[JNW1]

Originally Posted by Jack_is_Back

The man wants a convertible, he's already a lost cause.

A convertible that's been designed as a convertible from the outset is ok but a convertible that started life as a coupe - and someone's taken a tin-opener to - is a bit dodgy. However, a convertible that started life as a coupe and has a diesel engine is completely beyond the pale IMHO!

[Jack_is_Back]

Originally Posted by isleaiw1

That is one of the issues - I want a convertible (never had one) but I dont want it to be a girly one. That takes out alot of good cars.

C43 I think just about passes, its an AMG. Boxster does too I think. not much else. I do like the TTS but not sure that does! The 4401 does as its hard top most of time. M240i???

It's a tough one, like you say not many to choose from.

M240i vert is a shocker! More girly than the TT.

[Jack_is_Back]

Originally Posted by JNW1

A convertible that's been designed as a convertible from the outset is ok but a convertible that started life as a coupe - and someone's taken a tin-opener to - is a bit dodgy. However, a convertible that started life as a coupe and has a diesel engine is completely beyond the pale IMHO!

Agree entirely. Right that's it I've decided he's buying a Boxster everything else is rubbish/girly.

[isleaiw1]

Originally Posted by Jack_is_Back

Agree entirely. Right that's it I've decided he's buying a Boxster everything else is rubbish/girly.

OK decision made.

So 2.7 or new 718? I think 2.7 in a strong colour - red preferable - with a few choice options..

[creepy coupe]

Z4?

[JNW1]

Originally Posted by isleaiw1

OK decision made.

So 2.7 or new 718? I think 2.7 in a strong colour - red preferable - with a few choice options..

I was thinking of more something like this.....!!

http://www.philipwelch.co.uk/used-ca...nvertible-628/

[isleaiw1]

Originally Posted by JNW1

I was thinking of more something like this.....!!

http://www.philipwelch.co.uk/used-ca...nvertible-628/

my boss had a TVR when i started working for him when i was 24 - only a TVRS 2.8. I had it for a week when he was on hols. It was great or rubbish. Loved the noise and the feel but it bit if you werent careful. And it broke down. twice. in a week. I would say that wasnt unusual but sometimes it was twice in a day.

I'll stick to German thanks....I have considered an Ftype though....

[mpawood]

I agree with OP! Except I wish it sounded like a petrol and I'd say handling is pretty bad at higher speeds with the awful springs it has. Also the wheel arch gap :

[JNW1]

Originally Posted by isleaiw1

my boss had a TVR when i started working for him when i was 24 - only a TVRS 2.8. I had it for a week when he was on hols. It was great or rubbish. Loved the noise and the feel but it bit if you werent careful. And it broke down. twice. in a week. I would say that wasnt unusual but sometimes it was twice in a day.

I'll stick to German thanks....I have considered an Ftype though....

It was slightly tongue in cheek!

My cousin had a 390SE many moons ago and although it sounded lovely it was a tad unreliable! That said I think they improved a bit when they got to the Chimaera and Griffith and a friend had one of the former which was pretty trouble free; however, he replaced that with a new Cerbera and that did have one or two electrical gremlins! From memory the Chimaera was quite friendly in its handling but my mate always used to describe the Cerbera as akin to a bad tempered dog; watch it or it'll have you!

In terms of what you're after the Boxster is probably the obvious choice with the Z4 35i or even an SLK 55 perhaps worth considering; an F-Type is nice but potentially a more expensive option? Nice dilemma to have though!

[Jack_is_Back]

Originally Posted by isleaiw1

OK decision made.

So 2.7 or new 718? I think 2.7 in a strong colour - red preferable - with a few choice options..

Come on you know you want the 3.4 S...

[isleaiw1]

Originally Posted by JNW1

It was slightly tongue in cheek!

In terms of what you're after the Boxster is probably the obvious choice with the Z4 35i or even an SLK 55 perhaps worth considering; an F-Type is nice but potentially a more expensive option? Nice dilemma to have though!

Whatever I get will have same budget cap - its age and mileage adjusted if I go for something pricier....

Z4 - my former next door neighbour had one, female, blonde....

SLK - no matter what badge after its girlie! I'd probably go SLC 43 if I could get my head round it....

Maybe I should just get an M3 and stuff the convertible element...

[BrennanF30]

I was immediately disappointed when I opened this thread, I was at least looking for a story to pass the time whilst sitting on the crapper.

[Rukka]

Originally Posted by BrennanF30

I was immediately disappointed when I opened this thread, I was at least looking for a story to pass the time whilst sitting on the crapper.

