Best Convertibles Under £7,000! (ULEZ Friendly)

[@HighPeakAutos]

Try YFood today - For 10% OFF use my promo code PEAK-KZbin bit.ly/yfood_highpeakautos_tp

[@AssumedTiger]

Ill have a look

[@umbongoapg]

strange how yfoods will not let us know what is in it...?

[@HighPeakAutos]

@@umbongoapg like the ingredients you mean? They’re listed

[@JPB90]

Hi Matt - a lot of 986's are ULEZ, including my 3.2 S. There was originally a process to go through where you had to get a certificate of conformity from Porsche HQ and then submit it to get your individual car added to the register, but now they seem to have updated to include most qualifying cars already.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Ah interesting

[@chevchelios8582]

I love 968’s. They will move the goalposts on ULEZ requirements before long so be ready for the hit if you live in London unfortunately.

[@matthewgodwin3050]

I'm always suspicious when sellers blank out the registration number, preventing you from doing an MOT history check or Car Vertical check. What are they hiding?

[@kevincockburn7805]

Most hide the reg due to scammers and the fear of number plate cloning.

[@UKTonyMagill]

I agree. Definite red flag.

[@glennhaley7404]

Number plate cloning maybe….it happened to me.

[@matthewgodwin3050]

@@glennhaley7404 great point, but as your number plate is visible at all times everywhere you drive and park, does having it pictured in a sales ad make much difference?

[@glennhaley7404]

@@matthewgodwin3050 I think it’s just opportunism as they know a change of ownership is about to happen which makes a few of their more nefarious activities a bit more plausible….. my guy applied for my V5, had MOTs done and altered HPI info including mileage and MOT dates. I kept getting speeding camera tickets from places I’d never been to but there was what looked like my car, photographed and plain to see.

[@christian-van-e]

Next to my daily Audi, I have white MX-5, model NC (2013), which is a really fun car! I'm 1.88meters, and I fit in very well: the seats are a bit lowered (there are special lowering rails for the seats, which only costs a few quid)

[@DocteurMolotov]

I have a 1st gen CLK 320 convertible and I love it. It looks rougher than the newer but it comes with fewer electronic stuff so it's more trouble free on the long run. The M112 is unbreakable and quite torquey, especialy with the M113 throttle body (plug and play). Confort is very good. Can fit 4 adults easyliy. Great car.

[@gzk6nk]

The MX5 does not have a folding METAL roof - that would add too much weight. It's a folding COMPOSITE roof. They have superb handling because they are so light (unlike the Z4) and you will not get BMW-sized bills to run it.

[@pedazodetorpedo]

The MX5 will be far more likely to rust though

[@gzk6nk]

@@pedazodetorpedo I had my last one (a foldy electric hard top model) from new in 2007 for 14 years now replaced with the latest MX5. It had no rust when I traded it in.

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Ive got a 2007 Z4 2.5 sport in hellrot red with 48k miles and absolutely LOVE it..I know its a relatively "cheap car" but I always feel like a million dollars when im driving it😊 Im going to be selling it shortly and I know im going to regret it as soon as I do!..I also previously owned a 2007 2.0l (4 cylinder) Z4 which I loved just as much but you cant beat the sound of a 6 cylinder👍

[@southwestlondon1]

Loads of ULEZ compliant MG TF out there, cannot believe you didn't look at them, great fun, cheap to run and insure, also the later 2008 on have the N series engine which has no head gasket problems.

[@robsmith1a]

I'm 6'2" and fit perfectly into an SLK (have a 62 reg one). I like the glass hard top but if you're obsessed with dynamics a Boxter or Z4 would suit you better. The SLK is noce for cruising around though and so far has been very cheap to run (a Boxter would cost a lot more to service). I'd like an MX-5 but just don't fit. Grest video - thanks.

[@S-Ltd1000]

Some good stuff in there. The z4 is a decent car especially in 3.0l form but for reliability, usability and just plain fun the mx5 NC is surely the default choice.

