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As we’re getting nearer to summer season, our goals of driving a convertible as soon as once more emerge from hibernation. Sadly, the specter of tariffs and an unstable financial system means most of us can’t, or received’t, splurge on a brand-new convertible this yr. Nevertheless, all shouldn’t be misplaced.
In keeping with Motor1, used automotive costs have elevated during the last month, nevertheless it’s nonetheless attainable to seek out some wonderful, low cost convertible vehicles that don’t price an arm and a leg, permitting us to really feel the wind in our hair on a finances.
Why We Selected These Low-cost Convertible Automobiles
We targeted on discovering enjoyable convertibles (and one targa high), whether or not classics or comparatively new, and set a max value of $20,000 for a automotive in good situation — however a lot of them can be found for a lot lower than that. Needless to say issues like situation, mileage, age, and placement will play a task within the value.
All the costs are from Hagerty and Kelley Blue Guide, in addition to marketplaces like Automobiles.com. Details about automotive specs and driving dynamics comes from respected automotive websites reminiscent of Automotive and Driver, MotorTrend, and others.
Mazda MX-5 Miata — $18,000+
Let’s simply begin with the obvious possibility and get that out of the way in which. It’s been three-and-a-half many years since Mazda launched the little Miata roadster, and Forbes experiences that in that point, it’s change into the world’s best-selling two-seater sports activities automotive.
The most recent incarnation of the Miata, referred to as the ND, is undoubtedly the perfect, packing a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with greater than 180 hp. It’s not essentially the most highly effective sports activities automotive, however because of its wonderful chassis, it’s probably the most enjoyable to drive. There are some early fashions out there for lower than $20k on Automobiles.com, however for those who’re keen to think about one in all its predecessors, there are many vehicles that match our finances.
Fiat 124 Spider — $16,000+
In case you like the concept of driving a Miata, however need one thing a bit rarer, the Fiat 124 Spider is the way in which to go. It’s constructed on the identical platform because the MX-5 Miata; in truth, Automotive and Driver experiences that they’re inbuilt the identical manufacturing facility.
As an alternative of utilizing the identical 2.0-liter because the Miata, Fiat determined to go together with their very own turbocharged 1.4-liter, delivering 160 hp in inventory kind. Fiat doesn’t have the perfect popularity relating to reliability, however the 124 Spider is significantly better than the remainder of their merchandise. As an added bonus, you get to inform individuals you drive an Italian convertible sports activities automotive. Costs? From $16 grand and up on Automobiles.com.
Saab 9-3 — $10,000+
Saab might not be round anymore, however the model nonetheless has a popularity because the automotive of selection for architects and dentists. If you wish to come off as subtle moderately than flashy, the Saab 9-3 convertible is a superb possibility.
There are totally different trim ranges with various levels of energy out there, and costs begin as little as a few thousand {dollars} on Automobiles.com. Nevertheless, these are high-mileage examples. Forking out round $10k, or extra, will land you a stable automotive that’s each trendy and enjoyable.
R52 Mini Cooper S — $10,000+
It’s a cliché, however for those who’re on the lookout for an inexpensive convertible automotive with a fun-to-drive nature and go-kart-like dealing with, the first-gen Mini Cooper S is for you! The second gen suffers from too many points, so we’d keep away from that, and it appears the individuals over on Reddit agree.
The R52 is the convertible model of the first-generation new Mini, and in keeping with Pelican Elements, it was offered from 2005 to 2008. It shares the identical chassis and fundamental mechanical structure because the hatchback, however with a convertible physique type. Underneath the hood, it has the identical supercharged 1.6-liter because the common Cooper S, churning out a decent 168 ponies. The vast majority of Mini convertibles are listed between $5,000 and $15,000 on Convey a Trailer and Edmunds.
Volkswagen Beetle Convertible — $12,000+
Let’s go from one retro-styled icon to a different. The Volkswagen Beetle convertible definitely isn’t for these with a necessity for velocity, however if you need cutesy appears to be like and loads of practicality, it’s the proper selection!
Early fashions may be picked up for a music, however they have a tendency to have a lot of miles on the odometer. Proper now, round $12,000 appears to be the candy spot for a 2010 mannequin with the two.5-liter 5-cylinder engine producing roughly 170 hp. Automobiles.com has round 110 convertible Beetles listed on the time of writing, so there needs to be one which fits your finances.
Nissan 370Z Convertible — $15,000+
Those that need their low cost convertible automotive to ship a kick might do rather a lot worse than the Nissan 370Z. As reported by Automotive and Driver, it’s powered by a 3.7-liter V6 engine churning out north of 330 hp, so it’ll push you into the seat when flooring the throttle. All these horses are despatched straight to the rear wheels through a 6-speed handbook or 7-speed automated transmission.
It additionally makes use of a light-weight building and front-mid engine structure, and all of it provides as much as make the 370Z an actual driver’s automotive. Early fashions are getting outdated, however nonetheless look fairly trendy. For the time being, it’s attainable to attain an open-top 370Z with out crazy-high mileage for round $15 grand on Automobiles.com.
