Four convertibles perfect for summer driving that can be bought at bargain prices

The Sun

11-05-2025

SUMMERTIME is just around the corner – even if the occasional grey skies and chilly breeze make it hard to believe.
And with the warmer, sunnier days on the horizon, it feels like the perfect time to cruise across town in a seriously cool cabriolet.
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Better yet, picking up a fun and fast convertible that's also reliable and even family friendly has never been easier, with plenty of options available.
"There's nothing quite like that moment of the sun on your face, top down as summer arrives,' said Catherine King of Auto Trader, who recently revealed to Sun Motors her top drop top favourites.
'We often see an increase in searches for convertibles when the sun appears, for example two weeks ago when we had a sunny weekend, we saw a 15% day-on-day increase across the platform.
'While some might think convertibles are expensive and just for summer, there are plenty of budget-friendly options suitable for use all year round.
'As well as price, space is also a key consideration. Convertibles tend to have smaller boots as the roof needs to be stored too.
'However, models like the BMW 1 series offer some of the most space, ideal for the summer essentials.'
A good, 1 series BMW convertible can be found on Auto Trader for under £8,000 with some 35,000 miles on the clock, while higher mileage examples can be found for as little as £4,000.
Another example is the Mercedes SLK, one of the most popular two-seater convertibles that ranges from £1,500 to £9,000 on the used car website.
Not one for large families obviously, but great for those looking for something classy and cool, with great handling.
On the flip side, the Mini Cooper Convertible, while small, does come with the extra passenger seats in the back - as well as the extra oomph you'd come to expect from the Cooper variant.
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Catherine added: 'A key factor is whether you want a two-seater, something like the Mercedes SLK or a four-seater to accommodate more passengers, such as a Mini Cooper Convertible.
'With a four-seater those in the back may be set for a windier ride, with less screen protection, but it's more practical if you regularly have more passengers.'
One thing convertible buyers might need to consider is roof-type, as there are a range of options.
Fabric roofs, while prone to more weather damage, are often simpler and manually operated, in contrast to hardtops, which are more durable but are heavier and can be expensive if they go wrong.
Catherine said: 'It will come down to what best suits your lifestyle and how you can store the car.
'Of course, reliability is always key. The classic Mazda MX-5, which has become almost the poster child for convertible cars, has long been recognised as a mechanically reliable choice although it's worth noting it can be prone to rust.
'Prioritising reliability means you can have some peace of mind and confidence that it will stand the test of time.'
With over 15,000 convertible models currently listed on Auto Trader, whatever your budget and needs, there's bound to be an option for you.
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