OPEN-top motoring has never been more popular with sales of convertibles reaching nearly 67,000 in 2002 (Source: Jato).
Although that wind-in-your-hair drive may only appeal to about 3 per cent of all new car buyers, the number of people taking the plunge has jumped nearly a third since 1998.
Today, choice is plentiful as more and more manufacturers enter the market as demonstrated by the arrival of the Ford StreetKa and VW Beetle convertible recently.
However, as consumer interest grows, transaction prices have slowly crept up too.
According to independent price monitor, CarPriceCheck
.com, discounts from dealers, importers and car supermarkets have fallen by and average of 1.2 per cent during the past 12 months. Yet, despite the price squeeze, competition amongst suppliers remains fierce as ever with consumers hunting for a bargain in time for the summer.
Based on consumer searches on CarPriceCheck.com, Peu-geot's 206 Coupe-Convertible remains the most popular convertible, with the ever-present Mazda MX-5 holding on to second spot.
Price cuts have been fiercest for the Toyota MR2 with prices down 3.7 per cent since April 2002. Similarly, Volvo C70 buyers have benefited from an average list price fall of 3.8 per cent over the same period.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article