How The Cold Winter Is A Hot Time To Buy A Convertible
Usually, if you live in a city that experiences a winter climate, the last big-ticket item you may think of purchasing is a convertible car. After all, it’s getting chilly outside, frost is setting in. Who in their right mind wants to buy a convertible now?
It may sound crazy, but the winter season is prime convertible shopping time. As temperatures continue to drop, so do auto dealers prices to move drop-tops off the lot, especially when they’re covered in snow and becoming a permanent part of the winter landscape. According to a report from Bankrate, October, November, and December are the best months of the year to buy a car.
Pro Tip: Make sure the car you bought has winter tires, otherwise it will be unsafe to drive away from the dealership. You can find comprehensive information about wheel sizes and types for almost any convertible on Cararac.com.
Finding The Right Time To Shop
Remember that the seasonal prices of used cars work both ways. Buying a convertible in the middle of winter will save you a few hundreds; however, the prices may jump during the weekends or holidays. Dealers know that drop-top convertibles are more popular with buyers during the summer, so prices are generally known to rise accordingly.
When the weather is nice, there’s an increased demand for these open-air vehicles. There are fewer choices in the market nowadays for convertible buffs, perhaps due to their seasonal impracticality, not to mention being more expensive, slower, and less agile and safe than their hardtop siblings. They are, in fact, an upgrade for those longing to indulge in the exhilaration of open-air driving. This is the reason the majority of sports cars are available in a convertible version.
The dealer controls the final sale price and will be less keen to offer a seasonal discount when demand is high. So, as a general rule, avoid buying your next convertible purchase between the months of April and September.
What’s Hot & Cool in Today’s Market
The good news for buyers is that convertibles usually drop in price during the winter months as most people tend to turn their focus on four-wheel models that are able to handle slippery roads and cold weather better. Models from Audi, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW, along with the never-out-of-style Chevy Corvette and Camaro, dominate the list of top luxury convertibles.
Although current models offer more high-tech features and better performance than ever before, some convertible enthusiasts prefer to shop for the vintage classics, like the mid-sixties Ford Mustang, the late 50s-early 60s Cadillac and Lincoln Continental dinosaur ragtops, or the sporty 60s Jaguar E-Type series. Corvettes from the late 50s up are always in demand as well.
While prices are still lower than the average in January, consider buying a convertible before Christmas as dealers begin to fill their quotas and stock forecourts in advance for the summer sales.
Open-Air Four Wheeling
While previous models are known for dodgy roofs, there is a huge array of options for off-road adventurers who like to escape the city every so often. Modern convertibles are becoming more refined and better built, while some even offer features that keep your head-rest warm and minimize wind buffeting.
The one obvious choice is the ever-popular and rugged Jeep Wrangler, available in several topless configurations. If you prefer a bit more sophistication and elegance to your off-the-beaten-path journeys, you could opt for the aforementioned Range Rover Evoque or the Hummer H1 Open Top. Classic fans could shop around for a mid-sixties Ford Bronco Roadster or a later customized model.
Finding Summer Inspiration
For those with a passion for drop-tops for the next coming seasons, now’s the perfect time to start snagging the latest promos. Not only is it the time to get the best deals, but it will also invoke a rash of delightful, happy, and inspiring thoughts of driving around in the impending warm weather with the top down and the breeze running through your hair.
Convertibles hold a special place in the heart for many people. Perhaps its childhood memories of driving with your family along a beach road feeling the fresh salty air embracing your face, or a classic movie or TV show featuring a convertible. Either way, it’s a feel-good purchase and you’ll feel even better when you get the best deal on one.
