If you were looking for a weekend car which had to be a convertible of some sort, and could spend anywhere between two and five thousand, what would you go for.

An MX5 is the default choice, and you won't go far wrong with a tidy rust free example, but what else is worth a look or worth avoiding?

 

It would need to fit in a single garage, so nothing too large like a Saab cabrio, and it shouldn't cost a fortune to keep on the road.

It doesn't need to be the absolute fastest thing on four wheels. Two seats is fine, but four might be nice.

 

BMW Z3s appeal, and there's even Boxsters or Lotus Elans available in budget, but if I can spend half of my budget and still enjoy it, great.

 

I've not ruled out some kind of classic - whether that's an 80s XR3i or Golf cabrio, or possibly go further back for a Triumph or MGB.

Honda CRX Del Sol, but then I would say that, wouldn't I  :sun:

 

Mine was £400 and I absolutely love it.  It's cost me £200 for tyres and £30 for new roof cogs, which it turned out I didn't need.

 

A jolly decent one will cost you under £2000 and the B16's are pretty quick.  Joy to drive, parts are Civic, so easy to find and they're getting more interest now as numbers are dwindling.

 

Gaz

MG TF?

Scimitar SS1/SST/Sabre

The styling of the SS1s are debatable but the Sabres look great.

They come with a range of engines from 1300, 1400 and 1600 CVHs, through the 1400 K series to the 1.8 Nissan turbo.

They handle absolutely brilliantly (more than rival MX5s) and Nissan powered ones are properly quick with scope to make them much quicker for under £100

They're cheap too. Between £1200 for a roadworthy CVH to £4000 for a really good one

As well to go and look at, and try one of the best 2 Seaters you will get at around £5,000 or less.

a Honda S2000 2.0 Roadster.

They will be higher mileage, but that is because owners loved driving them and used them. 

sub 5 grand S2000 might be a bit rough, prices seem to be rising

Buy one of the ones that are maybe not rough then, just cared and looked after.

 They are out there.

He / she who hesitates might lose out, especially if it is a rising market.

Buy one of the ones that are maybe not rough then, just cared and looked after.

 They are out there.

He / she who hesitates might lose out, especially if it is a rising market.

 

example?

V6 VW eos if you can find one

andypandypoos, 

If only looking for 1 to buy, just look at those on Autotrader with asking prices of £6,000 or less, 

but you will find other examples if you look at others advertising.

Just like with any car, they are there someplace, and sometimes rough cosmetic but sound mechanically can be easy to add value to.

http://autotrader.co.uk

All the S2000s seem very well used for £5k.

Does a CRX give you the proper feeling of a convertible? The sunroof in my Octy is about the same size as the roof panels. I do like them though.

There's plenty of choice of MGs. How are they to drive and own?

I'd not considered a scimitar. Will have to have a look at those.

Does a CRX give you the proper feeling of a convertible?

 

Yeah coz you wind the back window down and it makes it like a behind-your-head rollover bar 

 

 

Gaz

Ah, didn't know they did that.

Daihatsu Copen

Nissan Figaro

BMW 3 Series E38 I think

Convertible Suzuki Jimny lol

It's been ages since I've seen a Figaro that isn't rotting away. They all look really shabby now.

I'm not sure I'd fit in a Copen being 6ft1.

I discounted a Cappucino and Honda Beat for the same reasons.

SLK 230?

 

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201507175288655?channel=cars&sort=pricedesc&onesearchad=used%2Cnearlynew&make=mercedes-benz&postcode=sw25hd&radius=1501&model=slk&search-target=usedcars&price-to=5000&page=1&logcode=p

I'm not sure I'd fit in a Copen being 6ft1.

 

You'll struggle with an MX5 and an S2000 then - but not a Sol  :sun:  (I'm 6'4")

 

I first saw an S2000 at the Birmingham NEC in its launch year.  Everyone was very surprised that I simply couldn't get in it.

 

Gaz

andypandypoos, 

If only looking for 1 to buy, just look at those on Autotrader with asking prices of £6,000 or less, 

but you will find other examples if you look at others advertising.

Just like with any car, they are there someplace, and sometimes rough cosmetic but sound mechanically can be easy to add value to.

http://autotrader.co.uk

 

so, do we agree that at 5k you would be probably looking at rough examples?

Porsche Boxster - plenty around approx,£6k

e.g.http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201507285569323?channel=cars&price-to=7500&model=boxster_986&make=porsche&postcode=sn119rn&price-from=5000&search-target=usedcars&sort=default&radius=1501&page=1&onesearchad=used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew&logcode=p

Edited 9 August, 201510 yr by vrskeith

It's been ages since I've seen a Figaro that isn't rotting away. They all look really shabby now.

I'm not sure I'd fit in a Copen being 6ft1.

I discounted a Cappucino and Honda Beat for the same reasons.

I've got a copen. I reckon you would fit. I'm 5ft11 and haven't got my seat all the way back. It's great fun whizzing about with its tiny engine...but it is nippy enough. Roundabouts are hilarious!

Negatives..small engine, oil change every 3k or 6 months.

Andypandypoos, No we do not agree, and i have no idea how many car auctions or trade cars you go to.

 

The rough ones will be rough obviously, not probably, and the not rough ones are not.

 There are ones not 'Rough' good mechanically but might need some TLC cosmetically,

But if you buy sensibly then maybe get a 'Rough Looking one' for less money then add value.   As many do.

 

& Asking Prices are not offering Prices or Buying Prices, so if you want a £5,000 one then maybe look at ones with £6,000 asking prices that are not selling. Often they are not selling because people can not see the Wood for the Trees and just assume older or cheaper means 'Probably Rough'.

 

But that is all like teaching Granny to suck eggs probably.

Get an old MG , they cost peanuts to run and maintain  , good fun to drive , feels faster that they really are , biggest bugbear is rust , BUT , this opens you and swmbo to having a little fun doing historic rallies , you dont have to be a Mikkola they are not about speed but timing .

Look no further Dr. Z

You know already there's only one (I am biased of course)

Look no further Dr. Z

You know already there's only one (I am biased of course)

£5K BARGAIN - you selling already ChrisR ! lol

Edited 9 August, 201510 yr by vrskeith

As well to go and look at, and try one of the best 2 Seaters you will get at around £5,000 or less.

a Honda S2000 2.0 Roadster.

They will be higher mileage, but that is because owners loved driving them and used them.

Nice example :http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201507095052203?page=2&quicksearch=true&price-to=7000&channel=cars&make=honda&postcode=sn119rn&price-from=5000&search-target=usedcars&onesearchad=used%2Cnearlynew%2Cnew&radius=1501&sort=default&model=s2000&logcode=p