Fazer Owners Club - Unofficial
General => General => Topic started by: Frosties on 27 September 2018, 11:04:23 am
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Hiya all,
Right then, i've always fancied a rag top and now seems to be the right time to buy. Trouble is I cant decide which one.
Any advice/experiences much appreciated or even just a poll tick.
This is right up Tommy's street but unlike Tomski the choices are not hair dressers coming out cars :D .
Below is the links to both cars and any gay shouts are fully expected :lol
Saab https://www.surreymotorcompany.co.uk/used-cars/saab-9-3-2-8-v6-aero-2dr-201809130463162 (https://www.surreymotorcompany.co.uk/used-cars/saab-9-3-2-8-v6-aero-2dr-201809130463162)
Audi https://www.surreymotorcompany.co.uk/used-cars/audi-a4-cabriolet-2-0-tfsi-s-line-cabriolet-2dr-crowthorne-201809050194743 (https://www.surreymotorcompany.co.uk/used-cars/audi-a4-cabriolet-2-0-tfsi-s-line-cabriolet-2dr-crowthorne-201809050194743)
I've used this dealer before for my manly car and they are top guys.
Cheers in advance
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I didn't realise you were a hairdresser :pokefun
Out of the two, I would go for the A4 but if the Saab was the 2.0t or 2.0T rather than the V6 it would be a more difficult choice. Parts for Saabs are still readily available though some are getting difficult to get new now. Specialists are gradually closing down too due to lack of vehicles left on the roads. Not a problem for Audis though.
The Saab 2.0t engine is 150HP with a low pressure turbo. The 2.0T is significantly more and bit of a nutter to drive. Both are more fuel efficient than the V6. My Mrs had a 2.0t for a few years before she got that yellow thing you saw. Not a bad car to drive. Hers was the manual but if you want serene, look out for an auto.
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I love the Saab having had a 2.0t many years ago, so would go for that purely from a nostalgic point of view.
You don't see too many on the roads either.
Also, I know you can't judge everyone by the car they drive, but from what I've seen when I'm out and about the British road and motorway network, most Audi drivers are complete w@nkers!!
Apologies to any good Foccers that drive Audis :D
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Apologies to any good Foccers that drive Audis :D
I used to have an Automatic Saab 9000 2.0t that I finally sold with 240K miles on the clock. Great big barge of a car but once you updated the suspension, it was a great car to drive.
The Mrs had a Manual Saab 93 convertible 2.0t that was fun to drive.
I now have an Audi A6 estate which is fun to drive.
As mentioned above, I would go for the Audi out of the two listed by Frosties but the 2.0t Saab could sway the balance. The Saab is a nice car but on-going support is getting more and more limited for when things do go wrong. Standard consumables etc are not an issue as they are Vauxhall Vectra parts in the main. Its the other bits like the radio/engine management/etc/etc that will casue problems.
A little known issue with the Saab is the indicator "click" amongst other things, comes from the radio. The radio is made up of about 100 different parts spreadd around the car connected by fibre optic cable. One broken cable, bad connector, or failed unit can be an expensive job to locate let alone fix if part supply is limited. Its even worse when its an intermittent fault like myMrs had on hers. Fortunately, the radio was having a good day and was workign the day we PX'd the car :)
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Mazda MX-5. :D
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Citroën 2CV 😁
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Mazda MX-5. :D
Citroën 2CV 😁
:lol :lol No out n out fairy cars perrrlease
Agree with the Saab comments as had a full fat 900 Turbo 3 door kicking out 245 Bhp with front strut brace and poly bushed all round. Loved it and surprised many a car. The nostalgic look and non tosser driver perception is also agreed. Never had an Audi before though and am more looking to pose and take in the rag top experience more than thrashing it. Got the bikes for a buzz...
Keep 'em coming fellas, all good stuff
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Chrysler Crossfire Roadster Convertible.
Muscle car image. Plus not alot of people realise these have Mercedes Benz (SLK) engine and running gear, so infact very reliable.
