This thread smells funny.

 

Very strange decision IMO to turn trade in the S for that on economic terms

Is it actually classed as a car or something else? Pram perhaps?

Brave man posting that on here (can't bear to say the name out loud).

 

soundsgood fun ! very very goodvalue for a very new car ! id like a spin shame you did not have it for the walshy day !

 

Great little cars. We loved ours - probably more fun round a twisty than the S, but short on power.

As Dave and Mark have said the upkeep through a main dealer is comical and the prices horrendous -

 

BTW Auto box is absolutely fine if you never use the auto mode and you lift your foot off the gas while changing gear.

 

Good luck with the Roadster. They are fun little motors, hold the road extremely well.

I've got the Brabus version (for another week when it gets Part Ex for my S2000).

Totally agree with the Bassoctopus, I used Auto mode only a couple of times and soon learnt that the flappy paddles work best. Also agree with the servicing and reliability issues. Mines just had its first MoT and needs 2 new rears, 2 new rear Alloys (the Brabus Alloys are very soft and buckle on our useless pot holed roads easily), 2 new front disks and 2 new front springs.

However my biggest problem was the most common bane of Roadster ownership, a leak! I had over an inch of water behind the passenger seat one morning. Cost me 550 quid to get the seals replaced and there's still a leak somewhere which I haven't been able to track down yet (and won't bother now I'm upgrading).

For me, you have to love them enough to deal with these problems, and having a local knowledgeable independent will help. Get a good one and you'll have fun I'm sure

 

The strange things about the leaks is that they are nothing to do with the car being convertible.

It leaks where the wing mirrors meet the doors

With the roof full off, these cars are bloody windy too

 

Well, no leaks so far.
And remember that with Gordon Brown's car tax changes, all Ss back to 2001 are going to cost

 

Respect for one prepared to step out of the box and declare himself accordingly.
Had rarely given these things a second glance, so good to hear from an informed enthusiast.

 

General consensus seems to classify it as a roller-skate!
Chap at work has one, same colour, same wheels. perhaps I should get a photo of them side-by-side...