Ideas for Budget-Friendly Convertible (Europe edition)
Ford | Opel | Peugeot | Renault | Volkswagen | What to buy
Are you looking to enter the world of convertibles but have a tight budget? Wondering what the basic/lowest threshold for owning a roofless car is? And what can you buy for that? Below is a list of the cheapest convertibles available on the European second-hand market. What about the USA? A similar list will be available soon (link will be provided here). Advertising portals offer the possibility to filter the appropriate parameters. In this case, the matter is quite simple. I selected two settings: a filter for roofless cars and sorting by the cheapest. It’s worth mentioning that the listed car prices are the asking prices—price negotiation is always possible. However, additional costs such as registration, insurance, repairs (don’t expect a perfect condition at this price range), and transporting the car from the purchase location to your home must be considered. For such cheap cars, these initial costs can constitute a significant portion of the total cost from purchase to road-ready. Peugeot 206 CC CC stands for Coupe-Cabriolet: Peugeot was available in many versions, but we are only interested in the roofless option—in this case, a hardtop—produced from 2000 to 2007. The official version from the French manufacturer is a … continue reading
Buying the BMW Z3
BMW | What to buy | Z3
BMW Z3 is a cult model that debuted in 1996 as the successor to the Z1. Although it didn’t initially gain as much popularity as some other models, it is now highly regarded among car enthusiasts. Let’s take a closer look at the used BMW Z3 market, considering the European, American, and Japanese markets. We’ll also touch on the estimated costs of importing a car from these regions and the potential issues you might encounter with a used vehicle. This version is designated as E36/7, indicating its shared platform with the 3 Series. In April 1999, a facelift was introduced, along with engine changes: the 2.0 was replaced by the 2.2i, the 2.8 by the 3.0i, and in the US, the 2.3 gave way to the 2.5. American Market In the United States, the BMW Z3 was produced until 2002. It’s important to pay attention to service history and mileage to make a good choice – unfortunately, many listed cars require repairs, which ultimately affects the cost of getting the car “up and running” after importation. Notably, the Z3M versions in the US feature the S52B32 engine, which is a 3.2-liter inline-six but with significantly lower power at 240 HP. … continue reading
Electric MG Cyberster
Electric cars… those fully powered electric motors. Whether one is a fan or not of these vehicles, it’s undeniable that they’re penetrating virtually every automotive segment. From electric golf carts to compact city cars, and even to luxurious SUVs and sedans – electric vehicles are here to stay. Interestingly, one of the last types of cars to go electric seems to be our beloved convertibles. MG, the renowned British brand now under Chinese ownership, presents a new model: the Cyberster. This electric convertible, blending futuristic design with the latest technological achievements and trends, aims to redefine the experience of open-top driving while also adapting to the new market demands, particularly regulatory requirements related to CO2 emissions. As a concept in 2021, the Cyberster caught attention with its sleek silhouette and promise of electrifying performance. MG didn’t stop at the concept stage; they brought this vision to reality, showcasing the Cyberster at events like the Goodwood Festival of Speed and the Chengdu Motor Show. At the heart of the Cyberster lies its electric powertrain, available in two configurations to cater to different driver preferences. Pushing The single-motor variant, with 250 kW (335 HP) of power and 350 lb-ft (475 NM) of … continue reading
Skoda Rapid Convertible
The Skoda Rapid Cabriolet is a unique concept car created by students in India. Although it’s essentially a cleverly cut roof and the interior has been covered with fabric to hide the cuts on the pillars, the car’s line presents itself really interestingly. Even the seatbelts have been taken care of – the front seats have them built in. The car’s styling has also been “amped up” to sporty (calipers, etc.). Unfortunately, this car will not be available for sale – the modifications made to it do not meet road safety requirements, which is not surprising. Nevertheless, it’s worth recognizing this as a curiosity, especially since the car is getting quite good reviews on social media. Maybe this will be food for thought for future Skoda designers. I myself am curious if and when Skoda will hit the convertible car market. It would probably be hard to do it based on the Rapid, which is a four-door car, but I’m sure a Skoda convertible would be of great interest.Convertible + “simply clever” = interesting mix. As a curiosity within a curiosity (because unfortunately we can’t call this project anything else) there is the Skoda Rapid 136, which was actually a … continue reading
What to buy new? German battle: Audi vs. BMW part 1
Audi | BMW | TT | What to buy | Z4
In today’s market of new convertibles, we find plenty of intriguing models that draw the attention of open-air driving enthusiasts. Two of them: the third generation of BMW Z4 and the also third-gen Audi TT Cabrio, stand out against the competition by offering a unique combination of style, power, and innovative technologies. The BMW Z4 has returned to its roots as a small roadster (back to the soft top), while the Audi TT has ended its production after three generations, leaving behind a lasting legacy, with its continuation under question… Audi is scheming something, but reliable news is scarce. Design and Style Regarding design and style, the current BMW Z4, first showcased in 2018, is a testament to the modern stylistic direction of the brand, maintained in the form of a small roadster. Collaborating with Toyota in creating this model (with its technological twin being the Supra, though that’s a coupe with a hardtop), BMW merged a sporty character with elegance, visible in the subtle facelift in 2022. This facelift introduced minor but significant changes, like the rearranged grille and additional decorative elements, accentuating the car’s sporty character – in my opinion, they did well. Personally, I still favor the … continue reading
What remains new vs. budget?
