1, 2 and 3?...
Trim levels, and the CC2 has 'sports suspension'.
I reckon my CC3 is a bit firm, so I woudn't want a CC2.
The CC3 has the most toys - heated seats on and roof down is just the job on a frosty morning.
My last car was also an 'ordinary' Focus 1.8l diesel.
The 2.0l in the CC3 has a bit more poke than the 1.8.
It is also more 'petrol like' in that it revs more cleanly and eagerly, and to get the most out of it, you need to go higher up the rev range.
I reckon it's quieter than the 1.8, certainly more refined.
The roof on mine does not leak and it seems the more recent ones are better in this respect.
Your budget would nearly stretch to a new CC3.
It's important to get the right car, but all the ones you are considering have one tremendous feature in common - the opening roof.
I've surprised myself at how much fun convertible motoring can be and I'd recommend it to anyone.
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Any negatives to the CC3?
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If you like your Focus, you will probably get on well with a CC, whichever model you get.
It's a bit bigger, so parking is not quite so easy.
There is some of the dreaded scuttle shake with the roof down, although I'm told Focus CCs are not as bad as some of the competitors.
Paintwork seems to scratch easily, but owners of other makes say the same.
Ride is a bit firm for my taste, then I think that about the Honda Civic, Vauxhall Astra, Kia Cee'd etc, so I must be out of step with modern thinking.
There's nothing I actively dislike about my CC3.
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Personally, i'm not a fan of the way hard top convertibles look. The huge bulbous rear that the roof requires makes them look totally out of proportion. But thats just my opinion.
If I were in the fourtunate position to have £15k to spend on a drop top, then it would have to be an A4 Cabriolet, a BMW 330CI , or a BMW Z4.
My dad has a 330i and the sound the engine makes is incredible, such a low growly purr.....mmmmmmm straight six.
I know Audi certainly do the A4 cabriolet with a diesel engine, and im pretty sure BMW squeezed their diesel lumps in too..... both in 2.0 and 3.0 guises.
Audi also do the TT with the 2.0TDI engine now, but maybe a little out of budget (and not sure if its in the roadster yet?)
Has anybody mentioned the Volvo C70 yet?
Or totally left field (just becuase I fancy it...) a Lexus SC430.......?
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