Convertible for £15k

[Not Cool]

Hi all,

Calling on your advice and knowledge. I am moving to Spain for a couple of years end of this year and looking to bring a convertible with me. I have decided RHD from the UK is better than Spanish high-mileage/high prices used LHD market.

If you had an absolute maximum of £15k (but would rather spend less), which used convertible would you buy? I have been looking at Boxters, TVRs, Cascada(!), A3 and A5, Peugeot 308, etc. I have even looked at the imported Ford Mustang market (for a LHD at a decent price)!

I am open to roadsters or four seaters, but I really want a fun, reliable mechanically and electrically sound car which will not cost a fortune to maintain and will not become a source of pain for the duration I am over there, but may even want to bring back.

What car would you suggest I look at to enjoy the Spanish sunshine, but still be able to do the shopping in and leave in a supermarket car park?

Thanks!

[philrs03]

You won’t go wrong an MX5 in any flavour. You could have a nice modified NC or an ND (New shape) for 15k. Both are cheap to buy and cheap to run, would be great fun on Spanish roads and easy to park in some of the more interesting areas!

[brillomaster]

The fact you've mentioned a Peugeot 308 in the same sentence as a boxster or tvr, suggests you don't want a boxster or a tvr.

Mazda mx5 is the right choice, though perhaps look at a volkswagen eos. Should be as reliable and easy to service as a golf.

[d_a_n1979]

Honda S2K for the fantastic F20C VTEC engine and superb drive

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?postcode=P...

Or a BMW 6 series vert for proper GT driving and if you're brave enough; a V8 for the soundtrack too:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-search?advertisin...

[Cupramax]

Having a convertible in Spain will quickly lose its attraction, the sun out there is way too strong in summer, you’ll be fried within half an hour roof down, been there got the teeshirt, there’s a reason you don’t see locals in them, it’s only Brits and Germans.

[cerb4.5lee]

I'm biased, but you could get one of these. They are reliable, plus they don't cost a fortune to maintain, and they also have heated and cooled seats. I've had mine for 5 years now, and I still love it.

[Jayho]

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/2023042666...

Beautiful looking things. Won't be all that in terms of driving agility, but who cares when you're in the hot sun.

[georgeyboy12345]

This got me looking at what's available in LHD on autotrader

You've got to get this R129 Mercedes SL500 originally from Saudi Arabia. Yeah there's a bit of rust underneath the doors, but that won't get any worse while in Spain, plus you could always get it treated.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401316...

Some more LHD Mercs

SLK320 - these were prone to rust, but from the ad description shouldn't be a problem with this one, and won't be a problem for you in Spain
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403147...

Same for this CLK320 Cabriolet - MOT history looks alright
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202402026...


Saab 9-3 Vector Convertible
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403147...


Fiat Barchetta - perhaps a bit leggy
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202308040...


5th gen Ford Mustang V8
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202304106...

[lancslad58]

Smart Four Two
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202402226...


Smart FourTwo Brabus edition

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403187...

[300sl-24]

I would buy a Mercedes R129. I have an SL320 which I like, but if you find a nice 500 that's the way to go.

[ZX10R NIN]

cerb4.5lee said:

I'm biased, but you could get one of these. They are reliable, plus they don't cost a fortune to maintain, and they also have heated and cooled seats. I've had mine for 5 years now, and I still love it.

Have to agree with this for your usage this will tick every box:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403157...

SLK55 AMG, these are pretty much bulletproof & are a great car:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403167...

[Not Cool]

Thank you all for some brilliant suggestions so far. I must admit manual cars appeal more for their responsiveness, but the Nissan and Mercedes are great suggestions I had not considered and are modern classics I like the sound of.

[BenB91]

Jaguar XK or XKR.

[cerb4.5lee]

Not Cool said:

Thank you all for some brilliant suggestions so far. I must admit manual cars appeal more for their responsiveness, but the Nissan and Mercedes are great suggestions I had not considered and are modern classics I like the sound of.

You can get the Nissan in both manual(mine is a manual) and auto, so you get to choose which one you prefer with them.

[ZX10R NIN]

Not Cool said:

Thank you all for some brilliant suggestions so far. I must admit manual cars appeal more for their responsiveness, but the Nissan and Mercedes are great suggestions I had not considered and are modern classics I like the sound of.

Manual 370Z:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202402146...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403187...

[andburg]

Because obviously I have to recommend what I have

Fiat 124 spider or the abarth version, other than the timing belt everything is cheap and I’d bet you can find a decent lhd one over there. 15k will get you a solid car and some change.

Plenty of U.K. owners have one because they enjoyed them so much as hire cars in Spain/canaries.

[bennno]

ZX10R NIN said:

SLK55 AMG, these are pretty much bulletproof & are a great car:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403167...

Apart from rocker cover seals, ecu’s, rear subframes rusting through, hugely expensive brake disks on some models, drivers side headlight damage due to engine heat, roof seals.

I’ve had 2 of these btw. Great cars, better than SL55.

[TwigtheWonderkid]

Cupramax said:

Having a convertible in Spain will quickly lose its attraction, the sun out there is way too strong in summer, you’ll be fried within half an hour roof down, been there got the teeshirt, there’s a reason you don’t see locals in them, it’s only Brits and Germans.

Yup, Spain has a completely unsuitable climate for convertibles. We have a pretty good climate for them, which is why we apparently buy more convertibles than Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece combined.

[ZX10R NIN]

bennno said:

Apart from rocker cover seals, ecu’s, rear subframes rusting through, hugely expensive brake disks on some models, drivers side headlight damage due to engine heat, roof seals.

I’ve had 2 of these btw. Great cars, better than SL55.

I've never had an SLK55 but have had a few CLK55's & currently have a CLK63 & 55, none of my CLK's have had any subframe issues, I think the brake discs are reasonable you can buy non floating discs for those that have them but I didn't do that with mine.

Seals can be an issue but regular lubing seems to sort this & as a former owner of an SL55 which I enjoyed so much I bought it back 3 times!!!

I do concur that the smaller SLK55 is a bit more enjoyable but both are great cars in their own right.

[Watchthis]

M235i convertible would be my choice. Actually it was/is my choice