Used converters in the check – from Mercedes, Mazda, Alfa Romeo

Winter with the chaos of snow and terrible weather is finally over, Easter and spring are fast approaching. Of course, you can only see how good summers are on the road as a convertible driver. FOCUS online offers four used drivers: How much money do you have to invest and what should you consider when buying?

1. Mazda MX-5

If you’re looking for an affordable convertible or a roadster that you can have a lot of fun with, especially in the summer, you’ll find it inside. Mazda MX-5 always the first choice. Agree, the old models are not the best car in winter due to the thin roof without insulation and the lack of comfort details; But as the temperature rises to a fever pitch, the hour has come for the Japanese two-seater.

You cannot go wrong when choosing the Mazda MX-5, because the product quality of the car is excellent. Beautiful first-generation models (internal: NA) with unique pop-up lights start at 7,000 euros. The newest models of the second or third generation with leather seats, less than 100,000 kilometers on the clock and in good condition still start at less than 10,000 euros.

Small gasoline engines (displacement of 1.5 or 1.6 liters depending on the generation) are easily enough for cruising, but engines with 1.8 or two liters of displacement and 160 to a maximum of 184 hp usually provide more driving pleasure. The biggest advantage of a light car is to reduce fuel consumption. Disadvantages: Less comfort, less trunk space and for tall pilots it quickly becomes cramped behind the wheel. However: More roadies for less money? This will be difficult. And for winter there is still a hardtop.

2. Peugeot 206 CC

If you also like it open and need more space without wanting to find four real seats in your underground parking, you should get the Peugeot 206 cc. Next to Mercedes SLK, the French open-top introduced the convertible part of the folding roof in the mid-1990s. So there are no important restrictions even in winter and when it gets colder, details of equipment such as seat heating and climate control of automatically helps.

When it comes to electric folding roofs in particular, you have to take a close look because if repairs are needed, they can get expensive quickly. This also applies to other electrical or electronic parts, because an open 206 cc is very dangerous after two decades. On the other hand, mileage and maintenance conditions are above average as a second or even third car. For less than 5,000 euros it starts even for well-preserved cars that have run less than 125,000 km. Especially popular: the luxurious Platinum version with a 1.6-liter gasoline engine. A diesel with the same power is more economical. However, it is only recommended if the normal routes are long. It only meets the Euro 3 emission standard, which means that nothing works in cities like Munich because of the new diesel ban. If you want something more modern: the converter is also available as a 207 cc. A little cleaner, but no longer as charming.

3. Mercedes SLK

There is already a Mercedes SLK available for less than 6,000 euros, one of the most sought-after models after the facelift, which brought some improvements. The SLK 200 Kompressor is excellent with its 163 hp gasoline engine that is bad but returns free. The SLK 230’s 193 hp compressor has a little more steam and if you want something particularly beefy, you’ll want the SLK 320 with its big six-cylinder, which sometimes has problems with oil leaks or cylinder heads.

Therefore, the maintenance history must be correct and it must be a direct version of the fifth speed, because manual switches are not ideal. If you decide on the Mercedes SLK from the first series R170, you can also choose a bright color. Here, Mercedes offered many things inside and out that were not found in the portfolio of stars. As with the Peugeot 206 cc or its 207 cc successor, interested parties should take a very close look at the Mercedes SLK roof system. If there are problems here, it quickly becomes expensive.

4. Alfa Romeo Spider

For a few more bills it becomes no less stylish and even Italian chic. The Alfa Romeo A Spider with a solid maintenance history from 1996 to 2001 costs around 10,000 euros if the mileage is less than 100,000 km. The wedge shape is still a real show today, the six cylinder makes an impressive sound and if you want to have as few problems as possible, ditch the modified crash cars and look at the 2.0 Twin Spark four cylinder, which is. enough sports with its 150 hp. However, you should be careful when it comes to rust (especially under the sheet metal, because the body has many plastic parts) and a complete maintenance history also saves you from the worst surprises.