It’s every girl’s dream to own one... Barbie had a pink and white one, and over the years Hollywood starlets have continued to promote them as the vehicle of choice for the adventurous girl in all of us...
Yes, I’m talking about the uber classy convertible.
So you’ve decided to say good bye to the old hand-me-down your parents gave you years ago, you're sick of your usual sensible car or you just want to let your hair down and treat yourself. What better way of doing so than with the roof of your convertible down while driving along the coast in summer? Here are some things to think about before you indulge…
Weather: Convertibles are perfect during summer but remember that they can be much different in the cold months! Most hard top convertibles are well insulated just like a coupe (normal car with a roof) but older models with soft tops have little insulation making it noisy and cold! Speed: Some older models aren’t designed for high speed so some car dealers suggest a speed limit under 100 km/h when the roof is down. This doesn’t usually apply with new models.
Safety: There is always the safety factor - most new models are built with roll cage protection systems that activate when it senses the car is unstable but some older models don’t so be sure to check before you buy! Also the frames of older models aren’t as strong as a coupe.
Security: Sometimes soft top convertible cars are easier to break into so you have to keep in mind where you will be parking and what you leave in it.
Space: Most older models are two-seaters and not really suitable for a family unless you have another car on the side! But there are more four-seater convertibles on the market now with tonnes of space to fit all your friends, family or shopping!
Best time to buy: Convertibles are such a small part of the car market so the times they’re in stock varies between car dealers. Insurance: Make sure to check out different insurance policies when you’re buying a convertible as you may find you won't be covered for weather damage if it rains while the roof is down (highly likely with our weather). You also may not be covered for stolen valuables if you go shopping and forget to put the top up!
Prices for new convertibles tend to start from about $50,000, but If you’re on a budget there are lots of cheaper second hand options that are just as cool. Some car dealers stock used vehicles but you’re probably best to hunt on the internet or head down to the car auctions.
You can find every brand under the sun on sites like www.trademe.co.nz from Mazda, Toyota, and Nissan to BMW, Audi and Mini Cooper! Depending on the year and milage, prices can start as cheap as $3,000 right up to $100,000 but they have hundreds of convertibles around $15,000 to $25,000 so any girl can live the dream!
and white one, and over the years Hollywood starlets have continued to promote them as the vehicle of choice for the adventurous girl in all of us... 
Weather: Convertibles are perfect during summer but remember that they can be much different in the cold months! Most hard top convertibles are well insulated just like a coupe (normal car with a roof) but older models with soft tops have little insulation making it noisy and cold! 
