• Summary

    5 out of 5 5.0

    What does this car say about you?

    I am an aesthete. Head not turned by gaudy baubles!

    What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

    Love it. Kids scream with joy whenever roof comes down!

    Would you buy this car again and why?

    Yes. Ticks all boxes for me: practical and fun.

    What are you likely to buy next?

    Hmmm. Would buy same again, but understand to be discontinued (WHY?!) Perhaps MB E-class convertible if I can come to terms with cloth rather than metal top...

  • Buying experience

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Type of dealer you bought from?

    Franchised

    Did you buy this car new?

    No

    What price did you pay?

    £0

    When did you buy the car?

    January 2012

    Did you get a good deal and why?

    Yes - bought 5 month old ex-dem. Paid 2/3rds of new price.

    Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

    Wanted metal roof convertible and space in back for 2 x children and (occasional) grown-ups.

    What was the dealer like?

    Fine. No problems. Straightforward deal using Parker's prices!

  • Driving it

    5 out of 5 5.0

    What's it like to drive?

    150 bhp version adequate. Very comfortable. Not, as well-documented, very sporty ride. Not wallowy though. Just soft and comfortable. Could comfortably go for miles and miles....

    What's it like to park?

    OK. Rear sensors, so not an issue. Rear visibility ok. A doddle with the roof down!

  • Living with it

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Have you had any problems with the car?

    Not yet...

    What's most practical about your car?

    Size. A usable family saloon. Big boot. Cavernous with roof up. (Even bigger if you ditch spacesaver wheel for a sealant repair kit). Nearly as big as a Passat's. Even with roof down, we can fit in a pushchair and a week's grocery shopping for a family of four. Load assist option means stowed roof can be lifted for easy access. (Beats BMW 3-series convertible on this by a considerable margin). Plenty of room in back for two children and easy access for fastening into child seats. Comfortable for adults in back. I am six feet tall and can fit in the back behind the driver's seat in 'my' position. (In the BMW, I could barely climb in, my knees were pressed into the driver's seat and my head had to bowed!).

    Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

    The roof of course!