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Scottish Sun
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
I reviewed the MOST popular used car on Sun Motors right now, find out if you're eligible for it in 60 seconds
Popular Pick I reviewed the MOST popular used car on Sun Motors right now, find out if you're eligible for it in 60 seconds Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BUYING a used car involves lots of decisions. What size and style do you want? Are you petrol, diesel, hybrid, or EV? Should you buy as cheaply as possible or invest as much as you can? How can you pay for it? (Sun Motors Finance, obviously. More on that later…) Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up We can't answer any of these questions, but we can tell you what the UK's most popular car for sale on Sun Motors is. 7 It is, of course, the ever-reliable Nissan Qashqai. When it was launched, this compact crossover SUV pretty much defined the category. It's nearly 20 years old but remains as popular as ever. You used to need a lot of cash to get a Qashqai (see what I did there?), but we'll show you how Sun Motors Finance is making it easier for everyone to buy the right car at the best price. I've driven the Nissan Qashqai and I'll give you my honest opinion of its good points, bad points, and anything else I can remember that's relevant. Sun Motors are a credit broker, not a lender. Representative APR 12.9% What are the most popular used cars? Sun Motors is a nationwide marketplace that connects thousands of buyers and dealers. We keep track of every purchase and can reveal our list of the 10 most popular used cars in the UK. You already know that at the top of the charts is the Nissan Qashqai. Here's a list of the rest… Most read in Buy DRIVEN CHOICE I'm a used car expert and this is the 'budget-friendly' motor I'm after Nissan Qashqai VW Golf Mercedes A-Class Mini (all models) Kia Sportage BMW 1 Series Ford Kuga BMW 3 Series Audi A3 Hyundai Tucson Buying a used car? Find cars for under £200 on Sun Motors here. Nissan Qashqai used car review The Nissan Qashqai may have a name that you'll struggle to spell, but its appeal isn't hard to spot. It's a crossover SUV, which means it looks like a car that's capable of running off-road and has an elevated driving position, but in reality, it's a pretty refined and reliable city vehicle. We're going to talk about the second-generation (and subsequent) models that launched in 2013. With this version, Nissan ironed out all the faults and created the UK's favourite (sort of) SUV. The Qashquai is now beloved by middle managers, school-run mums and dads, and anyone for whom a MINI was just a little bit too small. Modern versions are bigger and look more aggressive, but, for our money, don't look as good. 7 Models such as this Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi n-tec+ SUV 5dr Diesel Manual 2WD Euro 6 can be found on Sun Motors for as little as £130 per month - it has 68K miles and is from 2015 The high-up driving position offers great visibility, and the responsive handling makes the car manoeuvrable enough to slide into that supermarket parking spot. OK, so performance-wise it's not going to knock your socks off or make you smile too much, but it's a family car, so we never expected it would. There have been far too many engine variations (including petrol, diesel, hybrid, and the latest e-POWER powertrain) for us to run through them all. Reviewers seem to favour the 1.3-litre DIG-T 140 mild-hybrid petrol engine, and we won't argue. Bad points are, as you'd expect, few and far between. The Qashqai is quite expensive as a used car, with other makes and models perhaps a little cheaper to buy, run and insure. The Qashqai is, like lots of crossovers, a bit of a fake too. It's not really an off-roader like the Range Rover, but not many people need that sort of performance (or can afford the price). How to check your eligibility for the Nissan Qashqai 7 Sun Motors offers a 60 seconds finance checker to check your eligibility and avoid disappointment when searching for your dream car What's helpful is that Sun Motors offers a quick budget check so you can see your realistic borrowing limit before you browse. Start by using our "How much can I borrow?" tool to get an instant estimate of how much you can borrow. Are Nissan Qashqais reliable? The Nissan Qashqai isn't quite as reliable as the bullet-proof Nissan cars of old, with the 2014-21 diesel models in particular suffering from engine and exhaust problems. Overall, though, it's a sturdy family motor that shouldn't leave you stranded by the roadside. Try to buy one with a full service history, ensure all recalls have been completed, and verify receipts for any work done. How much is a Nissan Qashqai? Nissan Qashqais start from £5,000 for a 10-year old (2015) model with over 100,000 miles on the clock. Nearly new models, including the e-POWER version, can cost over £35,000. As a ballpark, expect to pay around £15-17,000 for a 2020 Qashqai. It's not the cheapest car on the market, with some used models as expensive as a new Dacia Duster, for example, but it'll hold its value. Can I get finance for a Nissan Qashqai? Finance is a great way to buy a used Nissan Qashqai. You can spread the cost over a set period with fixed monthly payments allowing you to budget effectively. Understanding