Convertible cars feature on the bucket lists for many young car lovers today. You will probably share in their fantasy if you drive in one. The belief that convertibles are more popular in warmer countries with less rain is untrue. You’d be surprised at the sales figures recorded in even the coldest European countries. If you’re a roadster-lover who enjoys splashes of warm breeze over your face as you drive. You will enjoy a review of the best convertible cars to buy.
People often refer to convertibles as open top, drop top, soft top, or even cabriolet. They all mean the same thing. Most convertible cars are small and stylish, perfect for a long, sunny road trip. A convertible is an ideal weekend car when you already have a bigger vehicle for your daily needs.
The Best Convertible Cars to Buy
Driving experience is everything for most drivers. Nothing beats a long, breezy ride on a fine day. Roadsters feature all kinds of cars, from sports cars to supercars. We have reviewed the best convertible to buy to help you pick the one that suits you. Let’s check them out!
1. Porsche 718 Boxster
The Porsche Boxster offers a silky balance of sleek appearance and performance. A turbocharged flat four-cylinder engine powers this drop-top.
The base model generates 300 horsepower from two litres of displacement. Meanwhile, the S m-model features a 2.5-litre engine developing 350 horsepower and employs a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry. The newer models’ engines develop 35 horsepower and 14% more efficiency than the previous ones. The Spyder still retains a naturally aspirated flat-six. You get to choose between a six-speed manual or seven-speed PDK automatic gearbox on all engines.
With impressive legroom, Boxster trims have a 150-litre boot with 130-litre space in the nose. The soft top, which folds in nine seconds, can only be operated at low speeds or when parked.
This two-seater roadster is one of the best conervtibles with good handling in today’s market. The 718 Boxster is indeed one of the best convertible cars to buy. Unfortunately, as with many other nice cars, the 718 will soon discontinue the gas-powered models for an EV model. Depending on the trim, a 2024 Porsche 718 Boxster will set you back between $72,000 and $150,000.
2. BMW Z4
The BMW Z4 offers an exciting driving experience better than most two-seat sports cars. The Z4 is also popular for its luxury features of a BMW saloon car. The handling is superb, especially for the more powerful engine options.
This cabriolet is ideal for subtle and dramatic drives. It offers standard features like the SATNAV (satellite navigation) on all trims. The base model is driven by a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, churning up to 255 horsepower. It also offers interior and tangible luggage spaces.
In recent models, the Z4 boasts a fabric soft-top that opens or closes in 10 seconds. A button controls this and is ideal when the car is parked. Older versions offer a metal hard top, which takes longer to fold. The foldable metal affects boot space when folded. BMW Z4s are available for between $50,000 and $80,000, depending on the trim and luxury features.
3. Mini Cooper Convertible
If you’re looking for a stylish around-town runabout, you’re better off with a Mini. It is a very appealing car with a cool driving experience. The Mini Convertible is even more fun when you whip off the roof.
It has a fabric roof that folds electrically in 18 seconds. You can open or fold it while driving at low speeds below 20mph. This comes in handy when it suddenly begins to rain.
You get to choose between petrol and diesel engines. There are the sporty Cooper S and John Cooper Works models if you want to raise the fun factor even more. This convertible doesn’t offer ample space back-seat and luggage space. However, the driving experience and handling are top-tier compared to cars with similar price tags. For less than $50,000, you can get a Mini Convertible and enjoy the exciting driving experience.
4. Mazda MX-5 Miata
Most roadster fans rate the MX-5 as the most affordable convertible for its performance level. The Mazda MX-5’s handling is very impressive. However, it is not turbocharged like some others on this list. It offers an unrivalled driving experience. This cabriolet comes in fabric or folding metal roof.
It is powered by two types of gas-powered engines. The 1.5-liter engine produces up to 132 horsepower, and the 2.0-liter engine churns out 184 horsepower. Even without smashing big engine figures like most sporty roadsters, the MX-5 retains its superb handling at elevated speed levels. For about $34,039, you can enjoy the awesome driving experience amidst other exciting features.
5. Audi A3 Cabriolet
This is one of the best convertible cars to buy if you want a lot of interior space. The Audi A3 Cabriolet offers a perfect balance of comfort and style. Its interior quality is insane for the car’s price.
Although this is a compact roadster, it offers good luggage space. You get to pick from various fantastic trims. The better fuel efficiency on the diesel engines and the sporty gas-powered S3 Cabriolet. For all options, the fabric roof folds down in 18 seconds. The button control allows you to toggle the roof at a speed below 31mph.
The roof on high-spec models has thicker insulation. This makes the car feel even quieter when it’s covered. This German masterpiece goes for around $80,000.
6. Mercedes Benz SLC
This Mercedes convertible is quite different from other Mercedes cabriolet models. It is compact. The SLC is a two-seater sports car with a folding metal roof. It comes with the traditional Benz glare and basic luxury interior.
This metal roof keeps you insulated and shuts the noise away. A button in the cabin is used to navigate this feature. The high-performance AMG models have powerful petrol engines. For better fuel efficiency, you can get a diesel-powered SLC.
The fabric folding roof can go on and off in 20 seconds at travel speeds of 31mph and below. The interior is comfortable, with superb handling. The price tag of this roadster ranges from $65,000 and above, depending on the option.
7. BMW 4 Series Convertible
The BMW 4 Series Convertible is inarguably one of the best convertible cars to buy. It’s bigger and more spacious than almost all the cars on this list. It offers a more sporty feel and top-notch handling.
Four adults will have enough space on a long motorway journey. The current version of the 4 Series Convertible (from 2021 forward) has a fabric roof. Older models (as pictured) have a folding hard-top roof.
The foldable metal roof offered more head space. However, it takes up a lot of space when folded into the boot, which is bigger than average. This well-rounded convertible car has a sticker price of around $75,000.
8. Audi R8 Spyder
The Audi R8 Spyder runs on a V10. For a V10, the driving experience on this roadster is sublime. The Spyder trim of the R8 offers a significant upgrade in the handling. The common engine for this model is a naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 engine.
Like most German automobiles, it is choked with many technologically advanced features. Although it is expensive, the price range is common for a supercar that produces between 533 and 602 horsepower. With a sticker price of about $80,000, the R8 Spyder is a fetch.
9. Lexus LC500 Convertible
The Lexus LC500 Convertible is one of the best convertible cars to buy today. It is famous for its excellent handling and practical infotainment system. It has two seat-rows and can house four people comfortably.
The exterior is beautiful. It has two engine options, but the V8 petrol engine is preferred for roadster-lovers. This roadster performs insanely. It runs on a 5.0-liter V-8, which produces up to 471 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. The price range for this attention-seeker starts from $120,000 to $160,000, depending on the trim.
10. Jaguar F-Type Convertible
The Jaguar F-Type Convertible is the type to make heads turn. The best trims are fitted with the feral V8. This convertible may not be as powerful as most on this list, but it offers top-level handling and driving experience.
The F-Type is a two-seater, rear-wheel roadster. It runs on a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine which generates up to 575 horsepower. You can get a new Jaguar F-Type Convertible in today’s market for a starting price of about $92,045.
Conclusion
Buying an automobile gets more challenging by the day. With the amazing plethora of new cars being produced every day. And technological advancements that leave our mouths open. Today’s convertibles market is saturated, and buyers must spend more time researching. This is why we have put this list together featuring the top choices in today’s market. If your dream is a breezy road trip, at least one of the best convertible cars to buy on our list will do the trick. We’ve got a pick for everyone.
