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Hunting for a hard top convertible under 10k

  • 02-05-2017 7:54pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 246 ✭✭


    Well my current chariot is getting close to the end of the PCP so I thought I'd consult the great oracle's of the board for some advice.
    I'm looking for some advice on a convertible for under 10k.
    Should be a petrol as I'm not sure I do the milage to warrant a diesel.
    I'd like a Bluetooth car kit if possible but I won't sweat about.


«1

Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 73,520 ✭✭✭✭colm_mcm


    can it be awful looking?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 246 ✭✭witless_steve


    colm_mcm wrote: »
    can it be awful looking?

    Since beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I say go ahead.
    Reliability is more important then appearances.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,360 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    Is a two seater ok or will you need to carry passengers in the rear occasionally?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 246 ✭✭witless_steve


    bazz26 wrote: »
    Is a two seater ok or will you need to carry passengers in the rear occasionally?

    Two seats are fine.

    I had a quick look for what I could find and thought I could find out if any of them are complete lemons.

    Renault Megane convertible

    Granted the engine is a little weak in that but it might be ok.

    Opel Tigra

    No longer made, might be hard to get fixed, likely to be short of extras.



    Peugeot 207

    French cars aren't the most reliable in the world but it might be fixable due to the sheer number of them whizzing about on the roads.

    Mx5

    Granted it is a little older then I was hoping for but reliable.
    Downside getting close to the dreaded decade where insurance companies go wild.

    As always I'm up for any feedback, suggestions and whatnot.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 155 ✭✭Kalel




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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,360 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    Bad time of the year to be looking to buy a convertible, they are almost in peak season so prices rise this time of year.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 246 ✭✭witless_steve


    True but they also get advertised more at this stage too.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 246 ✭✭witless_steve


    Are any of the ones posted to be avoided?
    I don't mean the vehicle linked to but the model itself.
    I know some models have bad reputations so hoping the gurus can provide a little nudge.

    I heard something about the Peugeot 207 engine being prone to coking. Not sure if that's true, any comments?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,462 ✭✭✭projectgtr


    S2000?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 246 ✭✭witless_steve


    Are they reliable and available?
    I thought the S2000 was a collectors car.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 246 ✭✭witless_steve


    I'm told the Peugeot 207 has the same engine as the Mini and it's prone to coke build up. Supposedly this needs to be removed with blasting every 60k miles.

    The Renault is supposed to have tricky electrics and can when things go wrong can be pricey to fix.

    The Tigra is reported to have trouble with its roof and as it's not in production getting roof parts might be hard.

    The Mercedes just sounds like it might be expensive to get serviced.

    Any confirmation on any of that?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 132 ✭✭Freddiestar




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 246 ✭✭witless_steve




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 132 ✭✭Freddiestar




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51 ✭✭DrFunkatron


    What about a VW EOS? Wouldn't be mad about the looks personally but may suit you?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,360 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    That Z4 is a coupe though not the convertible.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 705 ✭✭✭landmarkjohn


    MX5 all day. More smiles per mile, will hold value well, reliable. Active Irish club for runs etc.

    And a proper roadster to boot!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 132 ✭✭Freddiestar


    bazz26 wrote: »
    That Z4 is a coupe though not the convertible.

    My mistake!

    Double your budget for this, well worth it

    http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/bmw/z4/used-2010-bmw-z4-z4-lm32-sdrive23-dublin-fpa-4145246927212398991


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,927 ✭✭✭CalamariFritti


    On a side note. The Z4 is deemed one of those rare cars where they somehow got it right. Inexplicably it leads breakdown stats and TUEV (German NCT) stats and seems incredibly reliable if not abused. Its also a quite cool and good looking car and no slouch either. And quite affordable at this stage even a good one. I was more than once toying with the idea but its just not practical enough for me. But if it's the kind of car you're after read up on it, it seems the real deal.

    Other than that I'd say Mercedes SLK or Mx5.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,033 ✭✭✭griffin100


    Volvo C70?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,360 ✭✭✭✭bazz26




  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,058 ✭✭✭whoopsadoodles


    griffin100 wrote: »
    Volvo C70?

    Bought one of these myself. Absolutely beautiful car. I have a soft spot for volvos though.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,462 ✭✭✭projectgtr


    Are they reliable and available?
    I thought the S2000 was a collectors car.

