A practical guide to buying a summer car in 2022

Each year, we have a flurry of activity from Manchester motorists looking to buy a second-hand summer car. Perhaps it’s because there’s something exciting about driving along the streets of Manchester and Stockport feeling the warmth of the sunshine and the wind in your hair. Or maybe it’s because a used convertible or a sports car bring up visions of summer holidays.

At Dace Motor Group, we have a wide range of used summer cars available for sale. Perhaps you want to buy a used Mazda MX5 – possibly one of the most iconic convertible cars of all time. Alternatively, you may prefer the stunning engineering and classic design of a used Audi TT, or the sleek style of a second-hand Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Before you buy a summer car, you should always do your due diligence and consider how practical it is to buy a second-hand convertible car. Summer cars are great fun when the sun is shining, but as the weather turns, you may need something a little more practical for the winter months.

Here’s a practical guide for you to help you know what to look for before buying a summer car in 2022.

Think about how much you plan to drive your summer car

There’s no denying that used convertible cars and sports cars look good. But practically speaking, your choice of summer car may cause you to make compromises. Before you buy a second-hand summer car, think carefully about how often you will be likely to drive it, where you will be driving to and how much space you need in the car.

Do you need ample boot space?

If you need a car with a large boot space, a convertible may not be the best option because the roof will likely fold into the boot space when driving with the top down. Before buying a summer car, think about how much space you usually use. Is this a car that you will be taking to the supermarket for the weekly shop – if so, could you fit all of your shopping in the boot comfortably? If you’re driving to the golf course, can you fit in your clubs? Can you fit your luggage in the back as you head off on holiday?

Our experienced sales team will recommend that you think about when and where you plan to drive your summer car. By predicting your driving habits, we can make recommendations for the best used convertible car for your needs.

Will you be carrying lots of passengers?

If you regularly use your back seats, then you will need to look for a four-seater used convertible or sports car. Some convertible car manufacturers claim to offer ample space in the back, but the reality is that they may not be comfortable for tall adults to sit in. They may also have reduced headroom.

But if you are looking for a four-seater summer car, there are several options available such as a used Audi A5 Cabriolet, a BMW 4 series, or a Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Are there any convertibles that are suitable for family life?

We’re often asked, “is a convertible car safe for babies and young children?”

Yes, you can drive small children in a convertible, and some convertible cars will have ISOFIX points in place suitable for a rear facing car seat. You may need to think about having sunscreen and hats stored in the car to protect young skin from sun damage.

If you are looking for a family-friendly convertible car, you may need to look at an option such as a used BMW 2 series which offers six air bags as standard along with ISOFIX points in the rear seats.

What’s the difference between a hard-top and a soft top summer car?

If you’re looking at buying your first used convertible car, you may want to choose between a soft top and a hard top. A soft top is a fabric roof that folds up quickly and easily whereas a hard-top is a solid roof, that when up, makes the car feel like a coupe.

Your choice may come down to personal preference. But there are some practical considerations to think about, such as how much boot space the roof could take up, how long it takes to deploy and how much insulation the roof can offer. Some hard-tops need additional structure on the chassis, adding in more weight to the vehicle (and therefore reducing fuel efficiency) but they could be a superior choice once winter comes.

Which convertible cars have hard tops?

If you know that you are looking for a used convertible car for sale with a hard top, there are a few options available including a Mercedes-Benz SLK, a Mazda MX-5 RF, or a BMW 4 Series Convertible.

Which convertible cars have soft tops?

Because the mechanisms of soft tops are easier to manufacture, soft top convertible cars may be cheaper than hard-top options. There is more choice of second-hand convertible soft-top cars with options including the Fiat 500 Convertible, the MINI Convertible ranging to the iconic and inimitable Porsche Boxster and the Mazda MX-5.

What are the most affordable convertible cars?

Compared to standard cars, summer cars may be more costly, and you will need to factor in higher insurance costs, as well as additional servicing and maintenance costs. But that doesn’t mean that convertibles are inaccessible to most people.

Summer cars may bring to mind images of luxury and premier car brands, such as Porsche, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz, but there are also many affordable city cars that have convertible options.

For example, Fiat have the Fiat 500 Convertible. And MINI have the MINI Convertible. There is also the DS 3 Cabrio and the Smart Fortwo Cabrio. They may not be the best-looking summer cars on the roads, but they are perfect for navigating the streets of Manchester and popping into even the tightest of parking spaces.

At Dace Motor Group, our used convertible cars for sale start at just £7,400 for a BMW 1 Series. With our competitive car finance loans, you could drive away in a summer car with minimal monthly repayments.

Are there any electric used convertibles available to buy?

As petrol prices continue to reach record highs, and diesel cars are continuing to be phased out by car manufacturers, you may be wondering if there are any electric summer cars available to buy second-hand.

Currently, there are few electric convertible cars available to buy (new or used) which could be because drop tops will always be heavier than traditional cars. This additional weight places a big strain on any battery or motoring system, making it less economical for manufacturers to develop.

In the future, we may see car manufacturers focus their attention on electric summer cars. But at the moment, they are putting their efforts into boosting driving range and making electric cars more affordable.

If you are looking to invest in an electric car, we have a wide range of EVs for sale across our four dealership locations. Why not browse our used cars for sale to see what electric cars we currently have in stock?

Are convertibles expensive to maintain?

Before buying a second-hand convertible or used sports car, you should always check out the potential insurance costs beforehand. Some convertible cars may be more expensive to insure than others, depending on the make and model.

You could find that fuel efficiencies are lower than standard cars. This is because the cars are heavier weights, due to the additional burden placed on the chassis. And the mechanisms of the roof may require regular maintenance or additional servicing costs to ensure that they work as effectively as possible.

Visit Dace Motor Group to buy a second-hand convertible car this summer

Whether you are looking for a hard top or a soft top, a cheaper city car or a luxury roadster, there’s no denying that convertible cars look sexy in the sunshine. You don’t need to be driving the roads of California to experience the joy of a convertible – a sunny day driving around Salford Quay or heading towards the Peak District can be just as fun.

If you’re looking to buy a second-hand summer car this year, then why not take a look at the range of convertible cars that we have in-stock. If there is a particular make or model that you are looking for, please let us know and we can use our network of contacts to find the perfect car for you.

If there’s something that catches your eye online, please feel free to book a test drive. With our competitive car financing deals and affordable prices, you can spend the rest of the summer making the most of your second-hand convertible.