Which convertible?

[James]

I'm helping my Dad pick a new convertible. He said he doesn't want a 2 seater.

I suggested the 330CiC and he really liked it, but what others should he consider?

- Lexus SC430?
- Volvo C70?
- Audi TT Quattro Roadster?

If he went for a 2 seater?
- Boxter?
- Z4?
- 350z Roadster?

ps. not all US models are available in Australia and vice versa.

 

[ooo000HITMAN000ooo]

I like the 350z Roadster

 

[flashinthepan]

I suggested the 330CiC and he really liked it, but what others should he consider?

I think you have it right

 

[MrElussive]

The Audi TT Roadster is a 2-seater. If he wants a 4-seater convertible, he should consider these cars:
BMW 330Ci Convertible
Audi A4 3.0 Cabriolet
Volvo C70 Convertible
Mercedes CLK500 Cabriolet

The Lexus SC430 is called a 4-seater, but if you go to a Lexus dealership and check one out, you will see there is no possible way that you can fit ANYONE in the back seats. The back seats are more for storage for your golf clubs...

 

[Big Daddy]

I suggested the 330CiC and he really liked it, but what others should he consider?

I agree with flashinthepan,

 

[coyotefreek]

For my take on the matter I would rule out the Audi and the Volvo, when next to the Mercedes or BMW they dont seem comparable. If you were to go check out the Mercedes at a dealar today you would get to see the new 2004 complete redisign of the car. Very nice, they also made it bigger though wich has pros and cons, more confortable, more heavy. The BMW is being redesinged in a year though, as im sure you know, wich is not good for resale values.

 

[Kirby]

My choice was narrowed down to the Volvo C70 and the 330cic. Having owned a Volvo 740 for 15 years, the Volvo C70 had the top spot - until I actually drove it. It's attractive and has a bit more interior room than the 330, but the handling was way below the 330.

I drove both cars the same afternoon to evaluate them. The BMW was first, and the salesman had nothing bad to say about the Volvo except to watch for cowl shake (body twisting) when I test drove it. He said they refer to the C70 as the "Flexible Flyer". He was right - it's REALLY noticeable, while the 330cic is solid. The C70 also had a few rattles, which was disappointing for a brand new car with 12 miles on it. I still have the Volvo C70 brochure, but there's a 330cic in the garage!

 

[coyotefreek]

Those rattles come with the Volvo, we got a s40 a few years ago and it has had several problems. That is the biggest complaint with Volvo's is that things are cheep on it and makes lots of strange noises.

 

[codex57]

The BMW 330CiC is the best choice. I love Volvo's seats and I really like the looks of the C70, but I don't really see any reason to pick it over the BMW. I believe it was Car and Driver that had an article on the droptops (E36 BMW and older CLK too) where they didn't like how the Volvo had such bad cowl shake compared to its competitors. By now, the Volvo is WAY behind the competition.

And MrElussive's right. The Lexus' back seat is laughable. I'd go w/ an M3 Cab or CLK500 at that price point. I think the only credible 4 seater competitor to the 330CiC would be the new CLK.

If you count roadsters, personally, I'd go for the Boxster S. The Z4 and 350Z are good choices too, but I always liked the sound of me driving a Porsche.

 

[James]

Thanks everyone, all good thought provoking assistance. Dad told me last night that he'll need to wait until xmas this year before he does it (that's when his next shipment comes in from Columbia ). Given that's a few months away, it may be worth waiting for the new shape 330, or there might be something new in the sidelines...anyway, thanks for the tips.

Whichever way he goes, I'm going to enjoy the test driving!