Slightly out of Shite-range convertibles...

[JayW]

I'm starting to look for a new convertible to replace the 306 cabby.

 

Must haves:

 

Full size 4 seater

Diesel

Auto

A/C

 

Budget will be upto £3k.

 

So far, all that fits is the A4 in 2 & 2.5 litre form but they're a tad boring. OK but boring.

 

No immediate rush, just looking for further inspiration.

 

Any further suggestions?

[rantingYoof]

Not sure on four seats but look at the C70?

 

 

 

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[SiC]

Saab 9-3?

 

So far, all that fits is the A4 in 2 & 2.5 litre form but they're a tad boring. OK but boring.

Tbh, these requirements in a cabriolet make most floppy, heavy/slow and boring:

Full size 4 seater

Diesel

[Supernaut]

A diesel, auto, 4 seat convertible that isn't boring?

 

Aye, good luck with that one.

[barmatt]

I've always been of the opinion that convertibles and coupes just shouldn't be diesel, imo it takes away from the sporty* image that they aim for.

 

One of my customers drives a new merc rag top diesel thing and every time I see it I want to slap him for spending £30k+ on a new motor but still being tight enough to buy a doozil.

[JayW]

By an A4 being boring I meant tedious and boring, much in the same way a 3-series is.

 

My requirements, might not light everyone's burner, but at least I know exactly what I'm looking for, I'm just trying to find it in an interesting package.

 

Both are perfectly good cars in their own right but just not pressing my buttons.

 

I'm trying to draw on people's knowledge of what's available out there. Unfortunately, typing "diesel automatic cabriolet" into eBay will only bring up a fraction of motors.

 

The Saab is a good left-field shout, I'll go take a looksie...

[JayW]

Double post

[Hertz]

I can recommend the Megane Convertible. A Diesel Auto will be rare I would have thought, this is the only one on ebay and is very salty (we paid £850 for our 2006 1.6).

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2006-Renault-Megane-1-9-dCi-Privilege-2dr-Auto-2-door-Convertible-/262764071553?hash=item3d2df58a81:g:hOoAAOSw-0xYUsxB

 

Quirky and I don't feel like a tart driving it.

[SiC]

PT cruiser convertible?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'll get my coat

[smellypoo]

Possible suggestions:

Focus CC

Volkswagen EOS

Astra Twintop

 

Might be a bit cramped in the back and for a 'good' diesel auto example you might struggle for a 3k budget

[FakeConcern]

Not sure on four seats but look at the C70?

 

 

 

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You can these with the D5 in, should be a bit interesting!

[Guest Hooli]

This is AS so...

 

 

Stag with LPG

[Uncle Jimmy]

Convertible, diseasal? 4 seats? Auto? AIRCON??

I need a lie down.

[Cheggers]

Mercedes CLK?

 

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[Uncle Jimmy]

Get a Saab 9-3, yes the later Vectra based type. OK, they have some faults but they are outweighed by 4 very comfortable seats, an excellent hood which produces remarkably little wind noise at speed and a turbo powered petroleum engine.

plus Saabs are for the winnerz.

[0ldCh0d]

The W208 Shape Mercedes CLK 320 Avantgarde, or, if you want Smoooooooth V8 Waftage, A Mercedes CLK 430, Nice ones can be had for that budget if you look around.

 

Don't get put off with the running cost either, the V6 3.2 & V8 4.3 Fuel wise, there is not much between them TBH.

 

Just my Tuppence worth. They drive fantastic if they are looked after, Still look lovely now & the smooth, silent, linear speed (i have now a CLK 430) But, i had a CLK 320 Avantgarde before that, 2001, 51 plate vintage, Quartz Blue (the best colour IMO) & it was the dogs danglies. I 100% regret selling that one.

 

Things to check are, the Auto gearbox changes should be smooth & seamless, however, if it feels like the gearbox is slipping or the car is reluctant to move very far, it can be a speed sensor in the gearbox ( it is NOT drastic, gearbox out stuff however, Just a job that a good Mercedes specialist should be able to do) The replacement of this sensor also includes NEW GENUINE MERCEDES ATF fluid (These boxes are fussy about the wrong fluid, IT HAS TO BE GENUINE MERCEDES). Also, they like front springs from time to time, Again, not a massive expence though. 

 

Bodywise, apart from the usual mercedes rust on the wings, bottom of doors & on the tailgate around the boot lock & boot trim above the number plate, They are excellent cars IMO.

