Your best tool for used convertible shopping is patience. There just aren’t enough good ones on the market at reasonable prices and the right car mileage. You’ve got to be patient and wait for the best deal on a better car. Fortunately your diligence will pay off, and in the end, you’ll be driving a fun open air ride that others will envy.
Before you spend a dime, you need to think about market factors and available options. If possible, buy your used convertible from a used car dealer that has an onsite service department. You are less likely to get a lemon.
Convertibles are Rarer Than Ever
Car manufacturers are making fewer convertibles. This reduces the number of used convertibles you’ll find on the market. There are two things to know as a result. The first is that this type of car can command a higher price than something exactly like it with a roof. Ironically the soft top drives up the price. Second, the price is already higher for convertibles in general because so many of them are made by luxury car manufacturers.
What are the Must-Have Convertible Features
The number one must-have feature is a power button to open the roof. These are available to be used at a certain speed, and it is different depending on the model. You’ll want to find one that can drop its top at higher speeds such as 45 or 55, if possible. Other must-have features are windblockers and special heaters that warm you up despite the open roof.
You’ll want to look at how performance corresponds to the weight of the vehicle. You can’t assume that a convertible is fast just based on good looks alone. Also, you’ll want to look for very low used car mileage for its age. Why? Your best buy would be a used convertible that was someone’s second car. This would mean fewer miles were put on it each year, and that means a longer road life for your use, presumably.
Which Used Convertibles are on the Market
If you are willing to spend big bucks, you’ll find a number of luxury choices. These include dramatic performance cars such as the Jaguar F-Type and the Porsche 718. There are many others such as the BMW 4 Series 440i, the Audi A5, and the Mercedes C-Class convertible. A used car price on these vehicles will still be high, but it will represent a savings over buying that car new.
There are also some premium choices that may not have occurred to you. The Buick Cascada and Chrysler Sebring can be luxurious without being as pricey. Then there are the competing muscle cars, the Ford Mustang and Chevy Camaro. Each has convertibles that you should be watching for. The Volkswagen Eos and the Mitsubishi Eclipse convertible are two other open air rides you may find in the used car market.
If you are looking for the most unusual, the Volkswagen Beetle convertible is one fun choice. Another is the Mazda Miata, a two-seater with serious performance to make every ride fun. Then there’s the Mini Cooper convertible, combining the premium fun of that unique brand with the ability to drop your top.
Now go used car shopping and remember you have all the time in the world. You’ll find the best buy if you don’t jump at the first sexy convertible you see.