[JustChris]

Originally Posted by creepy coupe

Best car I've owned, period.

Whoa wall of text.

I'm not reading through it all but you seem to like it, congrats!

[225]

Originally Posted by JNW1

It was slightly tongue in cheek!

My cousin had a 390SE many moons ago and although it sounded lovely it was a tad unreliable! That said I think they improved a bit when they got to the Chimaera and Griffith and a friend had one of the former which was pretty trouble free; however, he replaced that with a new Cerbera and that did have one or two electrical gremlins! From memory the Chimaera was quite friendly in its handling but my mate always used to describe the Cerbera as akin to a bad tempered dog; watch it or it'll have you!

In terms of what you're after the Boxster is probably the obvious choice with the Z4 35i or even an SLK 55 perhaps worth considering; an F-Type is nice but potentially a more expensive option? Nice dilemma to have though!

I had one of the last chimeras built with the faired in headlights and loved it. Only issue in 2 years of ownership was a broken alternator and it was used as a normal car in central London!
That had a big bite if you were silly! Oh the days of doing tunnel runs early Sunday mornings with big group of TVRs, supercars, Atoms, M3s etc in London. Good times.

Has to be an f type R or a TVR for a proper convertable. Anything else is just too girly, hairdressery, wealthy house wifey or crap.

[lowcountrybmw]

Anyone having issues, or know where I can find comments about, the trim pieces on the folding hardtop breaking?

[jdrally]

Originally Posted by Ashway

he mustn't have realised the roof came down

Why do people when they drive their rag tops wear clothes fit for climbing Everest. Just buy a normal car.

[goodbyalfa]

Originally Posted by Irnbrukid

Somebody will enjoy that review, with all it's technical detail

If I did 15k a year I think this is the car I'd have

I do around 18-19k miles and I'm in a 40i. Life is too short to worry about it, plus when you factor in the fact the 435 comes with less support, financially it was a no brainer for me.
Plus there is the asthetics of the numbers to consider. 440 looks more balanced somehow...

[seenthelight!]

nice review mate, and as a new owner and 1st poster, i totally agree !

[fuzzybunny]

I have only had my 435d for 6 weeks but its great. Convertible, so carrying an extra 240Kg bit like having two junior sumo wrestlers in the back of a coupe. That said still goes like stink and being xdrive hugs the corners, yes the standard suspension is a little squiffy but I prefer that to a sore butt and down here in somerset with soggy roads the extra ride height and ground clearance is much appreciated. The petrol heads will poo poo the diesel sound but I like the quiet power of the 6 cylinder diesel and no pops and crackles on the overrun which is an acquired taste. mpg disappointing at around 35 but just can't keep the leaded hoof off the kick down. The auto box is a joy, makes me real lazy. Only complaint is that the standard brakes are disappointing for such a fast car. Love it as its so roomy and with the convertible package can be driven top down in all weather (except peeing down!). Its a mad combination of convertible diesel and all wheel drive but I do love it.

[goodbyalfa]

Originally Posted by fuzzybunny

I have only had my 435d for 6 weeks but its great. Convertible, so carrying an extra 240Kg bit like having two junior sumo wrestlers in the back of a coupe. That said still goes like stink and being xdrive hugs the corners, yes the standard suspension is a little squiffy but I prefer that to a sore butt and down here in somerset with soggy roads the extra ride height and ground clearance is much appreciated. The petrol heads will poo poo the diesel sound but I like the quiet power of the 6 cylinder diesel and no pops and crackles on the overrun which is an acquired taste. mpg disappointing at around 35 but just can't keep the leaded hoof off the kick down. The auto box is a joy, makes me real lazy. Only complaint is that the standard brakes are disappointing for such a fast car. Love it as its so roomy and with the convertible package can be driven top down in all weather (except peeing down!). Its a mad combination of convertible diesel and all wheel drive but I do love it.

Let me get this right. You have bought a convertible diesel. And it does 35 mpg.
Something is not right here...

[fuzzybunny]

Originally Posted by goodbyalfa

Let me get this right. You have bought a convertible diesel. And it does 35 mpg.
Something is not right here...

You may be right I was expecting 40 mpg, did a long run up to Manchester the other week tried out the eco mode and it did 45mpg, mind you lots of 50mph road works. Looking on Fuelly it shows 5 x 435d xdrives ranging from 34 to 48 UK mpg. Mind you they aren't the heavier convertible. Be interested to know what users here are getting?