Feel the wind in your hair like Thelma and Louise - Allstar/Cinetext CollectionYou would be forgiven for thinking that buying something as ostentatious as a convertible would be frivolous and fanciful, especially when fuel is expensive. But the reality is that a breed of convertibles launched in the early part of the last decade prioritised low running costs and these are now reaching bargain-basement prices.So they aren't only cheap to buy, but affordable to run, while providing wind-in-the-hair pleasure for surprisingly little outlay.These are my top picks to suit budgets from only £2,500 to £15,000. I have also included also included a dismal drop-top to steer clear of.£2,500Mini R52 Convertible (2004-2008)The first BMW mini has multi-storey-friendly dimensions and is cheap to run - CHRISTOPHER COXThe first-generation BMW Mini is well into banger territory price-wise these days and convertible versions aren't much more expensive, mainly because they have long been forgotten by the fashionistas who bought them new. But for those who aren't fussed about keeping up with the Joneses, these cute cabrios are great used buys, with an engaging chassis that makes them brilliant fun to drive, multi-storey-friendly dimensions and seating for four in an interior that's as natty now as it was when new. They are also cheap to run thanks to a frugal 1.6-litre petrol engine. Word to the wise: an entry-level one can easily be remapped to provide performance more akin to the top-spec Cooper.AdvertisementAdvertisementPrice to pay: from £1,500We found: 2007 Mini Cooper Convertible, 85,000 miles, full service history, £2,250Watch out for: Overly noisy power steering, snapped roof catch cables, water leaks in the boot, heavy clutches on manuals, failing five-speed gearboxes on pre-2004 cars£5,000Smart Roadster (2002-2005)The Smart Roadster is an underrated convertible car - MARTIN POPEThe obvious choice at this price point is a Mazda MX-5, but the super-light Smart is an oft-forgotten alternative with grippy handling and a delightfully rorty three-cylinder, 698cc turbocharged engine. The automated manual gearbox is the only real turn-off, but once you've learned to live with its idiosyncrasies the Roadster is capable of putting a huge smile on your face. The best part, though, is how cheap it is to run; a real-world 50mpg is achievable, while the VED is a reasonable £170 per year.AdvertisementAdvertisementPrice to pay: from £2,500We found: 2003 Smart Roadster, 55,000 miles, full service history, £4,995Watch out for: Failed electric roofs, missed spark-plug changes (there are six of them), slipping clutches, leaking roofs, air-conditioning faults£7,500Volkswagen Golf Mk6 TDI (2011-2016)Despite the diesel clatter, the Golf is a sensible choice and offers a comfortable ride - nawson / Alamy Stock PhotoThe idea of a diesel convertible remains an anachronism to many, but that is why they are so cheap. Despite a bit of diesel clatter you'll get to enjoy the thrill of the outdoors on a sunny day without troubling your wallet. The Golf is probably the most sensible of the lot, with space for four people, a comfortable ride, a high-quality interior and mechanicals any garage will be able to maintain. It will do 55mpg and costs £35 per year to tax. A petrol version might be more refined, but this will provide fun in the sun for pennies.AdvertisementAdvertisementPrice to pay: from £2,750We found: 2013 Golf 2.0 TDI Bluemotion GT, 60,000 miles, full service history, £7,300Watch out for: Clattery dual-mass flywheels, smoky turbos, slow/jerky shifts on DSG autos, creaky suspension£10,000Mazda MX-5 Mk4 (2015-present)The Mazda Mk4 offers a more rev-happy, nimble and engaging driving experienceSavvy buyers will look for a 1.5-litre version of the Mk4 (its internal designation was ND) at this price point. Not only is it cheaper to buy, but the engine is freer-revving than the early 2.0-litre. In fact, legend has it that this was the engine the car was designed for, with the larger powerplant added later as an afterthought. You can feel that in the way they drive, with the 1.5 feeling more nimble and eager to change direction. But the 1.5-litre MX-5 isn't only sweeter to drive, it's also more frugal, with 45mpg possible on a long run.AdvertisementAdvertisementPrice to pay: from £8,000We found: 2016 MX-5 1.5 Sport Nav, 72,000 miles, full service history, £9,895Watch out for: Defunct heated seats, kerbed alloy wheels, leaky roofs£15,000Audi TT Roadster Mk3 TDI (2015-2023)At the £15,000 price point, no other convertible offers the combination of good looks, smooth driving and low running costs than the Audi TTAn Audi TT and a diesel engine might sound like uncomfortable bedfellows, but at this price no other convertible offers such a winning combination of smart looks, crisp driving manners and low running costs. The 2.0-litre diesel engine in the TDI Ultra can achieve almost 60mpg on a motorway cruise, while those registered before the tax rules changed in 2017 also fall into the £35 tax bracket. The high-quality interior adds a touch of class, meanwhile, making this a frugal roadster that won't feel like wearing a hair shirt.AdvertisementAdvertisementPrice to pay: from £10,000We found: 2016 TT 2.0 TDI Ultra, 54,000 miles, full service history, £12,500Watch out for: Kerbed alloy wheels, leaks in the boot, damaged roof and window sealsAnd a bargain drop-top to avoidRenault Megane CC (2003-2016)The Megane is known for its electrical and water ingress issuesThe hard-top convertible Megane looks super cheap and diesel versions are capable of 50mpg-plus. But the Mk2 (produced up to 2010) especially is known for a litany of electrical and water ingress issues. The Mk3 is better, but both are slow and uninvolving to drive, cramped in the back and feel cheaply made in places. If you're after a four-seat convertible with low running costs, a VW Golf is a far better option, at any budget.AdvertisementAdvertisementTry full access to The Telegraph free today. 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