Garages cash in on convertible sales

11 May 2007

Hot spring could push convertible prices up…
…but make sure you don't pay a sunshine premium
Check prices carefully with our free valuations

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With the recent dose of summer weather you might be tempted to treat yourself to a convertible, but don't get carried away - you could get ripped off.

The unseasonably warm spring has lead to a steep rise in new and used convertible sales, and, with 2007 being predicted as one of the hottest years on record, some garages are gearing up to cash in on soft-top sales.

Buyers need to keep their wits about to avoid paying over the odds.

The country's leading auction houses reported a rise in values back in May, British Car Auctions (BCA) Network Operations Director, Simon Henstock told What Car?: 'The average prices for a typical three-year-old, 30,000-mile convertible at BCA increased by £339 (2.4%) in the first three months of the year.

'Recent specialist convertible sales at our centres in Brighouse and Blackbushe attracted hundreds of buyers and were near total sell-outs. We expect values to remain firm if the predictions of a long, hot summer come true.'

Prudent buyers will find there are bargains out there if they're prepared to hunt, however. Car supermarkets are a good source as they make a set profit per car, and don’t increase their margin or charge more because the sun is shining.

Neil Wilson from car supermarket Trade Sales told What Car?: 'We've sold up to 150 convertibles every two weeks – everything from Smart Fortwos to Porsche Boxsters.'

• If you're looking for a convertible, check its value carefully with our free valuations. Look out for greedy garages inflating prices when the sun's out.