Must be convertible (Ideally conceived as a convertible).

Must be quick(ish)

Must cost no more than £12K

Can have 2 or 4 seats

Any ideas?

So far have thought of

Lotus Elise
TVR Chimera
Honda S2000


Any ideas?

 

Is age a problem?

Do running costs a concern?

 

MX-5? What sort of age are you aiming for?

 

High miles Mx5
Low Miles Elise
If your mad TVR
Best compromise S2000

Job done

 

Z3M - sweet!

Test drive one, definitely more a challenge to drive quicker than an Impreza with it's short wheel base, 50:50 weight distribution, 321bhp RWD and no traction control.

 

Saw 3 stunning young Tarts in an Audi A4 Cab yesterday.

The A4 Cab is still the coolest Cab around.

 

http://pictures.autotrader.co.uk/img...a?id=696454840

Mercedes SL600

 

Running costs not an issue.

Age is possibly a concern.

Mx-5 is an absolute no-no (not quick enough).

The other option is to spend £23K odd and go for an M3 convertible.

 

Merc CLK conv?

 

It does also depend on what you use it for and what you want out of it. A Merc is discreet, classy 'brisk' but you can only cruise in it really. An S2k needs to be worked and can be a handful at 100%.

If you are a bit of a squirter, want a competent car, but not a point to point racer, a Volvo C70 cab/Saab 93 Cab would be pleasant.

If getting there quickly on a b road is the most important thing you can get an Elise 111 for that cash.

Have a browse around trader under the convertible search?

 

VX220 or Elise

 

Direhatsu Coupon Pete

 

IMHO if you can find 18k I would without hesitation plumb for an e46 M3 convertible. All the rest fine cars tho they are will eventually get on your t*ts for lack of practicality.


If you look at M3 cabs check for noisy hood hydraulics - means an expensive fix is on its way.

 

Or that Maserati 4200 I mentioned on another thread...

 

Maybe a Boxster? 12K might / would get you a 2.7..

MX5 wise you could go for a supercharged / turboed one. Plenty have gone down the FI route and it gives a LOT more punch, approx. 180-200bhp is easily achievable (check out performance 5, who are based near Northolt in NW London). You could get a 2003/4 MX5 for about 7/8K and then another 3/4K-ish for the turbo / SC.

 

Do it properly and get a TVR Chimaera - this is a car enthusiasts forum, not a hair dressers forum!

If you need it for work on the other hand I'd go for the A4 convertible.

 

Autotrader - BMW 3 SERIES 330 Ci Sport 2dr Auto Convertible

would get my vote

 

What he said

 

Would be useful if you could say what the car will be required to do. Bit of a difference between an Elise and an M3, wouldn't you say?

 

Maserati 4200 +1

Although I don't think you're cool enough to pull it off, to be honest.

 

VW EOS 3.2, R32 engined front wheel drive 250bhp, with style too.

 

just got my first bmw cabby and im well imprest, seems a reel nice car to own

 

Merc slk. Some maybe think they are a bit "limp wristed" but a really nice car!

E36 M3 convertable. Maybe even an EVO model. Vanos units can be an issue on them though.

 

It's not for me, its for a good friend of mine.

Situation is this. Used to have a 911, chopped it in for a E46 M3 convertible. Decided to sell it, and has had a plain A4 for a couple of years. Now wanting to get back into the fast convertible life.

Could go up to £25K or so - But hard to justify that expenditure for what would in effect be a weekend toy. It would be used to dirve ot the station every day (about 5 mins away) and then used for the odd journey at weekend. Yearly mileage would be about 5-6,000.

If he was to spend £22K odd, he would go for an M3 convertible, but I am trying to convince him that it is silly to spend that sort of money, when you have just as much fun in something cheaper.

 

Not necessarily recommending it, but how about an Alfa Spyder 3.0 24v.
Kevin

 

Lotus Elise S1 with a Honda typeR engine. 200-210 bhp with amazing performance/handling/looks. Should be able to get one for £14k ish and it won't depreciate a penny.

 

Definately nothing with a metal folding roof and four seats.Roadsters should be only kind of open top stuff.

I admit my MX5 is fairly slow but its good fun when you do spank it.

Would have preferred an Elise but I'm happy.

Only ever heard good things about S2000 but never had a spin

 

what about one of these fantastic motor,if you have any questions just ask doh! didn't see the 12 grand limit but you can pick them up now for 14 grand

 

S2000 anyday, my mate bought one the same time i was looking for my scoob and i nearly ended up getting one as a result, amazing car, ultra reliable, quick as well in the right rev range, if you can put up with driving it like you've stole it and no traction control, and they are a bit mental in the wet, then get one you won't regret it.

 

Jaguar XK8/XKR coupe' or cabriolet maybe.