Infiniti G37 Convertible — $15,000+
The Infiniti G37 is principally a extra posh Nissan 370Z, and it has a 325-hp 3.7-liter V6 engine, which implies zero to 60 mph is taken care of in 5.6 seconds, in keeping with Automotive and Driver.
The G37 convertible is on the market with a 7-speed automated with paddle shifters or a 6-speed handbook transmission. It additionally has a sporty suspension setup and enormous wheels. Weighing in at 4,149 lbs, it does endure from a little bit of chubby, however because it’s not a race automotive, that shouldn’t be an excessive amount of of a problem. It’s attainable to discover a drop-top G37 across the $15k mark on Automobiles.com, however spending a bit extra will get you an instance with extra smart mileage.
Pontiac Solstice GXP — $13,000
There’s no denying that the Pontiac Solstice has its fair proportion of flaws, however as Dave VanderWerp at Automotive and Driver stated, it additionally will get a lot of the essential issues proper. It’s inexpensive, appears to be like cool, and the GXP trim even packs a really respectable punch.
Its turbocharged 2.0-liter engine pumps out 260 ponies, however extra energy may be attained with some high quality tuning and aftermarket elements. A fast search on Automobiles.com reveals that there are Solstice GXPs out there for as little as $6,000, however spending round $13k ought to get you a clear, low-mileage instance.
E89 BMW Z4 — $15,000
The e89 Z4 that was offered between 2009 and 2016 is barely smaller than the present model of the Z4, and it feels extra like a standard point-and-squirt sports activities automotive than a grand tourer.
In keeping with Automobiles.com, it’s attainable to get behind the wheel of an early sDrive30i with a 255 hp 3.0-liter engine or a later sDrive28i with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 241 hp in case you have round $15,000 burning a gap in your pocket.
E46 BMW 330Ci — $8,000+
Personally, I believe the E46 Bimmers are among the many coolest vehicles to ever emerge from Bavaria. Sadly, the M3 is out of our finances, however the 330Ci convertible is a superb various. There are vehicles listed on Automobiles.com for as little as a few thousand {dollars}, however for those who spend a bit extra on one which’s in good situation and maintain it, you in all probability received’t lose a dime for those who determine to promote after a few years. Round $8,000 ought to get you a pleasant one.
Automotive and Driver reported that it provides respectable energy, nice driving dynamics, and I’ll add that it nonetheless appears to be like gorgeous — not unhealthy for a automotive that hasn’t been in manufacturing for practically 20 years. With a 225-hp straight-six, the 330Ci is well able to placing a smile in your face on a twisty highway.
BMW 228i — $14,000+
Whereas small, the BMW 2-Collection seats 4 individuals, and it’s as sensible as any coupe. Though we should always point out that the rear seat is simply appropriate for kids or tiny adults — except they’re contortionists or don’t have legs.
Choosing the 228i convertible, you’ll get a wise automotive that even returns 35 mpg on the freeway. Whereas smart, Automotive and Driver’s Joe Lorio reported that it’s a correct enjoyable automotive to drive because of its wonderful chassis and 240-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder mill. In keeping with Automobiles.com, parting with roughly $14,000 will get you behind the wheel of a automotive in good situation.
Fifth-Gen Ford Mustang GT — $14,000
It’s virtually unattainable to not take pleasure in your self behind the wheel of a Fifth-gen Ford Mustang convertible. Particularly if you end up on a abandoned highway, bury the fuel pedal and simply take heed to the V8 engine’s wonderful soundtrack.
The Ford Mustang can be considerably bigger than a number of the different vehicles on this checklist, which makes it a good freeway cruiser and grand tourer, nevertheless it’s nonetheless able to laying down some fats tire marks when the sunshine turns inexperienced. Automotive and Driver managed to launch the 2005 Mustang convertible to 60 mph in simply 5.0 seconds. At the moment, there are a number of V8-powered Fifth-gen convertible ‘Stangs on Automobiles.com listed across the $ 14,000 mark with roughly 50k miles on the odometer.
Fifth-Gen Chevy Camaro — $16,000+
In case you desire your muscle vehicles to have a bow-tie on the grille moderately than a blue oval, the Fifth-gen Camaro needs to be proper up your alley. Similar to within the Nineteen Sixties, Ford beat them to the punch, however as soon as the Camaro arrived, it was simply pretty much as good because the Mustang.
As Scorching Rod experiences, it was launched in 2010 and out there with a V6 and a V8, however let’s be trustworthy, the rumbling eight-cylinder mill is the one all of us need. If you’d like one with lower than 70k miles, be ready to half with near $20,000, however there are many cheaper ones on Automobiles.com for many who don’t care about mileage.
C5 Chevrolet Corvette — $15,000+
Nowadays, C5 Corvette costs have began to rise ever so barely, and MotorTrend predicts that it could simply be a future collectible. Nevertheless, it’s nonetheless attainable to get your self behind the wheel of America’s sports activities automotive for a mere fistful of {dollars}, as there are a number of low-mileage examples listed on Automobiles.com between $15k to $20k.
