Best (reliable and economical) hardtop convertibles?

reb_sei

Hi

I currently own a Toyota Aygo diesel 2007, and for summer a MG TF 160 sprint 2003. I'm definately selling the MG now as can't afford to run, tax and insure two cars.

However, I've been thinking recently about selling both cars and buying a hardtop convertible thinking it would be the best of both worlds. Ideally I'd like to put some money back into savings from the sale of both cars so looking to spend £5500-6000. I'd be willing to get something up to 4 years old, so 2006, and up to 60k on the clock although less would be good!

It seems to be that Renault Megane and Nissan Micra look like contenders. The Megane has the benefit of a 1.5 diesel engine so more mpg. But is the Micra more reliable?

Any advice from people in the know would be much appreciated!

motorguy

Why go hard top at all?

We ran an mr2 convertible for three years both summer and the depths of winter. No issues at all.

I'd go for an mx5 - ultra reliable and very competent.

Nissan Micra diesel convertible? Have you no self esteem? :eek:

reb_sei

Nissan Micra convertible is petrol, but yet I have no self esteem. I quite like them!

From owning the MG I don't think I would like a soft top all year round.

pwllbwdr

I think Paul the OP had in mind the folding roof type, rather than a removable hard top. For 6k the only MX5s will be mk2s, and it is only the mk3 which can come with the folding permanent hard roof.

At that price point you could get a tigra (1.4 petrol does over 40 to the gallon and there's also a very slow 1.3 diseasel), 206cc, micra cc, mitsubishi czc (petrol only).

reb_sei

Yes, I did have in mind a folding hard top.

I'm really after recommendations for those which are in my price range. Apart from a quick scan for reviews I can't really see which model looks like the best bet for economy and reliability.

sunshinetours

My wife had a brand new 206cc a good few years ago whne they were one of the only small hard top convertibles around. It had some issues (poor fittings and leaky roof if it had been standing still when it rains for instance!) but she loved it and I must admit it was quite fun to drive with a free revving zippy 1.6 engine

Downside was that when you wanted the roof down half the boot disappears. Something bigger may sort that particular issue but I think it will always be a bit of a compromise for a sole car.
i would go megane diesel (not sure how reliable that particular engine is) but it must be better than a Micra (sorry I hate them!)

Lum

MX-5 has an optional hardtop, though probably not what you want if you're thinking of the fancy ones that fold up into the boot.

reb_sei

Yes, I was thinking of a fancy folding hardtop.

Really torn between the Micra and Megane now. Megane would be more efficient if got the 1.5 diesel as published mpg is 56.8 combined, and the 1.6 petrol Micra is only 42 mpg.

However, I've read about some leaky roof problems with the Megane, but nothing similar with the Micra. I know one Micra c+c owner at work, but don't know anyone to ask about the Megane.

ttlowton

We had a Megane CC in the family for over two years and very nice it was too, no leak's no fault's, very refind and the only time the roof was on was when it was raining or parked up,
good luck,

T.

Lum

Don't forget that petrol is cheaper to buy than diesel which offsets the slightly decreased MPG. Servicing costs will be lower on a petrol engine too, as will purchase costs as diesel engined cars carry a price premium.

Plus the Micra is going to be a more reliable car than anything French anyway.