UK top for topless models
August 26th, 2009 by Richard Aucock
HPI has confirmed an unlikely boast of Brits – we buy more convertibles per head than any European neighbour.
But it’s not our fabled crazy British ways, adds HPI. The reasons are far more mundane: a change, 10 years ago, in company car policy.
This scrapped previous rules, banning anything other than a four-door hard-top model.
Which led, says HPI valuation expert Martin Keighley, to ‘company car drivers motoring around in the Audi TT – whilst the likes of Micra CC and Tigra provided open top freedom at a price many businesses could afford.’
However, now the trend risks becoming a victim of its own success. ‘Demand in recent times has dwindled, and subsequently, so has the residual value of these used cars.’
Great news for used car buyers, he reckons, who may now be able to afford a drop-top for the first time. Ideal for car dealers too, who could now be able to expand their used car portfolios to include attractive open-top cars.
Even so, values have hardly plunged. A convertible still averages 37 percent, compared to 31 percent for regular cars. Even more reason why it’s now a canny all-round buy.
‘The convertible represents the perfect balance of image and fun, whilst still holding value.
‘People are obviously still remaining frugal during the difficult financial climate – however, as models are becoming more affordable, convertibles are quickly becoming the best all-rounder for style and value.’
Keighley also revealed the top 10 lowest-depreciating convertibles:
1 Audi TT Roadster
2 Audi A3 Cabriolet
3 MINI Convertible
4 BMW 3 Series Convertible
5 BMW 1 Series Convertible
6 BMW Z4 Coupe Cabrio
7 Mercedes SLK
8 Porsche Boxster
9 Audi A5 Convertible
10 Jaguar XK Convertible
Tags: convertible, hpi
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