[@jamesthomson3511]

Would have to agree (as a 2013 NC owner, mind...) I was so tempted by a Z4 but couldn't stomach the possible price of repairs being in my early 20's.

[@amigachris]

Overated rot box mx5, don't like the Z4 either, sooner have an e46

[@keithchenery7748]

You've been there and done it, had the content and rich comment value. Chris proved to be right again. Completely get it, served its purpose and time to let go. Pity about the van could have been a spinner with decent content at the right price.

[@jamesmcloughlin4104]

Great idea Matt with the mention of making videos to help private sellers 👍looking forward to them.

[@frankscalzo712]

Just been watching, I have slk 230 2001 and ulez compliant. Been slowly doing bits and bobs. Great summer car. Insured as classic with my main car.

[@christop997]

How did you manage that?

[@snbala]

Love a convertible, I have a 4 series convertible myself. I would pick a BMW for a convertible as you get the looks, quality and the drive to match. Oh and nothing wrong with choosing a BMW 4 cylinder IMO, not the entry 420i but the 428i/430i are underrated powerhouses. Great video.

[@HighPeakAutos]

I love a convertible too

[@obellinfantie]

Just got the notification and gave it a straight thumbs up while the intro music played. Am I a clairvoyant???? Nah, I just know the quality of these videos!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks

[@rorywilson462]

Your encyclopaedic knowledge is impressive Matt and your advice really sound. I know it’s your living, but nevertheless you never miss a beat. Nice one!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks

[@mrgoodkat3722]

I don’t really understand the dislike for the 4 cylinder Z4,in fact with some people they actually hate them!.I own one,yes it doesn’t sound great but with the roof down it’s still a fantastic summer vehicle to take around country lanes or to the coast.

[@pleenc30]

I read the TT's tyre as "Road Fit Skip" ah so right up there with the Avon Deathmaster and Swallow Hedgefinder then

[@red9zero]

I used to have a New Beetle convertible. Bought new by me in 2005 and used as a summer / car show toy until 2020, when I sold it with 20k miles on it. It was the old 2.0 petrol, so wasn't Bristol CAZ compliant. I replaced it with a 1987 Land Rover 90, which is even less compliant 😂

[@rouman7]

I Just got rid of my clk 280 2006 90,000 miles sold in Spain great car never give me any problems. Gear box service , and oil changes need to be kept up

[@HighPeakAutos]

I really like them. I’d like to buy one in spain

[@edbray7464]

Awesome video Matt. Would love to see you try and flip a Crossfire, or at least a video on you buying one!!

[@davidcooper8621]

Enjoyable video about convertibles although you dismissed the manufacturer of mine. In 2018 I bought a 2009 Peugeot 207 CC Sport, 11,000 miles on the clock for £3000. Driven it from Glasgow to the South of Spain, France, Dorset and London. 37,000 miles later hasn't missed a beat, and with the roof down always brings a smile to my face. Always starts, comfortable and functional, works for me.

[@terryneilbooth]

I once purchased a basic 2007 1.8 MX5 and it was fun to drive with only 14k on the clock and hardly run in. When my mechanic got in up on the ramp for servicing the sub frame was excessive of corrosion (It originated from a coastal resort) As you said - best go down under first with the inspection. Still a fab iconic car though. Think my next convertible would probably be a Audi A5. Great enjoyable video 👍

[@craig7624]

Been toying with the idea of a z4 with the hard top, friend had that 3.0 engine in a 5 series and it was wonderful, clocked about 160 with no chain issues

[@Quattro_Joe]

I’d be having the SL500. I’ve driven lots of the 350 and 500 in work. The V8 is such a good engine and suits that car perfectly. If it was my money I’d delete the ABC and fit it with regular springs. I believe Bilstein do a kit. Sell the removed ABC kit to cover the cost. You’ve got a perfect convertible.

