The 10 Best Convertibles for Every Budget
Summer is almost here and it’s time to get out and enjoy the great weather. One of the best motoring experiences involves putting the top down and heading out on a winding road. If you are in need of the perfect summer vehicle, here are the best 10 convertibles.
Fiat 500c, $20,500
Twenty grand doesn’t buy a lot of car anymore, but what the Fiat 500c lacks in size, it makes up for in personality and driving fun. The little Italian ‘vert is one of the cheapest ways to go topless, and it looks great doing it. Add mpg well into the 30s, and you have an affordable way to enjoy every beautiful day.
Mazda MX-5 Miata, $23,970
Few cars can match the sheer fun of a Miata, especially at this price. The MX-5 is a modern interpretation of the classic sports car, only minus the reliability issues. With only about 160 horsepower, it is not quick, but at only 2,500 pounds, it is a blast to drive. Think of it as 90% of a Lotus Elise, for half the price.
Ford Mustang, $29,300
The Mustang is all new for 2015, sporting an attractive new look, better fit and finish inside, an independent rear suspension, and offering a variety of powerful engines. The convertible is no exception, and the ‘stang looks great with the top down. The Ford edged out the Camaro this time, do to interior quality, and the Camaro somehow managing to have poor visibility even with the top down.
Volkswagen Eos, $36,145
Volkswagen introduces the first hardtop convertible on this list, combining open air motoring with the security of a traditional hardtop. The Eos also looks sedate, which allows it to be completely ignored by patrolling police, unlike the rest on this list. It has VW’s usual excellent handling and steering feedback, and would make a great daily driver for many commuters.
Nissan 370Z $41,820
The 370Z Roadster isn’t cheap, but you do get a lot for the cash. This is an uncompromised sports car, not worried with compromises needed to sell in high volume. The 332 hp V6 is the perfect balance between brute force and precision, and the Z’s suspension soaks up bumps while being perfectly communicative, and the leather-heavy interior looks almost as good as the exterior with the top down.
BMW 428i, $48,750
The 4 Series is still viewed as an unusual car for enthusiasts, who see just see it as a 3 Series coupe. Regardless of the naming shenanigans, BMW knows how to build a dynamic and fun to drive convertible. The 428i ‘vert has a four cylinder, but it makes an impressive 240 hp, appropriately driving the rear wheels. It looks more expensive than it is, and the drive is worth every penny.
Porsche Boxster, $51,200
The Boxster has been the disrespected value Porsche for too long, and this is a convertible you should be driving. You can’t go wrong with the 6-speed manual trans, or the faster-shifting-than-you PDK dual-clutch transmission. Either way, you get 265 hp, world class handling, and looks that will put a smile on your face every time you view the car. Porsche nailed the design, and this car is an incredible value if you are in the market for a purist roadster.
Jaguar F-TYPE, $68,100
For classic British gentlemanly driving, it’s hard to beat a Jag. The F-TYPE, like most Jags, looks amazing, and drives just as well. This is the European view of a balanced sports car, with a 340 hp V6, choice of transmissions, and expertly tuned suspension. It’s as luxurious as it is gorgeous, and while it’s not the fastest car on this list, it is the classiest.
Chevrolet Corvette Z06, $83,995
Yes, eighty-four grand for a Chevy is a lot of money, but at this price, the Z06 convertible is a steal. A supercharged 6.2 liter V8 generates a whopping 650 hp, making a whole lot of your hair getting blown around by the wind. The ‘vette also handles superbly, and finally has an interior worthy of the price. The seventh generation Corvette continues its long tradition of high value for the price. Consider this: it’s faster than a 911 turbo, for half the price.
Audi R8, $129,400
The Audi R8 Spyder is an everyday supercar. The 430 hp V8, 6-speed manual and Quattro all-wheel drive offer impressive performance. If your wallet can handle it, check the 525 hp V10 option ($36,000) and add a dual clutch transmission ($10,000). The price makes anyone but Tony Stark question the value, that is until they drive it. The R8 looks, feels, sounds, and goes like only an authentic exotic supercar can.