Due to increased commuting we were looking for a second car alongside the Saab 9-3 estate that serves as the primary family car

Due to increased commuting we were looking for a second car alongside the Saab 9-3 estate that serves as the primary family car. It would be a car that could really make some kilometers per year. The first thought was for a nice used Mini Cooper, a VW Polo or similar. But given the ZZP status of my wife, we decided to start the search for a 15 year or older car because of the tax advantage. We then decided to buy something 'fun' and it had to be a convertible. The advantage of this is that people are often more economical on a convertible and therefore reasonably look good for their age. It was a choice between an Audi TT, BMW Z3, Volvo C70 convertible and a Saab 9-3 convertible.

Our order was finally fallen on a black BMW Z3 1.8S from the end of 1999. The facelift model with air conditioning, heated seats, leather and most importantly, a hardtop. He has been well documented regular maintenance and looks, both inside and outside, neat. During the test drive, we were positively surprised by the handling and roadholding. This was reinforced when the cap went down, with the still fairly sporty sound of the four cylinder was convertible feeling fine for another.
With 120hp is no outgoing car, but enough to keep up with the traffic. The budget for both purchase price and daily fees let unfortunately purchasing a 6 cylinder not matter, so we have a bit of dreams speak.

The sporty character of the car comes into its own on country roads with curves, it feels great cornering and responds well to the gas. Driving on the highway is not really comfortable with the hardtop is it still there, but otherwise there is simply too much noise.

Unfortunately it is to notice that the car is 15 years old, so shaky here and there and what is there still something regularly broken (particularly electronics). In addition, it was quite a hassle to get the hardtop wind and waterproof.

We have traveled around in the car 20.000km and it was certainly nice to be able to open up a big part of it. In connection with the second small we decided to sell the car in exchange for a second family car. All in all, the convertible drive us really liked it was only a 15 year old car in our case, also because of the permanent deployment in commuter traffic, not suitable. Perhaps in the future with a fresher, less spartan copy. Below the balance sheet.

After Chevrolet announced to leave the Netherlands, I went looking for something else.
In a car week sometime in September 2014, I read a piece about the Renault kwid. Before that I was excited about the TwinRun Concept and the Twinz concept. These two prototypes I did look foolish cool and when I found out that the Twingo was for sale, I started looking at the dealership.

After an extensive test drive, I was much more excited about the Twingo. The model runs good and confort surprised me. However, I would never baby blue color of the interior because I'm there already bothered by the test drive.

Experiences:
To date, the experience with the Twingo well. The car is comfortable and the turning radius is great.
The space in the Twingo is still quite spacious despite its rear engine. The rear parts foldable and thus more importantly, you get the same floor. The front passenger seat can also be folded forward in its entirety giving you that same floor can still pass through a piece. Thus, transporting for example, a tailgate of a Fiat Seicento pretty easy to do. However, I must mention that there access to the luggage compartment is quite tight.
With a consumption of 1:19 I find the Twingo quite economical. I mainly ride motorway journeys and on the motorway, the Twingo comfortably.
An additional advantage of the rear engine is that the passenger behind you can easily understand. In addition, the three-cylinder less vibration when the back is placed.

The Twingo is sensitive to side winds. With stormy winds, the Twingo may oscillate properly. With a speed of up to + - 100 km / h, the Twingo even in stormy winds still good at keeping a straight line.

The Twingo is packed with options. There is a tachometer that can be read on your phone. (see photo) The package Sound is a must. Thus you get a really nice sound when you play your music. (The music will come from the USB as a CD player, the Twingo is not), the Twingo has cruise which was a requirement for me to purchase. This is fairly easy to use.
The hill assistant is a fine option. I was previously on the Aveo and do not want to miss.
The climate control works well unwise and does what he has to do. In the summer he slightly warmer than in winter because the air conditioning cools it very well.

Tire Pressure Sensors:
If there is an option that is meaningless then it is this one. Finally, I myself see and experience if my tires are still on the correct voltage. Eventually you check the tire pressure several times in the year.
I drive both summer and winter tires and I think it is nonsense to also buy the sensors there specifically for Winterset. They are, moreover, still quite expensive.
The disadvantage is that on your dashboard 2 lights come on. (see photo)

So far I have had no alarming defects. The edge at the A-pillar and front door began to show paint damage. Warranty is neatly solved. The striping right showed a bulge and ripped later and this is nicely updated.

In winter really come a few hiccups forward.
The doors freeze easily fixed. This is due to the rubber that runs over the style. And in rainy weather would sometimes drip some water in the trunk when opening the tailgate.

Conclusion:
The Twingo is a fine car I drive to date with pleasure.
21 054 km

The kilometers that have been made so far satisfactorily.
Also on the longer distance is to keep out fine. Regularly drive there also colleagues with me and that may well find their place in the Twingo. The space in the rear is neat.
The radio had once cure. In addition, the screen remained without orange text. Then the radio went volume was 18 and was the sound just right audible in the Twingo. Contact off and the door opened and shut. Engine started and problem solved. It is also not seen.
Consumption is an average of 1: 18/19 very neat.
There is not really anything to report special.