[@HighPeakAutos]

That’s true

[@stewartmarshall8790]

Class as always’ pre children & hair loss I had a 3.0 Z4 & it put a smile on my face every time I drove it…. Sounded great to….

[@davidlewis2331]

Been watching your videos for long time now , thanks have really learnt a lot from watching your vids on basics of purchasing a car

[@perro0076]

So really the only one is the CLK. I reckon if you want a convertible it has to be a rag top. Otherwise your boot space will disappear very quickly. I'm still holding on to my 2000 golf cabrio as part are just about available, but it looks like not for much longer. Not EULEZ, but it still turns heads. I don't take it out on wet roads either 😊😊😊

[@lm971120]

You can buy a MG, later NAC/SAIC MG TFs are ULEZ compliant, the engine was revised to be compliant, got head gasket issue sorted too

[@Muzhskoy]

Haven't watched you for a few months but came back and production improved so dramatically, nice job mate!

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@Darny1able]

had my eos on 10 plate for 2 1/2 years so far everything work no leaks

[@RMILLSMMA]

Z3 has definitely gotten pretty again. I see them now and then and just think 'why haven't I owned one of those yet!?!' ..same with the Crossfire. Pretty much every summer I seriously consider a Boxter... Was laughing out loud when I saw your face looking at the amp in the back. I'm 100% the same. 😂 Great vid. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@deanburton4430]

Another great informative video as always. I'd like to see you do a video on what you think would be modern upcoming classics to get before it's too late. Keep up the ace work 👍

[@peemick]

A few weeks ago, before I saw this vid, I did a good bit of research on a fun summer car. My pick was a Z4 2003 3.0i w sports pack (18" alloys, same mm drop on the suspension as the Z4M, xenon headlights and the drivetronic sports butoon), for 2.8k. A bit scruffy, and totally dirty inside and out, mechanically extremely good, new discs/pads springs, struts 2 new hancooks on the back. Not washed, or hoovered in a good few years. Also not any offers on it, even in the summer, so I would agree with some sort of how to on marketing a car for private sale :) Great vid

[@CanadianInMonaco]

I pretty much buy the same two you picked every summer in Canada and they have been great. I do try to go for a light interior since you can fry an egg on black leather when left open in the sun for more than 10 minutes

[@Brebgon]

Had the Smart Roadster for 2 weeks, genuinely the most fun 2 weeks I've had in a long time Unfortunately I had to return it due to an overheating issue

[@rahmann936]

It would have to have a metal folding roof for me to buy it more security etc.👍 So my first choice would be a metal roof MX5 with an auto box, that I would keep for years & years.

[@paulk1702]

Many say that a convertible in the UK makes little sense. On the odd days the sun comes out, they're okay. But for me, the best time to drive them was on a clear, crisp morning - just a touch of frost [no pun intended], heated seats [and airscarf if you've got it], heater on full, etc. Best sensual experience you can get in a car! I live in Sydney now, where just thinking about a nice car requires a bank loan!

[@grahamgoodman6609]

Your criticism of the A5 entertainment system's age is why I went for a 2007 TT instead. Since it has a standard double din stereo in the centre console it's an easy swap for something more up to date. I got a Pioneer with wireless Apple CarPlay and replaced the phone kit with a wireless charger. Looks stock and immediately made the interior feel modern.

[@markmw123]

Mazda MX for me 👍

[@foxstrangler]

I have a 2004 C70 T5 and it's ULEZ compliant. Not everyone's cup of tea but I prefer it to the Focus based Mk 2. Cheap as chips, but expensive to tax.

[@chelseaguy70]

Great video Matt, thank you as Always. I have a Z4 E89 which I drove to Spain to keep there as my second car. It always turns heads and I would highly recommend it.

[@SA-zoom1]

The Z4 with the 2.5 engine is about the perfect blend of useful zip and economy.

