Car wanted alert

[Rocket88]

My brother in law has instructed me to find him some new wheels. I have convinced him that something riddled with electronics is not a good idea, so something pre circa 2004 ish is probably what I'm looking for. Must have four proper seats, and be a convertible. I've convinced him on the merits of a Saab [pre GM] 900, and an Audi 80/A4. Must be manual, and immaculate, and we do have a fairly chunky budget. Anyone out there with something that may fit the bill? Horsey Horseless need not apply..............

[ashmicro]

4 litre droptop Jaguar XJ-S. I had one years ago and it never went wrong. Pretty thirsty, but EVERYONE looked at it with envy. Manuals are rare, though.

[dollywobbler]

XJS isn't going to be any good on seat grounds. The rear seats are a joke! A really good Audi 80 drophead would be my choice I think - or a 2CV...

[dieselnutjob]

[trigger]

 

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[tonedepear]

I wouldn't discount a GM 900 either, personally.

[Rocket88]

He used to have a GM Saab converible, it was horrifically unreliable. He did mention Jag XK V8 thingies [the modern Jag convertible, but from what I've seen they're a tad cramped in the back, and I'd be worried about running / repair costs, as he knows bugger all about what goes on under the bonnet.

[dollywobbler]

He used to have a GM Saab converible, it was horrifically unreliable. He did mention Jag XK V8 thingies [the modern Jag convertible, but from what I've seen they're a tad cramped in the back, and I'd be worried about running / repair costs, as he knows bugger all about what goes on under the bonnet.

 

XK8 is pretty much just a prettier XJS in many ways, and that does include 'joke' rear seating. 306 isn't a bad shout. A Sixties Lincoln is a rather fabulous, and definitely spacious drophead.

[Rocket88]

He used to have a GM Saab converible, it was horrifically unreliable. He did mention Jag XK V8 thingies [the modern Jag convertible, but from what I've seen they're a tad cramped in the back, and I'd be worried about running / repair costs, as he knows bugger all about what goes on under the bonnet.

 

XK8 is pretty much just a prettier XJS in many ways, and that does include 'joke' rear seating. 306 isn't a bad shout. A Sixties Lincoln is a rather fabulous, and definitely spacious drophead.

 

Yank dropheads are out, as he wants right hand drive [and being in Jersey, they are a bit of a handfull] He does want something with a bit of glitz, and he does have a pretty serious amount of wedge to throw at it.

[dollywobbler]

He does want something with a bit of glitz, and he does have a pretty serious amount of wedge to throw at it.

 

This is probably the wrong forum to be asking on then...

[shite_meister]

BMW E46 convertible or even an E36 if he was prepared to go for an older model although the E46 will prob fit his criteria better.

[DCLane]

If he's got wedge, then this:

 

 

i.e. if he can afford to live in Jersey, he can afford it!

 

Or, the newer Saab 9-3 vert from 2004 (i.e. mine!) has decent space in the back.

[Magnificent Rustbucket]

BMW E46 convertible or even an E36 if he was prepared to go for an older model although the E46 will prob fit his criteria better.

 

I agree. My brother had an E36 convertible years back and it was an excellent car and much nicer than an Audi. I'm sure later cars would be better still. He also had an XK8 about 10 years ago. It was a good car, stylish, fast, charismatic and trouble free. Tiny in the back though. His current car is an aluminium bodied XKR. This is very impressive (much more so than the original XK8) and slightly more spacious. They are significantly cheaper to run than a Maserati. Could be worth a look?

[gtd2000]

 

 

And at the other end of the scale....

 

 

Both currently on eBay!

[Rocket88]

The "wanker chariot" stigma of Jags / Beemers /Audis and stuff of that ilk is a bit of a worry. The only "old but reliable" car that seems to fit the bill is a pre GM Saab convertible [Escrotes and other stuff are a bit too "low rent" for him, being an architect] Even the old "Dallas" Merc doesn't really have proper rear seats. If anyone can think of anything else, please fire eway. Anyone had any experience of Scimitar GTCs ?

[gtd2000]

How about a Volvo V70?

 

[Autoplas]

A124 E-Class Cabriolet, FMBSH and fully spec'd around £8,000 to £10,000 for a really nice one from a specialist depending on the model,miles and condition.

 

Definitely not a 'w*nker chariot', maybe more an 'antiques dealer wearing a cravat chariot' ?

[Rocket88]

Right. he's made his mind up, wants a pre GM 900 turbo, manual.In black. This could take a while as it's going to have to be mint.

[alfetta]

Having owned a string of classic 900's - they ain't all they're cracked up to be. I love the cars but they are at that age were they go wrong, badly...interiors ratle, fit and finish (even when new) wasn't the best. Most reliable are the non-turbos, simply because they don't require 'routine' gearbox replacement! Oh and look out for the rust....But yes just something about them that kept me buying the things. I think I'm 'cured' now though...

 

Seriously if it wasn't for the cracking bulkheads the much maligned GM version would be a better car in many ways...

[Formula Autos]

If no 900 is available, how about these?*........

*this one being my favourite, obviously.

[Rocket88]

Bought black 900 turbo convertible in the end. Mint condition, 66k miles, having a new hood fitted as we speak. £7.5k, which is now apparently the going rate for an absolute minter. Apparently, they've gone up in value dramatically in the past two years, and look like they'll continue to do so, especially when Saab inevitably go bust in Spyker's hands......... If you can buy a cheap one now, do so!

[alfetta]

nice, I can't see them going up much more personally, especially if saab go totally belly up....might scare people off parts wise. But yeah maybe in 50 years time

[dollywobbler]

Hmmm. Not sure 'going bust' necessarily results in a price rise. Pretty sure anyone with a Rover knows what's more likely to happen! Especially as most of Saab's recent motors have been somewhat crap.

[chaseracer]

 

Four seats? - check. Convertible? - check. No complicated electronics? - check.

 

You know it makes sense.