how much you can borrow before you start searching is vital, which is why Sun Motors Finance tool gives you the power. Add some details and you'll get an accurate indication of the amount you can borrow. When you start searching, the intelligent functionality will only display Qashquais (and other cars) that you can afford to buy. The search takes just 60 seconds and won't affect your credit rating. If you're successful, you can get full approval for a loan on the same day. Sun Motors Finance is suitable for those who have been denied credit elsewhere. We work with several lenders who can offer finance packages to individuals who may have been previously refused credit. Our advice is to check out how much you can borrow before shopping for your new car (whether it's a Qashqai, convertible, VW, or van). Sun Motors: Buy your next vehicle today If you're part of the 3.3 million Brits looking to buy a used vehicle this year, Sun Motors is an ideal place to start *If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue Sun Motors is a seamless, straightforward, transparent platform that ranks by customer searches, not payments. It offers innovative financing and concierge services, ensuring a simple, fair car-buying experience. Enjoy: A choice of fuel type whether it's petrol, diesel, electric or hybrid A range of models from convertible, estate, saloon and many more A range of top brands such as Ford, Volkswagen, Toyota and BMW Financing options Trusted dealers Get started finding your next used vehicle here. Is Nissan Qashqai a 4x4? The Nissan Qashqai isn't a true 4x4 like a Land Rover or Range Rover, for example, but you can find both front-wheel drive (FWD) and four-wheel drive (AWD) models on the market. In off-road mode, the 4x4 Qashqai will tackle difficult terrain like mud and gravel, much more confidently than the 2WD version. Most drivers who really need 4WD performance should look elsewhere. In the end, they probably already were. Used Nissan Qashqais for sale We've scoured Sun Motors to find three top used cars for sale. You'll need to get in quick to secure these… Bargain basement: 2020 Nissan Qashqai Acenta Premium 7 This isn't the cheapest Nissan Qashqai on the market, but it's arguably one of the best-value used motors we've seen. Don't let the 60,000+ miles on the clock put you off. This Acenta Premium model comes with 17' alloys, a good touchscreen, and parking sensors. It'll do 55mpg all day long, too. That's why this is our bargain buy. Awesome auto: Nissan Qashqai 1.5 E-Power Tekna 7 This nearly-new hybrid Qashquai is everything you want from a modern motor. The cool blue Qashqai is in Tekna trim, featuring cool 18-inch alloy wheels, a Bose sound system, and a head-up display. Nice. High-class hybrid: Nissan Qashqai 1.5 h e-POWER Acenta Premium 7 The 2022 Qashqai is a thoroughly modern car. Its petrol/electric hybrid motor produces an impressive 188bhp. It's quiet, quick, and has the mean look of the new Qashqai. This particular car has 43,000 miles on the clock so it's ready to go for thousands more. Buying a used car? Check out Sun Motors and find your next vehicle today. Whether you're looking for automatic, manual, or electric, use Sun Motors to decide on your next model. Nissan Qashqai FAQs How do I know if a dealer is trustworthy? Buy a car through Sun Motors, basically. You'll find that all dealers advertising cars on Sun Motors are vetted and checked for quality and reputation. You'll find over 18,000 cars for sale from the UK's best dealers. Sun Motors also enables you to connect directly with dealers, allowing you to ask any questions you want before making a purchase. How much can I borrow for car finance? The amount of cash you can borrow depends on a range of factors, including your credit history, income, and the finance package (HP or PCP) that you choose. 7 The process is made simple from start to finish What's helpful is that Sun Motors offers a quick budget check so you can see your realistic borrowing limit before you browse. Start by using our "How much can I borrow?" tool to get an instant estimate of how much you can borrow. What's the difference between PCP and HP car finance? PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) costs less a month. At the end of the agreement, you can return the car or pay a lump sum to keep it. HP (Hire Purchase), on the other hand, spreads the total cost over fixed payments, and you own the car outright once the agreement is complete. The good news is that Sun Motors offers both options, so you can choose what works best for you. Disclosure to be added to bottom of article: Motor Genius Group Ltd t/a Sun Motors is an Appointed Representative (FRN 960504) of The Compliance Guys Ltd who is authorised and regulated by the FCA (FRN 941360). We are a credit broker not a lender. We work with a select group of lenders and will receive commission. The full details of how the commission arrangements work will be provided before you proceed with any arrangement. Finance subject to status and income. Terms and Conditions apply. The advice we provide is not impartial due to our commercial relationships with lenders. ICO number [ZB640135] Buying a used car? Check out Sun Motors and find your next vehicle today. Whether you're looking for automatic, manual or electric, use Sun Motors to decide on your next model.