 

Trim to have is Avantgarde, This adds, Dark Maple wood trim, Blue tinted glass all round, deletion of chrome around the windows etc.

x8 speaker Becker stereo, Plus lowered suspension.

 

Elegance,Light coloured wood trim, softer suspension, green tinted glass all round, chrome around window trims etc, Plus more luxury items, Digital Air con etc.

 

 

I had to have the speed sensor replaced on my CLK 320 & once done.... it honestly felt like it had just drove out of the Mercedes dealer that day. It is a car that i never, ever ever, got/get bored of driving, ever.

 

Basically, for your budget, you can pick up a nice, looked after CLK. Dark wood & Leather trim a must. Also, Look for higher option list items, electric memory seats etc...

 

Attached is one identical to my old CLK 320, Colour, wheels etc. NOTE...this is a CLK 430 pictured, but it is to give you an idea, Also it is not a convertible...

 

[DVee8]

For the discerning convertible owner their can only be one.

4 seats

Diesel

Air con

Auto

 

 

 

 

SORRY

[Junkman]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/David-Brown-950-tractor-/302180326800

 

 

+

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FRASER-AGRICULTURAL-TIPPING-TRAILER-DIRECT-LOCAL-COUNCIL-/371785139555

 

 

+

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/A-TRADITIONAL-BEIGE-FLORAL-FLATWEAVE-FABRIC-3-SEATER-SOFA-/222361792422

[conkerman]

Any plans for the 306. I miss my old one.

 

I'd go C70, not sure a decent one will be had for budget though.

 

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[JayW]

Volvo's been shortlisted!

 

Mercs are where I struggle, I find the era my money will put me in is a minefield of rust infused dodgy wings and door bottoms???

[0ldCh0d]

Volvo's been shortlisted!

 

Mercs are where I struggle, I find the era my money will put me in is a minefield of rust infused dodgy wings and door bottoms???

 

Avoid Bumtree, drug dealer chaved up ones, but, seriously, buy correctly & selectivlely & these will not see you wrong if looked after. They also, i think, will slowly increase in value in future.The Mercedes i mean, not the Volvo.

[FakeConcern]

Get a Saab 9-3, yes the later Vectra based type. OK, they have some faults but they are outweighed by 4 very comfortable seats, an excellent hood which produces remarkably little wind noise at speed and a turbo powered petroleum engine.

plus Saabs are for the winnerz.

I like the look of these, however I remember a friend of mine using his father's one and describing it as "like driving two cars at once"!

[Vince70]

How about a Beetle convertible as these can be had with low mileage with the 1.9tdi engine for under 3 grand now... maybe not this one as it looks a bit girly.. but it gives you an idea of prices.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/232167981686

[0ldCh0d]

1 Owner from new, Last of these this shape on a 2002, 

 

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201508186153733?price-to=4000&onesearchad=Used&sort=price-asc&model=CLK&body-type=Convertible&postcode=eh546la&advertising-location=at_cars&make=MERCEDES-BENZ&radius=1500&page=7

 

 

Edit...roof a bit temperamental......Money Off...

[Vince70]

But being autoshite it should be something that's a bit shonky and French

So a C3 plural should be on the radar.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/222362794614

Or a Peugeot 206.

[0ldCh0d]

But being autoshite it should be something that's a bit shonky and French

So a C3 plural should be on the radar.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/222362794614

Or a Peugeot 206.

 

Sorry.....i will stop the Mercedes CLK drooling...

 

Loads of C3 Plural's for that budget....lol.

[JayW]

Such insolence will not be tolerated!

[Vince70]

I don't think the E36 convertible can be had with a diesel lump but the E46 can be had with a diesel.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/142184041841

The mileage is a bit leggy on this one but I guess a lower mileage example could be had if your prepared to travel.

[JayW]

Plurials, 206's etc are too small. Have to occasionally fit the teenage kids in the back. They fit in the 306 - just. But additional space would be good.

 

I also don't like the CC's / hardtops as they're lack of boot space with the roof down is impractical.

 

The current 306 is a weekend toy that rarely gets used, whereas the replacement is likely to be my daily, hence the requirements list.

 

Not worried about sportiness, I'm happy with comfort. If I could get fabric over leather and not burn my arse I would!

[Skizzer]

Would you not just be better with a regular car - £3k will get you a decent Alfa 159, say, in Diesel if you really must - and keep the 306 for those weekend days when the need for a sunburnt neck overcomes the need for structural integrity? Or are you incredibly tall or something?