The Best Cheap Used Convertibles You Can Buy

Early C5-generation Corvettes are well over 20 years old by now, meaning you can get a well-kept example for not much money. Even if you get a coupe version, the detachable targa roof still offers you open-air motoring.

Here's why it's the ultimate performance bargain

Like most Mercedes-Benzes, SL roadsters usually take a steep depreciation hit once they leave the lot, and continue to drop like rocks until they're worth pennies on the dollar. That means for very little money, you can have a luxury two-seater with plenty of features and available V-8 power.

Read our full buyer's guide to every generation of SL

As far as small, light, affordable roadsters go, the MG B is among the best. It's incredibly simple and can provide endless smiles behind the wheel. Just watch out for rust when buying.

Here's just one example of why it's so appealing

Some consider the convertible version of the M3 the least desirable body style, but for cheap open-top fun, it checks a lot of boxes. E36-generation cars are especially affordable right now.

Check out our full buyer's guide

Believe it or not, it's not difficult to find 996-generation 911 convertibles for under $20,000. No, it won't be as rigid as its hardtop sibling, but you're still getting a true flat-six Porsche experience on the cheap.

Read our detailed buyer's guide

If you're into weird and quirky cars, look no further than the Saab 900. Unique looks with a bunch of interesting design touches make it one of the most charming old convertibles you can own.

The 900's engineering brochure is very fun to look at

The Jaguar XJ-S of the 1990s may not be cheap to maintain, but it is cheap to buy. If you can put up with the maintenance costs, you'll be rewarded with the sweet, sweet sound of a naturally aspirated V-12.

Watch this video to find out just how good it sounds

Though most of them have been turned into drift cars like the one shown above, there are still clean 240SX convertibles out there. And because they're less desirable compared to their coupe counterparts, they're cheaper to buy.

Read our original review right here

While not everyone loves the look of the first-gen Boxster, there's no denying it's great to drive. With a mid-engine layout and a naturally aspirated flat-six, it's easy to see why. It's one of the best-handling cars you can own for under $10,000.

Here's our full buyer's guide for the 986

Ask any enthusiast which convertible will get you the most smiles per dollar, and odds are they'll tell you the Miata. For years the Miata has been the go-to for car people everywhere looking for a reliable, good-looking, enjoyable top-down driving experience.

Read our comprehensive buyer's guide

We called the Honda S2000 the best all-around sports car back when it was new. That should tell you everything you need to know about Honda's drop-top two-seater.

Read the saga of our high-mileage S2000 project car

The Cappuccino is a Japanese-market car that's over 25 years old, making it eligible to import into the U.S. It's a two-seater convertible with a peppy turbo three-cylinder engine and removable top.

Polestar's project manager drives a very cool version

Like the Cappuccino, the Honda Beat is a JDM car now old enough to import. The Beat, however, keeps its engine in the middle—a Kei-car focused on balance. Combined with the inline-three's 8500-rpm redline, it's tough to go wrong.

Listen to how good the Beat sounds

If classic motoring is more your thing, the E30 is one of the best cars to choose from. Convertibles are cheap, easy to locate, and come with a mountain of aftermarket support.

Follow along with our E30 project car

The Crossfire is one of those cars that you forget exists until you see one on the street, and it makes your day. Convertible versions are plenty cool, and quick too. Find an SRT-6 version for the right price, and you'll be sitting pretty.

Listen to how it sounds

Used versions of the 500 Abarth convertible, Fiat's firecracker hot hatch, have depreciated significantly these past few years, and now, enthusiasts can take advantage.

Watch our original review

Nothing beats the cool-factor of a classic Alfa. The Spider, sold in the U.S. for decades, is no exception. Running examples in good condition can be found under the $10,000 range all day.

Here's why they're so pleasant to drive

The Solstice wasn't exactly the American-made Miata many were hoping it to be, but it was still a great car in its own right. If you can find one for a good price, it's worth taking a closer look.

We suggest finding a low-mileage one like this

Not a fan of the Solstice's looks? Consider the Saturn Sky instead. It sits on the same platform as the Pontiac, with more angular style.

Here's why it doesn't get the respect it deserves

For a long time, the Z3 was the go-to car for BMW roadster fans on a budget. Nowadays, early examples of the newer, more modern Z4 have dropped in price enough to be noticed as well.

Here's what a V-10-powered example sounds like