MK5 Golf GTI

General => Random Chat => Topic started by: Leonard on January 21, 2012, 04:55:46 pm

Title: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: Leonard on January 21, 2012, 04:55:46 pm
I was thinking about a change and this has to be a serious gap in the market?????? Needs to be fairly new so nothing pre 2006 and practical(ish) for every day use.

I can think of perhaps 2 or 3 good looking convertibles with decent good sounding engines available 2nd hand for sub 20k

1) Boxster (cons its a Boxster)

2) TVR Tamora (cons its going to break, a lot...)

3) Lotus Elise (cons its not a decent engine, K series or Toyota)

Surely it isnt too hard to make an MX5 type motor with a small straight six in it etc

Closest I have come to is the new BMW Z4 but they are bang on £20k and  from the reviews I have read don't sound that dynamically great.
Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: sub39h on January 21, 2012, 04:58:51 pm
i think there's probably a gap in the market for a reason: car companies are there to make as much money as possible and in this country a small 6cyl roadster wouldn't sell or there would be loads of them.

also you've gotta remember the trend towards downsizing and forced induction for emissions/tax purposes.

the SLK350 is a nice little car, and the Mk2 isn't as girly as the first one. my sister has one and i've got no problems driving it around (which i probably would do in an MX5). i'm sure you could pick up a decent one of those now for less than £20k now a new model is out.
Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: Leonard on January 21, 2012, 05:02:50 pm
i think there's probably a gap in the market for a reason: car companies are there to make as much money as possible and in this country a small 6cyl roadster wouldn't sell or there would be loads of them.

also you've gotta remember the trend towards downsizing and forced induction for emissions/tax purposes.

the SLK350 is a nice little car, and the Mk2 isn't as girly as the first one. my sister has one and i've got no problems driving it around (which i probably would do in an MX5). i'm sure you could pick up a decent one of those now for less than £20k now a new model is out.

Did consider the SLK but it IS a little bit too girly for me Im afraid  :signLOL:

I dont see why it wouldnt sell though? You can get over 40mpg out of a modern V6 and surely has to be more desirable proposition than a boring 4cyl, even if it cost 3k more
Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: sub39h on January 21, 2012, 05:06:35 pm
i think there's probably a gap in the market for a reason: car companies are there to make as much money as possible and in this country a small 6cyl roadster wouldn't sell or there would be loads of them.

also you've gotta remember the trend towards downsizing and forced induction for emissions/tax purposes.

the SLK350 is a nice little car, and the Mk2 isn't as girly as the first one. my sister has one and i've got no problems driving it around (which i probably would do in an MX5). i'm sure you could pick up a decent one of those now for less than £20k now a new model is out.

Did consider the SLK but it IS a little bit too girly for me Im afraid  :signLOL:

I dont see why it wouldnt sell though? You can get over 40mpg out of a modern V6 and surely has to be more desirable proposition than a boring 4cyl, even if it cost 3k more

yeah but in Europe our testing procedures for emissions favour hybrids and turbos. in reality they're not as efficient as they're purported to be, but a 4cyl turbo will win out in testing vs a V6, and the vast majority of people aren't as into their cars are people like us are so that extra £100 in tax every year, potential increase in insurance etc. makes cars less appealing.

at the end of the day if there was money to be made in that market there would be a car for it. simples. think about it, even Audi's dropped it's 3.2. the new 3-Series only has a twin turbo inline 6 at the top of the range and everything else is 4cyl (with or without turbo). the era of the V6 is gone i think.
Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: tony_danza on January 21, 2012, 05:09:08 pm
If you want a drop top Porsche, then the Boxster is the one to have - I don't know why people have it in for them, they're absolutely superb. If you buy a convertible 911, you've bought the wrong car.
Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: Leonard on January 21, 2012, 05:14:54 pm
Yes both valid points guy's, unfortunately lol

Anyone owned a Boxster?
Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: tony_danza on January 21, 2012, 05:28:40 pm
Had one for a while on loan, decided I preferred the Cayman. I'm too ugly for a droptop. I would however mask up for a Spyder.

I couldn't fault it, but then I didn't really deal with winter or all the other crap you forget about when deciding on a car.
Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: Greeners on January 21, 2012, 05:33:53 pm
Honda S2000.......
Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: candy turbo on January 21, 2012, 05:37:35 pm
i had 2.5 si z4 , lovely car , 3.0 is suppose to be better  :happy2:
(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi337.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fn374%2Fcandyturbo_2008%2Fpictures006.jpg&hash=39fb27ca833639a37f98afc919d7381c5af954ab)
Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: tony_danza on January 21, 2012, 05:40:59 pm
Yep. ^

Although you'd easily get into a Z4M too, which is faaar better.

