Value drop-tops - the Top 10
2012-08-10 10:38
NUMBER ONE FIAT 500C: The Fiat 500C has been determined to be the best value second-hand convertible in the UK; how do you think it would fare in South Africa?
South Africa is still in the grip of winter but for sure many people are thinking of summer - and perhaps buying a convertible - new or used - for wind-in-the-hair motoring - but what to choose.
London's Daily Mail has done a survey that lists - in the UK, at least - the convertibles that hold their price best. So, if you're in the market or even just curious, take a look at the Top 10.
GREATEST DRIVING ROADS
The Western Cape had a beautiful Women's Day on Thursday, though the rest of the country seemed to be shivering, so think warm thoughts for when the sun comes out to play for real and you find yourself hankering after a drop-top.
SA has some of the greatest driving roads in the world (no, really it has) even if the poms do have some really pretty ones to drive with the roof down and sun on their red necks – and over there it seems thousands of drivers agree. Despite the limited year-round sunshine, Britain is the second biggest convertible market in Europe.
But which convertibles will leave you smiling along with the sunshine when it comes to selling?
In an exclusive list for the Mail's 'This is Money', car valuation expert Glass’s Guide has compiled the Top 10 convertibles which have held on to the most of their original value - or residual value - for three years.
The residual value represents the typical trade price at three years of age with an average of 58 000km on the clock.
BUY DURING WINTER
Slower depreciation is good for new-car buyers and while it means a more expensive outlay for those buying second-hand it also bodes well for the future, as those cars that hold their value well early on tend to continue to do so throughout their life.
The data is, of course, for the UK but you can use it as a rough guide for purchases in South Africa.
In the list, four used convertible motors are available for the equivalent of less than R130 000 – bargain drop-tops for the sunny conditions. And half of the list is made up of Audis, which in the UK remain desirable on the re-sale market.
But bear in mind that if you are looking to snap up a convertible bargain, spring and 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.
However, if you're looking to buy a drop-top for the South African spring and summer and want a head-turning motor that will hold its value, which three-year old convertibles have held their price the best?
What would be your choice - tell us in the Readers' Comments section below... Meanwhile, here's the Top 10 list - check the prices.
10 Mazda 5
9 Audi A4 Cabriolet
8 Peugeot 308CC
7 VW Beetle Cabriolet
6 Audi S5 Cabriolet
5 BMW 1 Series Convertible
4 Audi TT Roadster
3 Audi A3 Cabriolet
2 Audi A5 Cabriolet
1 Fiat 500C
