Soak Up the Sun With These Wallet-Friendly Convertibles

Yahoo

7 hours ago

There's something about a convertible that just feels like summer. Maybe it's the open sky, the warm breeze, or that sense of freedom that only comes when the top is down and the road stretches ahead. Whatever the reason, if you've been dreaming about owning one, now's a great time to start looking.
While some convertibles come with six-figure price tags, there are still plenty of models that offer open-air fun without draining your savings. Whether you're into classic styling, modern tech, off-road adventure, or pure driving joy, there's a convertible out there that fits the bill.
Why We Chose These Cars
We looked for convertibles that balance three key qualities: affordability, reliability, and driving enjoyment. Some are brand-new models with updated tech and safety features. Others are slightly older, pre-owned picks that have held their value and still offer a lot of fun for the money.
All pricing and specifications were sourced from trusted sites like Car and Driver, Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, Cars & Bids, and official manufacturer websites. A few discontinued models made the cut because they're still widely available and worth considering if you're open to shopping used.
From sporty roadsters to rugged roofless SUVs, this list offers a variety of drop-top experiences for every kind of driver.
Ask just about any car enthusiast to name the best affordable convertible, and chances are they'll say 'Miata.' And for good reason. The 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata stays true to what has made it a favorite for decades: lightweight design, balanced handling, and pure driving enjoyment.
Mazda reports that the 2025 model keeps its 181-horsepower 2.0-liter engine, with your choice of a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. It's not just fun—it's efficient, too, with a combined 29 miles per gallon.
Thanks to its near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution, the Miata carves through corners with confidence, making even an ordinary drive feel like something special. If you like the idea of owning something collectible, Car and Driver shares that Mazda is releasing a 35th Anniversary Edition in a deep Artisan Red with tan Nappa leather seats. Only 300 are coming to the U.S., so it's a rare find.
Whether you're a longtime fan or just looking to add some fun to your weekends, the Miata is proof that joy doesn't have to be expensive.
If you're after a convertible with charm, personality, and a bit of British flair, the 2025 Mini Cooper Convertible delivers. It's compact, stylish, and built to make everyday drives feel a little more playful.
Mini offers a variety of ways to customize your car, from bold paint colors to interior trim and tech features. No matter how you configure it, you still get that signature Mini look and the famously fun 'go-kart' handling that makes it such a joy to drive around town or through winding roads.
The base model includes a 161-horsepower engine paired with an automatic transmission. It's zippy without being overwhelming, making it a great option for drivers who want something sporty but approachable.
For those who want something a little different without straying too far from comfort and quality, the Mini Cooper Convertible offers just the right mix of fun and refinement.
If you want American muscle with your open-air experience, the Camaro is a great choice. Car and Driver reports that the 2024 model offers a choice of a 335-hp 3.6-liter V-6 or a 455-hp 6.2-liter V-8. You can also choose between a 6-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission.
For drivers looking for a little more pep in their step, CoPilot found that the ZL1 trim is a beast with 650 supercharged horsepower. In addition, if you need serious track performance, check out the 1LE package.
The Fiat 124 Spider is a stylish roadster that combines Italian design with Japanese engineering. The popular car marketplace, Carwow, states that the car features a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine with 160 hp and gets 29 mpg combined.
Unfortunately, according to Fiat, the 124 Spider was discontinued in 2020. However, you can still find many used models on online car marketplaces.
For another car that is no longer in production but still a fun ride, the 2019 Beetle Convertible is a modern take on a classic. It's got that iconic shape and a fun, retro vibe. Edmunds reports that the 2019 model features a 174-hp 2.0-liter engine and a 6-speed automatic, getting 29 mpg combined.
Giving a loving tribute, Car and Driver states that the Beetle's history in America starts in the 1950s and took off in the 60s when it was featured in the popular Disney movie The Love Bug. Still, to this day, it remains one of the most recognizable cars in history.
For the adventurous, the Jeep Wrangler is the ultimate go-anywhere convertible. You can take off both the roof and the doors for a truly open-air experience. Jeep states the 2025 model offers a choice of engines, including a 285-hp 3.6-liter V-6 that gets up to 19 mpg combined.
