Keeping the wife happy - hard top cab
Discussion
Wife wants something more comfortable than her Renault Wind.
Hard top convertible, no older than 10 years, £12-£15k.
Due to parking we don't really want the hassle of a ragtop, a protected hedgerow with overhanging trees is a pain.
I'm pretty sure I have 2 real options
Merc SLK/C
BMW Z4
Typically she prefers the look of the Merc but wants something that feels sporty and involving so the Z4 fits better. Mercs around budget are almost exclusively 2.1 diesels with an auto, gonna need to test drive on but i cant see her enjoying it.
Other considerations ruled out
ND MX5 RF is a targa, she wants proper roof down
NC MX5 too bar of soapy
4 series - her bro has one so thats a no go
Hard top convertible, no older than 10 years, £12-£15k.
Due to parking we don't really want the hassle of a ragtop, a protected hedgerow with overhanging trees is a pain.
I'm pretty sure I have 2 real options
Merc SLK/C
BMW Z4
Typically she prefers the look of the Merc but wants something that feels sporty and involving so the Z4 fits better. Mercs around budget are almost exclusively 2.1 diesels with an auto, gonna need to test drive on but i cant see her enjoying it.
Other considerations ruled out
ND MX5 RF is a targa, she wants proper roof down
NC MX5 too bar of soapy
4 series - her bro has one so thats a no go
I've just had the same dilemma....
I ended up buying her a 2015 SLK 250CDI. Honestly, I'm quite surprised. In a good way.
Comfortable, economical, fast (relatively speaking), makes a great cruiser. The AMG spec is nice, bigger wheels and body kit, but ride lowered by 10mm so a bit less comforting.
You can pick up a decent one for 10-13k with low mileage and good spec, which is about the same as the Z4.
There's a surprising amount of space in the boot, even with the hood divider down, and plenty of cubby holes inside.
It's true, at low speeds the suspension is quite crashy, however, when at speed on A/M roads, it's supremely comfortable. I did 450 miles in a day (53 mpg) and was fresh as a daisy. Good handling, reasonable steering feel, but you can feel the weight. Still quiet with the root up. My Mrs loves it.
A few things to look out for:
- Buy on condition, not mileage. Critical that the rubber seals have been looked after and maintained regularly (use Gummi Pfledge)
- Get the right spec - ensure it has heated seats and parking sensors. Airscarf is a nice to have, however, I don't rate it. AMG spec looks nice
- Check the drainage channels (2 in boot, 2 on back of windows, 3 under scuttle, 1 under battery) have been regularly cleaned, otherwise you run the risk of flooding in the cabin
- Rotting subframes - happens a lot. Prevent with ACF50
- Headlights are SH!T. Upgrade bulbs, but obviously can't upgrade to LED following MOT changes
- '14 reg onwards were updated and some have the glass roofs. Some are glass roof, but have plastic inserts on the inside, but these can be replaced opening it up
- SLK250 CDI is NOT EU6! Only the SLK 250d (with ad blu) and the SLC 250d are, so not ULEZ compliant - if that affects you
An example:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103220...
Happy to answer any questions
I ended up buying her a 2015 SLK 250CDI. Honestly, I'm quite surprised. In a good way.
Comfortable, economical, fast (relatively speaking), makes a great cruiser. The AMG spec is nice, bigger wheels and body kit, but ride lowered by 10mm so a bit less comforting.
You can pick up a decent one for 10-13k with low mileage and good spec, which is about the same as the Z4.
There's a surprising amount of space in the boot, even with the hood divider down, and plenty of cubby holes inside.
It's true, at low speeds the suspension is quite crashy, however, when at speed on A/M roads, it's supremely comfortable. I did 450 miles in a day (53 mpg) and was fresh as a daisy. Good handling, reasonable steering feel, but you can feel the weight. Still quiet with the root up. My Mrs loves it.
A few things to look out for:
- Buy on condition, not mileage. Critical that the rubber seals have been looked after and maintained regularly (use Gummi Pfledge)
- Get the right spec - ensure it has heated seats and parking sensors. Airscarf is a nice to have, however, I don't rate it. AMG spec looks nice
- Check the drainage channels (2 in boot, 2 on back of windows, 3 under scuttle, 1 under battery) have been regularly cleaned, otherwise you run the risk of flooding in the cabin
- Rotting subframes - happens a lot. Prevent with ACF50
- Headlights are SH!T. Upgrade bulbs, but obviously can't upgrade to LED following MOT changes
- '14 reg onwards were updated and some have the glass roofs. Some are glass roof, but have plastic inserts on the inside, but these can be replaced opening it up
- SLK250 CDI is NOT EU6! Only the SLK 250d (with ad blu) and the SLC 250d are, so not ULEZ compliant - if that affects you
An example:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103220...