In case you desire your American muscle to come back with a aspect order of sportiness that may match the Europeans, the C5 is the proper selection. With a 350-hp V8, even the bottom mannequin packs a severe punch, so that you don’t have to purchase the top-spec automotive… except you wish to.
Enjoyable truth: The C5 Corvette was the final automotive offered with pop-up headlights, and that alone is an effective sufficient motive to purchase one.
Audi TT Roadster — $15,000+
Audi’s first-gen TT debuted in 1999, and it was a right away success. Whereas early vehicles suffered from some aerodynamics-related points, Audi sorted that out, and there’s nothing to fret about in the present day.
Through the years, the TT was out there with a wide range of engines, together with a diesel unit for the European market. It received awards left, proper, and middle, and its reputation led to 2 extra generations earlier than it was discontinued in November 2023. Whereas it’s attainable to discover a Third-gen mannequin for lower than $20,000, it’s a lot simpler to choose up a second-gen that’s been effectively cared for. Actually, armed with $15k, you may get a low-mileage instance.
Porsche 987 Boxster — $15,000+
The 987 mannequin Boxster debuted in 2005, and in the present day, it’s one of many largest bargains on the used Porsche market.
As identified by Goodwood Traditional Options, it has a mid-engine structure and near 50/50 weight distribution, that means the dealing with is impeccable. Even the bottom mannequin fitted with a 2.7-liter boxer unit packs a good punch because of its 240 hp. Choosing a mannequin constructed after 2009 means you received’t have to fret concerning the notorious IMS bearing problem both. In keeping with Automobiles.com, $15,000 buys a good 2nd-gen Boxster.
R171 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG — $20,000
Mercedes-Benz launched the second-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK two-seater roadster in 2004. There aren’t any prizes for guessing that the SLK55 AMG was the high-performance model, packing a 5.5-liter V8 with 355 hp, as reported by Evo.
All its energy was despatched to the rear wheels through a 7-speed automated transmission, and the SLK55 AMG would scramble to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds. It additionally seemed way more aggressive than the usual SLK fashions — even in the present day, it wouldn’t look misplaced outdoors a elaborate restaurant. In keeping with Edmunds, you possibly can anticipate to pay near $20,000 for a clear, early instance.
Porsche 914 — $15,000+
Lengthy earlier than the Boxster got here into existence, Porsche purists have been hating on the 914. Not way back, virtually no one wished the 914, and you can purchase one for no matter change you discovered behind the couch. That’s not the case, nevertheless it’s nonetheless attainable to choose up an inexpensive Porsche 914 for those who’re keen to spend a while looking.
It’s not a convertible within the true sense of the phrase; it’s a targa-top sports activities automotive, however we predict it nonetheless deserves a spot. The 914 was inbuilt collaboration with Volkswagen, and whereas it’s not notably quick in a straight line, it’s loads of enjoyable on a twisty highway. In keeping with Traditional.com, the common value for a 914 is simply over $25k, however there are drivable vehicles out there for between $15- $20k.
Toyota MR2 Spyder — $12,000+
Proper now, the Toyota MR2 Spyder is likely one of the most underrated Japanese vehicles from its period. A number of different fashions from the late Nineteen Nineties have seen their costs skyrocket, however the third-gen MR2 remains to be very fairly priced.
In case you want a sensible automotive, the MR2 Spyder is certainly not for you. As identified by Robert Bowen at Grassroots Motorsports, it has virtually zero cargo area. Until you set the baggage within the passenger seat and footwell, there’s not even sufficient area for per week’s value of groceries for one particular person. Nevertheless, if you need a mid-engined sports activities automotive discount that’s a blast to drive on a twisty highway, the MR2 is most definitely value contemplating. As per Automobiles.com, $12,000 will get you a clear automotive with 60k to 70k miles on it.
MG MGB — $10,000
These on the lookout for a real basic British sports activities automotive that doesn’t require you to promote important organs on the black market ought to take a look at the MGB. It sticks to the standard sports activities automotive components, with a four-cylinder engine up entrance and all the facility despatched to the rear wheels. Within the center, we discover a few seats for the motive force and one fortunate passenger.
The easy MGB was extremely profitable, which led to an 18-year manufacturing run, from 1962 to 1980. Seeing because the MGB is a quintessential British sports activities automotive, Grassroots Motorsports says it was additionally one of many vehicles that served as inspiration for the Mazda Miata, which implies we’ve now come full circle. In keeping with Hagerty’s Valuation Instrument, you should purchase a 1971 MGB in good situation for lower than $10,000.
Smiles Per Gallon
This text barely scratches the floor of low cost convertible vehicles. These on a tighter finances may even discover most of the vehicles listed right here for lots much less in the event that they’re keen to place in some work or don’t thoughts high-mileage examples.
In case you really feel we didn’t embrace some vehicles that deserved a spot right here, tell us within the feedback.
