Motoring Discussion > Cheap convertible for the Kiwi Summer - which one? Buying / Selling
Thread Author: Auntie Lockbrakes Replies: 15
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New Sat 14 Nov 15 22:27 
 Cheap convertible for the Kiwi Summer - which one? - Auntie Lockbrakes
So I am eyeing-up a very cheap convertible to use for local beach-cruising this summer. Mileage will barely reach 2500/year, and got a double garage to store the car in if the fabric roof is ropey. Which of the following do you think might be most reliable and easiest to maintain (self, or by paying local mechanics...)

All have 6-months MOT:

1992 Toyota Celica convertible 2.0 auto, red, 135,000 miles, cheap!

or

1999 MGF 1.8 K-series, manual, BRG, 75,000 miles, pricier than the Toyota

or

2000 Saab 9-3 2.0 auto, BRG, 88,000 miles, approx. twice the price of the Toyota

MX5's are silly money, before anyone asks...

Also seen a Jap import 1997 Corolla-based import called the Cynos...???

Any input welcome!
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New Sat 14 Nov 15 22:37 
 Cheap convertible for the Kiwi Summer - which one? - ....
How many seats do you NEED ?

FIAT Barchetta must be cheap as chips down there (if available at all). Left hooker with be worth buttons I should imagine.

I would not touch the MGF with yours (so to speak), My son bought an MGF 3 door hatchback effort a couple of years ago. Shed ! You could not pay me to buy anything wearing an MG badge from the last 15 years.

From your list the Toyota Celica might be the safe bet but do you sport that mid-70's porn star 'tasche to go with it. Bouff black hair, red shirt, chest medallion and hair, lots and lots of chest hair...
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New Sat 14 Nov 15 22:48 
 Cheap convertible for the Kiwi Summer - which one? - Auntie Lockbrakes
- 2 or 4 seats, doesn't matter!

No Fiat Barchettas in this country...

I figured that any remaining MGFs on the road must be the cared-for ones which have survived all MG's woes..?!

No 'tache, short greying hair, not so much on the chest, hmmmm Celica not for me I guess!

Here's the link to that Corolla/Cynos thingy instead:

www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=979278388

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New Sat 14 Nov 15 22:52 
 Cheap convertible for the Kiwi Summer - which one? - Old Navy
Are LHD cars illegal in NZ as they are in Australia?
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New Sun 15 Nov 15 00:09 
 Cheap convertible for the Kiwi Summer - which one? - Auntie Lockbrakes
Most LHDs are outlawed, although there is a list of acceptable old/rare/non-RHD cars that have approval. Mostly European exotica or humdrum Fords & Chevys from the US.

Most imports are done by traders, from Japan and Australia - so both RHD countries. Quite a few importers of higher end used BMWs, Mercs etc from the UK too.
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New Sun 15 Nov 15 00:37 
 Cheap convertible for the Kiwi Summer - which one? - R.P.
I'd go for the SAAB. A classless car with no pretensions. There seemed to ne an awful lot of MGFs around here this summer. That is an option but a tad risky...

Last edited by: R.P. on Sun 15 Nov 15 at 00:38
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New Sun 15 Nov 15 00:58 
 Cheap convertible for the Kiwi Summer - which one? - No FM2R
You get the MG R V8 down there, I think.

Superb vehicle, although I bet its not cheap.

So what about an XK8?

www.trademe.co.nz/motors/used-cars/jaguar/auction-977194564.htm
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New Sun 15 Nov 15 01:07 
 Cheap convertible for the Kiwi Summer - which one? - R.P.
An MGRV8 went through my mind as well. One parks up in the Health Trust Car park I used to park my CAB Truck. Green R plated. A lady of a certain age driving it. The thinking woman's MX5.
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New Sun 15 Nov 15 10:41 
 Cheap convertible for the Kiwi Summer - which one? - Robin O'Reliant
How about a 2CV?

Stand out from the crowd.
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New Sun 15 Nov 15 10:55 
 Cheap convertible for the Kiwi Summer - which one? - Zero
If we are going left field, how about a Volkswagen Type 82 Kübelwagen?
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New Sun 15 Nov 15 11:25 
 Cheap convertible for the Kiwi Summer - which one? - Runfer D'Hills
Westfield. I knew someone who had one. Loved it.
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New Sun 15 Nov 15 11:33 
 Cheap convertible for the Kiwi Summer - which one? - Lygonos
Honda S2000
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New Sun 15 Nov 15 11:33 
 Cheap convertible for the Kiwi Summer - which one? - legacylad
Anyone want a cheap Mazda Eunos?
My neighbour bought one several years ago, and due to work commitments rarely uses it. I took a test drive in it two years ago and almost bought it....dark grey, black alloys, 1.8. I think he wanted around £1500. Forget how old it is but can find out if anyone interested....
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New Sun 15 Nov 15 11:31 
 Cheap convertible for the Kiwi Summer - which one? - Dog
Howls about getting one of these and saving the planet at the same time:

www.twike.co.uk/
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New Sun 22 Nov 15 01:24 
 Cheap convertible for the Kiwi Summer - which one? - Auntie Lockbrakes
Have found a 1992 Escort Cabrio nearby - a future classic maybe?!

1.4 manual, 2-tone burgundy over silver... hmmmm.
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New Sun 22 Nov 15 09:26 
 Cheap convertible for the Kiwi Summer - which one? - WillDeBeest
Sounds lovely, Auntie. Togs to match available here:
tinyurl.com/EscortCabOutfit (link to Littlewoods)
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