THE famous British weather may be all over the place at the moment, but buyer advice website UsedCarExpert.com says it is time to start looking at convertibles - particularly at the sub-£6,000 price bracket.

"Spring cannot be far away," says the firm's spokesman, Matthew Tumbridge. "So, before spring kicks the grey skies into touch and cabrio prices rise for the summer, you can pick up a bargain."

With that in mind, UsedCarExpert.com has come up with what it says are three great little soft-top sports cars that will not break the bank:

  • MGF TF (1995-present) - This mid-engined sports car with its emotive British badge is now fantastic value, says the website. The MGF is still attractive, and there are lots around in all price brackets. Tall drivers may find it tight inside, and the handling is not special, but drivers will look great popping down to the shops. Most economical model is the 1.6-litre 115, returning 39mpg on average. Best used buy, though, is a 1.8-litre VVC.

UsedCarExpert.com recommends buyers look at the 14 necessary checks before purchase, and adds that a 2003 03 or 53-plate 1.8i, that has done about 40,000 miles, will be offered for about £5,700 by a private seller.

  • Mazda MX-5 (1990-present) - The website says this model is extremely reliable, and, like the MG, still sexy. "It is arguably the best small roadster you can buy, with terrific handling and engines," says Mr Tumbridge.

Most economical version is the 1.6-litre, with a 35.3mpg overall fuel figure, and best used buy is a pre-1998 1.8S. There are 15 pre-purchase checks to run through, adds UsedCarExpert.com, and buyers should be able to source a 2001 01 or Y-plate example 1.6-litre version, with 60,000 miles on the clock, for about £5,500 in the classifieds.

  • Renault Megane (1996-2003) - There is a wide choice of standard Meganes at low prices, points out UsedCarExpert.com, but the cabriolet is a little more exclusive. The much-improved 1999 cars are the better buys because they get more equipment, too. The Megane cabriolet is bigger, of course, than both the MG and the Mazda, as it comes with rear seats and a useful boot. The 1.9-litre dCi is the most economical model, with its 54.3mpg capability, and the website cites the 1.6-litre Alize version as best used buy.