Now that we've nearly thawed from winter, we're excited about summer. We're ready for a better grip on the roads, and to drive around in some of the best drop-tops available today.Still, those drop-tops, much like all new cars today, do not come cheap. The most obvious answer is the Mazda Miata, and the cost of the trim you want is over $40,000 these days. If you're interested in a more affordable convertible to invest in before summer arrives, these 10 drop-top models are not only great used buys but also very affordable on the used market.This article focuses on the average used value of 10 convertible vehicles, arranged in ascending order by average value. For this article, we've relied on pricing data and listing information on the CarBuzz Marketplace. 2nd-gen Mini Cooper S Convertible Average value: $11,588 2012_mini_cooper-s-convertible_3The 2nd-generation Mini Cooper Convertible is inseparable from the idea of summer, and it is also one of the most affordable used convertible models you can buy in 2026. When it debuted in 2009, the 2nd-gen Mini Cooper was priced at $23,900, but today it can be bought for less than half that MSRP. Today, the 2nd-gen Mini Cooper S Convertible is worth just under $12,000 on average.It's worth noting that the second-generation Cooper S has less-than-ideal reliability, with its N14 engine prone to timing chain issues and water pump failures. Still, while prone to powertrain issues, the Mini Cooper S Convertible is a fun-to-drive convertible that would serve well as a summer runabout without breaking the bank. Saturn Sky Average value: $12,642 2007-2009 Saturn Sky Silver Roof Down Front Angled ViewThe Saturn Sky was one of General Motors' most interesting offerings in the late 2000s. It was earmarked as the American automotive giants' rival to the Mazda Miata, given that it was a two-seater convertible that routed power from its inline four-cylinder engine exclusively to the rear wheels and was based on the same platform as the Pontiac Solstice. When new, the Saturn Sky cost $27,595, but today it can be had for less than $13,000.Of the handful of examples sold so far in 2026, nearly half have sold for less than $10,000, and the rest have sold for as much as $13,250. The Redline trim level commands a premium in the used market, given it was the most performance-focused rendition of the Saturn Sky, with one example with only 1,000 miles selling for $33,000. BMW E85 Z4 3.0i Average Value: $12,739 2003 - 2005 BMW Z4The BMW Z3 was a beloved drop-top that served as BMW's only roadster option from the late 1990s to the early 2000s. After production ended in the early 2000s, the BMW Z4 debuted as that German roadster's successor. The Z4 debuted as a roadster, with a coupe version debuting in 2005, and the 3.0i model derivative was one of the earliest trim levels of the Z4. In its lifetime, the BMW Z4 3.0i relied on the strength of two inline-six-cylinder engines (not counting the Z4 M), though its total power output dropped slightly toward the end of its life.Still, the 3.0i stood out for its use of high-quality materials like chrome, aluminum, and luxury leather throughout the interior. When the BMW Z4 3.0i debuted, BMW demanded roughly $43,000, though today this sporty roadster can be had on the used market for less than $13,000, with some examples sold in 2026 for as little as $6,000. Mazda Miata NC Average Value: $15,896 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata NC Facelift Top Down Blue Front Angled ViewIt should come as no surprise that, in a list of the best convertible models to invest in before summer arrives, we'd include the Mazda Miata. For this list, we've nominated the least-loved generation of the Mazda Miata: the Mazda Miata NC. While many shy away from this generation because of its looks, weight, and larger frame compared to preceding generations, the NC generation retained the core driving experience we've come to expect of a Miata, and on the used market, it can be bought for less than $16,000 on average.Of the examples sold in 2026 so far, a handful have sold for less than $10,000. The majority of examples sold in 2026 so far have sold for less than $15,000, although low-mileage, well-maintained examples have sold for more than $15,000, with some modified examples selling for over $20,000. Still, the NC-generation Mazda Miata, like other generations, can be had for a bargain on the used market and would make an ideal car to invest in for summer. 