CABRIOLET are becoming less susceptible to the price rises that have long affected used values during the spring and summer months, according to Glass’s Information Services.

Prices for second-hand models traditionally rise during spring and summer as demand increases and the fall back again as the days shorten.

However, according to Glass’s latest analysis of used car values, these fluctuations in values are becoming less apparent as improvements in quality and practicality make modern cabriolets a more popular year-round proposition.

Jeff Paterson, senior car editor at Glass’s Information Service, said: “Although cabriolet sales remain higher during the spring and summer months, motorists are no longer looking to abandon them simply because autumn and winter set in.”

Mr Paterson points to improvements in hood technology, wider availability of hardtops and higher levels of build quality as key factors in bolstering cabriolet sales throughout the year.

He added: “We are finding that values are stabilising as more buyers realise they can run a modern cabriolet as a practical vehicle that is perfectly able to keep out the worst of the British weather.”

Used prices will become even more stable as more manufacturers introduce folding hard tops to enhance the practicality of their cabriolets, according to Mr Paterson.

He said: “Mercedes led the way with the SLK and they have updated the idea with their new SL. Peugeot’s 206CC and Lexus’ SC430 also now offer a folding metal roof and more new open-tops are set to follow suit, changing our perceptions of how cabriolets can be used, whatever the season.”