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Ford orion ghia cabriolet. Envy of the estate
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Ferrari F355 convertible........or a Cevrolet Corvette C2/C3 convertible.
My first car was a MG Midget 1500 in 1977 - a convertible "sports" car. It was a pike of crap as a car, but I really loved it. Even though the roof leaked everywhere and was a pain to put down properly, the car felt wonderful to young single lad with the roof down - and defo helped with attracting the fairer sex :) .
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Ford orion ghia cabriolet. Envy of the estate
In it's day I longed for one but now.....NAHHHH! Tommy might have it though :lol
May as well buy this cracker...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1991-Honda-Beat-Convertible-MOT-No-Advisories-PRICE-REDUCED/123352131921?hash=item1cb85c2951:g:oIUAAOSwdMBa116G (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1991-Honda-Beat-Convertible-MOT-No-Advisories-PRICE-REDUCED/123352131921?hash=item1cb85c2951:g:oIUAAOSwdMBa116G)
My first car was a MG Midget 1500 in 1977 - a convertible "sports" car. It was a pike of crap as a car, but I really loved it. Even though the roof leaked everywhere and was a pain to put down properly, the car felt wonderful to young single lad with the roof down - and defo helped with attracting the fairer sex :) .
A mate's neighbour had a red TR6 many years ago (about 25yr) and was selling it. I loved it but didn't want to spoil it by driving it when i didn't have the cash. I managed to get 1st dibs on it and was like a friggin machine hitting all the overtime and still going out 6 nights a week.
Managed to save the money, went round with my mate all cocky and full of it with a £4K wedge......smiling like an idiot I jumped in for a drive....and was fecked if I could fit in it (6ft 3"). No legroom and the seat dug into my back and rib cage. I was bloody close to tears especially when I found that I fitted into a bloody Spitfire :groan
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All the toss*rs round here drive BMW's, Audis, Merc convertibles and not many of them were born here
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Chrysler Crossfire Roadster Convertible.
Muscle car image. Plus not alot of people realise these have Mercedes Benz (SLK) engine and running gear, so infact very reliable.
Not a bad shout, good kick from the 3.2 but I want 4 seats.
All the toss*rs round here drive BMW's, Audis, Merc convertibles and not many of them were born here
This could be the main reason for me asking the question - Saab winning so far.
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We have a vw Eos, its a tin top. Had it a year now and can't fault it. Fancied something fun, but needed four seats for my two daughters. They love it.
Just an alternative.
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We have a vw Eos, its a tin top. Had it a year now and can't fault it. Fancied something fun, but needed four seats for my two daughters. They love it.
Just an alternative.
Hmm, decent shout.....they've got one of those also
https://www.surreymotorcompany.co.uk/used-cars/volkswagen-eos-2-0-tsi-sport-cabriolet-2dr-crowthorne-201809030115185 (https://www.surreymotorcompany.co.uk/used-cars/volkswagen-eos-2-0-tsi-sport-cabriolet-2dr-crowthorne-201809030115185)
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Citroën 2CV 😁
definately
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Citroën 2CV 😁
definately
Non, niet, nein, nadda, nope and nahhhhhh! The effin shame of it :eek
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Convertibles are great - if you are the outdoors type. Obviously many buy them thinking that they want one and then don't - evidenced by the number of roofs that are up on dry and hot days. As with all things there are ups and downs, some of the downs being:
- chassis not as stiff as equivalent roofed car. Not really an issue at legal speeds
- sitting in traffic is not so pleasant as exhaust fumes are direct to nasal passages
- roof not as secure when parked
- wind ruffled hair never feels clean (as I recall, not an issue for me these days!)
- music is compromised by wind noise
- constant niggling doubts that the weather will turn
- can be difficult to sell
The two that you have picked don't look too bad but neither are particularly stand out in today's traffic. To my eye the Saab looks like a moccasin slipper with the roof down, the Audi is prettier. For something a little more head turning and within your budget there's the E30, an example being:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bmw-E30-Convertible/302870568514?hash=item46847e1e42:g:bpUAAOSwh6VbjvD3 (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bmw-E30-Convertible/302870568514?hash=item46847e1e42:g:bpUAAOSwh6VbjvD3)
I used to play with E30s and there's a devoted cult following. Hard tops are available occasionally too making it an all year round car. E36 convertibles are cheaper still but not quite old enough to be past their 'council' tag yet if image bothers you.