Jeep's roots are deep in American history, with one of the first models being used in World War II, where it served as a military vehicle. Now, the Wrangler comes in tons of configurations, including two-door and four-door versions.
The Ford Bronco is another rugged option, directly competing with the Wrangler. It also has a removable roof and doors, with retro styling. Car and Driver reports that the 2025 Bronco offers many engine options, with the standard being a 300-hp turbocharged four-cylinder that gets a combined 18 mpg.
There's even a Bronco Raptor trim with a 418-hp engine for serious off-roading. Unfortunately, you need deep pockets to get your hands on one, as this over-the-top Bronco will run you about $92,000, putting it well outside the affordable category.
The Ford Mustang is a classic American muscle car that goes back all the way to the 1960s. Moving into the 21st century, The Mustang Convertible offers several engine options from the base 315-hp 2.3-liter inline-four EcoBoost to the iconic 480-hp 5.0-liter V8, and buyers also get to choose between a 10-speed automatic and a 6-speed manual transmission.
The average mpg ranges from 17 to 25, depending on your engine configuration. Maybe that roaring V8 is worth a few extra bucks at the pump?!
Further on our list is the 987 Porsche Boxster, which is a fun little roadster featuring top-of-the-line handling and an exciting top-down driving experience. This particular model of Boxster ran from 2004 to 2012. The car auction website Cars & Bids shows pre-owned models ranging from $11,100 to $55,000.
Porsche Club of America states that the 987 Porsche Boxster was offered a couple of different engine options, from the base 2.7-liter to a 3.2-liter flat-6. It's also available with several transmission options, ranging from a 5 or 6-speed manual or a 7-speed automatic.
If you're looking for something stylish and refined, the Audi A5 Cabriolet delivers a quiet, confident kind of luxury. It's not flashy, but it turns heads for all the right reasons—with clean lines, tasteful chrome accents, and that unmistakable Audi grille.
Available with Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive, the A5 Cabriolet gives you a sense of security and traction that many convertibles can't match, especially if you live somewhere with unpredictable weather. Most models from this era come with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, offering a smooth ride and plenty of power for highway cruising.
Inside, you'll find a comfortable and thoughtfully designed cabin. Even the earlier models feel upscale, with features like leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and a surprisingly quiet ride when the top is up.
For under $20,000 on the used market, the A5 Cabriolet is a strong option for drivers who want an open-air experience without giving up comfort or refinement. It's a convertible you can enjoy daily, and still feel good about when you pull up to dinner on a Friday night.
The BMW 2 Series Convertible is what happens when German engineering meets top-down driving fun. Compact and athletic, the 2018 230i strikes a great balance between sporty performance and everyday comfort, making it a standout in the used convertible market.
Under the hood, you'll find a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 248 horsepower to the rear wheels. That means sharp handling, smooth acceleration, and a driving feel that's unmistakably BMW. You can choose between an eight-speed automatic or a six-speed manual, depending on how involved you want to be behind the wheel.
The interior is classic BMW—clean design, quality materials, and just enough tech to make life easy without feeling cluttered. It's also surprisingly comfortable for a small car, with supportive seats and a well-insulated soft top that keeps things quiet when it's up.
For drivers who want a convertible that feels refined but still has a bit of edge, the 230i is a strong contender. With used prices falling around $16,500 to start, it's a great way to enjoy premium quality without stepping into luxury-car price territory.
If you're looking for a convertible car that's fun to drive, reliable, and affordable to keep running, the Toyota MR2 Spyder is your next car. This sporty convertible was in production from 1999 to 2007, but disappeared from the American market in 2005.
According to Kelley Blue Book, the Toyota MR2 Spyder came standard with a 1.8-liter inline-4 engine and a 5-speed manual transmission.
No matter your style — sporty, rugged, nostalgic, or refined — there's a convertible out there that can turn your everyday drives into something memorable. The best part? You don't need to empty your savings to get one.
Whether you're eyeing a modern Miata, a throwback Beetle, or even a used Porsche that still has plenty of punch, the options are surprisingly accessible. And if you're leaning toward something a little less traditional, like a Jeep or Bronco with the top off and the trail ahead, that counts too.
So if you've been waiting for a sign to start your top-down summer adventures, consider this it. Take your time, do your homework, and test drive a few. The right convertible isn't just about looks or speed. It's about how it makes you feel every time you turn the key (or press the button) and roll out into the sunshine.
Happy driving, and don't forget the sunscreen.