Scottish Sun
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Used convertibles UK: Find out which used soft-tops you are eligible for this summer, from Mazdas to Mercs.
sun seeker Used convertibles UK: Find out which used soft-tops you are eligible for this summer, from Mazdas to Mercs. Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SUN'S out, funs out – it's time to make that dream of a convertible car a reality. While car experts will tell you spring is the perfect time to bag a convertible car bargain, you can still find great deals in summer. 12 Sellers in a crowded market are still itching for the cash and can often reduce costs to make a deal. No cash? No worries. Buyers can get a boost with Sun Motors Finance, an affordable and accessible way to access cash to buy a new car. We're working with some of the UK's best lenders to provide every driver with access to the low-cost credit they need to pick up a dream car. PCP Representative Example - Total Cash Price £6995 Deposit £2000 Amount of Credit £4995 47 Monthly Payments £95.09 Total Amount Payable £8834.23 Fixed Rate of Interest 6.715% Optional Final Payment £2365 Duration of Agreement 48 Months Annual Mileage Limit 10,000 Miles APR (Representative) 12.9% There's no waiting, either. You'll get an instant decision on eligibility and affordability in just 60 seconds. Whatever the season, when you're buying a convertible, you'll want to do some research to find the right make, model, and specification before parting with your pounds. In this guide, we're going to explain why spring and summer are the best time to buy a convertible car. Sun Motors experts have also selected their top 5 used convertibles for sale today, including two-seater and four-seater convertibles and super sporty models. It's top-down and shades on for our round-up of the best used convertible cars in the UK today for you to ponder ahead of the heatwave. Why is spring and summer a good time to buy a used car? March (and spring in general) is the best time to buy a used convertible car. Why? The age-old rules of supply and demand. The market for convertible cars hibernates during the winter, as drivers and dealers forget the sun and focus on surviving wind, rain, ice, and snow. Convertibles are designed for fair weather. By March, we've banished the winter blues, and things are beginning to heat up – including the market for convertibles. As we head into summer, market forces take over. As demand for convertible cars increases (reaching a peak during the summer), dealers can respond by putting up their prices. 2025 is breaking records for car sales, with more buyers, sellers, and motors on the market. That's good because competition encourages sellers to price competitively and provides buyers with the power to bag a bargain. Sellers don't want stock hanging around, and convertibles are harder to sell than a standard saloon, for example, as the market is smaller. Basically, while spring is probably the best time to buy a convertible, competition in the market and the pressure to make a profit mean you'll still be able to strike a good deal on a used convertible in summer. Stuck for cash? Spread the payments for your summer convertible Convertible cars, as you'll see from the list below, aren't exactly cheap, but there is a way you can get your dream car. Sun Motors offers car buyers a straightforward and simple way to finance a new car. The easy-to-use affordability calculator provides a guideline on the amount you can borrow, including interest rates and monthly repayments. That means you can have complete confidence that you can afford a car before falling in love with it. Even better, you don't need to worry about any searches damaging your credit rating. Our finance partner will only do a soft check. 12 The finance checker aligns your budget to your dream car, so there is no disappointment when sourcing which car you can afford. It's worth checking even if you've been previously denied credit. We work with a specialist lender who may consider applications from those with a bad credit rating. Give it a try, you've got nothing to lose. What is a convertible car? A convertible car is a car that can be driven without a roof. Most convertibles will have a roof that can be secured in place, converting it back into a car with a roof. (Hence the name.) On the market, you'll find two types of convertibles: soft tops and hard tops. What is the difference between soft-top and hard-top convertibles? Soft tops have a roof (made from canvas, cloth, vinyl, or another material) that can fold up or down. Hard-top