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The Pub For General Automotive Related Talk |
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06-05-2010, 06:17 PM | #1 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 650
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Im not sure if this has been talked about before but my missus is interested in getting a convertable, but the powered hardtop kind, not the kind you do manual.
A flick of the switch and the roof comes down From what i have seen around in australia, they arnt cheap Anyone got a convertable hardtop they wish to share any information with? What kind of cars are available in oz? |
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06-05-2010, 09:13 PM | #2 | ||
Audi S3
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Sydney.
Posts: 8,307
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My old lady drives a 2008 Focus Cabriolet.
its a hardtop convertible like your missus wants and its a fantastic car! there were a few teething issues with some dodgy roof seals that leaked in the rain but the dealer fixed them up quick smart. other than that its a fantastic car. looks great. fit and finish is tops. interior is great and she loves the heated seats and the roof is fantastic, and as much as i look like a homo driving it, it really is fun and enjoyable to drive!
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06-05-2010, 10:30 PM | #3 | ||||
Captain Malcolm Reynolds
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Adelaide
Posts: 3,830
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There's the Focus, the Astra, MX5 even comes in retractable hardtop, and I believe most of the Mercedes range of droptops these days are folding hardtop.
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Currently: 2014 Mazda6 GT (Daily) and 1999 Mazda MX5 (Fun Car) Previously: 2001 Ford Escape XLT; 2010 MC Mondeo; 1984 FD LTD; 2001 AU2 Falcon Forte; 2005 LS Focus Zetec; 1988 RE Colt; 1982 RB Colt; 1974 KE20 Corolla Quote:
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06-05-2010, 11:03 PM | #4 | |||
Regular Member
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 62
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as does the 3 series bmw
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07-05-2010, 08:52 AM | #5 | ||
^^^^^^^^
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: online - duh
Posts: 9,642
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Your right, they aren't cheap
We also have one in mind to replace my wifes car in the next year or so. Unless something else comes along that we prefer it will be the VW EOS (not yet mentioned above). SWMBO and I have taken one for a test drive (a diesel even) and loved it and IMHO VW have done the best job of getting the often awkward proportions right so it still looks good top up or down. We also liked the full glass sunroof (as well as retractractable hardtop) and it has realistic seating capacity when you need to carry 4. The EOS has been out for a few years now so it shouldn't be too hard to find out how well they are holding together. Picking up a used one off lease may also be an option. Goor article here; http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...257295001A71CA which is were pic is linked from.
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07-05-2010, 08:59 AM | #6 | ||
Meep Meep
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Southside
Posts: 1,513
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+1 on the VW Eos. The folding mechanisim must have been inspired by Transformers as its truely awesome to watch. They also have windscreen pushed forward so you get a good top down drive. However I'd still prefer the better drive of a MX5, but it all depends on if you need 2 or 4 seats.
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Thundering on.... |
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07-05-2010, 09:07 AM | #7 | ||
Flairs - Truckers Delight
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Brisbane Northside Likes: Opposite Lock
Posts: 5,731
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I hired the Holden Astra retractable hardtop for a weekend. Awesome car, great fun. The Astra TwinTop as it is known is based on the SRi - so you get the 2.2L direct injection motor (which is a sweet thing) and the leather seats and fat, sticky wheels and tyres. I had a blast, the thing handled excellently. The only bad thing about it was it only had a 4-speed auto, which was pretty good as far as non-BTR autos go i suppose.
Here's the car we had:
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07-05-2010, 11:18 PM | #8 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 650
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Yeah there are some great cars to choose from and expensive YES....
maybe ill drive the car instead of the missus The mx5 roadster may be good for me as i dont have any kids at the moment |
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08-05-2010, 09:33 AM | #9 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Victoria
Posts: 836
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If you want cheap, theres always the Daihatsu Copen
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08-05-2010, 09:58 AM | #10 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Queensland
Posts: 1,801
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I rented an A4 convertible for one of my little cousins class socials, and she loved it. I have to say, the little turbo engine and CVT transmission were great too. Bloody good looking IMHO. Although $50K on a convertible is bloody expensive...
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08-05-2010, 10:28 AM | #11 | ||
The 'Stihl' Man
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: TAS
Posts: 27,591
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$50k seems cheap for an Audi convertible. For what its worth my Mum is selling here 2002 Astra Convertible (soft top but automatic roof), ive driven it a few times and I must say its kind of fun.
Until I remember each time I see a guy driving one and wonder what they where thinking.
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08-05-2010, 08:29 PM | #12 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 650
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you telling me i wouldnt look tough in a soft top ... )
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08-05-2010, 09:29 PM | #13 | |||
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Foothills of the Macedon Ranges
Posts: 18,605
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The MX5 soft top is so easy to raise and lower with one hand that you really dont need to consider a hard top with a folding mechanism that has the potential to go wrong. I've had MG's for over 30 years, the current 1972 Aussie built MGB for 15 years, and like the MX5 you sit low on the road, these other roofless sedans look so ridiculous when you are next to them on the road. The MGB has an extra appeal, the noise, vibration and directness that is so infectuous, but the MX5 or S2000 would also do. Remember though that driving with the roof down on a hot day might look cool, but its quite hot really with the sun shining directly on your head. |
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09-05-2010, 11:06 PM | #14 | ||
FF.Com.Au Hardcore
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 650
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yes some very good information there to consider....
so in comparison looks like a sunroof is enough to get some sun in the car, without burning my big head.... |
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