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I've driven 100,000 miles in both a Saab 9-3 2.0T and an Audi A3. Both non-convertible, but good faultless cars. The audi was genuinely exciting to drive. Saab was a bit more mundane and plush.
Something you never consider is... People pull out on you a lot more if you drive a saab, because they look less agressive and often driven by older people. Seriously it's noticeable! Merging treffic pushes in front of you and people edge out at junctions on you. My next car was an aggressive looking vauxhall and it was night and day.
I might lose all credibility here (if I have any left) but personally, I with that budget, I'd get an SLK. I think they turn more heads and look less dated.
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As you need 4 seats, how about a CLK Mercedes, quite a few engine options and trim levels. Also plenty of independent Merc specialists for servicing etc.
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When my Mrs was looking for a rag top, we looked at several cars before settling on the Saab 93
Beetle - Like a Golf to drive but horrible inside unless you like the flowerpot on the dashboard
Mini - Just about enough space for 4 people despite its size. Good fun to drive even with the 1.6 non-turbo/supercharged engines
Eos - No space in the back really. You need the roof down to get adults in/out the back.
Audi A4 - Too expensive at the time though prices have levelled out now.
2CV - She had had 3 or 4 of these previously. All very expensive now or piles of rust
SLK - Only 2 seats
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As you need 4 seats, how about a CLK Mercedes, quite a few engine options and trim levels. Also plenty of independent Merc specialists for servicing etc.
+1 for the CLK from a practicality and reliability point. Also, there are plenty about for not stupid money.
Some good friends bought one new in 2005 and still have it today - they love it and it's been as reliable as a stone. It lives under a cover when it's not being driven, not in a garage, as its used as a "second" car - but it's still got over 70k miles on it.
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Honda S2000.
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Honda S2000.
2 seaters need not apply. :) However you cant get a much more capable 2 seater than the S2000. Some start to look a little dated now though.
Mercedes CLK (mentioned above) is a nice option. Turning into a classic status, plus lovely shape. Big/long vehicle however.
I was also thinking original Beetle convertible. However I imagine it would constantly be in the garage getting issues sorted (could be expensive to keep on the road). Plus not a great daily driver?
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We have an aero 2.0 rag top.
Check the cd player works properly.
Rear subframe corrosion, handbrake issues, rag top fit and water repellantcy.
Ours is a thirsty beast and is quite heavy. 4k for a pre facelift model is a lot of money.
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We have a vw Eos, its a tin top. Had it a year now and can't fault it. Fancied something fun, but needed four seats for my two daughters. They love it.
Just an alternative.
Hmm, decent shout.....they've got one of those also
https://www.surreymotorcompany.co.uk/used-cars/volkswagen-eos-2-0-tsi-sport-cabriolet-2dr-crowthorne-201809030115185 (https://www.surreymotorcompany.co.uk/used-cars/volkswagen-eos-2-0-tsi-sport-cabriolet-2dr-crowthorne-201809030115185)
Thats more specced up than ours, faster engine as we only have the 1.4 TSI.
As some one has mentioned with the roof down theres no space in the boot, but if want practical buy an estate. Having said that I have a focus estate and the Eos was more practical with the roof down for Chirstmas tree moving and collecting a 50 inch tele from my folks!!!!
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Citroën 2CV 😁
definately
borrow one for just afew days, then decide
Non, niet, nein, nadda, nope and nahhhhhh! The effin shame of it :eek
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Very good shout on the CLK - some lovely ones out there for the money but when i check the mot history of them, they've all had numerous MOT suspension/steering fails with a common pattern. That aside, I think I would look a dick/wanker in one as Steve said earlier. Likewise wouldn't be seen in a BMW 3 as nice as they are.
