Want a new-to-you convertible? Who doesn’t! Of course, elevated pricing and reduced storage space, versatility and bad-weather usefulness have likely kept that shiny ragtop in your dream garage and out of the real one. But thankfully, many of the market’s recent, proven and popular convertible models are becoming available in the used market at very affordable prices.
Search out the ragtop for you
A simple check of your local used auto classifieds is a great place to start looking for that new used convertible. If you don’t have a model in mind already, do a web search for ‘convertible’, and check out photos, information, and pricing of various models to get started.
Norm Mort is an author, journalist, appraiser of collector car vehicles and lover of convertible sports cars. His collection includes a 2005 Chrysler Crossfire, a 1958 FriskySport, a 1962 Triumph TR4 and a 1985 AMC/Renault Alliance convertible.
He offers some comments about the pricing of used convertible models.
“In collector car circles the ruling adage is ‘If the top goes down, the price goes up!’ and this also applies to the crop of more current convertibles. Whatever the price of the average hardtop add three to six thousand dollars depending on the desirability of the model. Remember that even though you’re paying a premium for a convertible, it will keep its value better than any sedan. If the model you choose has an enthusiastic following it may be worth more ten to twenty years down the road, too”.
Roadster VS Convertible?
Once you’ve compared used model pricing and availability against your own budget, there are some choices to make. Will you opt for a more practical four-seat convertible to take on family trips? Models like the Mitsubishi Eclipse, Ford Mustang and Pontiac G6 offer two rows of seating, so owners can cruise topless with their favourite spouse and the kids.
Search out the ragtop for you
A simple check of your local used auto classifieds is a great place to start looking for that new used convertible. If you don’t have a model in mind already, do a web search for ‘convertible’, and check out photos, information, and pricing of various models to get started.
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| 2005 Chrysler Crossfire (Photo: Auto123.com) |
Norm Mort is an author, journalist, appraiser of collector car vehicles and lover of convertible sports cars. His collection includes a 2005 Chrysler Crossfire, a 1958 FriskySport, a 1962 Triumph TR4 and a 1985 AMC/Renault Alliance convertible.
He offers some comments about the pricing of used convertible models.
“In collector car circles the ruling adage is ‘If the top goes down, the price goes up!’ and this also applies to the crop of more current convertibles. Whatever the price of the average hardtop add three to six thousand dollars depending on the desirability of the model. Remember that even though you’re paying a premium for a convertible, it will keep its value better than any sedan. If the model you choose has an enthusiastic following it may be worth more ten to twenty years down the road, too”.
Roadster VS Convertible?
Once you’ve compared used model pricing and availability against your own budget, there are some choices to make. Will you opt for a more practical four-seat convertible to take on family trips? Models like the Mitsubishi Eclipse, Ford Mustang and Pontiac G6 offer two rows of seating, so owners can cruise topless with their favourite spouse and the kids.
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| 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder (Photo: Philippe Champoux/Auto123.com) |