350/370Z....??

Curveball supercharged MX5 (http://www.bbrgti.com/product_details.php?id=11649&make=18&model=531)?? 235bhp in something the same weight as a shoe and a fantastic chassis.
Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: Leonard on January 21, 2012, 06:32:30 pm
Cheers guy's

Looked at S2000 nice car, but VTEC didnt really do it for me.

Z4 is interesting, but would have to be new style and they are 20k (would prefer to spend 15k) Your Z4 on the BBS looks well!

Nissan, dont really think the 370Z works as a convertible and 350 is a bit old now

Had an MX5 and really liked it, supercharged would be 'exciting'! However been there and done that.

Would consider the Boxster but big bills are a bit if a worry. My mum used to have a porker and lets just say that Porsche do a great job of hyping up the renowned reliability and great customer service.....
Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: Edition30 on January 21, 2012, 06:35:10 pm
Never mind the engine in the Lotus...its just not prectical for day to day use along with a TVR.


I've driven the Cayman and thats brilliant, I would take that over the Boxster if you can live with a hard top. Im not a fan of convertibles anyway. I just tend to think 'tw@t' when ever I see someone with the roof down.

3.2 TT?


Saw a guy moving some planks in his convertible the other day and it was absolutely pi$$ing it down  :signLOL:
Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: Leonard on January 21, 2012, 06:39:43 pm

I've driven the Cayman and thats brilliant, I would take that over the Boxster if you can live with a hard top. Im not a fan of convertibles anyway. I just tend to think 'tw@t' when ever I see someone with the roof down.

I thought same until I had one and then just didnt care what people thought! Blatting along country lanes with roof off at midnight stars shining and engine note bouncing off dry stone walls was epic  :ashamed:

Not convinced by TT and 3.2 is bit similar to my Corrado VR (engine wise)

Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: PDT on January 21, 2012, 07:07:28 pm
Not a true 'sports car' as in 2 seats, but how about a 135i convertible. Go drive a 135i and try not to spend the next 3 weeks looking on autotrader for one!
Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: RENNTAG on January 21, 2012, 07:23:19 pm
My dad had an early 2.5 bxster which my girlfriends dad now owns. It i a truely excellent car, if it ever comes back up for sale i will buy it. Great noise, great handling and i think it looks good to  :happy2:
Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: Greeners on January 21, 2012, 07:35:55 pm
Not a true 'sports car' as in 2 seats, but how about a 135i convertible. Go drive a 135i and try not to spend the next 3 weeks looking on autotrader for one!

135i Coupe yes, manly car. 135i convertible  :pomppomp: :pomppomp:

Sorry no way!
Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: Leonard on January 21, 2012, 07:37:41 pm

135i Coupe yes, manly car. 135i convertible  :pomppomp: :pomp pomp:

Sorry no way!

I have to agree there ...
Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: PDT on January 21, 2012, 08:24:20 pm
Looks just as Ghey as any other convertible.
Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: Leonard on January 21, 2012, 08:28:44 pm
Looks just as Ghey as any other convertible.

Yeah but the coupe looks so much better ;)
Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: tony_danza on January 21, 2012, 08:30:52 pm
Get one with a sunroof. Or, hang out of the window like a dog??
Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: Leonard on January 21, 2012, 08:46:38 pm
Get one with a sunroof. Or, hang out of the window like a dog??

LOL just not the same.

Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: jhtrophy on January 21, 2012, 10:33:51 pm
I understand the appeal of a good engine, but to be fair, I never really get why people buy performance cabs, if it had a roof it would probs be a better drivers car, don't get me wrong, I love cabs, although you do look a tool, I have an mk1 mx5, i only use it to go for a drive, summers evening roof off, chills me out. On topic I agree not many 6 cylinder cabs, z4 for me from your list, loads for 15k
Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: tony_danza on January 21, 2012, 10:45:05 pm
Golden rule - never buy anything that wasn't purpose designed to have no roof.
Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: jhtrophy on January 21, 2012, 10:49:26 pm
Golden rule - never buy anything that wasn't purpose designed to have no roof.
Defo, every time I see a 911 cab! Why???
Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: Leonard on January 22, 2012, 07:48:05 am
You wouldnt say no to a 458 cab though would you ;)

Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: Top Cat on January 22, 2012, 10:26:27 am
MX5 gets my vote, for fun. TT gets my vote  on looks if you just want to waft about.  :happy2:
Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: tony_danza on January 22, 2012, 03:10:07 pm
You wouldnt say no to a 458 cab though would you ;)



2 cars the same built in different ways, so mute point. Normal production methods are in no way the same as carbon tubs etc..

