Merc CLK Convertible or BMW 3 series convertible

oddjobbpb

Can't make up my mind, like the look of both, £7k budget

Which one would you plump for and why?

angrycrow

Neither, AUDI A5 cabriolet every single time.

Dean000000

Neither. Avoid cabriolets. Especially old ones!

Mercdriver

Dean000000 wrote: »

Neither. Avoid cabriolets. Especially old ones!

even MX-5's?

vansboy

Agree the Audi A5 much better looking and far superior car, in every way. Look at how much it has NOT changed, since it came on the market. But at that budget, you'll have lots to choose from, but lots miles and lots owners and less chance of a checkable service history.



However, for looks AND low running costs and less expensive repair bills, plus a newer car. think Vauxhall Cascada. OK, so the badge image isn't there, but it is a very well made, good value choice.


VB

oddjobbpb

The A5 is a good looking car but I want automatic and don't like the DSG gearbox (I think they renamed it S Tronic)

System

Mercdriver wrote: »

even MX-5's?

Anything pre MK3.5/MK3.75 as most if not all will have rust issues around the rear arches/sills.

motorguy

oddjobbpb wrote: »

The A5 is a good looking car but I want automatic and don't like the DSG gearbox (I think they renamed it S Tronic)

A convertible is a very personal choice.

I'm not a fan of diesel convertibles, so it would have to be petrol for me. I'd also want a 6 cylinder and at least a 3.0i engine up front as a minimum, so in a BMW it would be something like one of these

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201902084729117?advertising-location=at_cars&body-type=Convertible&price-to=7500&maximum-mileage=70000&sort=year-desc&radius=1500&model=3%20SERIES&postcode=bt622hb&transmission=Automatic&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&make=BMW&fuel-type=Petrol&page=1

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201901043651985?postcode=bt622hb&body-type=Convertible&maximum-mileage=70000&advertising-location=at_cars&price-to=7500&make=BMW&transmission=Automatic&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&radius=1500&model=3%20SERIES&sort=year-desc&fuel-type=Petrol&page=1

And in a Mercedes something like these...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201902014506407?advertising-location=at_cars&sort=year-desc&transmission=Automatic&radius=1500&minimum-badge-engine-size=2.6&price-to=7500&postcode=bt622hb&body-type=Convertible&make=MERCEDES-BENZ&maximum-mileage=70000&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&model=CLK&fuel-type=Petrol&page=1

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201811132393128?advertising-location=at_cars&sort=year-desc&radius=1500&fuel-type=Petrol&price-to=7500&postcode=bt622hb&make=MERCEDES-BENZ&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&body-type=Convertible&transmission=Automatic&minimum-badge-engine-size=2.6&model=CLK&maximum-mileage=70000&page=1

I guess the other thing to consider is one of those is a tin top convertible, the other is a soft top...

parking_question_chap

Whatever one you buy make sure you can afford the repairs, or get the MX5.

motorguy

parking_question_chap wrote: »

Whatever one you buy make sure you can afford the repairs, or get the MX5.

The only difference between either of those and the regular 4 door saloon variant will be the hood mechanisms. Parts availability is good with loads of third party companies making consumables.

Loads of forum groups for specific issues / advice and good used part availability (ebay etc). Neither have engines or gear boxes or running gear thats specific to them so any mechanic should be able to look after it.

motorguy

Volvo might make a left field choice, and much cheaper.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201902084747707?advertising-location=at_cars&minimum-seats=4&body-type=Convertible&price-to=7500&maximum-mileage=70000&sort=year-desc&radius=1500&postcode=bt622hb&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&make=VOLVO&fuel-type=Petrol&page=1

T5 gets you plenty of power