Best affordable convertibles

A convertible gives you instant access to that wind-in-your-hair feeling and we’ve picked out some of the very best that won’t cost a fortune.

While a drop-top might be usually associated with a more premium price tag, there are some options out there for drivers who want a convertible but don’t want to break the bank.

With summer in full swing, here are some of the best affordable used convertibles to check out today

Mazda MX-5

The Mazda MX-5 is one of the most popular used convertibles out there - and for good reason. Due to its popularity, there are loads of options in the used market and as a result of the MX-5’s low cost to begin with, second-hand examples can be snapped up at some very budget-friendly prices.

Famed for its driving experience, rear-wheel-drive layout and no-nonsense roof mechanism which is a breeze to operate, the MX-5 will always put a grin on your face no matter where you are. You can go as low as £2,000 for a used MX-5, though we’d be leaning towards a low-mileage third-generation model - sold between 2005 and 2014 - which is available from around £5,000.

Audi TT Roadster

The curvaceous Audi TT broke the mould for convertibles when it first arrived and even as we come to over 25 years since it first arrived, the TT remains a great-looking and well-finished model.

As one of Audi’s most innovative models design-wise, the TT still looks fresh today and has an impressively sturdy interior which incorporates some very decent materials throughout. You’ll not pay too much for one, either, with good early examples available for under £2,000.

Fiat 500C

The cutesy Fiat 500 has always been a popular option, but it’s the 500C with its retractable fabric roof which is the best fit for this list. You get all the same plus points as the regular 500, too, with the 500C’s compact size making it ideal for inner-city and urban drivers who want a car that’s easy to park and live with.

While it might not be a ‘full’ convertible as the roof doesn’t pack away entirely, it’s still a great way to bring some of the outdoors into the car. Frugal and inexpensive to insure, the 500C is ideal from an everyday cost perspective, too, while prices for decent examples start from around £2,300.

BMW 6 Series Convertible

BMW has always had a strong range of convertible models and it means there’s a wealth of choice in the used market. Our pick of the bunch is the cool-looking 6 Series, which has an eye-catching exterior design which is backed up by a well-made interior with space for four.

It’s a very good long-distance car, too, and has a roomy interior which feels comfortable for all those involved. While the 6 Series had a seriously big price tag when it was first launched, they can be picked up for around £5,000. Just be aware that since the 6 Series remains a complex car, you’ll need to factor in higher fuel and maintenance costs.

Mini Convertible

The Mini is a popular choice regardless of the bodystyle, but the Convertible remains a great way of making this retro-inspired model even more stylish. With lots of bold colours to choose from the Mini Convertible makes a big entrance for a compact car, but it’s exterior design is complimented by an equally good-looking interior.

Early examples of the Mini Convertible can be picked up for well under £2,000, but you could pay a little more to get a later version with a more powerful engine in Cooper S and John Cooper Works version.

Volvo C70

Volvo might be best known for its SUVs these days, but just a decade ago you could buy a convertible from this Swedish manufacturer. Majoring on comfort and refinement, the second-generation C70 (sold between 2006 and 2013) offers a stylish design both inside and out.

It uses a metal-folding hard-top, rather than a soft-top, and – as with any convertible – it’s worth checking the roof works and folds as it should. Used prices for a C70 start from an attractive £1,700.

Mercedes SLK

It was only a matter of time until a car with a three-pronged star appeared on this list. The Mercedes SLK has been the smallest convertible in the firm’s range, but it’s packed with loads of great features including a clever folding metal roof which helps to boost refinement when the weather isn’t playing ball.

You can find first-generation SLK cars for under £1,500, but the second-generation is a smart option as it’s a little more modern in design and gets a few extra creature comforts. Expect to pay around £6,500 for a clean example with reasonable miles.

Porsche Boxster

You might think that a high price tag would accompany a Porsche, but that isn’t always the case with the Boxster. While the latest versions will set you back north of £60,000, you can pick up early, first-generation cars for a fraction of that with very clean examples coming in at around £10,000.

As you might expect, as a performance car there will be higher cost for maintenance and repairs with the Boxster, so make sure that you factor these into your initial budgeting.

Peugeot 207 CC

The Peugeot 207CC is one of those convertibles which won’t be a headache to use day-in, day-out. It’s available with a range of efficient engines and because it’s based around the same design as the standard 207 hatchback, you’ll find that it’s easy to drive and cheap to run, too.

While the 207CC may not offer the last word in driving dynamics, it’s certainly a cost-friendly way of getting into convertible ownership. High-mileage examples can be purchased for around £1,500, but expect to pay in the region of £3,000 for a tidier version.

Volkswagen Eos

Sold between 2006 and 2014, the Volkswagen EOS essentially took one of the brand’s most popular cars - the Golf - and lopped its roof off. Cleverly, the folding metal roof also incorporates a sunroof, so you can still get a better view of the sky even when you don’t fancy having the roof entirely lowered.

It’s surprisingly refined, too, and uses the same efficient engines as you’d find in the regular Golf of the time. It’s great for those on a budget, too, with tidy examples available for around £3,000.

Prices correct at time of publication [06/2024].