Polemicist

That reads like the conclusion of a car test in Gay News.

Rob88

I wouldn't know mate.

Polemicist

You do now.

LadyB

not sure this is exactly the same as you are considering, but drove a 2005 diesel 3dr cab many many times from new until Dec last year - if relevant happy to share experience

Shipley

I'd echo the CLK comment above. Great car as a cruiser and as they didn't change the shape for ages - its a car that doesn't really show its age.

They are very popular with women generally as they are super reliable and have an element of class about them.

JimUK

I think the OP said fun to drive, so forget the Megane (shite) and any of the Pugs (also shite) which will rattle and shake more than a rattley shakey thingy. Beemer 330 or 325i should be in the budget, that would be the best bet although the steering is very light and hardly any feel so you never really know what the front end is up to. My mate has the Alpina B3 cab and that suffers the same steering. CLK Cabrio will be in budget, but Mercs werent overly great for reliablity around that time.

GaryB

Cheers all. To clarify, her requirements are 4 seat rag top. My requirements are that as it'll be the family motor if we're all travelling, that it handles decently and goes when you press the loud pedal.

If it were my decision entirely it'd be a 330i coupe and not the rag top.

I like the way bimmers feel well balanced and the way they behave on the road. I dislike the badge and the stereotyping that brings but stuff 'em, I like the way they drive.

As it'll be me driving it if we're all together, I don't want something that screams "I'm driving the wife's car..." lol.


LadyB - The 05 3 series? If so, I don't think they changed until 06 so yes, I'd love to know what you thought. I know what the 3ltr motor is like, it's the rag top chassis and living with it that I'm interested in.

Cheers all.

Gary

m1bjr

M3 Cab.

chilled

I have an E46 M3 coupe manual, my mum has an E46 325 Cab auto. I've also driven an E46 330i Saloon quite a bit.

She loves it, it's very practical for a cab, pretty reliable. 325 and 330 engines sound nice. Auto box is ok, suits the cruiser nature, but get the manual if you're going to be driving it hard. Handling good and fun but not great, and it's fecking rubbish in the snow.

If you can't stretch to an M3 (7k probably won't) Get the SE, although the M3 rides better than both the SE and the M Sport. Don't get huge wheels on the non M3 models, it really ruins the ride. Especially if they have run flats which are awful. Non M3's are cruisers and as long as you remember that, they're great even though I don't like the cab personally.

If you are tempted to stretch to an M3, the running costs go up hugely, although a good indie will ameliorate that somewhat.

Audi A4 cabs look better though...

Finally, be careful on the interior spec. Definitely get heated seats for those winter top down moments. And please don't get that horrid pale grey interior.

Dracoro

I suspect for £7k you'll get a good Saab 93 convertible.

Despite the underpinnings etc. (which, for this type of car, is not *that* important), it's certainly the nicest looking 4 seater ragtop IMO.