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Apart from living in Scotland, where a convertible is practically useless.
The Mrs wants to change her car, currently driving a Skoda Superb II estate. That'll trickle down to me and I'm happy with that as it's about 3x more economical than my pickup, which in turn will be getting sold.
No longer needs the estate as kids are that bit bigger now so no need for lugging about prams and baby changing stuff, etc. She wants a convertible, and she likes the look of the Audis, looking at somewhere around 2012-2015 model, 2L diesel. Are there any horror stories about them or are they fairly dependable? I'm guessing VAG underpinnings mean it'll be pretty similar to the Skoda?
She's not interested in other options - and believe me I've tried - so whilst I'm not going to deter anyone from suggesting a Merc or a Infiniti Q60 or a Mustang or whatever, it'll fall on deaf ears unfortunately.
Buy one now.
Let her experience the horrendousness over winter.
Sell it after the first banging day of spring 2021 when everyone goes daft.
As Josh says, buy in september/october and you can turn a profit if you dont like it.
Both me and the better half have Audi 2L turbo diesels, 2013 year. 225000 miles between the two of them with no problems.
Very reliable, the A5 of that period I think is one of the most perfectly styled cars in recent decades, just very clean and uncluttered lines.
Bloke I work with has the regular model, he pays bugger-all tax on it, about £30/year, so check out the model and she could be saving herself some real money with it.
Just a lovely looking car.
I’d have one over either of those other cars every time, I was actually considering getting one, but I just don’t need a car that big, which is why I’ve got the EcoSport.
If there are two words that should never go beside each other in the world of motoring its "Diesel Convertible"*
With the roof down you will be able to fully appreciate the sonorous clatter from the lump up front and catch the perfumed scent of eau d'derv wafting from the exhaust
*An A5 isnt the worst offender Audi TT TDI cabriolet and Merc SLK 220D takes the prize.
I have a friend who bought an A3 convertible last year after her divorce.
She says it's comfortable, reliable, good looking and she wishes she'd bought an MX5 with a removable hard top instead.
Looks good. Good mechanicals. However, tramlines like nobodies business, will aquaplane as soon as look at you and weird pedal alignment if you get a manual (would recommend staying away from a manual as it gave me terrible back problems on long journeys.
Oh aye, rubbish in snow. Triumph of looks over practicality if there was one and I like Audis!
Good to know they're not horrible. Think I'll find one for her to test drive and see how it goes. A3 convertible looks pretty good too but boot space looks to be seriously compromised?
An A5 isnt the worst offender Audi TT TDI cabriolet and Merc SLK 220D takes the prize.
Ha. My mum bought an Alfa Spider JTDM. And this was a woman with a Jag E-type and BMW 635CSi in her car ownership history. I thought we were going to have to put her in a home.
Actually I've changed my mind
This is the worst offender
Compared to that a convertible diesel A5 is the epitome of taste
Actually I’ve changed my mind
This is the worst offender
Controversial opinion incoming:
I've always really liked the look of the PT Cruiser. I'm a complete sucker for a retro / modern mash up that doesn't look like every other Euro box.
See also : S-Type Jag and VW Beetle
depending on how big you need the rear seats to be, the tt might be smaller, cheaper, nicer to look at & drive? someone on my street has one (coupe) for getting his primary aged kids around, likes it a lot
If there are two words that should never go beside each other in the world of motoring its “Diesel Convertible”*
With the roof down you will be able to fully appreciate the sonorous clatter from the lump up front and catch the perfumed scent of eau d’derv wafting from the exhaust
*An A5 isnt the worst offender Audi TT TDI cabriolet and Merc SLK 220D takes the prize.
Dont be daft - Convertibles have there roof up 99% of the time. Its the road noise and slightly dingy driving compartment feel that will get to you first.
I think you have to own one first to know better in future.
I used to have the v6 quattro 3 litre diesel version. It was a lovely car and the engine sounds nice and not like a tractor. It's quite fast, fun to cruise in and very comfy. Not the best handling on twisty roads though.
I replaced it with a BMW 320 estate that does sound like a tractor but it a lot more practical...
I don't see the point. Don't get me wrong, I'm not hating on convertibles - I'd love a convertible sports car. But a convertible version of a diesel rep-mobile? No. Remember, I am completely objective, so there's no point arguing with the following facts:
Is it cheap to run? No
Useful (passengers, luggage etc)? No
Comfy? No
Fun driving experience? No
Is it cheap to run? No
if its the same engine as my (lesser, hatchback) Audi, its 60+mpg, and £20/year tax.
With 140-150 HP, 8 seconds to 60.