But no, I'd not say no!
Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: GTsport on January 22, 2012, 04:11:08 pm
This were my money would go

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theautochannel.com%2Fnews%2F2006%2F03%2F31%2F002617.3-lg.jpg&hash=98d5141befa6ba68345c3486e00493be421dd376)
[/quote]
Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: andrewparker on January 22, 2012, 04:14:52 pm
He said true sports convertibles. The S4 is not one of those :signLOL:
Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: Leonard on January 22, 2012, 05:17:42 pm
Wish I could somehow make this work  :laugh:

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fc152%2FDaddyLeonard%2F3556182-1.jpg&hash=e76c29a4f983a270b1993d02f5264aa9a40befdd)
Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: tony_danza on January 22, 2012, 06:23:37 pm
There's always a way of making a Caterham work. Do it.
Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: Leonard on January 22, 2012, 06:30:31 pm
There's always a way of making a Caterham work. Do it.

Now you say that..... LOL

I cant think of any though bar selling the Corrado, putting the Caterham in the garage and buying a MK4 TDi...

This would work, but Im a bit scared of the bills  :ashamed: :scared: Plus maybe a little big. Think I will have a weekend test driving next weekend!  :driver:

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fc152%2FDaddyLeonard%2F2900482-2.jpg&hash=10bd89de373a66bed0f4beaae480bf1cc1efa575)
Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: andrewparker on January 22, 2012, 06:35:02 pm
I was going to say an SL55, though I didn't think it met your age/mileage criteria.
Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: Leonard on January 22, 2012, 06:47:37 pm
I was going to say an SL55, though I didn't think it met your age/mileage criteria.

It doesnt really! Looks and sounds bloody good though  :signLOL:
Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: GTsport on January 22, 2012, 07:09:01 pm
He said true sports convertibles. The S4 is not one of those :signLOL:

Fair point  :P

How about an M3 convertible  :laugh:
Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: Leonard on January 22, 2012, 07:14:41 pm
He said true sports convertibles. The S4 is not one of those :signLOL:

Fair point  :P

How about an M3 convertible  :laugh:

Nice, very nice, one went past me today, but coupe is better and I want a 2 seater really (dont like giving lifts LOL)
Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: Edition30 on January 22, 2012, 09:02:41 pm
Getting an SL500 in at work this week, 54 plate with only 17k on the clock  :surprised:
Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: Leonard on January 22, 2012, 09:27:39 pm
Getting an SL500 in at work this week, 54 plate with only 17k on the clock  :surprised:

What was that? You want to swap it for my ED30????  :grin:
Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: alackofspeed on January 22, 2012, 09:55:58 pm
The S2000 generally seems a little marmite, but I've always enjoyed driving them.

I'd be very tempted by a late spec' with a rotrex.

http://www.rotrexsuperchargers.co.uk/Rotrex/pages/products/cars/s2000/prod_s2000.html

Great cars on track too - they really come alive and demand to be driven properly.

A colleague of mine has a SL500, granted it's not the AMG 'charged version, but it's definitely a relaxed crusier for carrying golf clubs. It's too heavy really @ >1800kg!
Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: Leonard on January 22, 2012, 10:24:08 pm
The S2000 generally seems a little marmite, but I've always enjoyed driving them.

I'd be very tempted by a late spec' with a rotrex.

http://www.rotrexsuperchargers.co.uk/Rotrex/pages/products/cars/s2000/prod_s2000.html

Great cars on track too - they really come alive and demand to be driven properly.

A colleague of mine has a SL500, granted it's not the AMG 'charged version, but it's definitely a relaxed crusier for carrying golf clubs. It's too heavy really @ >1800kg!

Fair point on SL

Do like the S2000 and rotrex would beef up the torque, but really want to keep to a standard car for my daily. Nice suggrstion tho, would love to try one :)
Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: Frodo-anni on January 22, 2012, 10:29:49 pm
Friends garage has two Z4M's coupe and roadster, lovely cars, sound fantastic!
Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: alackofspeed on January 22, 2012, 10:47:28 pm
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3476007.htm ? I guess it depends what "sports convertible" means, but a 35i engine is a peach.



Title: Re: Why are there no true sports convertibles sub £20k with decent engines????
Post by: Poverty on January 22, 2012, 11:48:14 pm
My friend had the SL Brabus K8, mapped to 685hp, once over 120mph the acceleration is relentless and endless it just doesnt stop pinning you against your back seat