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Cheap, fun, folding metal roof... which car?

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 maybe_si 08 Mar 2016
Looking at different options for my girlfriend, she is after a car to replace her ancient Yaris. Ideally wants something cheap (sub 2k) fun, reliable and ideally with a folding metal roof rather than a fabric top.
So far I have suggested things like Tigra, 206/7cc, Megane, Streetka... anyone got any experiences of any of these? Or any other options?

My original suggestion was an MX5, but I don't fit in them and she is concerned that the cloth top will be too cold in winter?

Cheers
 MrJared 08 Mar 2016
In reply to maybe_si:
We have a relatively old (2002) Megane convertible with the cloth roof and its fine in winter, the heating on the car is a bit dodgy and it still warms up in a few minutes.

Its ok to drive, went Southampton to the Lakes in it and had no problems.
Hope this helps!

Edit: Oh and I only paid £680 for it.
Post edited at 08:51
 jkarran 08 Mar 2016
In reply to maybe_si:

Soft tops aren't cold in winter (there's bu**er all insulation in the typical tin top anyway) and with heated seats you can use them roof down year round. They are a bit noisier which is something I'm rather sensitive to but it's never bothered me in mine.

MX5 is a great suggestion and the old Ka is great fun for what it is, I've never tried a Street Ka but I'd be tempted if I needed another 2 seater. How tall are you? I'm only 6ft but with a very long back meaning I have to shuffle the seats around in most cars to get my head out of the roof. I fit fine in an MX5. Z3 is a good solid convertible and the 4cyl versions should be cheap enough to own (2.2L is the pick of the bunch IIRC). You can get them with a lift off hard top but I really wouldn't bother, much better to enjoy those sunny winter days when you get them. A mark II T-bar MR2 with the lift out roof panels would work but they're getting on a bit, there won't be a big choice. The Mk I is better (brilliant!) but nice ones are like hens' teeth.
jk
OP maybe_si 08 Mar 2016
In reply to jkarran:

I'm 6ft 4 which makes the MX5 tricky
ultrabumbly 08 Mar 2016
In reply to maybe_si:

I used to often get a lift to work with a colleague with an MX5. Cold never felt like an issue. What did was the noise from other vehicles on motorways. I'd never get a soft top for that reason alone. The stereo had to be up near full belt to be heard over traffic. She later got a clip on hard shell for the winter and it was fine like that.
richyfenn 08 Mar 2016
In reply to maybe_si:

I've got a 307 convertible 2L (2004) which quite fun though it is a bit heavy. The electric roof is good, though some of the other electrics are starting to get a little iffy. The 207 is smaller and lighter which it's said makes it more fun.
 Graham Booth 08 Mar 2016
In reply to maybe_si:
BMW Z4, end of
Post edited at 11:16
In reply to Graham Booth:

> BMW Z4, end of

I would have thought the whole car would be better than just one bit of it.

T.
OP maybe_si 08 Mar 2016
In reply to Graham Booth:

Less than £2000 is pretty much key...
 LastBoyScout 08 Mar 2016
In reply to maybe_si:

Escort cabriolet? Friend of mine had one for a while and I didn't notice it being particularly cold or noisy - drove it up to North Wales in the winter quite comfortably.

Just don't drop a tent peg in the mechanism without noticing - it came out pretty mangled!
 Fraser 08 Mar 2016
In reply to maybe_si:
MG TF? Never been in one so not sure about the head height being suitable for you, but they appear to get decent reviews from the owners I've spoken to.

Edit: d'oh, not a folding metal lid, sorry.
Post edited at 12:11
 jkarran 08 Mar 2016
In reply to maybe_si:

> I'm 6ft 4 which makes the MX5 tricky

I'm really surprised by that, it's not a small car. The Z3 is definitely a bit bigger though.
jk
 jkarran 08 Mar 2016
In reply to Fraser:

> MG TF? Never been in one so not sure about the head height being suitable for you

Very similar in headroom to the MX5 which is the more reliable option.
jk

 Graham Booth 08 Mar 2016
In reply to maybe_si:

Ah!, didn't spot that bit!
 3leggeddog 08 Mar 2016
In reply to maybe_si:

Have a look at a Mk2 Toyota MR2 with the removable glass roof. Superb cars
 cha1n 08 Mar 2016
In reply to maybe_si:

MK1 Audi TT's are cheap now. Don't know how big you're looking to go engine wise but I was recently looking at BMW 330ci convertibles which were also sneaking in around 2k.

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