A PETROLHEAD has urged drivers to snap up some seriously cool convertibles – all priced at £5,000 or less.
A motoring expert at The Motor Grid listed five “modern classics” to add to your garage, including an iconic Nissan sports car.
@themotorgridThe Motor Grid specialises in modern classic cars[/caption]
BMW 6 Series 645i
This convertible BMW is described as a Munich Monster
Introduced in 2004 alongside the standard Coupe, the BMW 6 Series 645i convertible is a top down powerhouse that boasts a 4.4 litre V8 engine.
Or, as the car expert puts it: “This beast is a Munich Monster!”
With upgraded engine specifications and sport-tuned suspension for improved handling and acceleration, this Beemer is capable of hitting 0-60mph in 6.2 seconds alongside a top speed of 155mph.
Its power, coupled with its soft-top style – including a retractable rear windscreen – is certainly enough to compete with whips built by Mercedes and Jaguars of the same period.
Mazda MX-5 (Mk1, 2 & 3)
GettyMazda’s modern classic MX-5 is one the most affordable convertibles money can buy[/caption]
A staple of any “modern classics” list, the evergreen MX-5 will set you back less than £5,000 and is well worth a space in your garage – whether it’s the Mk1, Mk2 or Mk3,
“They are all fantastic manual cars,” says the car expert.
The MX-5 is widely adored by car fans as one of the first top-down motors to offer sporty looks on a friendly budget, and is perhaps best known for being repeatedly captured in plastic by toy makers Hot Wheels.
Audi TT Roadster (Mk1)
National Motor MuseumAudi’s gorgeous TT roadster is hot property after the brand discontinued the model[/caption]
Another motor widely touted by enthusiasts as a modern classic, the Audi TT has previously been described as a sports car that will “go down in history.”
When it comes to driving performance and price tag, very little beats this German roadster – which is on its way to becoming a collectible after Audi discontinued the model last year following two decades in production.
The Motor Grid advises buyers to look for the Mk1 iteration, going onto say: “The one that you need to buy is the 225bhp with a manual gearbox – it doesn’t get much cooler than that!”
The Sun’s main man on Motors Rob Gill got to test drive the final Audi TT last year, describing it as “basically a Volkswagen Golf in a frock – nice to drive, stylish, and cheaper than a Porsche Boxster.”
Speaking of which…
Porsche Boxster (968)
National Motor MuseumThe Boxster is one of the most affordable Porsches around[/caption]
While it might be pricier than the Audi TT, the Boxster can still be picked up for less than £5,000 and is perhaps the most affordable Stuggart-badged motor money can buy.
The Boxster’s reputation makes it almost depreciation proof while remaining a practical two-seater with plenty of punch – thanks to its 240 bhp and 2.7-litre engine.
Apart from being a great drive and good value for money, this motor is also highly reliable with a MOT pass rate ranging from 82.3 per cent to 91 per cent.
The Motor Grid added: “With a manual flat-six, what’s not to love?
“Everybody should have this sub-£5k in their garage.”
Nissan 350Z
AlamyThe much-loved 350Z can also be bought as a convertible[/caption]
The iconic 350Z – a two-door, two-seater sports car produced by Nissan from 2002 until 2009 – is certified modern classic.
The 3.5 litre motor, packed with a V6 engine, has 300bhp under the bonnet with a top speed of around 155mph.
A convertible iteration can be picked up for around £4,800 courtesy of Autocar, and is a much talked-about favourite of car buffs.
“That sounds pretty good to me for under £5,000,” adds The Motor Grid.
This comes as car-buying experts at CarWow exclusively gave Sun Motors five brilliant starter cars that new drivers can pick up for under £5,000.
That includes the Fiat 500 – described as a “staple of newly-qualified Brits for years.”
Elsewhere, Wheeler Dealers host Mike Brewer has shared a “sad and exciting” update on the “last filming day” of the show’s latest run, teasing new episodes.