Comfortable Hard-top Convertible?
Comfortable Hard-top Convertible?
Author
Discussion

volvoforlife

Original Poster:

724 posts

179 months

Wednesday 9th February 2011
quotequote all
Does anyone know of any convertible cars that are comfortable and nicely equipped with a hard-top which can be bought used for under £17k? I want a hard-top because I sometimes park in dodgy areas where someone could slash a normal ragtop and I want it to feel secure even when theres blizzards.

I was thinking about SLK which is a bit feminine but not sure what the ride quality is like. A neighbour of mine had one and said it was pretty harsh. I find my Boxster a bit harsh given the exponential rate of potholes appearing in West Yorkshire.

The only other option I can think of would be a 4-seater like a BMW 3-Series Convertible (out of budget) or Volvo C70. The C70 seems to get mixed reviews (mostly negative) and doesn't look that great to me but on paper seems hard to beat.

Can anyone think of any others? Are the French models any good?

FamilyDub

3,587 posts

181 months

Wednesday 9th February 2011
quotequote all

E46 M3 cabrio.... biggrin

DrTre

12,955 posts

248 months

Wednesday 9th February 2011
quotequote all
VW Eos?
Isn't there a Focus CC?

Edited by DrTre on Wednesday 9th February 10:27

The Nur

9,168 posts

201 months

Wednesday 9th February 2011
quotequote all
You can get a hardtop for an mx-5 you know...





sorry

kambites

69,746 posts

237 months

Wednesday 9th February 2011
quotequote all
FamilyDub said:
E46 M3 cabrio.... biggrin
... isn't a hard top.

What about an SL? It's worth trying an SLK (without AMG suspension), too. I don't think they're particularly harsh; certainly softer than a Boxster.

Edited by kambites on Wednesday 9th February 10:48

RobM77

35,349 posts

250 months

Wednesday 9th February 2011
quotequote all
The SLK's a fine car. I found the ride too soft for me actually! Nice handling though, well appointed and a good all rounder.

The SLK has the unusual distinction of being the only standard car on sale that I've driven where I can achieve the ideal slight bend in the leg when fully down on the clutch and bent arms on the steering wheel (small of wrist in top of wheel when arm is straight)), and as such is the most comfortable car I've ever driven.

Bluebarge

4,519 posts

194 months

Wednesday 9th February 2011
quotequote all

Accelebrate

5,418 posts

231 months

Wednesday 9th February 2011
quotequote all
DrTre said:
VW Eos?
Isn't there a Focus CC?
Don't both suffer from horrendous leaks and a 'they all do that' dealership response?

Err, folding hardtop MX-5?

volvoforlife

Original Poster:

724 posts

179 months

Wednesday 9th February 2011
quotequote all
Accelebrate said:
Don't both suffer from horrendous leaks and a 'they all do that' dealership response?

Err, folding hardtop MX-5?
I heard this too. The whole reason for a hard-top is so that it is as watertight as a coupe.

Looking at MX5 and spotted this beauty:



What bodykit is that?

carmadgaz

3,204 posts

199 months

Wednesday 9th February 2011
quotequote all
The Nur said:
You can get a hardtop for an mx-5 you know...





sorry
But your right. I find the wind noise with the hardtop (well the one I have) is annoying though, can't wait to get a new softtop.

New shape '5s are available with a metal foldy roof. Best of both worlds. I like the C70 and Eos too but I have heard the Eos can have problems with leaks.

Edited cos I'm a divboxedin

Edited by carmadgaz on Wednesday 9th February 11:02

Dog Star

17,004 posts

184 months

Wednesday 9th February 2011
quotequote all
You'll get an R230 SL for 17K now I would think.
Stick to the 350 though and give yourself a fighting chance of avoiding ruinous repair bills for the 500s ABC bdy fking expensive suspension.

Pothole

34,367 posts

298 months

Wednesday 9th February 2011
quotequote all

Accelebrate

5,418 posts

231 months

Wednesday 9th February 2011
quotequote all
volvoforlife said:
I heard this too. The whole reason for a hard-top is so that it is as watertight as a coupe.

Looking at MX5 and spotted this beauty:



What bodykit is that?
Is that at Oxford Mazda? Oddly I think I was looking at that very car earlier in the week. Couldn't make my mind up about the bodykit.

christofmccracke

881 posts

216 months

Wednesday 9th February 2011
quotequote all
The e92 bmw 3 series hardtop convertible is pretty comfortable.

FamilyDub

3,587 posts

181 months

Wednesday 9th February 2011
quotequote all
kambites said:
FamilyDub said:
E46 M3 cabrio.... biggrin
... isn't a hard top.
Er, there are hardtop's available.

Ok, it's not a CC, but I would.

Hitch78

6,118 posts

210 months

Wednesday 9th February 2011
quotequote all
volvoforlife said:
Accelebrate said:
Don't both suffer from horrendous leaks and a 'they all do that' dealership response?

Err, folding hardtop MX-5?
I heard this too. The whole reason for a hard-top is so that it is as watertight as a coupe.

Looking at MX5 and spotted this beauty:



What bodykit is that?
A Mazda MX5 one.

volvoforlife

Original Poster:

724 posts

179 months

Wednesday 9th February 2011
quotequote all
Hitch78 said:
A Mazda MX5 one.
Haha well done. But I haven't seen it any other MX5, only that one at Oxford.

edo

16,699 posts

281 months

Wednesday 9th February 2011
quotequote all
SLK350. Really nice cars.

2007 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK 350 2dr Tip Auto Roadster, 35,000 miles
Private Seller

Every possible extra: COMMAND, 7G Tronic- 7 speed gearbox with Tipronic, multi-function steering wheel with paddles, tracker, Air Scarfs, Bi-Xenon, electric memory seats package, mobile phone pre-wiring, IPOD/USB connection, integrated 6 disc CD changer, Parktronic front/rear parking sensors, remote alarm, ABS, rain-sensing wipers, mirror upgrade package, Tyre pressure monitoring system, remote control roof system all usual refinements. Black leather interior, 11 months MOT. Stunning car in immaculate condition. One lady owner from new. £17,499 ONO.






jb9193

809 posts

183 months

Wednesday 9th February 2011
quotequote all
OP - judging by your screen name, wouldn't you like this??



ETA: should read your full post first lol
.....still nice though smile

The Nur

9,168 posts

201 months

Wednesday 9th February 2011
quotequote all
carmadgaz said:
But your right. I find the wind noise with the hardtop (well the one I have) is annoying though, can't wait to get a new softtop.

New shape '5s are available with a metal foldy roof. Best of both worlds. I like the C70 and Eos too but I have heard the Eos can have problems with leaks.

Edited cos I'm a divboxedin

Edited by carmadgaz on Wednesday 9th February 11:02
I know I was technically correct, I just didn't think an mx-5 would have been classed as comfortable enough for the op.