My local BMW dealer has an '07 Z4 in stock for a fair few quid more then what I've found but at least it gives me a chance to test drive as well as having a getting to know you chat.

But what happened to the 4-seater requirement?

Steve

my vrs just eats no problem. .

Things without Turbos you have to thrash.Which is great fun in the mx

As to Z4 and Boxters,great but I have an aversion to electric roof things.

Also you will be screwed on VED next year.In fact you might get one for pennies next year

ps,my service on the mx was about £200,my brother forked out over £1000 for his Boxter:eek:

I think I'd leave the Porker out of the equation. A good full BMW history Z4 should be ok though.

I've always had a soft spot for the old mk3 Escort cabriolets and Renault 19 cabriolets, even more so at this time of year... :rubchin:

Forget the Boxter, get yourself a well looked after 944 convertable. Bombproof mechanicals (although timimg chains on the 16v S and S2's require carefull attention) and pretty good running costs. If I didn't have kids I would sell the Octy and get a nice S2 without a second thought

Actuall maybe I could sell the kids, keep the Octy, and still get the porker

I quite like this one Porsche : 944 S2 Cabriolet

There are quite a few for sale on PH

HonestJohn site - car by car breakdown

What's good, what's bad, what to watch out for

Z4

Car review: BMW Z4 (2003 - )

Boxster to 2004

Car review: Porsche Boxster 986 + Boxster S (1996 - 2004)

Z3 roadster

Car review: BMW Z3 Roadster (1997 - 2003)

I quite like this one Porsche : 944 S2 Cabriolet

There are quite a few for sale on PH

Looks a lovely example that

I like those a lot, very nice indeed. With this sort of requirement, if you're going for a larger, more powerful convertible, I'd certainly be looking at a pre-2001 car to avoid this daft tax situation...

Steve

Do you know why they give you an umbrella with the Eos, tell you what buy one and find out.

Its the only way to stay dry in the rain, roof up or down, makes no odds

I'd heard that, but What Car still rate it. However, there's not many about, and the interweb is full of complaints.

I'd heard that, but What Car still rate it. However, there's not many about, and the interweb is full of complaints.

Given the source of the comment, I'd take it that "Which New Car Offers the Best Cost per Mile?" is wrong about the actual ownership experience.

But what happened to the 4-seater requirement?

Steve

Stuff everyone else, it's just me and the dog

Stuff everyone else, it's just me and the dog , and a bottle of orange squash

:sofahide:

Stuff everyone else, it's just me and the dog

Excellent, which returns you to the MX-5 suggestion

As I said before, I can appreciate it's worthyness but it doesn't do it for me in the looks department.

I know, I know sorry, couldn't resist! Only because I have a soft spot for them...

Did you end up test driving a Z4? Given a larger budget, I'd certainly consider them. But as mentioned earlier in the thread, the onset of the stupid tax bands next year would concern me. But that 3.0 just sounds so nice

Steve

I think this would suit you Pix:

If it hasnt been said before

Volvo c70 ?? T5 240bhp

I know, I know sorry, couldn't resist! Only because I have a soft spot for them...

Did you end up test driving a Z4? Given a larger budget, I'd certainly consider them. But as mentioned earlier in the thread, the onset of the stupid tax bands next year would concern me. But that 3.0 just sounds so nice

Steve

I am compiling a list of cars and have scanned the local paper to see who has got what in stock. I am hoping to do this in the next couple of weeks.

In the more 'pose mobile' section, I'd certainly second John's C70 suggestion, especially the current one with the triple section folding roof

Also in the same category: 3-Series, A4 and 9-3 convertibles.

Steve

MINI convertable?

I will be seeking out a mini for a test drive. I have sat in one when they first came out and it was quite big when comparing it to the original mini's, although you can't really compare the two. Visability to the rear was seriously lacking as with a lot of cabrios but rear parking sensors should help make me less OCD. I am over cautious I suppose, but rather that than bruise my car.

I believe the mini's hold their value well too, which could make it an expensive second hand buy.

I think given the budget many of the cars mentioned will be out of contention. I'm assuming that as you said your current trusty stead plus minimal cash you are on around a £8k to £10k max budget.

If this is the case I've just looked on Auto Trader within 100 miles of Portsmouth and it seems the C70 is in, as is the Mini, loads of MX5 which you don't like, a couple of random old Mercs(Nice SLK230), loads of MGF's, Older E36 BM's, few TVR's, nice spattering of tidy Z3's, MR2's, S1 Lotus Elise, a few Smart Roadster's and FourTwo's, a few SAAB's, more MX5's, JAG XJS 5.3, Alfa Spider V6 3.0, Lotus Elan, Nissan Figaro, Early TT's, Ford Mustang 3.8 V6, Audi A4, some dodgy looking Astra's and Megane's,

I will be seeking out a mini for a test drive. I have sat in one when they first came out and it was quite big when comparing it to the original mini's, although you can't really compare the two. Visability to the rear was seriously lacking as with a lot of cabrios but rear parking sensors should help make me less OCD. I am over cautious I suppose, but rather that than bruise my car.

I believe the mini's hold their value well too, which could make it an expensive second hand buy.

Can't agree on the Mini - think they look carp in drop-top form, like a serious afterthought. The roof doesn't even fold away anywhere, and like you say, the rear visibility is poor. I'd try a reverse park with the roof up on the test drive...

Steve

I will be seeking out a mini for a test drive. I have sat in one when they first came out and it was quite big when comparing it to the original mini's, although you can't really compare the two. Visability to the rear was seriously lacking as with a lot of cabrios but rear parking sensors should help make me less OCD. I am over cautious I suppose, but rather that than bruise my car.

I believe the mini's hold their value well too, which could make it an expensive second hand buy.

A 1 year old £14k mini is still getting 12.5k second hand with approaching 20k miles on them from looking around. I'd say that is pretty impressive.

What is it they say about fools and their money?