    Tends not to be too many for sale in Ireland but there are plenty for sale in your budget in the UK. Cracking car, i had the pleasure to do a few laps in Honda Irelands own S2000 around mondelo , such a great handling car even in stock form. I love the rarity of them myself, im always drawn to them when i see them on the road unlike most cars in that bracket.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 246 ✭✭witless_steve


    What about a VW EOS? Wouldn't be mad about the looks personally but may suit you?

    I'd give one a spin sure, have to be open to new possibilities especially when looking for a convertible.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,488 ✭✭✭Ryath


    colm_mcm wrote: »
    can it be awful looking?

    Is this the monstrosity you were thinking of!
    Actually saw one last week in the flesh nearly as ugly as the tida.
    Nissan~Micra~CC~(3).jpg

    Focus CC?
    http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/ford/focus/used-2010-ford-focus-cabriolet-2-cork-fpa-911245315157020225

    Audi TT, MX5, Z4 are the sportier options all soft tops in your budget though, would be my preference. SLK is a good compromise


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 246 ✭✭witless_steve


    Good comments.
    Any particular brands or models I should be wary of?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,100 ✭✭✭noelf


    Is this one on Carzone in the 'wary' category .. 2000 Alfa Romeo Spider 36000 miles €4995 .. Mount Merrion Garage ..


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 246 ✭✭witless_steve


    noelf wrote: »
    Is this one on Carzone in the 'wary' category .. 2000 Alfa Romeo Spider 36000 miles €4995 .. Mount Merrion Garage ..

    I think 2000 might be a bit old for me.
    Not sure where I'd get it repaired if it needed anything.
    Looks nice though


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 246 ✭✭witless_steve


    I found a Renault Wind.
    No idea if they're any good there's very little written about them.
    http://m.carzone.ie/used-cars/Renault/WIND-Dynamic-S/6235486641888736124


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 732 ✭✭✭weadick


    Volvo C70? Rare here but a nice car.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 246 ✭✭witless_steve


    When I read up on the Renault and Peugeot models there seem to be plenty of people reporting problems with them. That said I've yet to find a cat owner who joins a forum to rave about how great the car is.
    So the question is how reliable are they and what should I look out for when test driving it?

    I know some models you need to check the maintenance record to make sure certain works were done on schedule before buying to avoid a total money pit.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,004 ✭✭✭ironclaw


    Opel Speedster, also known as the Vauxhall VX220. You'd definitely get one for less than your budget and its probably the closest you'll come to a true analogue car. Downside however is that its just that, a drivers car. Its cold and hard to heat in the winter. Its also a hard ride, so don't expect SLK comfort. If one was being exceptionally cruel, its a 'poor mans Lotus' but I'd still have it.

    If it was a second car, I can't see a better option. Rare, fast and very unusual.

    Other option is a Boxster with the hard top or Caymen roof. You'd just about get one on budget.


  • Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators Posts: 17,852 Mod ✭✭✭✭Henry Ford III


    ironclaw wrote: »
    Opel Speedster, also known as the Vauxhall VX220. You'd definitely get one for less than your budget and its probably the closest you'll come to a true analogue car. Downside however is that its just that, a drivers car. Its cold and hard to heat in the winter. Its also a hard ride, so don't expect SLK comfort. If one was being exceptionally cruel, its a 'poor mans Lotus' but I'd still have it...

    I thought the VX220 and the Elise were very closely related (different engines apart).


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,454 ✭✭✭mloc123


    Local garage had all his convertibles parked out front yesterday... good week to be selling I reckon


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,004 ✭✭✭ironclaw


    I thought the VX220 and the Elise were very closely related (different engines apart).

    They are. There is a subtle difference in the production, even the run overall, but I believe the genesis for them was the saving of Lotus by Vauxhaul / Opel and it was a joint project.

    Very capable car. I almost bought one but the owner at the time just stressed its a second car only, not a daily and from a lot of feedback he is right.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 246 ✭✭witless_steve


    Ah Lotus, Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious.
    As I've been told by a former owner

    Good suggestions coming in.

