Autos: Ten of the best convertibles

But summer is not a good time to buy a convertible

If you are looking to snap up a convertible bargain, spring and early summer is unsurprisingly the worst period to go searching.

It’s an issue of supply and demand - most people interested in buying a convertible will buy when the weather is warm.

Dealers give smaller discounts on brand convertibles in summer, as they have more people trying to buy them, while second-hand sellers also see more demand and therefore less need to drop prices.

This means you’ll be better off holding out until the winter months - and if you do, you could end up saving quite a bit (although the car may have to wait in the garage for a while for summer to appear).

The only downside to this tactic is the fact selection will probably be more limited in the winter months compared to the spring and summer, as there may be lower supply of people selling.

What convertible should you buy?

Once you've decided to take the plunge, which are the best convertibles.

This is Money alongside Auto Trader, reveal the favoured convertibles from a recent poll that got motorists engines revving - including one model starting at £17,720.

10. Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet 1.2 TSI S (£20,770)

The Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet has a timeless quality and Auto Trader says that each car it tested felt like it was built to last for decades.

There’s fun to be had behind the wheel and it’s particularly refined for a small convertible. It's price tag isn't too bad either - at just over £20,000 brand new, it's the second cheapest in the list.

9. Lotus Elise 1.6 CR (£27,975)

The Lotus Elise offers a unique driving experience. It has been designed to perform and handle through it slight weight, making it cheaper to run than almost any other sports car.

When the Elise came out, Lotus claimed the entry-level model was the least polluting high-performance sports car in the world.

8. Audi TT Roadster 1.8T FSI (£25,155)

The Audi TT Roadster is one of the most stylish cars on the road. It is beautifully built and great to drive. According to Auto Trader, it holds its value very well and is utterly usable, even if it’s not very practical due to limited cabin and boot space,

The TT Roadster is also very safe, with things made even better with the availability of four-wheel drive. Build quality is superb and while you pay a high price for ownership, the costs are easily justified.

7. BMW 3 Series 320i SE (£33,535)

The BMW 3 Series convertible is classy, discreet, desirable and great to drive, according to Auto Trader.

Stylish, well-built and efficient, the 320i is exceptionally economical according to WhatCar? and has low emissions to keep the taxman at bay.

6. Ferrari California (£152,086)

A Ferrari for all seasons and all reasons? That’s certainly how it seems with the new California convertible.

The Ferrari California is the real deal. Despite its bling looks it’s not just a poseur’s car, according to Auto Trader. However, it does come with a hefty price-tag and is the priciest motor on the list.

5. Mazda MX-5 1.8i SE (£17,720)

Mazda’s MX-5 comes with fabulous handling, neat styling and a brilliantly simple roof that makes drop-top motoring a joy all year round.

The MX-5 has been around now for 23 years and according to WhatCar?, Mazda did exactly what it set out to do in 1989 - resurrect the British roadster of the 1950s and 1960s. It is also the most affordable convertible on the list, you could buy eight of these for the price of the Ferrari above and still have £10,000 spare.

4. Porsche 911 (£75,013)

Porsche's 911 Cabriolet offers all the performance of its coupe relative, but with greater access to the enjoyable engine note and the wind in your hair.

According to AutoExpress, the 911 Cabriolet retains two-thirds of its value after three years, making it a sound investment. It's also fuel-efficient given its sensational performance, and servicing requirements are infrequent.

3. Jaguar XK 5.0 V8 (£70,400)

This beautiful Jaguar XK convertible offers a classic mix of high performance, elegance and wind-in-the-hair cruising.

It’s as comfortable being a boulevard cruiser as it is a sports car, but it is expensive to run with a low mile per gallon (MPG) rating.

2. Mercedes-Benz SL350 (£72,170)

The Mercedes SL boasts a lot of highlights but its best is quite simply its status, according to Auto Trader. It’s a great-looking car, and still turns heads.

And the fact the styling is backed up by substance makes it better still.

1. Aston Martin Vantage 2dr 420 (£95,244)

The Vantage Roadster is beautiful and engaging to drive, though it’s not quite as polished dynamically as some of its rivals.

Still, you’d never tire of looking at it, or of the sound the V8 makes when it’s reaching its redline. If that’s not enough to have you wanting one, we don’t know what is.

Aston Martin Vantage Roadster convertible

Autos

Friday, 11 April 2014

Ten of the best convertibles