[@HighPeakAutos]

That’s right

[@haakn]

love these types of videos, make more please!

[@marksmith8663]

Nice review .Its that time of year convertible back in fashion . Audi A3 convertible yes the boot isn't a very big opening , a bit of a letter box. yet deep . But handles well with very little body scuttle .

[@norsegolf76]

I love these "talking cars with a friend" videos! 👍

[@Rabscuttle3]

Quite a fun video, Matt, but I agree with you about the mercy - more classy!

[@terryburns2290]

I have a 500 sl (r230) thankfully somebody took the ABC off they put some cheap struts on replace them with better ones it,s great the milage is under 60,000 it,s in great condition you need to get them now they will go up !

[@HighPeakAutos]

They will indeed. I’ve just bought an old R129

[@terryburns2290]

@@HighPeakAutos great cars see a lot coming up for sale well built

[@MotorTorq_ZA]

just when my dad is looking for a convertible this video shows up. thanks matt 😀

[@thesilentgametestr]

i havent watched all the video yet, but it is interesting and im sure you will have found out by now if not in the video, but ulez is euro 4 which are cars from 2006

[@al3xdragos01]

How can u tell on audis if they burn oil when u check it?

[@robertthrossell4321]

Gr8 video, love ur comments on the Mercedes 350SL absolutely spot on... Beautiful car, just watch for water ingress

[@Alexander_l322]

I bought an 03 Z4 not too long ago for £800 with no mot and the very common steering column failure so it there was no PAS on it. I took the PAS motor off and had it rebuilt then took it for an mot and sold it on. I loved the time I spent with that car! Glad for the profit though 😄

[@pash47]

I have an Audi TT 3.2 Convertible that i garage over the winter and enjoy in the summer, it's a 2007 with only 44,000 miles. Absolutely love it though not the tax bracket!

[@deaks25]

The Crossfire convertible is one of my guilty loves. I know it's an old, out-dated car that is a bit on the slow side with an even more dated-looking interior, but in convertible form I think it's an absolute stunner, and that red one caught my eye immediately. I know objectively anything else would be a better car, but I do like a left-field choice.

[@martf8014]

Love my 2007 Alfa Spider, Had it from 2007 to 2010. Its the only car I regret selling to be honest however don't think I would buy one now. Roof problems are a plenty and not many parts knocking around.

[@stevie007]

Top quality upload as per normal mate👍👍

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@josephmifsud8261]

Love this video. Interesting what you can get as a second car. The Alfa Spider looks beautiful and I'd have that or the Brera. Definitely, along with the Mercedes CLK, a future classic. The Volvo is a surprise, and I agree not to get the Ford, VW or Nissan versions

[@sociaaljessie5431]

Z4 and tt would be my favourites. For the past 15 years ive been eyeballing 1 of the 2 but than the reality of having no garage and 350 days of gloom hit me.

[@vincehenry9126]

Thank you matt that was a great vid and giving all this valuable knowledge on these niche cars is much appreciated 👌

[@laurencegamlen7211]

Loving my 2006 CLK pleased you like them too. Roof down day today, great design and a nice drive

[@greathey1234]

I'll pick the TT MK2 everytime, great car. I actually own one and a V8 AM Vantage roadster

[@alplop]

Thanks Matt! So hard to find good ulez relevant content.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@chevchelios8582]

Be aware ULEZ will be a moving goalpost which will lead to road user charging (pay per mile) in a few years. I have CLK 320 coupe (209), with the pillarless window & sunroof it’s almost a convertible but without the grief of things going wrong! I’ve owned it a long time, it caused a few annoying niggles but very reliable.