Happy to answer any questions
Great post thanks!
She’s never driven an auto and loves her Renault wind as it’s a really engaging manual drive. She also drives it’s pretty hard as she likes to “whizz along” but doesn’t really look far enough up the road and concentrates too much on her music.
I’d like to give her as little performance as possible, 9s to 62 is plenty quick enough. She loved the feeling of an old 116d I had from work but the 2 series is soft top only.
218i vert would be my choice for her if only I could convince her a soft top was ok
She’s never driven an auto and loves her Renault wind as it’s a really engaging manual drive. She also drives it’s pretty hard as she likes to “whizz along” but doesn’t really look far enough up the road and concentrates too much on her music.
I’d like to give her as little performance as possible, 9s to 62 is plenty quick enough. She loved the feeling of an old 116d I had from work but the 2 series is soft top only.
218i vert would be my choice for her if only I could convince her a soft top was ok
Hard top options.
SLK having an auto may have an added benefit of calming down her driving style, but with your budget you could get the SLK replacement, the SLC & you'll get a manual in both the SLK & SLC.
SLC200 Manual
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010195...
SLC250d auto
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103160...
SLK200 Manual with the Air Scarf
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103200...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103290...
Not slow but a nice car G37
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103270...
Lexus IS250
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103270...
MX5 RF it ticks all your boxes apart from the fact she may exploit the chassis to often
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102189...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010054...
C70
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202005259...
2.0T Eos
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012157...
SLK having an auto may have an added benefit of calming down her driving style, but with your budget you could get the SLK replacement, the SLC & you'll get a manual in both the SLK & SLC.
SLC200 Manual
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010195...
SLC250d auto
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103160...
SLK200 Manual with the Air Scarf
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103200...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103290...
Not slow but a nice car G37
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103270...
Lexus IS250
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103270...
MX5 RF it ticks all your boxes apart from the fact she may exploit the chassis to often
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102189...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010054...
C70
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202005259...
2.0T Eos
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012157...
ZX10R NIN said:
Hard top options.
SLK having an auto may have an added benefit of calming down her driving style, but with your budget you could get the SLK replacement, the SLC & you'll get a manual in both the SLK & SLC.
SLC200 Manual
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010195...
This one is a looker. SLC variant and a manual petrol version too. Your wife will love the car - people tend to hang on to them for a long time. SLK having an auto may have an added benefit of calming down her driving style, but with your budget you could get the SLK replacement, the SLC & you'll get a manual in both the SLK & SLC.
SLC200 Manual
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010195...
The main issues seems to centre on leaks to the roof - mine has a glass roof and isn’t a problem. Rear subframes are a R171 issue, the R172 doesn’t have the same problem although it’s still early days given their relative youth. The SLC also has better roof functionality, like being able to operate it on the move and remote opening - the SLK’s don’t unless you add a Smart Top.
Edited by maz8062 on Wednesday 31st March 10:12
had to update this...walking the dog round the village the wife spotted something she liked and then something else she liked both way above her budget.
She has convinced herself that we should pool resources, keep the wind or my civic as hack and double the budget to get a last hurrah before invariably going electric.
She saw..
Maserati Gran Turismo
Jaguar F Type
has also pointed out in the last week, a Mercedes SL (not K/C) Mustang V8 convertible
Next week she will want a Evoque or something again
Good job we wont be doing anything until after the the our wedding re-do! I will stick to avoiding the conversation for now.
She has convinced herself that we should pool resources, keep the wind or my civic as hack and double the budget to get a last hurrah before invariably going electric.
She saw..
Maserati Gran Turismo
Jaguar F Type
has also pointed out in the last week, a Mercedes SL (not K/C) Mustang V8 convertible
Next week she will want a Evoque or something again
Good job we wont be doing anything until after the the our wedding re-do! I will stick to avoiding the conversation for now.
andburg said:
had to update this...walking the dog round the village the wife spotted something she liked and then something else she liked both way above her budget.
She has convinced herself that we should pool resources, keep the wind or my civic as hack and double the budget to get a last hurrah before invariably going electric.
She saw..