Cooper | Mazda | MINI | MX-5 | What to buy
For convertible car fans, the choice spans a wide spectrum from classic beauties to the latest hot rods, fitting every wallet size from modest to unlimited. Yet, when we zero in on snagging a brand-spanking-new convertible with the security of a warranty on a tight budget, the pickings get notably slimmer. But, don’t fret – this constraint doesn’t mean skimping on the thrill and freedom of cruising in a convertible. It’s actually an opportunity to dive into some of the most bang-for-your-buck and wallet-friendly options on today’s market. Let’s kick off a series zooming in on the freshest convertibles out there, with a keen eye on the most pocket-friendly full convertibles you can buy brand new. By focusing on tight budgets while sticking to the must-have of a warranty, we’re spotlighting top picks for those yearning to feel the wind in their hair without emptying their bank accounts. Let’s explore the two most affordable models of convertibles available new today – proving that the dream of hitting the open road under the vast sky is achievable, budget be darned. In the world of automotive, convertibles hold a special place, combining the joy of driving with the ability to directly connect … continue reading
Cabriostory: Ferrari
Ferrari’s History in an Uniquely Stylish and Playful Way Ferrari – the Italian luxury car brand known worldwide as a symbol of refined elegance, stunning design, and heart-pounding power that makes every car enthusiast’s heart race. One of the aspects that has always caught the eye of Ferrari aficionados is the ability to enjoy the open-air experience with their convertibles. They not only offer speed but also the chance to relish the sunshine and the wind in your hair. In this uniquely stylish yet playfully written article, let’s delve into the history of these Italian automotive masterpieces on four wheels that bring a smile to your face and a twinkle to your eye. Beginnings – Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa It all began in 1948 when Ferrari introduced its very first convertible, the Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa. Imagine this: a 1.5-liter, 12-cylinder engine! Don’t let the modest displacement fool you; this little beast churned out 130 horsepower. Unbelievable, right? While it was Ferrari’s first foray into the convertible segment, the 166 Spyder Corsa had that special something. The ability to feel the wind in your hair and hear the roar of that V12 engine was an experience that left a lasting … continue reading
Japanese FIAT
Alfa Romeo | FIAT | Mazda
In the realm of automotive enthusiasts, there has always been a special place for roadsters – those small, open-top cars designed with the sole purpose of delivering driving pleasure. However, in recent years, roadsters seemed to be on the verge of extinction, until Fiat and Abarth decided to breathe new life into legendary names in the form of the Fiat 124 Spider and Abarth 124 Spider. This endeavor was a collaborative effort between Fiat and Mazda, resulting in the revival of a classic that has captured the hearts of driving enthusiasts around the world. From Concept to Reality Initially, the joint project between Fiat and Mazda aimed to develop two roadsters sharing the same platform. However, as the process unfolded, it became clear that the differences between them would be significant enough to give each car its unique identity and character. As a result, the Fiat 124 Spider and Abarth 124 Spider emerged with their distinctive personalities, despite their foundation on the Mazda MX-5 platform. Regrettably, the collaboration between Fiat and Alfa Romeo for the Spider model remained a concept and did not come to fruition. Nevertheless, Fiat decided to resurrect the classic name Fiat 124 Spider and found in … continue reading
SUVC: sport utility vehicle + convertible
When I think of convertibles, my imagination usually paints pictures of fast and luxurious sports cars. But the market has shown us something completely different – SUV convertibles that combine the comfort of an open roof with the functionality typical of SUVs. I would like to share my perspective on two such models: the Range Rover Evoque Convertible and Volkswagen’s T-Roc. Range Rover Evoque Convertible: Luxury Under the Open Sky At first glance, it’s clear that the Range Rover Evoque Convertible is a car with a unique character. It’s a convertible based on the standard Evoque model, equipped with a fully retractable roof. The standard Evoque has already won the Car of the Year title from Auto Express, and in its convertible version, it certainly attracts more attention… not just from automotive enthusiasts. What captivated me about the Evoque Convertible? Above all, it retains all those distinctive design elements of the Evoque. The roof is fully retractable and hidden within the body, which allows for amazing open-air driving experiences and simultaneously creates a completely (by its oddity?) unconventional body line. Inside the car, there’s leather upholstery, surround cameras, an eight-inch touchscreen, and a Meridian sound system – you can feel … continue reading
Roadster: All or No
Alfa Romeo | BMW | Mazda | Porsche
A roadster, according to many sources, must possess the following three characteristics: What roadsters can we find on the market? Let’s take a closer look at the most obvious representatives that can be easily found in the secondary market: Of course, we can’t forget about roadsters like the Mercedes-Benz SL, Chevrolet Corvette, Ferrari California, Nissan 350Z (and 370Z), or the Fiat 124 (both the old and the Japanese version), but they are not as readily available and popular on today’s roads. Spider, or Spyder Not necessarily a roadster. Some sources mention an alternative term for roadsters as “Spider,” also spelled with a “Y.” Following this path and naming convention, we come across convertibles such as the Alfa Romeo Spider (939). In my opinion, it’s one of the most beautiful convertibles of the 21st century. Everything lines up: two seats, a convertible roof, and rear-wheel drive… along with front-wheel drive. The top version of this Italian car, powered by a V6 engine, is combined with a permanent all-wheel drive system, Q4. Unfortunately, this leads to a misclassification of this car as a roadster, according to our previously established criteria. The same applies to the Lamborghini Murciélago Roadster or Audi TT in … continue reading