[@barriemoorcroft534]

Hi Matt. I had a 2002 Toyota MR2 for a year back in 2006, in silver the same as this video, and it was an awesome car for roadholding and feel. Obviously 'inspired' by the Porche Boxster which was more than twice the price to buy even used and more so for operating & maintenance costs, yet featured the the same Mid-Engine, rear wheel drive, 50/50 wieght distrubution the Boxster had. It was genuinely one of the best cars Ive owned. Granted the 1.8vvti at 140hp was weak, but adavntage was the utter reliability and running costs of a Corolla and tons of sliding ability. Its very low and flat shape looks MUCH better in real life too than the pictures would make you believe, and wasnt quite the hairdressers car the MX5 was. The icing on the cake for me was the fact that many petrolhead Boxster drivers in oncoming traffic would acknowledge with a flash of their lights at me thinking I was a boxster owner too, only for them as they got closer and realised their mistake to hide behind the wheel and stare angrily ahead ignoring me, when the realised I was in a mere toyota. I loved that car. May go to autotrader now for a weekend runabout. Although granted at 4k lots of different options too.

[@E123Epicness]

Very glad of this comment! I have one and think it drives brilliantly. Not so sold on the looks but made up for with fun!

[@danr1920]

I'd look a Mazda Miata MX3. I'm in the U.S. Don't know how much they cost as $7000 doesn't buy much of any car right now. A base Honda Civic that is 8 years old goes for over $15,000.

[@connclissmann6514]

Many thanks for that tour of options. Z4 for me, yet annual road tax in my location would rule it out as a fun car. For those in the UK, enjoy your low annual cost while it lasts.

[@toms_garage]

I stand by the E85 2.5i, I had one and it drove great.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Great cars

[@alec1113]

Thanks for your latest vid , always great information. Really enjoyed it. It looks like your team is going to pick up some silverware this season. I hope they win the euro final , such a talented team 👍

[@JOHNWILSON1944]

I think the phrase to describe the Alfa is “all fur coat and no knickers”.

[@oliversalmons7416]

I’ve previously owned a BMW e85 Z4 3.0si, 986 Boxster S and a R171 Slk 350. All fantastic. If I had to choose one of them again, I’d probably go with the Merc as it looks great with the roof up or down. Whereas the other two look like prams with the roof up😂.

[@lesrichards636]

Hi Matt great video very informative as ever 10/10

[@richardthe3rd899]

Think I'm off to bishop stortford this weekend to buy that red clk, looks stunning!!

[@dunkshaw]

I was looking at SL's and found some potential engine problems with the M272 and M273 engines, Balance shafts and idler gears, i have pdf on it if its of any use

[@benjones9822]

I had a Saab 93 TTiD Aero in that blue. Loved that car!

[@Seatter_S]

939 Spider is a gorgeous car, I have a 939 Brera along with 2 GTs and a Giulia, and of course the CLK xD

[@ramalufc322]

Whilst we all want a good looking, nice driving soft top, having had a couple my top priority is one that doesn't leak due to poor design (Audi TT - I'm looking at you in particular!!).

[@jaydee4086]

Amazing work as always,Enjoy the vacation,looking forward to more content 😊

[@Ben-jw9nt]

I have a lexus sc430 2003 and it's ULEZ compliant, so many of these durable convertibles are ULEZ compliant which surprised me

[@alfaromeo4898]

FYI I have owned an VW EOS from new for 17 years which has not leaked once. The interior is nearly as good as new. They require some TLC for sure. The one you bought had not been looked after properly. I am a member of an EOS community whose members use their cars as daily runners. The Volvo C70 is not bad but does not offer a sunroof. Be aware of careless owners if you are considering a convertible with a fabric roof.

[@andrewblades8368]

I’ve just bough a first gen Volvo C70. Just curious what you don’t like about them….

[@stevenmeeson419]

That look towards the camera after the beetle comment was priceless 😂

[@colincleary8669]

Great video matt I personally like the v6 clk I think they look lovely with the roof down I'm not a fan of canvas hoods it would feel like driving a tent much prefer the metal roofs keep the videos coming matt

[@ric355]

The Z4 you picked at the end was only Euro 3 compliant. In London the ULEZ requires Euro 4 for Petrol. Don't know about other regions. There were quite a few cars picked out in the video that were only Euro 3.

