Top 10 convertibles as rated by you (a survey of Auto Trader readers that is)

 

Found this on the Auto Trader site today, as I expected the Mk 3 is number 1, what suprised me were the cars in number 5 and number 7 places in the age of modern of motoring!

This is the web page if you want to read more.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/articles/2011/03/cars/top-10-convertibles-as-rated-by-you?atcide=GEN015

Top 10 convertibles as rated by you

Wednesday 02 March 2011
Top 10 convertibles as rated by youThe price of convertibles is set to rise significantly over the next couple of months, so now is the perfect time to buy a bargain convertible.

Car valuation experts Glass’s say: “Savvy buyers have begun to arrive on the forecourts already, and they will benefit from lower prices just before the seasonal uplift becomes apparent.

“From March we would expect to see the higher trade prices being reflected into higher forecourt prices as dealers attempt to protect, or increase, their trading margins.”

According to data by Glass’s convertibles keep more of their original value than any other type of car over an annual basis. Convertibles like the Mazda MX-5Peugeot 207CC and BMW 3 SeriesConvertible hold onto an average 42 to 45 per cent of their value after three years – that’s 10 per cent more than cars like the Ford Mondeo and Renault Scenic.

With that in mind, we’ve rounded up the top 10 highest rated convertibles according to you:


1. Mazda MX-5 convertible (2005 – )

The current generation Mazda MX-5 is the highest rated convertible in the UK, with 20 owners giving it an average rating of 4.4 out of 5. With more than 2,000 used MX-5s for sale on Auto Trader, there’s plenty to choose from.

Emma M from Birmingham gave her MX-5 3.8 stars, saying: “I’ve had this car for two and a half years and I absolutely love it but its lack of practicality is starting to become an issue. It’s perfect for lovely summer days to take drives out with the roof down, but those days are few and far between! I think everyone with a spirit of adventure should own one, even if only for a couple of years until it’s time to grow up!”


2. BMW 3 Series Convertible (2007 – )

BMW 3 Series Convertible (2007 – )The current BMW 3 Series Convertible is one of the most desirable convertibles, thanks to its good looks, refinement and drivability. Owners have giving it an average of 4.3 stars.

Jo from Poole says: “As a hard top convertible it has the real benefit of being great in the winter with lower wind noise and more protection from the elements than a rag top. But this comes at a price: much less boot space and lower fuel economy.”


3. Vauxhall Tigra convertible (2004 – 2009)

Vauxhall Tigra convertible (2004 – 2009)The Vauxhall Tigra is based on the Corsa supermini and has just two seats and a folding hard top roof. It’s very popular with owners, who have given it an average  4.3 star rating. With prices starting from around £4,000 for a 2004 model, there are plenty of summer bargains to be had.

Kimberley H from Hyde says: “The Tigra suits people with a child-free lifestyle and is easily affordable for those who want a sporty looking car without having to stretch the budget. The real downside with these cars is they’re noisy when you don’t have any radio on as the hood rattles where it connects. When it rains the odd drip of water manages to find its way inside too.”


4. MG TF (2002 – 2005)

MG TF (2002 – 2005)The MG TF is a mid-engined, two-seater sports car that’s become a great bargain on the used car market. More than 20 owners have written a review on Auto Trader, giving it an average score of 4.3 out of 5.

Jon H from Arundel says: “I drive my MG TF 135 to work every day. It’s fine in traffic or on country roads or motorways. It gets a lot of looks in the summer with the roof down and is a good looking car. On the downside the build quality is not what it could be. Expect slight niggles but nothing major.”


5. Mazda MX-5 convertible (1998 – 2005)

Mazda MX-5 convertible (1998 – 2005)The Mazda MX-5 produced between 1998 and 2005 is the third most reviewed convertible on Auto Trader, with more than 30 owners giving it an average score of 4.3 stars. It’s great to drive, reliable and affordable.

Gillian R from Bramley says: “It’s nice and easy to drive – great in good weather with the roof down but awful in snow. It’s only a two seater and boot space is small.”


6. Honda S2000 (1999 – 2008)

Honda S2000 (1999 – 2008)The Honda S2000 is a two-seat roadster that’s become incredibly popular for how it drives and its great reputation for reliability. They’re a little bit more expensive than some of the others in our list, but more than 20 owners gave it an average rating of 4.2 stars.

Chris D from Billericay says: “The S2000 is a remarkable sports car that combines fantastic performance with exemplary reliability. I can’t recommend it highly enough.”


7. Mazda MX-5 convertible (1990 – 1998)

Mazda MX-5 convertible (1990 – 1998)The Mazda MX-5 built between 1990 and 1998 is a great everyday roadster and one of the most affordable convertibles on the market. Despite its age, it has a decent reputation for reliability and is cheap to run. More than 20 owners have given it an average score of 4.2 out of 5.

Melissa B from Stoke on Trent says: “I bought this car as a fun run around over the summer months. It is a fantastic car, easy and fun to drive. It’s relatively cheap to buy, holds value well, fun, reliable and a joy to own. But it’s not very practical and, in this day and age, not cheap to run.”

 

8. Porsche Boxster convertible (1996 – 2004)

Porsche Boxster convertible (1996 – 2004)The Porsche Boxster is one of the most loved convertibles of all time. There’s plenty to choose from on the used car market, with more than 1,100 for sale on Auto Trader making it easy and affordable to get your hands on a Porsche. More than 25 owners have now reviewed their Boxster, giving it an average score of 4.2 out of 5.

Dan P from Peaslake has owned his Boxster S for just over a year and gives it 4.5 stars, saying: “Lightning fast, great round corners, so effortless to drive also which is good as I use it every day. There is nothing like a summer’s day with the roof down in a Porsche Boxster S.”


9. Toyota MR2 convertible (2000 – 2006)

Toyota MR2 convertible (2000 – 2006)The third-generation Toyota MR2 offers open-top fun at an affordable price. Though it’s not the most practical car on the planet – boot space is very limited – but it’s fun, holds its value well and its simplicity mechanically means it’s cheap to fix if anything does go wrong. Owners have given it an average rating of 4.2 stars.

Mohammed Abdul B from Barking gave his MR2 4.8 out of 5, saying: “I bought this car less than a week ago and love it to bits already. I get plenty of attention from passers-by, and friends and family want a go in it. People go on about the practicality of this car, but I think it’s perfect for what it is. Want practical get a people carrier! As for me, I am driving to work with it every day.”


10. BMW 3 Series Convertible (2000 – 2006)

BMW 3 Series Convertible (2000 – 2006)The BMW 3 Series convertible sold between 2000 and 2006 is the most reviewed convertible on Auto Trader. It’s classy, refined, great to drive and they hold their value very well so you might have to hunt around for a bargain. But with so many to choose from, you’re sure to find the right one for you. More than 30 owners have given it an average score of 4.2 stars.

Bekir I from Bournemouth says: “I’ve owned my BMW 3 Series for six months now and it’s been absolutely faultless. It was the ideal compromise: a 3-litre BMW convertible, with adequate power for what real life on the road allows, without the costs normally associated with an M3.”

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