Mercedes SLK and CLK are near the top of their respective convertible classes. Both are desirable, very comfortable, well appointed; and it goes without saying that they're status symbols.

Neither is over-priced now that there are plenty of earlier cars around privately and in the general trade, though prices are heavily influenced by colour, spec and mileage. SLK starts from about £16k for a high-mileage P-reg 230k at a general retailer.

CLK is rarer in convertible form but offers the practicality of four seats. A 98R CLK 230K Sport with about 25,000 miles will make at least £23,000.