As a former Porsche Technician who has driven thousands of cars, I can attest that taking the roof off a car gives the most smiles per mile of any vehicle I have ever driven. While most new convertibles come with hefty price tags, if you are willing to look at the second-hand market, you can find some true gems that offer the same view of miles of sky for an obtainable price. Here are eight of the best convertibles that won’t break the bank.
8. BMW 2 Series Convertible
The BMW 2 series is a small coupe first released in 2014. It is an evolution of the now-defunct 1 series. The 2 series offers a sporting experience at an entry-level price and the prestige of a BMW badge. Early examples of the convertible 2 series can be found for as low as $14,000 and come with either a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder or a 3.0L turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine. Your budget determines how fast you can go with a 2 series convertible.
7. Volkswagen Beetle Convertible
The Volkswagen Beetle has been roaming the earth for what feels like millions of years, but there is a good reason for that: It is just fun. While old-school Beetles can still be found for a reasonable price, they don’t really work as daily drivers anymore, and you will definitely pay a premium for what passed as a convertible back then. If the Beetle fits your taste, the best generation to look for is the last one produced from 2011 until 2019. The third-generation Beetles come with a variety of engines and can be found in the sub $10,000 range.
6. Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
If you’re into American muscle cars and still want the wind whipping through your hair, the Chevrolet Camaro convertible should be on your radar. Unless you have boatloads of cash, then basically all convertible Camaros built before 1993 are out of the running. However, fourth, fifth, and even some sixth-generation Canmaros are on the board. Convertible Camaros from the early 90s and 2000s can easily be found for sub $5,000, or even the coveted Z28 models for sub $10,000. If you’re willing to spend $15,000 and up, you can find convertible Camaros that are much more modern and still offer the open-top feel and American horsepower.
5. Fiat 124 Spider
The Fiat 124 Spider harkens back to when the Italians understood that there could be a middle ground between cramped euro boxes and Ferraris. If you want a small Italian sports car that doesn’t break down every 30 minutes or cost $100,000, then the 124 Spider is the only real option. The Fiat 124 Spider is stylish, fun to drive and dare I say it? Reliable. The reason is that the Italians finally found a formula that results in reliable cars. They designed the body and then let the Japanese manufacture it because the 124 is actually a Mazda MX-5 in a Prada dress.
4. Mini Cooper Convertible
The Mini is an icon of the 1960s because of its stylish looks, passenger space, and budget-friendly price. BMW builds Modern Minis, which offer decent build quality and modest reliability. Convertible Minis are much rarer than their hard-top siblings but can still be found for sub $10,000. A friend of mine had a convertible Mini Cooper S model, and it was a ton of fun to drive with a manual transmission. However, I will never understand why he traded a Chrysler 300 SRT-8 for a convertible Mini Cooper with an orange interior, but maybe the gas mileage on the SRT-8 was killing him.
3. Ford Mustang Convertible
There isn’t much to say about the Ford Mustang that hasn’t already been said by me and other automotive journalists. The thing is, we have been talking about the Mustang for almost 60 years because, despite the memes, it’s good. While the standard engine is a 2.3L four-cylinder EcoBoost, even in scum trim, it’s an excellent open-top ride. Mustangs vary in price wildly, but whatever your budget is, you can find a convertible Mustang to fit a price point. Remember, the older, the cooler.
2. Porsche Boxster
I may be biased as a former Porsche Technician, but I believe the Porsche Boxster is the best convertible you can buy. Unfortunately, I can’t place the Boxster at the top spot on this list because of its entry price and maintenance costs. Maintenance isn’t an issue for me because even if the engine nukes itself, I can fix it. If you have a little coin, the Porsche Boxster is the most balanced, driver-focused convertible on the market, and it has been so since its release in 1996.
1. Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda Miata or MX-5 holds a special place in my heart because I drove one as my only car for over five years. My particular model was a high-option 1999 Mazda Miata with a leather interior, manual transmission, and my wife called him Wilson. Was it fast? No. I spent most of my life driving Porsche 911s and AMG-spec Mercedes for my job, so my perspective on speed is skewed. But, if you want an affordable convertible sports car, the MX-5 is by far the best bang for the buck car you can buy in 2024 or any other decade.
Open Top Fun
You don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy the thrill of driving a convertible. From iconic American muscle cars to nimble roadsters, these eight convertibles offer an affordable way to experience open-air driving. Whether you prioritize performance, style, or practicality, a convertible on this list will meet your needs without breaking the bank.