I have just sold my 1998 Vauxhall Omega CDX 2.5 V6 auto, which I'd had for two years. I was very happy with it and everything worked fine, but I just decided that it wasn't what I wanted anymore. I was considering buying either a Saab 9-3 convertible or an LS400. In the end I decided to go for the convertible. However I finally bought a 1997 BMW 328i auto convertible, not a Saab.
I think I succumbed to peer pressure in buying the Bimmer. People were telling me that there would be plenty of time to drive round in an LS400 when I'm 40 and I should get the BMW convertible while I'm still young. I've had the BMW for just less than two weeks, and I've gone off it already. I knew what I was getting into when I bought it, but I thought I was prepared to sacrifice everything the LS400 is good at just so that I could have a convertible. Now the rattles and squeeks are annoying me. The general noise level is not good, however the engine make a lovely deep noise from the exhaust I must say. It's a real pain trying to get anyone in the back, and there's not much room for them once they manage to climb in.
I don't really like driving the BMW at all. It's a car best appreciated from the outside, whereas the LS is probably best appreciated from the inside (in terms of ride, quietness, smoothness etc.). I really wish I could combine the best of both. I guess I'll really appreciate the BMW in the summer when I can put the top down. I intend to keep the BMW till about August, so that I can get some fun out of it in the summer and then sell it before the summer's completely over. The BMW is probably better-suited to someone who likes to drive enthusiastically, whereas I tend to drive sedately.
I am really looking forward to getting rid of it and buying an LS400 later this year. I wouldn't say I'm sorry I bought it as such, as I always wanted a convertible and so now I've had one. I'll do some posing in the summer and then I'll look forward to getting an LS400.
Mark