[@howardlake6178]

I love all your videos, but a Renault Wind and Smart Roadster, test a subscriber 😂I’d rather walk 😂The Focus CC. Again, I’d rather walk, but they had a launch date, let’s say August. Gradually it was put off for 2 months. 3 months. And this went on and on. Ford couldn’t make them watertight………

[@pwilliams6405]

More of these please Matt ,it's like looking for a car with your mate :) If I'm buying a convertible I'd want something that's really cool looking like a Jag XR :)))))

[@lm971120]

Just to add a bit on ULEZ, for petrol cars, ONLY NOx is considered (at least for TfL, it is explicitly stated on their website), the HC and the CO figures are not. Therefore many EURO 3 cars are ULEZ compliant despite not meeting EURO 4 standards, because they have low enough NOx emissions but not low enough HC and CO emissions (figures can be found on V5). An example of this would be all 1.6 MG TF, or later 1.8 135 MG TF with Pektron ECU. I hope you'll get a chance to read this and pin to the top as this would make a massive difference to cars from early 2000s. For area outside London, I've just chased Scotland's LEZ as they've not stated they only consider NOx, but their vehicle checker follows TfL, I've just wrote them an email and hope they'll clarify ASAP - always worth chasing if not made explicitly clear.

[@cornwallglory]

Love these videos of you trawling through AutoTrader! Wouldn’t think you’d say a Chrysler Crossfire, interesting choice 😊

[@criscross572]

Clk will be a lovely classic in a few years time, with a couple of young kids could almost be a slk when their quiet.

[@Dmab2007]

Best family tow car for £25k next please Mathew 😃

[@jujuUK68]

Who ever suggested this in a previous video comment is a damned genius!

[@WavScorn259]

03:30 Matt i would definitely appreciate a video on that!

[@davidr5250]

I had a Golf convertible which I enjoyed. Traded it in for a Mercedes C300 convertible which is so much more luxurious

[@HighPeakAutos]

Good swap

[@timhulio1]

A very timely and informative video! Really like the CLK convertible. Possibly better looking than the hardtop. Now the sun is out I've been enjoying my '02 Saab 9-3 convertible (old style) which fortunately is ULEZ compliant.

[@williamreynolds1163]

Snap .I have an 02 Saab 9 3 convertible .I must admit I was surprised it was compliant bearing in mind its age ( I think after 20 years its free anyway) but it was compliant prior to that date anyway . Plus its well below £7K!

[@thedogloverschannel1155]

I got a 125i convertible lovely car and getting averaging 31 mpg

[@andymcvean9631]

Another great vid Matt.... a bit like my guilty secret evenings.

[@n17hero]

Hi Matt, love the channel. There is just something about your presenting style. I'm not a massive petrol head which I is why I find your down to earth approach way more engaging than all the Clarkson wannabes and grinning posh boys running car channels on YT. I'm looking for something to replace my cayman S before the upcoming bills require a second mortgage. So in the same vein as this video, wouldn't mind a video on motorway mile munchers around the 35 grand mark that go like stink, look good, won't let me down and won't cripple me on servicing costs. I know it's not your normal price bracket, but might make an interesting topic if you are stuck in doors due to the weather.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thank you

[@parkecorepersonaltrainingp2601]

Love these vids only problem I have is now I start looking for things I should not 😂😂. Great vid as always

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks for watching

[@Joey00]

Just stumbled across this channel, watched a few of your videos and finding it really interesting. Liked and subscribed.

[@Joey00]

Also in one of the vids I watched you referenced Man City which suggests you're a gudden. We were brilliant against RM last night.

[@HighPeakAutos]

Thanks!

[@plxton]

I always find that these videos are what I must sound like in the other room when scrolling down the ads after a few scotches

[@HighPeakAutos]

Hahaha