    Is there any reliable place to check for known issues with a convertible?
    I'm checking Honest John, Auto Express, Car Buyer, Car Magazine and Parker's.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,929 ✭✭✭✭ShadowHearth


    As mentioned above, I would go for volvo c70, but looks like op ignoring it.
    Hardtop, very good looking, usually very good specs available. Will cost less then 10 grand too.
    I even toying myself with idea pf getting one, but misses told me I am not aloud to have middle life crisis until I am 50...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 81,220 ✭✭✭✭biko




  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,058 ✭✭✭whoopsadoodles


    As mentioned above, I would go for volvo c70, but looks like op ignoring it.
    Hardtop, very good looking, usually very good specs available. Will cost less then 10 grand too.
    I even toying myself with idea pf getting one, but misses told me I am not aloud to have middle life crisis until I am 50...

    The thing I love about the C70 is it's not a mid life crisis car!

    With the hood up, it's a pretty decent 4 seater coupe with a lot more space than standard in the back, and the boot is the biggest I've seen for a hardtop even with the top down.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,058 ✭✭✭whoopsadoodles


    Just if you think about looking at this one...

    https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/volvo-c70-2-4i-sport-leather-alloys-low-miles/14783936

    It's not "just in" he's had it a while. I went to see it a couple of months ago. He was extremely rude. "blonde bimbo just walked in" attitude.

    I had called in the morning to say I would be up to see it, said I'd be there at x time. I arrived and he wasn't there. I could see the car tucked in behind everything else in the showroom. He eventually arrived back. Asked him when I could take it out for a spin and he said he'd give me a ring when he had it out. He had an Audi softtop as well. I asked him to have that one out for me too. "If I still have them" he says "and if I'm still buying" says I.

    I'm still waiting for that call.

    Anyway - the passenger wheelarch is fairly badly destroyed by what I would imagine is someone swinging too close to a pebbledash wall. "but you won't find anything with mileage that low", I was told.

    Very happy with the car I did actually buy :)


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 246 ✭✭witless_steve


    I'm not ignoring the Volvo, I had a look and they seem to come with enormous engines.
    Not sure where I'd get one fixed if it had a problem. Not sure where the closest Volvo center would be to get parts.
    Still it does look fabulous.

    The SLK.looks good a little older then I was planning but worth a look.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,557 ✭✭✭✭lawred2


    bazz26 wrote: »
    Is a two seater ok or will you need to carry passengers in the rear occasionally?

    ooooh matron


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 246 ✭✭witless_steve


    Just if you think about looking at this one...

    [
    Very happy with the car I did actually buy :)

    What did you buy on the end?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 246 ✭✭witless_steve


    lawred2 wrote: »
    ooooh matron

    Nice one, always good to have a laugh.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 246 ✭✭witless_steve


    When researching the Pugs they seem to have a lot of issues with the timing belt judging by the traffic on owners forums.
    Granted I take some of that with a pinch of salt bit still appears a little troublesome.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,531 ✭✭✭Car99




  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,058 ✭✭✭whoopsadoodles


    What did you buy on the end?

    Still went with the C70 as that's what I was after. Love it :)

    Mine's a 2.4 petrol auto. Not sure where you're based but Volvo are pretty easy to get parts for through your local indy.

    This is my 2nd volvo, I had an S60 and regretted giving it up from the day I sold it.

    I also have a Mk2 MR2 TBar.

    I like going topless :P


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 246 ✭✭witless_steve


    Still went with the C70 as that's what I was after. Love it :)

    Mine's a 2.4 petrol auto. Not sure where you're based but Volvo are pretty easy to get parts for through your local indy.

    This is my 2nd volvo, I had an S60 and regretted giving it up from the day I sold it.

    I also have a Mk2 MR2 TBar.

    I like going topless :P

    Nothing wrong with a little drop top driving action.

    Is the road tax high on the Volvo?
    Looks like it might be pricey in that aspect.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 617 ✭✭✭Ferrari3600


    My skin is crawling.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,058 ✭✭✭whoopsadoodles


    What were you driving in xxxx

    Just curious.

    Hey other motors posters.

    This nice chap is having (or trying to have) a wee dig at me as my children were killed in a car accident in the month and year he mentioned.

    Slightly bizarre but OK.

    And I wasn't driving at the time :)

    Not even the balls to leave the post up ;)


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