When my Mrs was looking for a rag top, we looked at several cars before settling on the Saab 93
Beetle - Like a Golf to drive but horrible inside unless you like the flowerpot on the dashboard
Mini - Just about enough space for 4 people despite its size. Good fun to drive even with the 1.6 non-turbo/supercharged engines
Eos - No space in the back really. You need the roof down to get adults in/out the back.
Audi A4 - Too expensive at the time though prices have levelled out now.
2CV - She had had 3 or 4 of these previously. All very expensive now or piles of rust
SLK - Only 2 seats
All valid points Bob which I agree with.
I want the experience of a ragtop without being looked at as a knobhead.
I've driven 100,000 miles in both a Saab 9-3 2.0T and an Audi A3. Both non-convertible, but good faultless cars. The audi was genuinely exciting to drive. Saab was a bit more mundane and plush.
Something you never consider is... People pull out on you a lot more if you drive a saab, because they look less agressive and often driven by older people. Seriously it's noticeable! Merging treffic pushes in front of you and people edge out at junctions on you. My next car was an aggressive looking vauxhall and it was night and day.
I might lose all credibility here (if I have any left) but personally, I with that budget, I'd get an SLK. I think they turn more heads and look less dated.
[/size] [size=78%]
[/size]I can imagine as I had the same when driving a Volvo V70 T5...all changed when I went to a 4x4.[size=78%]
[/size]Soooooo, i'm going nostalgic and heading for the Saab. Maybe not this one but it will be a 9-3. Not sure about the auto box though....[size=78%]
[/size]Many thanks for all the help fellas, much appreciated and answered a lot of the thoughts I had.[size=78%]
[/size]Cheers again [size=78%] :thumbup
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We've recently gone from an SLK to a CLK sport. It's a good car and having the extra 2 rear seats is something that was missed.
I found the Saabs had too much scuttle shake and you could feel it flexing on some cambers on the road. Didn't the Audi 2.0t lumps have problems through the whole range? I know oil consumption on them can be a joke with how much they use - while Audi claim it's within it's guidelines. Something stupid like a litre every 1/2k miles :eek
If it were me I'd be looking at the older SLK's - 6 pot, MX5 - mark 1 or a Z3. You'll be able to watch the values increase while you own it.
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Citroën 2CV 😁
definately
we'll take that as a no then? ;)
borrow one for just afew days, then decide
Non, niet, nein, nadda, nope and nahhhhhh! The effin shame of it :eek
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We have a vw Eos, its a tin top. Had it a year now and can't fault it. Fancied something fun, but needed four seats for my two daughters. They love it.
Just an alternative.
Hmm, decent shout.....they've got one of those also
https://www.surreymotorcompany.co.uk/used-cars/volkswagen-eos-2-0-tsi-sport-cabriolet-2dr-crowthorne-201809030115185 (https://www.surreymotorcompany.co.uk/used-cars/volkswagen-eos-2-0-tsi-sport-cabriolet-2dr-crowthorne-201809030115185)
Thats more specced up than ours, faster engine as we only have the 1.4 TSI.
As some one has mentioned with the roof down theres no space in the boot, but if want practical buy an estate. Having said that I have a focus estate and the Eos was more practical with the roof down for Chirstmas tree moving and collecting a 50 inch tele from my folks!!!!
Forgot to add, with the Eos you get 3 roofs configuration, tilted sunroof, sunroof and whole roof down. It helps with adapting to the conditions.
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ww2 jeep
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ww2 jeep
Now that's a shout fella. Sits 4 people, goes anywhere and no one is going to take the piss in any way - it's just as cool as penguin piss. If only I could stretch that far - have you seen the prices :eek :eek
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/Military-Vehicles/122307/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=ww2+jeep (https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/Military-Vehicles/122307/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=ww2+jeep)
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ww2 jeep
Now that's a shout fella. Sits 4 people, goes anywhere and no one is going to take the piss in any way - it's just as cool as penguin piss. If only I could stretch that far - have you seen the prices :eek :eek
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/Military-Vehicles/122307/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=ww2+jeep (https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/Military-Vehicles/122307/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=ww2+jeep)
How about a Series 1 Landrover?
