What about the new Lexus IS series. Or a new BMW 3 series Coupe, get the big petrol or oil burner. Or the new Audi TT, they look great.

G

 

I've seen an awful lot of MBs on the hard shoulder recently - the only reason I remember this is because I noticed that the hazard warning lights flash differently to other marques (sad but true).

 

The only non negotiable component in the new car is a drop top and none of these have one (do they?)

That reduces my options by quite a bit and I really do want a hard top convertible - although I would not rule out soft tops completely. The roof on my S was still perfect after 5 years but there have been lots of posts recently about tears appearing in the S2000's soft top.

The choice is getting very difficult though with the negative feedback on this thread at odds with the positive feedback from owners.

Life is never easy is it and I don't want to make a mistake on a car that is beginning to approach

 

have you ruled out secondhand Kelvin?

you would get a cracking XKR convertible for

 

[QUOTE=gaddafi,Oct 16 2006, 06:55 PM] have you ruled out secondhand Kelvin?

you would get a cracking XKR convertible for

 

This might surprise you, but I really like the look of the the new SLK. Not the old one admittedly, but the new one is styled well.

Would I buy one? No, but that doesn't mean if I was in a different position or my circumstances changed, that I wouldn't consider one.

I've heard a lot about the electrics, appalling servicing etc, although I've heard that about a lot of dealers recently!

Only thing though - why spend 40K on a new car? Depreciation, even in the best models is horrendous!

4 seat convertible - smooth, nice engine, looks good?

I'd probably buy an MY04 Audi A4 3.0 convertible, black with S-Line spec

 

Microbe

I exchanged my S2000 for an SLK 350. I've got a manual gearbox and I'm constantly wondering whether I should have gone for the 7G auto. On the manual 1st gear is very short and you need to change up very quickly, all the rest a quite long, and it certainly doesn't have the rifle bolt operation of the S2000.

Overall I am very pleased with the car, it is great to drive I love the torque which suits my driving style more than the S2000. I love the retractable roof, especially on a long drive in bad weather.

As for reliability I had 4 electrical faults in the first two months of ownership:
Electric Steering Wheel adjuster malfunctioned
Electric Seat adjuster malfunctioned
SRS error - apparently a common fault
COMAND failure - COMAND is the optional extra that includes DVD based SATNAV.

I didn't find MB service very helpful, although all the faults were fixed under warrantee without arguement, they refused (at first) to get me a curtesy car.

I have got my car on a 3 year lease, and whilst the overall price wasn't negotiable they did price match (in terms of repayments) an independent lease provider.

PM me if you've got any more questions.

 

Have you had a proper look at an M3 convertible yet Kelvin. As I said on a previous thread on this subject, despite my pre-conceptions about this car (and my worries about the image 'thing') I was mightily impressed. Not a folding hard top, but there are advantages - for example, when folded, the roof doesnt fill the boot!!!!

 

We looked at the A4 convertible Rich but neither of us took to it. Inside it just looked cheap. If I was to go for an Audi it would probably be the new TT (yes I know but it does look a little Porsche like) but I still want a drop top.

I agree with the depreciation bit but at this stage it would be my intention to keep it at least until retirement (in 5 years time am I really that old) and probably even longer, probably until Colleen retires. I should be pretty safe from major problems until then whereas a second hand one could give problems.

I really am torn though. Fortunately there is no great rush to make a decision, I'm still enjoying the Type R

 

Thanks

I will do so. I have exchanged a few PMs with mjirvine who also bought a 350 and he has been very helpful