If it’s open-top thrills that you’re after, the best used convertibles offer incredible value for money
Convertibles have always been popular in the UK, despite the fact that our weather and climate don’t really lend themselves to roofless driving.
This is because there are so many other reasons why convertible cars appeal to drivers. For one thing they’re good fun, and when the rain holds off, having the roof down can add a sense of occasion to even the dullest journey.
They don’t have to be completely impractical either: the latest collapsing roofs have been engineered to fold down into the smallest possible space, leaving as much room as possible for everything from luggage to passengers’ legs.
There’s no getting away from the fact that convertibles do tend to be more expensive than their hard-top equivalents, which is where the second-hand market comes into play. The best used convertibles can offer amazing value for money compared to the newest metal, giving you a broader choice of models to pick from.
We’ve rounded up our favourites to show you exactly how strong your options are…
Best used convertible cars
- Mazda MX-5
- MINI Convertible
- Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet
- Audi TT Roadster
- Audi A5 Cabriolet
- BMW 4 Series Convertible
- Porsche Boxster
- Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet
1. Mazda MX-5 – Used Convertible of the Year
- Our pick: 2.0 Skyactiv-G Sport Nav (2016/16, 84k miles, £12,000)
The Mazda MX-5 has been a brilliant second-hand buy for decades, and the Mk4 model is finally reaching bargain territory now that it’s been on sale for a while; we found this 2.0-litre model for £12,000. Early 1.5-litre cars are cheaper still, but the larger engine is faster, more flexible and arguably more desirable. Don’t worry too much, though, because the 1.5-litre version thrives on revs and is really fun to drive.
All MX-5s are a joy on a twisty road. The manual gearbox is one of the best around, with a super-slick and satisfying shift action, plus the car’s rear-wheel-drive layout means it’s a blast to accelerate through the gears.
There’s a bit of body roll, but that’s part of the fun here, and is a result of the brilliant suspension set-up that’s a concession to comfort and composure on a rough surface. This means you can enjoy driving the MX-5 even on the lumpy, rutted roads around the UK, without having to worry about harsh bumps upsetting the car’s balance. Get the roof down – it takes a couple of seconds – and you’ll have even more fun, with the wind in your hair, but without too much buffeting.
There’s also the hard-top MX-5 RF, which has an electric mechanism, but this version isn’t as good when the roof is down. It’s more expensive, too, so the soft-top is our pick.
The MX-5 is a great convertible not just because of the folding roof, but also because it can convert from a thrilling sports car to a comfortable daily driver. The engines are economical and bring plenty of performance because the Mazda is really light, at just over a tonne. This has all sorts of benefits, and means tyres and brakes don’t wear quickly, while road tax isn’t much, so running costs are as affordable as the asking price.
BuyaCar finance options
The MX-5 is relatively inexpensive to buy, and it’s even more attainable on PCP finance through BuyaCar.co.uk, with monthly payments of £300 following a £2,000 deposit. This car should cost £12,800 if you finance it for three years and then give it back. You can choose your mileage limit to suit your individual needs – just remember to stick to it. To own the MX-5 at the end, the optional final payment equates to £8,619.
See the latest Mazda MX-5 prices on our sister site BuyaCar…
2. MINI Convertible
It’s been on sale for a good few years, but thanks to a number of updates the MINI Convertible remains a firm favourite. A bewildering array of personalisation options is available, so choose a car that you like the look of, but it’s hard to look beyond a £10,000 Cooper for all-round appeal.
The first examples of the current, third-generation car arrived on these shores in 2014. A range of turbocharged, three-cylinder engines were offered in addition to the four-cylinder, 192bhp unit in the Cooper S. The range has simplified since then, with the diesel variant no longer available.
Automatic gearboxes have always been optional, but the six-speed manuals work best if it’s a fun, engaging drive that you’re after. It’s often been said that the MINI handles like a go kart in corners, and this remains true of the Convertible despite losing the rigidity that comes with having a fixed roof.
The entry-level One trim doesn’t bring much in the way of kit, so we’d recommend getting a Cooper-badged model at the very least. Check that air-con is included too, as this had to be specced as a no-cost option when new.
See the latest MINI Convertible prices on our sister site BuyaCar…
3. Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet
If you want a drop-top that’s comfortable on the move, then look no further than the Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet. It’s the smallest four-seat convertible that Mercedes makes, replacing the CLK Convertible in this section of the car market when it arrived in 2016.
The chassis has been stiffened in order to compensate for the absence of the hard-top roof, and as a result the Convertible is almost as composed when it comes to handling as the coupe. The steering is direct and while the C-Class doesn’t corner as sharply as some rivals, the excellent levels of refinement make this a car for leisure rather than sport.
There’s a range of engines to choose from, but the most popular is the entry level C 220 d diesel, which achieves almost 50mpg on the latest WLTP test cycle; an impressive figure for a car of this scope. As is the case with most convertibles, there’s some extra wind noise caused by the fabric roof, but it doesn’t intrude into the cabin too much.