convertibles have a solid roof that folds down. 12 This 2015 Audi TT is a great example of a hard-top convertible and is available on Sun Motors for £12,995 with finance options available. Model: Audi TT There are advantages and disadvantages of each. Soft top convertibles can be cheaper to buy and often easier to maintain. On the other hand, soft roofs are more likely to degrade over time, are easier to damage, and won't be as warm as a hard top. Hard tops are more durable, warmer (because of greater insulation), and more secure. However, they can be more expensive to buy, maintain, and fix if they break. Benefits of a convertible car There's really only one reason you'd buy a convertible car, and that's because you want to experience the fun and freedom of driving without a roof. If you haven't tried it before, you should. Convertible cars are often sportier and more stylish than their hard-top cousins. Drive a convertible, and you're making a statement. (Especially if you forget to put the roof up and it rains.) Convertible cars are more expensive, but they can hold their value better, too. Find Your Next Car by What You Can Actually Afford Sun Motors has created the UK's First Finance-First Marketplace *Finance Powered by DSG Finance who are a Credit Broker Not A Lender. Representative 12.9%. Your rate may differ depending on individual circumstances You can check in less than 60 seconds if you are eligible for financing, and then search for your dream used car within your monthly budget. Here's how... Soft credit check , with no impact on your score , with no impact on your score 60-second decision , get a real finance decision in less than a minute , get a real finance decision in less than a minute Instant match , only see cars that fit your real budget , only see cars that fit your real budget AI-powered help, get tailored advice, suggestions, and instant answers from an AI advisor called Theo Find out what you can afford in just 60 seconds here. Top 5 used convertible cars for sale Here is Sun Motors' choice of the five best used-convertibles for sale in the UK today. Mazda MX-5 12 This 2017 model is currently available on Sun Motors for just £252 a month. Model: Mazda MX-5 Affordable, reliable and the world's best-selling roadster. You knew it would be the Mazda MX-5, didn't you? Since its launch in 1989, the MX-5 has become a firm favourite, with the latest model still getting rave reviews. An abundance of MX-5s on the market keeps prices low. Insurance and maintenance costs won't break the bank – especially when compared to some of the other brands on our list (we're looking at you, Mercedes). Check out the WhatCar? guide on potential problems for your Mazda MX-5. (And always check the roof!) Shop around for the best deals, like this low-mileage 2016 SKYACTIV-G Sportmodel at less than £275 per month. Audi TT Convertible 12 Model: Audi TT Another best-selling classic, the Audi TT convertible, is no longer in production, which makes us sad. It's slightly bigger than the Mazda MX-5 and is highly reliable, says WhatCar?. Common problems include water leaks, faulty roof mechanisms, and issues with the interior trim. Sporty models like S and RS could have been driven hard, and damage to panels, paintwork, and alloys could all be expensive to fix. Find a good Audi TT convertible and you'll get years of stress-free motoring in a modern classic. Check out this almost spotless 10-year-old AUDI TT Coupe 2.0 TDI ultra Sport in impressive (and easy to keep clean) gun metal grey. MINI convertible 12 Model: Mini Cooper S Class The MINI convertible is small but strangely spacious, with enough room for four people, says Autoexpress. While you're not going to be running around with a rugby team, the MINI convertible is a practical, fun and attractive car. We like the 2016 model with its bullet-proof, BMW-approved, 3-cylinder 1.5-litre engine. It's fast enough for country lanes and forgiving for stop-start city driving. You'll often pay a premium for the MINI badge, but they retain value well, so buy with confidence. Our choice? The market for MINIs is vibrant, so it's hard to select one, but we like this box-fresh 2025 Mini Cooper S Class. Mercedes SLK 12 Model: Mercedes SLK The Mercedes SLK is sharper, faster, and more comfortable than many of the other convertibles here. It's a great grand tourer, capable of taking you, a passenger and a few small cases pretty much anywhere you want to go. Pick up an SLK55, and you'll reach 60mph in 4.6 seconds. Ouch. The hardtop roof goes up and down with German precision. Check everything is working, as replacements