Convertible Buying Cycle?

"Thunder" (Thunder) 10/26/2013 at 21:50 • Filed to: None

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As I wrote a reply to the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , I was reminded I wanted to know: when do you buy a convertible? I'm thinking an E93 335i hardtop convertible may be in my future.

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That is, exactly what time of year do the prices of convertibles ebb, making it time to buy?

My guess is that, prices are high in spring and into summer, sinking from late summer, though fall, and hit their low around December/January/February.

An additional factor is geographical: the impact of the time of year is likely to be less in Florida or Texas, for example, than it is in New York or Wisconsin. Winter REALLY sux in NY or WI, whereas it's an occasional frustration in FL or TX.

Any thoughts?

To my personal search, I'm flexible. I don't need to buy instantly, and I don't need to buy locally. I'm a little more concerned about buying a used car remotely than a new car, but it can be done. It was relatively easy for me to buy my (new) 2007 Civic Si sedan from almost 1000 miles away, flying from Raleigh to Boston and driving it home. It's a little tougher choosing and buying a used car sight-unseen. I'd hate to spend boku $$$ flying somewhere only to fly rather than drive back. Also unfortunate, it was the sale of my tow-capable vehicle that makes this purchase possible - I can't take the Bring a Trailer method anymore.

Dunnik > Thunder 10/26/2013 at 21:50

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Buy one in the winter, repair/garage it till spring.

So what kind of convertible, a little one?

Or a big one?

Then there's this.

Oh, newer? OK, how bout this?

There ya go, get that one. I hear it comes in Shit Brown.

Or actually nm just get the 335i.

dogisbadob > Dunnik 10/26/2013 at 21:57

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The Metro convertible is awesome and underrated!

There is also the Tracker/Sidekick/Vitara convertible! The OG Rav4 convertible

But the answer i salways Miata.

dogisbadob > Thunder 10/26/2013 at 21:59

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The answer is always Miata, and they are available with a hardtop. Of course snow tires help too.

Boku isn't expensive.

Dunnik > dogisbadob 10/26/2013 at 22:03

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That is actually the very much rarer Pontiac Firefly, the Canadian version of the Metro. Differences included a Pontiac hood ornament. As you can see, its a more exciting version as befits the Pontiac brand of this time period. Can you not feel the excitement building?

Dunnik > Dunnik 10/26/2013 at 22:04

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Thunder > dogisbadob 10/26/2013 at 22:15

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Miata doesn't do it for me. Must carry wife and 2 kids while in FL, at a minimum. Granted, the most common use here will be me and one child, but I've repeatedly tried to justify 2 seats and failed.

dogisbadob > Thunder 10/26/2013 at 22:24

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Hopefully the FRS/BRZ convertible will come out soon!

There is always the 90s Mercury Capri

And nibbles ate my pic of Boku!

SonorousSpeedJoe > Thunder 10/26/2013 at 22:49

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If you can wait, and your price range is $30k-$40k, would a next-generation Mustang convertible work? I realize that it might have too much of a boy-racer stigma compared to a 335i and will be a soft-top, but I think that the IRS would make it a more comfortable 2+2 convertible than the current one.

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trynthink > Thunder 10/26/2013 at 23:31

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I'm guessing that prices dip a bit for convertibles during the winter in cold places, but I think it's far more likely that prices remain flat and supply (number of people trying to sell convertibles) drops dramatically in those regions during the winter. Instead of getting lower prices, you might just end up with fewer choices. Moreover, the convertible selection, particularly for late model cars, is probably much better at any time of year in places that are persistently warm anyway. I'd guess that FL, TX, AZ, etc. are jammed full of E93s with your name on them.

Also, not to be obnoxious, but I think you mean beaucoup (pronounced as you spelled it); it's French for 'a lot.'

Thunder > SonorousSpeedJoe 10/27/2013 at 08:31

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Highest on my list are ergonomics. If everything falls in place, then it's worthy of consideration. The current Mustang... doesn't, primarily because the armrests are designed for someone with upper arms that reach from shoulder to waist.

After that, the power hardtop is a big plus for me. Maybe a false sense of it, but it just seems more secure.

Thunder > trynthink 10/27/2013 at 08:33

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Beaucoup. Learn something every day. :-)

Yes, they do seem plentiful in warm places, logically so. I'm sure I'll find one.