Maserati Gran Turismo
Jaguar F Type
has also pointed out in the last week, a Mercedes SL (not K/C) Mustang V8 convertible
Next week she will want a Evoque or something again
Good job we wont be doing anything until after the the our wedding re-do! I will stick to avoiding the conversation for now.
Horror stories of huge repair bills on the Maserati would scare me away.She has convinced herself that we should pool resources, keep the wind or my civic as hack and double the budget to get a last hurrah before invariably going electric.
She saw..
Maserati Gran Turismo
Jaguar F Type
has also pointed out in the last week, a Mercedes SL (not K/C) Mustang V8 convertible
Next week she will want a Evoque or something again
Good job we wont be doing anything until after the the our wedding re-do! I will stick to avoiding the conversation for now.
An F-Type is a magnificant choice, they're very reasonable money nowadays and I'd struggle to look past one.
ZX10R NIN said:
Maserati's don't go majorly wrong but they aren't cheap to run but they're cheaper than an Aston.
When the time comes take her to look at an SLC & I think you'll be fine.
we shall see when the time comes.When the time comes take her to look at an SLC & I think you'll be fine.
a 15 year old maserati is not something I'd be comfortable stretching budget to reach. If I cant comfortably afford to buy it while driving a 60+mpg diesel I'll struggle with 15mph + £500 VED + servicing.
A 5 year old F-type or SLC for similar money is going to cost half what a maserati would day to day.
I am struggling to come up with another metal folding hardtop..........Was that silly Mini Roadster/coupe a folding hard top?
Anyways, SLC gets my vote or the Z4.
F type I struggle to like as a roadster yet the coupe is magnificent. If the game has moved to coupes with sunroofs though, perhaps a 235?
Anyways, SLC gets my vote or the Z4.
F type I struggle to like as a roadster yet the coupe is magnificent. If the game has moved to coupes with sunroofs though, perhaps a 235?
another minor update, something to do on a sunday meant we nipped out to a small local trader who had a 2008 SLK, a 2014 SLK, a 2014 Z4 and a few MX5's.
The wife is pretty much dead set on a 2012>SLK with parking sensors front and rear as she has no idea where the front or back is, yet to take a test drive though.
Wont be looking to buy for at least 3 months as we have a huge first wedding anniversary do to pay for which will hopefully be the wedding we should have in 2020.
The wife is pretty much dead set on a 2012>SLK with parking sensors front and rear as she has no idea where the front or back is, yet to take a test drive though.
Wont be looking to buy for at least 3 months as we have a huge first wedding anniversary do to pay for which will hopefully be the wedding we should have in 2020.
andburg said:
another minor update, something to do on a sunday meant we nipped out to a small local trader who had a 2008 SLK, a 2014 SLK, a 2014 Z4 and a few MX5's.
The wife is pretty much dead set on a 2012>SLK with parking sensors front and rear as she has no idea where the front or back is, yet to take a test drive though.
Wont be looking to buy for at least 3 months as we have a huge first wedding anniversary do to pay for which will hopefully be the wedding we should have in 2020.
I have just had a near mirror copy discussion with my partner last week... she saw an SLK at a garage and loved the shape. Not needing a diesel we looked at petrol (limited options as they are quite rare) The wife is pretty much dead set on a 2012>SLK with parking sensors front and rear as she has no idea where the front or back is, yet to take a test drive though.
Wont be looking to buy for at least 3 months as we have a huge first wedding anniversary do to pay for which will hopefully be the wedding we should have in 2020.
Ended up buying a SLK 350 with great spec (Air scarf / Glass roof) Full MB sh. Test drive went well - V6 sounds great roof up or down and it has some shove / feels well planted. Im sure i will be borrowing it!
Good luck with your search!
I’ve just swapped by MY15 350 for a MY11 200 - a non sport variant.The 350 was very fast, too fast for public roads and the suspension was hard. The AMG sport comes with the 18 inch wheels, which look good, but are no where near as comfortable as the stock 17’s. The 200 has Airscarf (I don't get what all the fuss is about it), heated seats, parking sensors, sat nav etc.
If I was recommending an SLK for someone that just wants to drive, be comfortable and have a few goodies, I’d recommend the SLK200/250 non sport version. It’s a mini SL, while I think the sport version is trying to be something it’s not.
If I was recommending an SLK for someone that just wants to drive, be comfortable and have a few goodies, I’d recommend the SLK200/250 non sport version. It’s a mini SL, while I think the sport version is trying to be something it’s not.
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