Used convertible for under £8,000? Any advice?

[mr_rizla]

I love the outdoors. I love the wind, the sun, and even sometimes the rain. Really I should get a bike, but job conditions prevent that... SO, a convertible it is!

I stress I haven't test-driven ANY of the below (only taken out a Skoda Fabia Vrs so far, which I have to admit was quite fun) but from reading and looking these are my comments so far:

MX5 - Reliable, a favourite for many. However, looks a bit gay without any bodykit, and this tends to push the price up.
MG TF - Its a rover... many people seem to like it, but more seem to claim it is badly built, not that speedy and overall less then 100%.
206 CC - Leaky roof. Badly built. Looks like a hairdressers car.
Renault Megane - Similar comments to the MG TF. Not that much oomph.

Other considerations are, I'm 6'2" (although do have my driving position quite close to the wheel) and have no No Claims. So can't go too high up the insurance classes.

Have I missed the ideal model for me? Am I wrong in my comments above? Do you own any of the above or similar and want to add something? Do you want to sell it to me? Any advice is welcome and appreciated. Bring on the summer....

[Howard]

I really like the newer style MX5. The one from about 1997 on I think it was. Not entirely sure.

[Moby-Dick]

another vote for an MX5 here - try and get a hardtop for the winter

its the best drive you've listed.

ignore any hairdresser jibes - they've not seen Zak drift them

what about a Mark 2 MR2 Targa ? - its almost a convertable and you can get an insurance friendly N/A one.

If you do stick with an MX5 - when funds / insurance allow theres nothing to stop you from fttign the turbo or supercharger kits to them for some very silly fun

[Zak33]

I love MX-5's and its a great quality build too

Its David's car that converted me totally to the Jap import ones with a Limited Slip diff for sideways

[XTR]

2.0 16v Megane Cabriolet... 150bhp

With a bit of Bling!

[wilsonian]

i know the insurance and running costs will put you off but i've seen early 90's TVR's going for a 5k mark - V8 as well!

[Zak33]

With a bit of Bling!

those wheels are rank. Just goppin'. Truly dire.

I'd rather have 13" steels with rust and no trims.

[Butuz]

MX5 - one of the best handling, and the most fun to drive car in the world. Needs a turbo bolted on but apart from that

Only one worth considering out of that list IMHO, the rest are poop

Butuz

[Jammin]

Honda CRX Del Sols? Look ok only they stopped making them in 97 so you'd be hardpressed to find one in good condition.... check ebay for them most of them under 4grand even but only 2 seats tho

[iMc]

I'd rather have 13" steels with rust and no trims.

ooooo

do you want my car then?!

[5lab]

what about a mini? or, for some style, a saab or volvo c70?

[Vimeous]

No no-claims = budget cut
However there's still loads to consider.

TBH this could be futile. At the end of the day if you want fun and reliability get an MX5. The 1.6 will help with your insurance and the 1.8 if you can stretch just means you'll be doing it at higher speed!
MX5 owners - I've heard keeping thin wheels is a sensible idea as fat-boy rubber can remove some handling delicacy. Is this true?

Meanwhile there's loads to tempt you away from the obvious including those you mention.....

206CC - Early hard-top hard electrical nightmares. Good looking but realy needs GTi motor (and therefore high ins) to perform.
Megane - To heavy for the engines. Steering is as vauge as a tiller. Extra size might be usefull however. Styling is love or hate.
MGF/TF - Rear suspension change during F to TF transition means firmer and less supple. Mid-engine is interesting plus the VVT versions will easily lick a standard MX5 in a straight line. Reliability wise by as new as poss to avoid most potential problems.
Z3 - Cheap enough if you look hard (Zak?). 1.9 came in breathless and 140bhp versions. Safe, not a bad looker, should last.
SLK - It'll be an early one and insurance could be expensive. Complex and expensive to repair if it goes wrong. However a nice motor in a boring way.
E36 3-series - Seats four, loads to choose from and engines to suit all levels of insurance. Should also handle pretty well. Just hope you never have to repair it.
Saab 900/9-3 - Like the 3-series only cheaper to buy and don't expect the handling to be anywhere near as good. Early models were very popular so should be plenty around. Solid car and definitely an individual choice.
C70 - Space, comfort and exclusivity. Expensive and unexciting to drive.
E200 (W124) - Old now but a big car with legendary reliability, plenty of style and space. Cruiser extrodinaire.
A4 - In my eyes sits between the 3-series and Saab. Better to drive than the Saab but not as good as the BMW. Just as expensive but again armed with space and there should be quite a few to choose from.

There are bound to be loads more but I suspect your money will head off to Japan regardless

edit
How did I ever out the Del-Sol mentioned above?!
If you're interested in T-Bars the MR2 and Del-Sol, both mentioned above would be great. Of course you could also consider a 300ZX T-Bar as well. Just don't tell the insurance company!

edit 2
Fiat Barchetta - LHD but a tidy looker. Should steer ok (based on last gen Punto) and should be cheap to insure with 1.4 motor. Can't remember if they did a 1.6 but likely. Some cars converted to RHD in UK but from what I've read it robs some of the steering feel.

[Jammin]

ooooo

do you want my car then?!

lol