5/10/15

A few days ago, I took the liberty of taking a small survey of convertible lovers. Namely, I wanted to know what cars they recommend in the range of 5,000, 10,000-15,000. PLN. I used the CABRIO POLAND fanpage for this so that I wouldn’t have to search for months for answers among people who haven’t even stood next to a convertible.

As you know, convertibles are rarely written about in our country. Usually it’s bullshit, because it’s either stories about the launch of a super modern model… for a few million zlotys that the author didn’t even sit in, or nothing is written, well, because what’s the point? Since there is no climate for convertibles in Poland! Nothing could be further from the truth. And since it’s damn close to my heart to popularize the subject of open-top motoring, I’d like to start today a series of posts on the basic models we encounter on the road every day, which usually lack little in the way of a prelude to an extended love affair with wind in the hair.

As the first, I decided to take a convertible in the range up to 5K:

An old-fashioned FIAT PUNTO CABRIO, whose prices on our domestic automotive classifieds sites start at PLN 1k. The model is trivial to use, as the drive units have been familiar to Mieczyslaw mechanics for many years. Grateful in operation, as I’m sure more than a few will admit that a forgotten oil change won’t result in service repairs for three average paychecks, and once the roof is removed from “iron at Aunt Krysia’s”, it becomes a little warrior that gives a lot of fun to its owner. The car, for the time being, has no chance to become an iconic convertible of the turn of the century:), but the fun in it is ahead and the said 5 thousand will do the job. As long as the roof is chic, you’ll be smiling at him.

Another entry in the 5k category is the well-known all-season Peugeot 206 CC. The first models can be freely bought for the amount mentioned, and if you take your brother-in-law with you to buy, chances are you’ll get a bargain on a little paint polish. 206 CC is often chosen by women, but this does not mean that it “flies” in the category – women’s! No way! It is important that you do a good job of checking the proper operation of the roof before you buy it. This bonus, in the form of a hardtop, is a guarantee of mental comfort and uninterrupted driving fun. It will save you from “guerrilla photos” and silly comments on portals, if you were tempted to drive a convertible in the winter… That it’s supposedly in the country, that it’s so in the winter and in addition without a roof… Other than that, the rest, as befits a “Frenchman”, generally available and without any miracles.

The third favorite for 5k is the iconic MAZDA MX5. Of course, to all those who at this point tilt their heads away from the monitor and mumble that the MX5 is not a convertible but a roadster, I say, ” EAT SNICKERS”. And to you, if you are still wondering whether to buy something for 5 thousand in a convertible I suggest that the Mazda MX5 is like a good friend: nice shapes, drives beautifully and never disappoints…well, maybe sometimes, but it’s age and you have to forgive. Oh, to be clear, for this amount of money you will need to do some research. It’s not enough to go to MOTOMI.co.uk and expect to find hundreds waiting for new owners. If you add another 5k, you can go wild. Important, vital, fast, often in the color of a “green bottle” with a roof that lasts more than others in its class and is sure to have a status – cult roofless. Worth.

Among the others in this range was the Italian queen, the Fiat Barchetta. Admittedly, as is always the case with second-hand cars, it will require a bit of heart, but it will repay the favor with a nice purr from the 1.8 and a cool design that for those years must have amazed as much as my friend’s 97-year-old grandmother, whose name is Monica! (Who the heck gave their name to Monica in those days?!). The car is very agile and has found many supporters on the market. To this day, a nicely maintained copy can freely stand next to another 500k Italian. One note of caution, here Gentlemen of weight higher than “slightly-semi-mocking” had better not try to sit down – unfortunately, there is no place for them here☺. In addition, before buying, check whether sometimes the so-called. “Uncle Oreo” does not eat the coach, as this is a common affliction of these cars, especially since we are the ones who violently take them away from their natural habitat, full of sunshine, ripe tomatoes and fine wine.

The next “Italian” is a Ford Streetka. This one is no mistake. Such a small “shell” on four wheels was produced in Italy. Quite a surprising appearance, a distinctive small canopy and a lot of horses. For an urban “box of landmarks,” it causes everyone who rides it at least once to feel great affection for it. Fun to drive 100% guaranteed. If I had to advise, I would choose a car from the Western market. The few units I had the opportunity to view deserved attention, and the cost of buying a car including transportation was not far from the average price on the market. So it is worthwhile to lean into the topic. According to the opinion of those asked, the Ford fits into the 5k price perfectly, what’s more, they said it was worth much more.

On the other hand, if you like to drive something that makes you feel luxurious, and the “kings” still agree in your wallet, opt for a Chrysler Sebring or Stratus. The dimensions of these cars guarantee cosmically comfortable travel conditions that were offered at that time, moreover, these cars with their space surprise at every turn. The 2.0 and 2.7 engines are known to all mechanics as far as Kamchatka, the availability of parts is not too bad either, and if you are bothered by higher combustion (from 10-15 l), you can always “gas up”, but then don’t tell me anything about it. From the reviews of convertible lovers of the brand, it seems that few things give them as much pleasure as Chrysler, but be warned, this car will not let you travel in it without a windshield. Ordinarily, tune in to the fact that it “snaps your head up.” And another thing, at the traffic lights at the intersection, someone will run up to ask if you will take them in this car to the wedding… on the bank.

All in all, these first-step cars keep coming, as the aftermarket is booming for us, and I hope this list will keep growing. More examples of convertibles for 5, 10 and 15k are forthcoming. Let’s stay in touch, because for true convertible lovers, the season is always on.