[225_AB]

Ok so I have a 330d msport bought by me in march 2010 with 7500 miles on the clock, first registered in Jan 2009 as a BMW group car. I cover about 12000 miles a year. In addition to standard spec it has, sliding armrest, front seat heating, prof nav, BMW assist, BMW online, voice control, Bluetooth and telematics, sun protection glass, electric sunroof, electric folding mirrors, 19" alloys, aluminium interior trim. I would like to get An e93 soon. So if market conditions stay the same my questions are
Are convertibles really cheaper to buy in winter?
If the market stays the same how much depreciation would I suffer, or how much could I sell/px mine for if I changed in Jan 11 or perhaps Jan12 when warranty is up? I know that there is no definite answer but you guys have much more knowledge of the market than I do. The new car price was 43000 and I paid a tad over 31000.
Any advice gratefully received.
Oh I was thinking of buying used again unless the deals on new cars are really very good.
Cheers.

[kaishang]

Errr... you only bought it in March. Why didn't you get a convertible then?

[Ham09]

In general I would say most cars are cheaper in winter in comparison to summer as there seems to be less buyers around in the winter months. I'm not sure why though. I would also think you'd be able to pick up a convertible for less in autumn/winter than you would in spring/summer.

[225_AB]

Originally Posted by kaishang

Errr... you only bought it in March. Why didn't you get a convertible then?

Because i didnt want a convertible then, I wanted to try the coupe which has been great. So early next year I will have had it for a year and following year 2 years.

Plenty of people change their cars fairly regularly, some after much less than a year (just read the numerous threads on here). By your logic if I wanted to buy an m3 you could ask why didn't you get an m3 instead if a 330d

So back to my question, how much depreciation do you think I will suffer after 1 and 2 years, thanks.

[225_AB]

Originally Posted by Ham09

In general I would say most cars are cheaper in winter in comparison to summer as there seems to be less buyers around in the winter months. I'm not sure why though. I would also think you'd be able to pick up a convertible for less in autumn/winter than you would in spring/summer.

Thanks will keep an eye on prices

[kaishang]

Ahh I missed the bit about changing it over in '11 or '12.

[225_AB]

No worries mate

[philreid]

Seems many dealers have a January sale where they knock off 1k to 2k from most cars. But who knows if they inflate the prices first for a while before reducing them again...

[Falmouthboy]

I change my cars regularly too it's down to personal choice and how you want to spend your 'hard earned'.

Now to the point - I have certainly found that 'rag tops' hold the best price in Spring and Summer, but I'm not so certain if that applies quite so much to 'tin top' convertibles. Not counting the respective costs new, % derpeciation rates and you want to go newer, work in giving the dealer about £3k 'dead money' in the form of their profit. I suspect very recent second hand will be hard to come by. So, if I were you I would be starting to keep an eye out on the BMW search portal and when you see the car with the right spec, in the right place at the right price, go for it.

[225_AB]

thanks mate starting keeping an eye out. narrowing down models etc. Not sure which model I want at present, have a lot more reading and test drives to decide that.

What sort of % depreciation is likely in years 2 and 3? Also although it has loads of extras, i'm not sure how much these will actually be worth.
so 43K new, 31K 15 months old, 2 years £?, 3 years?

[Falmouthboy]

It will be worth about 40% of the cost new at 3 years, 50-60% @ 2 years and 70-75% at a year old. However, options also impact on this, over spec a new car and it's dead money unless you plan on keeping it. So - the 'sweet spot' in my opinion is to find a 18 mth to 2 yr old 'cracker' in the colour you want loaded with options. best of luck

[scooba0010]

BEWARE the stealers, I just px my wifes car 34 months old cost £34k with discount it cost £30500. just sold it for £19500 with 12k miles .

But i had shitners at Chigwell bid me £15k and £16k as like they were doing me a favour

Just my opinion and i know there are plenty of fans in the sytner fan club , but i ain't one of them

Local dealer wanted me to bend over as well. find some E93 you like and have a play with the figures