1st-Gen Audi S5 Cabriolet Average Value: $16,328 Audi S5 2015 - 5Looking for more power than the previous entries? Then turn your attention to the first-generation Audi S5 Cabriolet. At its core was a supercharged V6 engine that produced over 300 horsepower, shared with other Audi models like the Audi S4 sedan and Avant. Paired with that newly developed V6 engine was a seven-speed automatic transmission that aided the S5 cabriolet's 0-62 mph sprint, which was only marginally slower than the coupe's.According to Classic.com's value estimate, the first-generation Audi S5 Cabriolet is worth roughly $16,328 on average, although the average selling price of the examples recorded on the platform is $14,689. Porsche 986 Boxster S Average Value: $17,424 Porsche-Boxster_S-2004-4You can own a Porsche for less than $18,000, and in some cases, less than $12,000. We're referring to the 986 Porsche Boxster S, which has a six-speed manual transmission paired with a naturally aspirated flat-six engine. Although not commanding large amounts of power from its flat-six, the Boxster S is a beloved sports car from the early 2000s, praised for its handling, usability, and impressive performance.According to Classic.com, the average value of the Boxster S is $17,424 for this model generation with a manual transmission. However, if the Boxster S with a manual transmission is too costly, the same Boxster S can be had for roughly $12,000 on average, albeit with an automatic transmission instead. Nissan 350Z Roadster Grand Touring Average Value: $17,579 2006-2009 Nissan 350Z Roadster Front 3/4Alongside being one of the most-loved sports cars of the 2000s, the Nissan 350Z is surprisingly affordable on the used market, especially as a Nissan 350Z Roadster. At the top of the Nissan 350Z range, the Grand Touring trim level was the highest-ranking trim level at the time. Distinguishing it from the standard Nissan 350Z trim level was its upgraded braking system, forged wheels, and a revised aerodynamic system, which inflated its MSRP to $41,980, compared to the standard 350Z's $36,280.More than a decade after production ended, the Grand Touring trim level can be had for less than $18,000 on the used market, with some examples of the 350Z convertible selling for as little as $12,000. Chevrolet C5 Corvette Average Value: $18,350 1997 C5 Chevrolet Corvette (1)It's entirely possible to find an affordable drop-top muscle car on the used market for less than the price of a brand-new Mazda Miata. Debuting in the late 1990s, the Chevrolet C5 Corvette is one of the most beloved muscle cars ever, with its appeal stemming from the mighty LS1 V8 engine, which delivers 345 horsepower exclusively to the rear wheels, its wedge-shaped design, and performance-to-price ratio.Offered in coupe and convertible form, the latter demands roughly $18,350 on the used market, according to Classic.com's data. Some examples of the C5 Corvette convertible are available for less than $15,000, with most models ranging from $14,000 to $18,000. Lexus SC430 Average Value: $20,648 2003 Lexus SC430 front 3/4 parkedToyota made three amazing V8 engines between the late 1990s and late 2000s. One of those was the Toyota 3UZ-FE, and in 2001, it found its way into the second-generation Lexus SC, the Lexus SC430. That naturally aspirated V8 produced 288 horsepower and 317 lb-ft, which, although it didn't offer the best 0-60 mph sprint, was a smooth power unit that only improved the appeal of this luxury cruiser.Alongside a competent and reliable powertrain was a luxury interior. Today, the Lexus SC430, which was exclusively offered with a hardtop convertible roof, is worth $20,648, though examples can be found for less than $15,000. Mercedes-Benz R171 SLK55 AMG Average Value: $22,368 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG Surprisingly, the most potent iteration of the second-generation SLK-Class, barring the Black Series, is an affordable buy to consider for a summer runabout. Compared to lower trim levels, the Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG was distinguished by its improved braking system, revised suspension, model-specific bodywork, and a naturally aspirated V8 engine that was second only to the V8 used in the Black Series.When new, the SLK55 AMG commanded over $60,000, but today this V8-powered roadster can be had for less than $20,000, with one example recently sold for less than $11,000. It is entirely possible to find an example of the SLK55 AMG for less than $15,000.