Can you help me chose a small convertible?

Which small convertible should I go for? I have a budget of up to €13,000 and would like a stylish car for a change from my 2005 Toyota Yaris. I do little mileage and would hope to buy something I will love for a number of years. I have been looking out for a Volkswagen Eos 1.4 with leather interior but these are not that easy to find. I have also looked at the Peugeot 207 CC 1.6 but am open to all suggestions.

Thanking you.

Cathy Johnson (Dublin)

Apr 2013 Filed under: choosing used car

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Expert answer

Hi Cathy,

The Eos is a nice car, right enough, but a bit thin on the ground here in Ireland. You may need to widen your search to the UK if you're going to find one you like.

That budget should give you a pretty good spread of possible purchases though. How about a BMW 318Ci convertible? Classy, practical and cool, we found one on Carzone.ie for €12,950. If you fancy something a bit smaller, there are a few MINI Cooper Convertibles knocking around at similar money. The MINI is not as practical as the Peugeot 207 CC you've suggested, but it is more fun to drive. Then again, the 207 does have that desirable folding steel roof.

But if you're really sold on the Eos, Karmann Volkswagen dealers in Dublin, on the Naas road, currently have one up for €12,950 with the 1.6 FSI petrol engine. Snap it up if you want it...

Let us know how you get on

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Adviser
@Shane_O_D