[_veedub_]

Situation - My girlfriend is 19 and has just quit uni [B)] and started a full time job []. Shes on reasonable money and has got about ?10k to spend on a car. Shes got 2 years no claims and a car worth about ?1000 to part ex?..

She would like a cabriolet with room in the back for her friends?

What would you go for and what are the main competitors?

I've tried to push her in the way of the Beetle 1.8T or the Mini?

Is there any other car ive overlooked? a C3 maybe?

Would the 1.8T be too expensive on insurance?

 

[RayBanUK]

Yep, I think you are right to suggest Bettle or a Mini. You did overlook a Lupo GTI perhaps, but maybe its not cool enough (depending what she likes). Wouldnt bother with C3 though.

 

[_veedub_]

Do they do a lupo gti cabriolet?..

That could be perfect!?

 

[hornetrider]

no they don't unfortunately...

she definitely want a cab?

I'd rule out the 206 as its too cramped in the back, and its french (rule out C3 too!), although I must admit the 306 cab is a looker, if a little dated

does she want quite new? could always go for a 3 series or an A4, or am I going too "big"? all things considered, a beetle is a good bet, even has a little vase on the dash for her - aw!

 

[zekegti]

No Lupo cab I'm afraid. Definately don't wanna go down the Cirtoen route though.

How about the 206cc, or merc SLR

 

[_veedub_]

I deffo dont want to take her down the 206cc or citroen route if i can help it!

The A4 would be a little bit on the big size for her and I think the 306 might be a little outdated although I agree it is nice!

Is there nothing similar in size or price to the beetle?

 

[zekegti]

The golf cab

 

[RayBanUK]

Sorry, my mistake, didnt read the bit about 'Cab' so forget I said Lupo GTI. How about (here comes the flames) the Vauxhall Tigra but it maybe a tad over her price range and its got interior from a Corsa (read not good). I personally think they look OK and I would have one over the 206 Cab any day. BTW, like zekegti, I would give the SLR (or even the Z3 'IF' you like it) a thought too. Hmm as much as I like the look of the Golf cab, its still a MK3 and handles like one too.

 

[hornetrider]

lol @ Merc SLR!

I think a Golf would suit, its not like a girl gives a monkeys about the handling, is it? Should be fine for her if she's into it. Also, have to admit I like the new shape Tigra too - think it may be too expensive though?

 

[_veedub_]

A golf cab lol!

I dont know why that hadn't crossed my mind! I'll put that one forward to her later but i think the Beetle will come out on top in that battle as the 1.8T engine is just far better!

 

[hornetrider]

cheapest 1.8T Beetle Cab I can see on the trader is 17k! [:O]

 

[zekegti]

Quote: posted by _veedub_ on 21/02/2005 14:35:04

Would the 1.8T be too expensive on insurance?

A 1.8t and cab combined is gonna kill a 19yr old with regards to insurance []

 

[RayBanUK]

OK Im sorry, brain not engaged for the second time in a day! SLK I meant not SLR! Big DOH!

 

[Felix]

No Room in the back, but the missus has one of these for sale...

Only 14k on the clock too. Full Leather, hard top, air con, full sport kit, limited slip diff, only 300 made etc...

You could have this and go on holiday with the change!

 

[hornetrider]

lovely car Felix - is that an imported RS spec? (iirc?)

just out of interest, age and price? []

 

[Felix]

Nope its a UK car - an authentic sport version too (no after market extras - its all straight from the factory)- its a 99 S (some muppet regsitered it in Feb so it missed the T by 2 weeks).

I reckon ?8500ish will be a reasonable sale price given the spec and mileage. But I may be hoping for a bit - its still only an MX-5 no matter what model it is.

List when new was ?22.5k!!! Thats depreciation for you.

Ah well this is a VAG oriented forum, so I'll peddle my wears (sp?) elsewhere[]

 

[Kayellsea]

Hmmn, at 11k tops, you're looking at either small new cars or two seaters, not good given her requirements. Mini Cabriolet you'd be hard pressed to get people in the back, likewise with the Beetle. Maybe OK for very short journeys, but that's it. 206 is dangerous with adults in the back.

I'd be tempted to look at older cars.

Do a no marque search on Autotrader. ie, hust type in cabriolet or soft-top in the spec bit and leave the car bit blank. Then search using the minimum/maximum price and maximium miles features. It might throw up something a litle left-of field.

 

[_veedub_]

I've just been searching through autotrader and theres nothing really!

A mini and a beetle are at right at the top of her budget i think she'd be very lucky to get a mini under 14k.

Surely theres a gap in the market for a 4 seater girly cabriolet!

A polo cabriolet would have been perfect!

 

[hornetrider]

Golf Mk4 Cab it is then - loads around for 8 or 9k

 

[Stevoraith]

You wont get a beetle cab for 10k, you'll be lucky to get one for under ?13k from a dealer, and thats for the 1.6. They only started making them just over a year ago mind.

The only newish cabrio you can get for that money is a 206 and they're pretty poo.

So are Golf cabs to be honest- I wouldn't touch one, they look guff. She'd have to go for an Astra convertible to get her friends in the back and they're not very pretty (the car, not her friends)!

To be honest she'd be better giving up on the cabrio idea and getting herself a nice Mini or even a normal Beetle. Or could get herself a pretty nicely specced Ibiza/Polo.