can be very costly. One thing to mention is that automatics are standard here, while manual cars are rare. Car reviewers seem to favour the SLK 200, which is a great car. Used SLKs are affordable, like this 2016 AMG for a pint under £300 per-month. BMW Z4 12 This 2015 BMW Z4 Convertible has just 69.000 miles and is available on Sun Motors for £10,995 with financing options available. Model: BMW Z4 The BMW Z4 Roadster features a unique long bonnet design with an awesome BMW grill. Modern models are monsters, but we prefer the older – and more affordable – 2013-2017 Z4s. Why? They look great, perform well, and feature a reliable metal folding roof. Find one with a full-service history, and it's a good buy (especially when you see rising prices for older Z3s.) The BMW Z4 is a classic two-seat, big engine, small boot roadster, and we love it for that. It doesn't take long to find bargain BMWs out there. We like this 2015 M-Sport model. Best 4-seater convertible cars Need to carry you, your partner and the kids? Get a four-door convertible. Here are a couple of our favourites: The Mercedes C Class isn't particularly roomy, but you'll get four in at a push. And they will all want to get into this superbly-specced 2018 Mercedes C220 AMG Line D Auto. 12 Model: Mercedes-Benz C-Class Another shout-out for the Germans, the BMW 4 Series Convertible is our second-favourite four-door convertible. Current models are all well and good, but we love the classic BMW grill on this sub-£10k BMW 4 Series 2.0 420i SE Euro 6. Best sports car convertibles Here are a couple of our favourite all-out sports convertibles: The Porsche Boxster is a fast and cool mid-engine sports car that's incredible to drive. 12 Model: Porsche Boxster Our choice on the market today is this immaculate 2016 Boxster with a high-powered 3.4-litre engine. 12 Model: Elise Convertible The Lotus Elise is a small, lightweight, and blisteringly fast British-designed sports car. This canary yellow 2016 Lotus Elise convertible is all kinds of crazy, in a good way. Convertible car buying FAQs Here, we answer some common questions convertible car buyers have. What to look out for when buying a used convertible When buying a used convertible, you'll want to ensure that the roof itself is clean, the mechanism functions correctly (basically, that it goes up and down as it should), and there are no splits, tears, or damage. Ask the seller about the age of the roof (if it's a soft top) and if the roof has been repaired or replaced. If you're considering buying a soft-top convertible, get on a stool, chair, or stepladder and check over the whole roof of the car. Tears and splits can (and sometimes are) covered with tape, which can be impossible to spot unless you get up close. If you're happy that the roof goes up and down as it should and isn't damaged, then you can check all the other essentials, including condition, damage, service history, MOT records, mileage, etc. How to clean a convertible roof If you have a hardtop roof, you can clean it in the same way you would clean the rest of your car. Soft-top convertible roofs should be cleaned using a specialist cleaning product. These will help to remove any first and stains (including corrosive substances like bird poo) but won't dry out the material, which could cause it to become brittle and split or break. Take your time, follow the instructions, and you'll be fine. Always check for water ingress into the car after washing your convertible. Early warning enables immediate action! How to look after a convertible Convertible cars should be serviced and maintained in the same way you would any other car. If your car has a soft roof, you should regularly clean it (see above) and apply a protectant. This guide from detailing experts Autoglym is a good place to start. Over time, the soft top covering can wear out or dry out, leaving it susceptible to rips, tears, and other damage. You can protect it by storing it in a garage or under a cover, especially during the worst of the winter weather. Any soft-top convertible car left exposed to the elements for too long will become damaged. How does pre-approved car finance work? The best thing about Sun Motors' pre-approved car finance is that you can check how much you can borrow before you fall in love with a new convertible car. How? The magic of the Sun Motors system is that it runs a soft credit check. The result is a realistic monthly budget with no impact on your credit score. Armed with this, you can start the fun part: finding a new convertible car. 12 How long does car finance approval take? It's