Soft top for the summer - £3000 ish?

[Searider]

Evening all,

Having just sold my S4 we find that we are now a 2 diesel car household.
However, my Wife suggested that it would be fun to have a cheap and cheerful convertible for the summer.

I like the idea of an MX-5 but a quick search and MOT history check confirms that they rust for fun!
Is there a secret to finding a rust free one?

What else could I get for my budget - give or take a little for the "right" car. £3000 or less, but up to £4000 if it makes sense.

[Watchthis]

For less than £2k you can have a focus cc convertible. That's what I did last year and it was a great car. Actually only sold this year due to buying a Q5 for the dog

[Xcore]

Mk1 or mk3 mx5, ropey boxster, MR-2/S

[ZX10R NIN]

MR2:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206116...

Z4 3.0i SE

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205045...

2.5i SE: I know it's a cat car but it may well be worth a look

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205306...

3.2 Audi TT:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205055...

Crossfire not the sharpest but a nice GT convertible:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205225...

C70 2.5T SE Lux:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204254...

[Searider]

ZX10R NIN said:

MR2:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202206116...

Z4 3.0i SE

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205045...

2.5i SE: I know it's a cat car but it may well be worth a look

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205306...

3.2 Audi TT:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205055...

Crossfire not the sharpest but a nice GT convertible:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205225...

C70 2.5T SE Lux:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202204254...

Thanks - I had spotted the TT. Hmmm.

I quite like the BMWs. Would have to be manual. I'll look further

Edited by Searider on Saturday 11th June 21:04

[Searider]

Watchthis said:

For less than £2k you can have a focus cc convertible. That's what I did last year and it was a great car. Actually only sold this year due to buying a Q5 for the dog

Thanks - but not really "fun" enough.

[Searider]

Xcore said:

Mk1 or mk3 mx5, ropey boxster, MR-2/S

Still like the idea of an MX5. What's the secret to finding a non rusty one?
Having had a 996 I don't think i'd risk a ropy Boxster!
Hadn't thought of an Mr2

[Xcore]

Searider said:

Still like the idea of an MX5. What's the secret to finding a non rusty one?
Having had a 996 I don't think i'd risk a ropy Boxster!
Hadn't thought of an Mr2

Be smart and check all the common areas

[SAS Tom]

Best option is to find one that has just been done by a reputable place. Other than that I don’t think there are really any guarantees of being rust free.

[Searider]

SAS Tom said:

Best option is to find one that has just been done by a reputable place. Other than that I don’t think there are really any guarantees of being rust free.

I think that’s got to be the best approach - but the mainstream advertised cars - PH/AT/FB etc no one admits to welding having been carried out despite many having failed MOTs in the last 18 months. I suspect lots of under seal!
I think I’m going to have to search on the owners groups.

[ChrisH72]

At that money I'd go for a MR2 rather than an MX5.

I had a 2005 MR2 very similar to the one ZR posted earlier. It really was excellent. At the time I was also looking at an MX5 but just found the Toyota better value for money, which I think it still is. Less likely to rot too.