I'd like a convertible sports car - what would you recommend, and what time of year is best for buying?

Is September or October the best time to buy a convertible or is it more dependent on the weather at the time? I'm looking at a BMW 3.0 Z4 but I'm a little put off by what I've read about the steering and handling. I'm really after a more powerful version of an MX-5 which handles well and is fun to drive and reliable. Is there anything that fits this bill for my budget?

Asked on 1 June 2010 by timmyboy

Answered by David Ross
The Z4 is a good car and we haven't heard of any issues with the steering or handling. In terms of rear-wheel drive convertibles the BMW 3-Series Convertible is a great choice too (although larger), and if you're after power the 330i models are superb. For something with genuine performance, there's also the Jaguar XK8 and XKR, or alternatively you could consider a Porsche Boxster. In terms of buying, the best time is usually November through to February.
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