very, very fast. In most cases, you'll get a pre-approval decision within 60 seconds. When you find a car you like, you can go through the final approvals process on the same day. Decision in 60 seconds, finance in a day, and a new dream car on its way. Motor Genius Group Ltd t/a Sun Motors is an Appointed Representative (FRN 960504) of The Compliance Guys Ltd who is authorised and regulated by the FCA (FRN 941360). We are a credit broker not a lender. We work with a select group of lenders and will receive commission. The full details of how the commission arrangements work will be provided before you proceed with any arrangement. Finance subject to status and income. Terms and Conditions apply. The advice we provide is not impartial due to our commercial relationships with lenders. ICO number [ZB640135].
The Sun
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Used convertibles UK: Find out which used soft-tops you are eligible for this summer, from Mazdas to Mercs.
SUN'S out, funs out – it's time to make that dream of a convertible car a reality. While car experts will tell you spring is the perfect time to bag a convertible car bargain, you can still find great deals in summer. 12 FIND HERE Sellers in a crowded market are still itching for the cash and can often reduce costs to make a deal. No cash? No worries. Buyers can get a boost with Sun Motors Finance, an affordable and accessible way to access cash to buy a new car. We're working with some of the UK's best lenders to provide every driver with access to the low-cost credit they need to pick up a dream car. PCP Representative Example - Total Cash Price £6995 Deposit £2000 Amount of Credit £4995 47 Monthly Payments £95.09 Total Amount Payable £8834.23 Fixed Rate of Interest 6.715% Optional Final Payment £2365 Duration of Agreement 48 Months Annual Mileage Limit 10,000 Miles APR (Representative) 12.9% There's no waiting, either. You'll get an instant decision on eligibility and affordability in just 60 seconds. Whatever the season, when you're buying a convertible, you'll want to do some research to find the right make, model, and specification before parting with your pounds. In this guide, we're going to explain why spring and summer are the best time to buy a convertible car. Sun Motors experts have also selected their top 5 used convertibles for sale today, including two-seater and four-seater convertibles and super sporty models. It's top-down and shades on for our round-up of the best used convertible cars in the UK today for you to ponder ahead of the heatwave. Why is spring and summer a good time to buy a used car? March (and spring in general) is the best time to buy a used convertible car. Why? The age-old rules of supply and demand. The market for convertible cars hibernates during the winter, as drivers and dealers forget the sun and focus on surviving wind, rain, ice, and snow. Convertibles are designed for fair weather. By March, we've banished the winter blues, and things are beginning to heat up – including the market for convertibles. As we head into summer, market forces take over. As demand for convertible cars increases (reaching a peak during the summer), dealers can respond by putting up their prices. 2025 is breaking records for car sales, with more buyers, sellers, and motors on the market. That's good because competition encourages sellers to price competitively and provides buyers with the power to bag a bargain. Sellers don't want stock hanging around, and convertibles are harder to sell than a standard saloon, for example, as the market is smaller. Basically, while spring is probably the best time to buy a convertible, competition in the market and the pressure to make a profit mean you'll still be able to strike a good deal on a used convertible in summer. Stuck for cash? Spread the payments for your summer convertible Convertible cars, as you'll see from the list below, aren't exactly cheap, but there is a way you can get your dream car. Sun Motors offers car buyers a straightforward and simple way to finance a new car. The easy-to-use affordability calculator provides a guideline on the amount you can borrow, including interest rates and monthly repayments. That means you can have complete confidence that you can afford a car before falling in love with it. Even better, you don't need to worry about any searches damaging your credit rating. Our finance partner will only do a soft check. It's worth checking even if you've been previously denied credit. We work with a specialist lender who may consider applications from those with a bad credit rating. Give