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Had an old 88" S2 landie aka the pope mobile
Absolute hoot, everybody loved it turning up at the pub with 10 people in it, coppers just shaking their heads.
Sadly made the Saab look economical.
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What happened to my text?
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Evoque
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How about a Jeep Wrangler Convertible ?
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ww2 jeep
Now that's a shout fella. Sits 4 people, goes anywhere and no one is going to take the piss in any way - it's just as cool as penguin piss. If only I could stretch that far - have you seen the prices :eek :eek
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/Military-Vehicles/122307/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=ww2+jeep (https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/Military-Vehicles/122307/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=ww2+jeep)
How about a Series 1 Landrover?
Yeah Bob, how about you and 5LV lend me some money and that goes for series II and III :lol
How about a Jeep Wrangler Convertible ?
Having a look now...........
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Now it's getting silly.....how about a 1957 Chevy Bel Air convertible in red and white, or a 1959 Cadillac de Ville convertible..plenty of room for 4.
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Ahhh Robbo......now i'm confused as to which one :rolleyes
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Wish I had my '70 Mach 1 Mustang now. At the time it was a black hole to throw money down, with two kids at the time and a mortgage it just had to go. :'(
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Well apparently us Merc drivers are Knob Head Wankers and our vehicles are Wanker Mobiles.
Well that's comforting to know, but my Wanker Mobile has more head room than 95% of the other cars on the road
(I am talking cars here not pickup trucks that shake the shit out of you)
230 Kompressor SLK, it's got the headroom for a 20 foot Christmas tree, 8 foot X 4 foot sheet of ply wood and lengths of timber in excess of 3.5 meters long.
You know what? I don't even feel like a wanker driving it, guys may think it's a tarts car but the girls certainly like it, it's a head turner.
I have had young kids and their equally young Mums wanting to look inside it, and even sit in the drivers seat and make the auto roof go up and down, funny thing they never want to sit in my old Vauxhall Combo van when I go out in that. :rolleyes
Anyway how's the old Skoda going, or the Focus or maybe the Corsa? or maybe you have a Jaguar (80% Ford Mondeo).
Picture of my Wanker Mobile below, 18 years old not a bit of rust on it, I have all the MOT test certificates, and it has never had a MOT recommendation on it.
Less than 62K on the clock.
He he! :lol :lol :lol ;)
Or the picture of it below as a racing snake we all know sees it.
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SLK not enough seats, so that's not gonna work......got another dream 4 seater convertible. Ford Fairlane Sunliner 1957-59. Hard top that retracts into the boot.
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Well apparently us Merc drivers are Knob Head Wankers and our vehicles are Wanker Mobiles.
Well that's comforting to know, but my Wanker Mobile has more head room than 95% of the other cars on the road
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tommy, impressive post, however 2 seaters need not apply. :lol I understood the requirement was a ragtop to seat a family of 4 or 5. :)
However another nice plug for your SLK. I once considered the SLK as an alternative to going down the 2 seater sports car (predictable) S2000 route.
Plus cant bring myself round to an MX5 for Several reasons. If I had to buy a convertible now, the nicest versions out there are from BMW or Mercedes... fcuk the haters! ;)
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If you like yank tanks https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2007-Chrysler-PT-Cruiser-Convertible-in-excellent-condition-Red-Low-milage/163284274328?hash=item2604804c98:g:lw4AAOSwQ3tbrqIc (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2007-Chrysler-PT-Cruiser-Convertible-in-excellent-condition-Red-Low-milage/163284274328?hash=item2604804c98:g:lw4AAOSwQ3tbrqIc)
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Well apparently us Merc drivers are Knob Head Wankers and our vehicles are Wanker Mobiles.
