Convertible Season: When is the Best Time to Buy?
The Psychology of Convertible Buying
Every year the same pattern repeats: The first warm days lure thousands of buyers to the convertible market. But is summer really the right time to buy?
Seasonal Price Fluctuations: The Numbers
Our long-term market analysis shows clear patterns:
Price Index by Month (Base: January = 100)
| Month | Price Index | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| January | 100 | Year’s low |
| February | 102 | Slight increase |
| March | 108 | Spring awakening |
| April | 112 | Strong demand |
| May | 118 | Near peak |
| June | 120 | Peak |
| July | 117 | Slightly declining |
| August | 112 | Vacation time |
| September | 105 | Autumn begins |
| October | 98 | Favorable phase |
| November | 95 | Low point |
| December | 97 | Winter calm |
Conclusion: Between peak and low point there is up to 25% price difference.
The Best Buying Time: October to February
Why Autumn is Ideal
- Supply increases: Many want to sell before winter
- Demand drops: Emotional buyers wait for spring
- Dealers under pressure: Convertibles tie up capital in winter
- Better negotiating position: Less competition
Concrete Price Advantages
| Model | Summer Price | Winter Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW E46 Convertible | EUR 9,200 | EUR 7,400 | 20% |
| Mercedes CLK A208 | EUR 8,500 | EUR 6,800 | 20% |
| Audi A4 B6 Convertible | EUR 7,800 | EUR 6,200 | 21% |
| BMW E36 Convertible | EUR 6,500 | EUR 5,200 | 20% |
Premium Convertibles in Focus
BMW Convertible Models
E46 Convertible (2000-2007)
The classic among compact premium convertibles:
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Price (Summer) | EUR 9,200 |
| Average Price (Winter) | EUR 7,400 |
| Recommended Engines | 320Ci, 325Ci, 330Ci |
| To Avoid | 318Ci (somewhat weak) |
| Weak Points | Roof hydraulics, rear window |
Buying tip: The 330Ci offers the best compromise of power and refinement.
E36 Convertible (1993-1999)
The affordable entry into the BMW convertible world:
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Price (Summer) | EUR 6,500 |
| Average Price (Winter) | EUR 5,200 |
| Recommended Engines | 320i, 328i |
| Weak Points | Roof mechanism, rust on sills |
Mercedes-Benz Convertible Models
CLK A208 (1998-2003)
Elegance and comfort:
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Price (Summer) | EUR 8,500 |
| Average Price (Winter) | EUR 6,800 |
| Recommended Engines | CLK 230K, CLK 320 |
| Weak Points | Roof, rust on wheel arches |
SL R129 (1989-2001)
The legend among roadsters:
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Price (Summer) | EUR 25,000 |
| Average Price (Winter) | EUR 20,000 |
| Recommended Engines | SL 320, SL 500 |
| Weak Points | ABC suspension (late models), electrics |
Audi Convertible Models
A4 B6 Convertible (2002-2006)
Modern open-air experience:
| Property | Details |
|---|---|
| Average Price (Summer) | EUR 7,800 |
| Average Price (Winter) | EUR 6,200 |
| Recommended Engines | 2.4 V6, 3.0 V6 |
| Advantage | Quattro available |
| Weak Points | Roof electronics |
Roof Check: What to Look For
Soft Top
| Check Point | OK | Warning |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric | Without tears, clean | Faded, damaged |
| Seams | Intact, watertight | Coming apart, leaking |
| Mechanism | Smooth operation | Stiff, jamming |
| Seals | Flexible | Brittle, broken |
| Rear Window | Clear | Cloudy, scratches |
Hardtop Mechanism
| Check Point | OK | Warning |
|---|---|---|
| Hydraulics | Complete movement | Stops, noises |
| Seals | Clean closing | Leaking |
| Roof sensors | No error messages | Warning lights |
| Emergency release | Functional | Jammed |
Typical Repair Costs
| Repair | Cost |
|---|---|
| Complete soft top | EUR 800-1,500 |
| Hydraulic pump | EUR 500-1,200 |
| Rear window (soft top) | EUR 300-600 |
| Seal kit | EUR 200-400 |
| Roof electronics | EUR 300-800 |
Strategic Buying Plan
Phase 1: Research (August-September)
- Narrow down models
- Monitor prices
- Mark favorites
Phase 2: Intensify Search (October-November)
- Start active search
- Conduct viewings
- Negotiate
Phase 3: Close Purchase (November-January)
- Best negotiation period
- Consider warranty
- Consider seasonal plates
Seasonal Registration: Is it Worth It?
Advantages
| Aspect | Savings/Year |
|---|---|
| Insurance (6 months) | approx. 50% |
| Tax | Proportional |
| Wear | No winter use |
Disadvantages
- Vehicle not usable year-round
- Garage space necessary
- Administrative effort for changes
Recommendation: Quite sensible for pure leisure vehicles.
Common Mistakes When Buying Convertibles
1. Emotional Purchase in Spring
The first sunny day is the worst buying day. Prices are high, negotiation room is small.
2. Not Thoroughly Checking the Roof
A defective roof can quickly cost EUR 2,000+. Always test complete opening/closing cycle.
3. Underestimating Rust Protection
Convertibles are particularly prone to rust:
- Sill ends
- Wheel arch edges
- Roof storage area
- A-pillar base
4. Only Looking at Appearance
A beautifully polished convertible can be technically decrepit. Always test drive with roof test.
Conclusion: The Smart Convertible Buyer
The golden rule is: Buy when others don’t want to buy.
| Strategy | Period | Expected Savings |
|---|---|---|
| Optimal | October-January | 20-25% |
| Acceptable | February-March | 10-15% |
| To Avoid | April-July | 0% (Peak prices) |
A BMW E46 Convertible that costs EUR 9,200 in June can be had for EUR 7,400 in November - that’s EUR 1,800 savings for a little patience.
If you want to buy now in summer, you should at least factor in the price premium and negotiate accordingly hard.
All price data based on our current market analysis. As of: June 23, 2025