it a try, you've got nothing to lose. What is a convertible car? A convertible car is a car that can be driven without a roof. Most convertibles will have a roof that can be secured in place, converting it back into a car with a roof. (Hence the name.) On the market, you'll find two types of convertibles: soft tops and hard tops. What is the difference between soft-top and hard-top convertibles? Soft tops have a roof (made from canvas, cloth, vinyl, or another material) that can fold up or down. Hard-top convertibles have a solid roof that folds down. 12 Model: Audi TT FIND HERE There are advantages and disadvantages of each. Soft top convertibles can be cheaper to buy and often easier to maintain. On the other hand, soft roofs are more likely to degrade over time, are easier to damage, and won't be as warm as a hard top. Hard tops are more durable, warmer (because of greater insulation), and more secure. However, they can be more expensive to buy, maintain, and fix if they break. Benefits of a convertible car There's really only one reason you'd buy a convertible car, and that's because you want to experience the fun and freedom of driving without a roof. If you haven't tried it before, you should. Convertible cars are often sportier and more stylish than their hard-top cousins. Drive a convertible, and you're making a statement. (Especially if you forget to put the roof up and it rains.) Convertible cars are more expensive, but they can hold their value better, too. Top 5 used convertible cars for sale Here is Sun Motors' choice of the five best used-convertibles for sale in the UK today. Mazda MX-5 12 Affordable, reliable and the world's best-selling roadster. You knew it would be the Mazda MX-5, didn't you? Since its launch in 1989, the MX-5 has become a firm favourite, with the latest model still getting rave reviews. An abundance of MX-5s on the market keeps prices low. Insurance and maintenance costs won't break the bank – especially when compared to some of the other brands on our list (we're looking at you, Mercedes). Check out the WhatCar? guide on potential problems for your Mazda MX-5. (And always check the roof!) Shop around for the best deals, like this low-mileage 2016 SKYACTIV-G Sportmodel at less than £275 per month. Audi TT Convertible 12 FIND HERE Another best-selling classic, the Audi TT convertible, is no longer in production, which makes us sad. It's slightly bigger than the Mazda MX-5 and is highly reliable, says WhatCar?. Common problems include water leaks, faulty roof mechanisms, and issues with the interior trim. Sporty models like S and RS could have been driven hard, and damage to panels, paintwork, and alloys could all be expensive to fix. Find a good Audi TT convertible and you'll get years of stress-free motoring in a modern classic. Check out this almost spotless 10-year-old AUDI TT Coupe 2.0 TDI ultra Sport in impressive (and easy to keep clean) gun metal grey. MINI convertible The MINI convertible is small but strangely spacious, with enough room for four people, says Autoexpress. While you're not going to be running around with a rugby team, the MINI convertible is a practical, fun and attractive car. We like the 2016 model with its bullet-proof, BMW-approved, 3-cylinder 1.5-litre engine. It's fast enough for country lanes and forgiving for stop-start city driving. You'll often pay a premium for the MINI badge, but they retain value well, so buy with confidence. Our choice? The market for MINIs is vibrant, so it's hard to select one, but we like this box-fresh 2025 Mini Cooper S Class. Mercedes SLK The Mercedes SLK is sharper, faster, and more comfortable than many of the other convertibles here. It's a great grand tourer, capable of taking you, a passenger and a few small cases pretty much anywhere you want to go. Pick up an SLK55, and you'll reach 60mph in 4.6 seconds. Ouch. The hardtop roof goes up and down with German precision. Check everything is working, as replacements can be very costly. One thing to mention is that automatics are standard here, while manual cars are rare. Car reviewers seem to favour the SLK 200, which is a great car. Used SLKs are affordable, like this 2016 AMG for a pint under £300 per-month. BMW Z4 12 Model: BMW Z4 The BMW Z4 Roadster features a unique long bonnet design with an awesome BMW grill. Modern models are monsters, but we prefer the older – and more affordable – 2013-2017 Z4s. Why? They look great, perform well, and feature a reliable metal folding roof. Find one with a full-service history, and it's a good buy (especially when you see rising prices for older