I'll second Chuck with the M3 E30 Lovely car!!


[Edited by Mark Champion - 5/3/2002 10:51:47 AM]

 

Tractor, I was in exactly the same position this time last year. I had set myself a budget of £17k and had set my heart on an Elise. Then a pal borrowed a Mazda MX5 1.8is from work, and let me have a go. I was hooked.

In the end I did my homework and hunted for a Jap spec car (ten times the spec) over a UK, and ended up the very happy owner of an imported 1.8is.

Overall, the car is comfortable and livable (unlike an Elise), impeccably built (unlike an MG), utterly reliable and leak free (unlike either of 'em: try pressure washing an MG), is FUN to drive (unlike a cabrio Beemer or the car I replaced, a MY2001 WRX) and compared to a Subaru, cheap to run (half price tyres, insurance, 35mpg) Trickling depreciation (G & H reg cars still seem to make over £4500). Local Mazda dealer looks after it, bits are cheap (not that I've bought any), and even the golf clubs fit in the boot (try that in a new MR2).

By the way, the car is for sale. Its basically a UK spec 1.8iS in Classic Red with a six speed close ratio 'box, limited slip diff, Bilstein handling kit, Bose CD system (superb when top down), high back seats and air conditioning. All factory fitted. Four new directional Bridgestones with the pips still on them are fitted to each corner. 39,000 miles. Speedo & mileometer converted. UNMARKED bodywork and paint, no parking dings or marks. Perfect hood and alloys. Full service. Interpol checked of course.

The car is currently in the showroom at J.P Rose in Macclesfield with £10595 on the screen. £9200 and its yours.

Didn' realise they had a website, www.jprose.co.uk.


[Edited by Olly - 5/3/2002 4:42:19 PM]

 

OK, here goes.

I want a convertible for the summer (no comments please ), and the criteria are as follows:

Reliable
Fast
Not ridiculously expensive to run
Good handling
Relatively practical (i.e. must be able to fit some luggage in)

..... and my budget is up to about 12 grand, although i would happily spend less or maybe a bit more for the right car...

Currently on the list, griff or Chimaera (obvious reliability and cost worries), Porsche 944 Cab (expensive to maintain?), MX5 (too slow, a bit girlie but great handling ), 3 series convertible (tad dull perhaps?), Elise (impractical, expensive to run?).

I need some inspiration here people, so let your imaginations run wild!!

Thanks

Mike

 

What about a Saab 900 / 9-3 convertible? My Dad's on his second so they must be quite good and I enjoy drivin it when I'm allowed.

Steve

 

306? need a couple of strut braces though(wobble)!!
Merc SL?
Alfa Spyder?
Lotus Elan?
New Fiat Barchetta?
Jag XJS

 

U can get a cheap LHD convertible from Germany.Z3 2.8 for 13K maybe less...or an E36 2.8 convertible(LHD) always

 

hello tractor!

am having serious thoughts of selling my immaculate 306 cabriolet, meets all your criteria(!!!)
if your looking for a car thats got the looks with practicality, then i dont think its a bad choice

brief details -
2.0 litre SE model - full spec
china blue with matching blue electric hood, full chestnut leather throughout (best colour combo i reckon), air-con, cd, etc
still under warranty

get in touch if you want to know more, hope this is helpful
max

 

Slightly older but.. M3 E30 Cabrio? Looks damn sexy.
C

 

golf cabriolet! then just up the engine abit!

 

Thanks for the advice guys, some good ideas.

Max, send me the specs and a price would you?

Chuck and Mark, I love the M3 but have always thought the cab looked a bit dodgy..... whereas the hard-top looks the nutts. I'll have a poke around and see if I change my mind. Anyone driven one of these?

Mike

 

Just remembered. ou cold try Parkers as they have a help me choose section. That's wat I used when choosing my Scoob.

Steve

 

Good sales pitch Olly. Sounds tempting. New shape or old? Can you mail some pics?

Don't suppose you fancy an Sti Type R do you?

Mike

 

Tractor: Sorry forgot to mention, new shaper.

Yes I may possibly be interested. Mail me some spec offline on ollybraithwaite@hotmail.com?

 

Olly, YHM.

Keep the suggestions coming guys.

Mike

 

hello mate

am trying to get some pics sorted for you, hopefully soon
anyway spec as follows -
2000 'W' 306 Cabriolet 2.0 engine SE spec model (top spec)
as said, matching blue exterior all round, incl. the hood, complemented by chesnut leather throughout (rare colour combo as the roofs are normally black!)
all extras - electric hood, air-con, abs, ebd, cd, e-windows x4, e-mirrors, alloys, airbags x4, alarm, immobiliser, all the bits!
21,000 miles with full Peugeot Service History and still under Warranty until March 2003.

looking for offers about £13,500
my email address for off-line is max911uk@hotmail.com

 

bttt, for tractor, and my reply!!!