Well that's comforting to know, but my Wanker Mobile has more head room than 95% of the other cars on the road
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tommy, impressive post, however 2 seaters need not apply. :lol I understood the requirement was a ragtop to seat a family of 4 or 5. :)
However another nice plug for your SLK. I once considered the SLK as an alternative to going down the 2 seater sports car (predictable) S2000 route.
Plus cant bring myself round to an MX5 for Several reasons. If I had to buy a convertible now, the nicest versions out there are from BMW or Mercedes... fcuk the haters! ;)
F T Haters is my thoughts as well, German engineering is great.
But I have to say the best two seater I have ever owned was a Jap car 'Toyota MR2' Mk 3.
Mid engined, limited slip dif, rear wheel drive, an out right hooligan of a little car, so much fun to drive, it was like being in a scalectrixs car, Doughnuts so easy to do, you could pop the back around 90 degrees on every junction should you choose.
You had to be a bit cautious as the wheel base was not very long and it would completely break away under hard cornering putting the power down.
I loved it, but sadly put a rod through the side, as was a habit of the MR2 Mk3.
Brings a tear to my eye looking at it.
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You've got a thing about girls cars TJ.
Is there something you'd like to share with us :whip
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get a fixie!
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get a fixie!
Screw a fixie...... i ride to London every day and i just love the cyclists :wall
Going to look a ta CLK
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201810031120414?body-type=Convertible&price-to=7000&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&radius=1500&advertising-location=at_cars&maximum-mileage=90000&fuel-type=Petrol&sort=price-desc&transmission=Automatic&minimum-badge-engine-size=2.0&minimum-seats=4&postcode=rg414as&page=4 (https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201810031120414?body-type=Convertible&price-to=7000&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New&radius=1500&advertising-location=at_cars&maximum-mileage=90000&fuel-type=Petrol&sort=price-desc&transmission=Automatic&minimum-badge-engine-size=2.0&minimum-seats=4&postcode=rg414as&page=4)
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Whole lotta car for the money. Good luck, hope it's what you're looking for. :thumbup
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get a fixie!
You still misunderstand the concept of a " fixie "? plus on-top of that it's a CYCLE not a four wheeled automobile.
Bretty added some decent Pics in that other Thread you contributed to. Take another look. The clues are there. :)
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...
But I have to say the best two seater I have ever owned was a Jap car 'Toyota MR2' Mk 3.
Mid engined, limited slip dif, rear wheel drive, an out right hooligan of a little car, so much fun to drive, it was like being in a scalectrixs car, Doughnuts so easy to do, you could pop the back around 90 degrees on every junction should you choose.
You had to be a bit cautious as the wheel base was not very long and it would completely break away under hard cornering putting the power down.
I loved it, but sadly put a rod through the side, as was a habit of the MR2 Mk3.
...
Brings a tear to my eye looking at it.
Another lovely vehicle. Under rated. Couple of years ago you'd see these occasionally, now I see none at all...
Especially in gunmetal, looked mint, plus there was the hardtop available too. Would make for a nice weekend car.
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get a fixie!
You still misunderstand the concept of a " fixie "? plus on-top of that it's a CYCLE not a four wheeled automobile.
Bretty added some decent Pics in that other Thread you contributed to. Take another look. The clues are there. :)
Nope - understand the concept of a "fixie" and I know full well it's a cycle. I still ride every day to/around London so it's still :wall
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just thinking when we were at school and when you had a fixie you'd take one foot out of the toe clip and go up and down on one leg which was ok 'till you did it going to fast and would you go a pisser or what ! :eek :lol
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Well I recently bought the new MX5 and it is brilliant. Though I concede the old style was a bit girlie, the new style ND has been butched up and its as close to a Ferrari or Aston as I will ever own.
If your pockets are deep enough, how about https://www.gumtree.com/p/ford/%C2%A33000-discount-0-apr-new-ford-mustang-0-apr-finance-5.0-v8-gt-convertible-/1307065167 (https://www.gumtree.com/p/ford/%C2%A33000-discount-0-apr-new-ford-mustang-0-apr-finance-5.0-v8-gt-convertible-/1307065167)