Z3s.) The BMW Z4 is a classic two-seat, big engine, small boot roadster, and we love it for that. It doesn't take long to find bargain BMWs out there. We like this 2015 M-Sport model. Best 4-seater convertible cars Need to carry you, your partner and the kids? Get a four-door convertible. Here are a couple of our favourites: The Mercedes C Class isn't particularly roomy, but you'll get four in at a push. And they will all want to get into this superbly-specced 2018 Mercedes C220 AMG Line D Auto. Model: Mercedes-Benz C-Class FIND HERE Another shout-out for the Germans, the BMW 4 Series Convertible is our second-favourite four-door convertible. Current models are all well and good, but we love the classic BMW grill on this sub-£10k BMW 4 Series 2.0 420i SE Euro 6. Here are a couple of our favourite all-out sports convertibles: The Porsche Boxster is a fast and cool mid-engine sports car that's incredible to drive. Model: Porsche Boxster Our choice on the market today is this immaculate 2016 Boxster with a high-powered 3.4-litre engine. FIND HERE The Lotus Elise is a small, lightweight, and blisteringly fast British-designed sports car. This canary yellow 2016 Lotus Elise convertible is all kinds of crazy, in a good way. Convertible car buying FAQs Here, we answer some common questions convertible car buyers have. What to look out for when buying a used convertible When buying a used convertible, you'll want to ensure that the roof itself is clean, the mechanism functions correctly (basically, that it goes up and down as it should), and there are no splits, tears, or damage. Ask the seller about the age of the roof (if it's a soft top) and if the roof has been repaired or replaced. If you're considering buying a soft-top convertible, get on a stool, chair, or stepladder and check over the whole roof of the car. Tears and splits can (and sometimes are) covered with tape, which can be impossible to spot unless you get up close. If you're happy that the roof goes up and down as it should and isn't damaged, then you can check all the other essentials, including condition, damage, service history, MOT records, mileage, etc. How to clean a convertible roof If you have a hardtop roof, you can clean it in the same way you would clean the rest of your car. Soft-top convertible roofs should be cleaned using a specialist cleaning product. These will help to remove any first and stains (including corrosive substances like bird poo) but won't dry out the material, which could cause it to become brittle and split or break. Take your time, follow the instructions, and you'll be fine. Always check for water ingress into the car after washing your convertible. Early warning enables immediate action! How to look after a convertible Convertible cars should be serviced and maintained in the same way you would any other car. If your car has a soft roof, you should regularly clean it (see above) and apply a protectant. This guide from detailing experts Autoglym is a good place to start. Over time, the soft top covering can wear out or dry out, leaving it susceptible to rips, tears, and other damage. You can protect it by storing it in a garage or under a cover, especially during the worst of the winter weather. Any soft-top convertible car left exposed to the elements for too long will become damaged. How does pre-approved car finance work? The best thing about Sun Motors' pre-approved car finance is that you can check how much you can borrow before you fall in love with a new convertible car. How? The magic of the Sun Motors system is that it runs a soft credit check. The result is a realistic monthly budget with no impact on your credit score. Armed with this, you can start the fun part: finding a new convertible car. How long does car finance approval take? It's very, very fast. In most cases, you'll get a pre-approval decision within 60 seconds. When you find a car you like, you can go through the final approvals process on the same day. Decision in 60 seconds, finance in a day, and a new dream car on its way. Motor Genius Group Ltd t/a Sun Motors is an Appointed Representative (FRN 960504) of The Compliance Guys Ltd who is authorised and regulated by the FCA (FRN 941360). We are a credit broker not a lender. We work with a select group of lenders and will receive commission. The full details of how the commission arrangements work will be provided before you proceed with any arrangement. Finance subject to status and income. Terms and Conditions apply. The advice we provide is not impartial due to our commercial relationships with lenders. ICO number [ZB640135].
