Top-down Fun
Summer driving is different when you can drop the roof, let the cabin breathe, and stop treating every sunny day like something you only experience through glass. The good news is you don’t need a six-figure garage and a private detailer to pull it off, because the used market is full of convertibles that still feel great to drive and easy to live with. These 20 budget-friendly convertibles are worth hunting down before next summer sneaks up on you.
1. Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Miata has been around since 1989. You get a lightweight, clean steering feel, and a size that makes parking in crowded places feel low-stress. Shop with patience, and you’ll find one that still feels tight, especially if the soft top is still in good condition.
2. Fiat 124 Spider
This one delivers classic roadster proportions with a slightly more relaxed personality than some rivals. In the U.S., 2020 was its final model year, so you’re shopping used, but that also means prices tend to be more approachable.
3. MINI Cooper Convertible
The MINI Convertible is easy to like if you want something small, stylish, and genuinely city-friendly. The cabin has real personality, and the short footprint makes everyday driving feel more manageable.
4. Ford Mustang Convertible
A Mustang convertible gives you real presence without delving into overwhelming. It’s a comfortable place to spend time, and it works for weekend drives as well as commutes where you still want to show up in style.
5. Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
The Camaro convertible is for drivers who want a sharper, more athletic feel without giving up the open-air experience. Chevrolet announced the Camaro’s sixth generation would retire at the end of the 2024 model year. If you find one that hasn’t been modified or thrashed, it can deliver a lot of performance for the money.
6. Volkswagen Beetle Convertible
The Beetle convertible is a style pick that still works when you need a practical runabout. It’s friendly to live with, and it looks like it belongs near a beach parking lot without trying too hard.
7. Volkswagen Eos
The Eos is a great “secret bargain” because it offers a folding hardtop feel without the price tag people expect from retractable roofs. In the U.S., it had a limited 2016 run, and production ended in the mid-2010s, so you’re shopping used-only. A well-kept Eos can feel surprisingly upscale inside, especially when the interior materials have been treated with care.
8. Toyota Camry Solara Convertible
This is the convertible for someone who wants calm and comfortable before anything else. The Solara was sold for model years 1999–2008, and the convertible version became a familiar sight in warm-weather states for a reason.
9. Pontiac Solstice
The Solstice has real roadster vibes and a shape that still looks good parked outside a coffee shop. It’s a fun choice when you want something sporty that’s also a little off the beaten path compared to the usual suspects.
10. Saturn Sky
The Sky is closely related to the Solstice but leans more dramatic in styling, which can be a plus if you like a bolder look. It’s not the most common sight anymore, so it often feels more special than the price suggests. You’ll appreciate a clean, unmodified example, since these cars feel best when they’re left close to stock.
Greg Gjerdingen from Willmar, USA on Wikimedia
11. BMW Z3
The Z3 is an easy way to get classic BMW roadster energy without paying modern BMW money. It’s compact, simple by today’s standards, and it still draws attention.
12. BMW 1 Series Convertible
The 1 Series convertible is a sweet spot for drivers who want rear-wheel-drive balance and a cabin that feels genuinely premium. It’s small enough to be fun on a twisty road, yet usable enough to handle everyday plans without complaints.
13. BMW 2 Series Convertible
This model keeps the “small BMW that feels right” formula going, with a slightly newer feel than the 1 Series. The roof mechanism and interior tech tend to feel more current, which is nice if you want comfort alongside the open-air factor.
14. Mercedes-Benz SLK
An SLK is a classic choice when you want a compact luxury roadster that feels composed at speed. Many of these models have retractable hardtops, which are definitely helpful on rainy days.
15. Mercedes-Benz CLK Cabriolet
The CLK cabriolet is a relaxed pick that feels made for long, comfortable drives. It tends to offer a smoother, more mature experience than smaller roadsters, which is great when you want to actually talk to your passenger without shouting.
16. Audi A4 Cabriolet
The A4 Cabriolet offers a clean design that still looks current from certain angles, especially in understated colors. It’s a good match if you like a more refined driving experience and you’re not chasing aggressive handling.
17. Volvo C70
The second-generation C70 is known for its retractable hardtop and a more comfort-first approach to open-top driving. Volvo ended the C70 after the 2013 model year, so you’re choosing from used inventory only, which makes the best examples worth waiting for.
18. Saab 9-3 Convertible
The Saab 9-3 convertible has a distinct look and a cabin that feels a little different from the mainstream, which many drivers love. A good one feels stable on the highway, and it’s comfortable enough to handle longer drives without wearing you out.
19. Chrysler 200 Convertible
This is a practical convertible for someone who wants an easygoing ride and a more relaxed price point. It’s often available with comfortable seating and a layout that works for everyday errands.
Michael Gil from Calgary, AB, Canada on Wikimedia
20. Lexus IS 250C
The IS 250C offers a retractable hardtop with Lexus build quality, which can be a strong combination when you want a quieter cabin and fewer rattles. It’s also a great option for drivers who want a convertible that still feels like a normal, usable car during the workweek.