See the latest Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet prices on our sister site BuyaCar…
4. Audi TT Roadster
It might have the reputation of being a car driven by hairdressers, but the Audi TT Roadster has the qualities of a miniature supercar: it combines aggressive sporty looks with staggering performance in some guises, and the soft-top only adds to the thrills.
Early versions of the current-generation car include a 2.0-litre diesel capable of 65.7mpg on paper, with the 1.8-litre, 178bhp and 2.0-litre, 227bhp units sat either side. The 306bhp TTS model briefly topped the range prior to the arrival of the TT RS in 2016, which packed a mighty 394bhp from its 2.5-litre engine. In this guise, the TT Roadster could manage 0-62mph in under four seconds on its way to a top speed of 170mph.
At that speed you could do with a hairdresser to sort out your windswept barnet, although at conventional velocities the TT Roadster is largely very refined. There’s some wind and road noise as you’d expect, although you’ll be far more distracted by the disappointing ratio changes on examples with the manual gearbox: six-speed S tronic autos are much sharper in this department.
See the latest Audi TT Roadster prices on our sister site BuyaCar…
5. Audi A5 Cabriolet
Another convertible Audi worth considering is the A5 Cabriolet: it’s a bit more spacious and practical than the TT Roadster, although it doesn’t have quite the same credentials when it comes to outright performance.
Now in its second generation, this A5 Cabriolet first appeared in 2016, building on the success of its predecessor. A new platform reduced the weight of the car by some 40kg, although Audi still managed to make the A5 Cab 40 per cent stiffer too. The electric system for the fabric roof means it can collapse in 15 seconds and operates at speeds up to 31mph. Inside there’s plenty of room for four adults, while the 380-litre boot (320 litres with the roof down) is more generous than you’ll find in some family hatchbacks.
If the A5 Cabriolet falls short anywhere it’s on price, with new models costing more than a pretty penny. However, used examples aren’t held back by the heft of the price tag: 17-reg cars can be found for less than £18,000 these days, which is a lot of car for the money.
See the latest Audi A5 Cabriolet prices on our sister site BuyaCar…
6. BMW 4 Series Convertible
BMW revealed its latest 4 Series Convertible in the latter stages of 2020, but with a price tag of more than £45,000, it’s not the most accessible vehicle in the world. To that end, early examples of the model that came before it – the first-generation 4 Series – can be bought for a much more palatable £16,000 or so.
As you’d expect, the older car isn’t quite as sharp to drive or as fast in a straight line, but much of that can be put down to its heavier, hard-top roof. While the extra weight dampens acceleration a little, you will at least benefit from the added security that comes with such a mechanism. This will be an important factor to consider if you’re likely to park on the street from time to time.
The old BMW 4 Series Convertible came with more engine options than you could shake a stick at, so our advice is to get the most powerful variant you can afford, as this suits the car’s character on the road. Automatic versions and those with adaptive suspension are worth it too if your finances allow.
See the latest BMW 4 Series Convertible prices on our sister site BuyaCar…
7. Porsche Boxster
The Porsche Boxster is one of the finest two-seater sports cars money can buy, rolling supreme performance and handling, stand-out styling and excellent build quality into one, ultra-desirable package. It’s been on the block for almost a quarter of a century, which means there’s a Boxster on the used-car market for virtually every budget.
The third-generation Boxster – replaced by the latest model in 2016 – was a stupendously good car to drive, with a chassis that turned cornering into something of an art form. Power came from a 2.7-litre engine producing 261bhp, with the Boxster S housing a 3.4-litre engine capable of 310bhp. A GTS model was soon added, bringing even more power to the party.
The interior was built to the highest standards, and well-kept examples will feel as luxurious now as they did when new. Both the manual and automatic gearboxes are great to use, so you can let personal preference dictate your choice here. Reliability has been strong over the years too: servicing is recommended every two years or 20,000 miles.
See the latest Porsche Boxster prices on our sister site BuyaCar…
8. Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet
If there’s one complaint you could make about the Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet, it’s that there’s not a huge amount of legroom in the rear seats. This is an issue that the E-Class Cabriolet addresses with its longer body, affording more space to those sat inside and making it more comfortable for tall adults.
While it’s never been cheap, it makes much more sense if viewed as a baby version of the luxurious S-Class limousine. The entry-level diesel engine is the most popular in the UK, although there are a range of more powerful petrols and diesels above this to cater for those who want a bit more shove from the throttle. All-wheel drive became an option on the E-Class Cab when it arrived in 2017, while air suspension works wonders for the ride if fitted.
The roof comes in four different colours, and opens and closes in around 20 seconds. It’s insulated too, so you needn’t be worried about how it’ll cope in the depths of winter when the temperature plummets.
See the latest Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet prices on our sister site BuyaCar…
Find out more about the best used cars you can buy in each market sector with our Used Car Awards…
Keyword: Best used convertibles 2022