What Car? Q&A - Should I buy a convertible now?

Q: I was intending to buy a second-hand roadster this summer but, because of other commitments, I haven’t got around to it. As we are coming to the end of the summer, is it still a good time to be looking or will there be fewer cars on the market?
Tony Smithe

A: It’s true to some extent that the market for convertibles and roadsters is seasonal, and that prices increase slightly as the weather gets better. A dealership may drop its prices to make its drop-tops in stock more attractive at the end of the summer.

September is traditionally a busy time of year and lots of buyers part-exchange their cars for a new model. This can leave dealers with surplus stock that they are keen to move on quickly, and you may be able you to pick up a second-hand car at a good price.

You could also consider a car that has recently had a new version launched, or one that is due to be replaced very soon, such as the Mazda MX-5. Over the next few months, you can expect lots of second-hand MX-5s to go back to dealers as part-exchanges. With so many cars coming on the market at one time, prices are bound to drop.

The same does not apply if you’re looking at a prestige make: you can expect prices to remain firm summer or winter.