Convertibles

property.advert

I took it that the exclamation mark next to the can't afford it comment was showing it to be tongue in cheek !

CKhalvashi

We’ve got 3 cars at the moment: ’61’ plate S-Max 2.2 TDCi (which I need something of the size for work, and the bodykit in white looks amazing!), ’10’ plate GS450h (which is OH’s) and ’02’ SC430 (which is our summer car, and really only used for the twice-yearly trip to Malaga).

The reasoning for wanting rid of both Lexus models is because there’s not really that much need for us to have 3 cars, although we do need 2, and at 18mpg, it’s going to be the SC.

My S-Max has about 52k on it now, and the GS has about 70k, so a diesel convertible would kill 2 birds with 1 stone. There’s no way on the current setup that we’d get away with a Boxter, although she wants a 997, which I’ve said no to outright.

A little trick I’ve had mentioned in the office is to LPG the new E-Class Cabrio (as his wife has done), but what would be the long-term effects on the engine of doing this? We’ll be keeping this one 3-4 years and over around 200k miles, which is why I ask this.

CK

CKhalvashi

property.advert wrote: »

I took it that the exclamation mark next to the can't afford it comment was showing it to be tongue in cheek !

That’s the one, we could afford to run it (and when OH was teaching, she did for a year), but I’d hate to see the CC statement at the end of the month.

We always make sure we get the airmiles and it’s paid off :money:

Lum

LPG is definitely worth considering, my GF has been running LPG in her 200SX for a year or so now. It's heavily modified, running about 250bhp and has a 4 speed auto, but in terms of fuel costs it's cheaper to run than my 2.0 diesel Mondeo econetic with a 6 speed manual box. She's not a slow driver either.

Engine wise, LPG can run a bit hotter, but since you're looking at converting a non-turbo car, it will be fine.

CKhalvashi

Lum wrote: »

LPG is definitely worth considering, my GF has been running LPG in her 200SX for a year or so now. It's heavily modified, running about 250bhp and has a 4 speed auto, but in terms of fuel costs it's cheaper to run than my 2.0 diesel Mondeo econetic with a 6 speed manual box. She's not a slow driver either.

Engine wise, LPG can run a bit hotter, but since you're looking at converting a non-turbo car, it will be fine.

That’s anything Audi out the way, then. Down to 3; Lexus IS250c, BMW 330i and Merc E250CGi.......Lets see what’s about and go from there!

gilbert_and_sullivan

My MB is an old 3.2 straight 6 and runs smoother on LPG than petrol, lose a fraction of the sparkle off the performance but still plenty quick enough to get you into or out of trouble.

I'm a convert, i'd rather LPG now than Diesel, and i've run Diesels since the early 80's, too fragile for their own good now.

Lum

I think you misunderstand me slightly, I'm not saying that you can't LPG a turbo car. The aforementioned 200SX has a bigger than standard turbo bolted onto it. Just that highly strung turbo cars are more likely to have problems with extra heat due to the fact that they get enough heat coming into the engine thanks to the turbo.

forgotmyname

You cant afford to run the lexus but will splash out £30k on a new car you still wont be able to afford to run?

Buy a peugeot diesel convertible, Cheaper, Good on fuel. Downside is they appear not to be able to exceed 38mph, Whether thats in a 50 limit or a 60 limit zone. 38mph is all they can manage.

Maybe they fall apart if driven faster?

thelawnet

CKhalvashi wrote: »

We’ve got 3 cars at the moment: ’61’ plate S-Max 2.2 TDCi (which I need something of the size for work, and the bodykit in white looks amazing!), ’10’ plate GS450h (which is OH’s) and ’02’ SC430 (which is our summer car, and really only used for the twice-yearly trip to Malaga).

Lol.

You're craaaaaazy.

You could fly for less, but assuming you want to drive, for some reason, the first year depreciation on a new convertible would pay for you to go to Malaga for the next decade.

The reasoning for wanting rid of both Lexus models is because there’s not really that much need for us to have 3 cars, although we do need 2, and at 18mpg, it’s going to be the SC.

Great, but don't do it now. Try in the winter some time. The dealer will see you coming a mile away and you'll get a crap deal on whatever you buy.

Or maybe wait another year, you'll save even more money that way.

The E-Class Cabrio is nice, but used prices are very high right now.

sam1970

op..if you can afford it do it and enjoy in this nice weather..I am enjoying my Audi A5 cabriolet I bought a month ago..6 months old, loaded with extras. Dont listen to the crap about 4 seats..it is lovely..I needd the 4 seats for when i pick my two kids from school and they love it with the roof down. Regarding diesel noise thats again rubbish..my diesel Audi is quiter than my previous Mercedes which was petrol.
Admittedly I was considering the Merc. E class but it would have cost me at least an extra £5000 to get what I have got on the Audi..All in all I am very pleased and never regreted my purchase