Here's Why I Think These 6 Used Convertibles Guarantee a Fun Summer Behind the Wheel

Miami Herald

16-05-2025

There is almost nothing better than driving around in a convertible car on a nice summer day. The sun's rays beating down on you, the wind in your hair (if you have any), and the sound of the car's engine as it works its way through the RPM range make for a glorious way to spend a hot day, which gets even better when the sun goes down.
However, finding a new convertible car in the market is tough nowadays, as there are only a few available. With every buyer's interest turning to SUVs, automakers aren't seeing any need to produce convertible cars, since they have historically been a tough sale. Fortunately, the used car market has all types of convertible cars that can fit a variety of budgets. These range from sports cars to passenger cars, with some being more practical and sportier than others. Either way, if you're looking for a convertible car to make the most of summertime, here are six used examples that could fit your criteria.
The Mazda Miata has been on the market since the early 90s, and over a million units have been sold worldwide, which means that it's still very popular. While some buyers may still doubt that the Miata is worth checking out because it's small and seemingly underpowered, we would beg those buyers to take a closer look. The latest generation of the Miata, which debuted in 2016, features an aggressive style inside and out, without straying away from its formula for success.
Instead of pushing massive horsepower numbers, the Miata remains a fun ride by utilizing a lightweight body structure, an agile suspension, and a high-revving engine. Under its hood is a naturally aspirated, four-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. That's not much, but it's enough to have fun driving the car, especially when it's equipped with a manual transmission. To top things off, the Mazda Miata is also available with either a soft-top or a retractable hardtop when the MX-5 RF version is chosen.
The Honda S2000 is one of the most legendary convertible cars on the market. Not because it has a soft top that can fold down or up in less than 20 seconds, but mainly because of its powertrain. The S2000 is powered by a high-revving, naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine that makes 237 horsepower and 153 lb-ft of torque. That power matches well with the car's sub-2,800-pound body frame, which is reinforced with a lot of bracing and aluminum for lightweight sturdiness.
The earlier S2000 models (2000-2003) had a 9,000-rpm redline, which made the car extremely fun to drive, especially with its silky smooth six-speed manual transmission. Let's not forget that the S2000 was also one of the only rear-wheel-drive cars that Honda ever built, which only adds to the car's driving engagement.
If Japanese roadsters aren't your thing, then the BMW 2 Series Convertible might be. The 2 Series is a stout luxury coupe that provides plenty of driving excitement with its balanced personality. The 2 Series offers elevated levels of braking, steering, and handling, making it a blast to drive on winding roads and open highways, especially when the top is down. Under the car's hood is a 255-horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but if more power is desired, then the six-cylinder M240i is the better choice.
Regardless of which trim level is chosen, the BMW 2 Series is a rear-drive platform in standard form, but an all-wheel-drive configuration can also be found. The 2 Series convertible was also produced as either a soft-top convertible or a hardtop coupe, making it a good fit for anyone in search of open-air motoring fun.
The Porsche Boxster has always been a staple in the convertible sports car segment, thanks to its impeccable build quality and unrivaled speed. Over the years, the Boxster has gone through many different iterations and been powered by a variety of powertrains, but one thing has stayed the same: its layout. What makes the Boxster unlike most other convertibles is its mid-engine, rear-drive layout, which gives it a near-perfect weight balance for better cornering abilities.
The current Boxster also provides plenty of thrust with its turbocharged, four-cylinder base engine that produces 300 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. We would say that it's enough power for most motorists, but of course, it's hard not to recommend the 350-horsepower Boxster S, which only increases the driving fun.
The Ford Mustang has been an icon in the automotive space since the 60s, and it doesn't look like it's going away anytime soon. The current Mustang is still offered in convertible form, but if you're looking for a bargain, we suggest checking out the last generation, produced from 2015 to 2023. The sixth-generation Mustang was the first to feature an independent rear suspension for better handling and ride refinement.
In addition to a convertible body style, this version of the Mustang also came with a choice of three different engines, including a turbocharged four-cylinder, a peppy V6, and a monstrous V8. Of course, we would choose the latter for the best driving experience possible, even just from the sound of it alone with the top down.
Like the Ford Mustang, the Chevrolet Camaro is an iconic muscle car that's been on the scene since the late 60s, when it was introduced in both coupe and convertible form. While you may be able to track one of those down with some success, we recommend opting for the latest version for most technology, power, and refined drivability. The sixth-generation Camaro featured a well-equipped cabin, a sports suspension, and a choice of engines to suit a variety of tastes.
The entry-level model featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that provided a good amount of power and fuel efficiency, but the 455-horsepower V8 was the one to get for optimal driving pleasure. For those who wanted some power without all the noise, the V6 engine split the difference between the two. No matter which powertrain you choose, however, the Camaro convertible is an excellent choice for summer fun.
Although buyers are no longer gravitating toward convertibles and prefer SUVs instead, there are still plenty to be found in the used market. From American muscle to German finesse, these convertibles offer all kinds of driving fun with the simple push of a button or the flick of a switch, making them perfect for the warm summer days. As an added cherry on top, most of the examples you'll find on the used market cost far less than their new counterparts.
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