What Is the Best Used Convertible Car to Buy
Buying a used convertible makes good sense no matter what the time of year you choose to take the plunge. In the winter, you're unlikely to get your top off, but the prices of these cars is depressed – so bargains can be had.
In the summer, you just buy sensibly and enjoy. A convertible car doesn't have to be a financial burden though – we've picked out our favourite used cabriolets which get the balance of kit, price and running costs just right.
They're not all cheap to buy. At the bottom of the page, there are some premium options to excite you – but they're still a bargain compared with their new equivalents.
Everything here comes with lots of standard equipment. We've also got articles on how to finance your purchase and a free valuation tool too.
Used convertible cars for less than £7,000
We've picked some more amazing convertible cars that will cost you less than £7,000 - and they're all stylish and affordable to run.
Nissan 350Z Roadster (2005-2010)
Sharp, rear-wheel drive thrills, and brilliant reliability
The Nissan 350Z is a hairychested bruiser of a sports car and the Roadster only adds to the fun with its quick-acting fabric roof.
Drop the top and you can enjoy the growl of its 3.5-litre V6 engine all the more. Power increased from the original 280hp to 300hp in 2006 and was boosted again in 2007 to 315hp, but all are quick and handle sharply. The ride is firm but not jarring, and refinement in the cabin is acceptable with the roof down, but you may need to shout to be heard at motorway speeds.
The standard 350Z Roadster is well equipped, but we'd go for the GT Pack that additionally benefits from heated and electrically adjusted seats, leather upholstery, cruise control and Bose stereo system. Plus its forged alloy wheels look great, too.
- Star rating: 4.5 stars
- Used price: £3,570-£10,615
- Fuel economy: 23-24 mpg
- Pick of the range: 350Z Roadster GT
View the latest Nissan 350Z Roadster convertible cars for sale
BMW Z4 (2003-2008)
Quirky styling, great driving experience
BMW's first Z4 was aimed squarely at the Porsche Boxster and launched with 2.5 and 3.0-litre engines to give it sufficient fire power.
These are the models to choose if you like plenty of pace, but avoid the 2.2-litre six-cylinder as it's not that quick but is thirsty. A six-speed manual gearbox is normal fare, while a six-speed auto suits cruising duties.
The 2.0-litre motor that replaced the 2.2 may not be as powerful but it's more pleasant to use. A facelift in 2006 increased engine power and performance, with these models denoted by their 'si' badging. Every Z4 loves corners and has direct steering to engage the driver fully in the process.
For a supple ride, avoid the Sport models with firmer suspension, but check what equipment the car has as BMW was a little utilitarian on the standard kit front. Sniffing out a car with several optional extras is a great way to get good value for money when buying a second-hand convertible.
- Star rating: 4 stars
- Used price: £2,315-£8,275
- Fuel economy: 29-38 mpg
- Pick of the range: 2.5 Si sport
View the latest BMW Z4 convertible cars for sale
Mercedes-Benz CLK cabriolet (2003-2009)
Lots of prestige for not a lot of dosh
A CLK Convertible on your drive will have the neighbours thinking you've won the Lottery.
You'll be able to take the family along thanks to the four-seat cabin, while the fabric roof is effective at keeping the weather at bay. The engine line-up was revised in 2005 to introduce the 280 and 350 engines in place of the 240 and 320.
The CLK350 is the one to choose for its smooth, effortless power delivery. Stick to automatic gearboxes since the manuals have a slow, awkward shift, and look for cars with a faultless service history as repairs are pricey.
- Star rating: 4 stars
- Used price: £1,850 - £8,825
- Fuel economy: 24 - 32 mpg
- Pick of the range: CLK350 Avantgarde
View the latest Mercedes-Benz CLK convertible cars for sale
Saab 9-3 convertible (2003-2011)
Great looks, loads of room and a classless image
Saab may no longer make new cars, but that shouldn't put you off the sleek 9-3 Convertible.
There are plenty out there due to its enduring popularity as a stylish four-seat cabrio, with a fabric hood that does a good job of sealing out the elements when raised. Lowered, the cabin avoids much buffeting, but the rear seats are best for kids and low-speed roofdown driving.
There are 1.8- and 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines and a 2.8 V6, all with turbocharging, to offer performance from brisk to downright rapid. However, the 1.9 turbodiesel makes a strong case for itself in 150- and 180hp forms with good pace coupled to 48mpg average economy.
- Star rating: 3.5 stars
- Used price: £805-£10,750
- Fuel economy: 25-54 mpg
- Pick of the range: 1.9 TiD Vector Auto
View the latest Saab 9-3 convertible cars for sale
Peugeot 207CC (2007-2014)
City-friendly French charmer – watch that roof, though!
Peugeot was first to bring the coupe convertible roof to the masses with its 206 CC and the 207 carried on the trend.
Among the upgrades are a much better driving position and the availability of Peugeot's fine diesel engines. Unfortunately, the newer car is still hampered by rear seats that are all but useless for carrying passengers. That's a shame when the 207 CC is positioned as a four-seater.
Still, the 207 CC looks great, handles well and has smooth ride, while the engines are willing and the diesel from 2010 onwards offers more power and greater economy.
- Star rating: 3.5 stars
- Used price: £1,075-£8,335
- Fuel economy: 38-58 mpg
- Pick of the range: 1.6 HDi Sport
View the latest Peugeot 207CC convertible cars for sale
Renault Megane cabriolet (2006-2009)
Bargain, stylish choice that's practical and good to drive
Similar in looks to the earlier Megane Cabriolet, the Renault has a glazed roof section allowing lots of light in whether it's up or down.
With the snugness of a coupe when raised, folding it away is easily achieved at the touch of a button. In the rear, space is very tight even for kids, while the boot is compromised for space with the roof down.
However, it rides well and its range of engines concentrates on refinement over outright pace. Diesels are frugal but we'd choose the 2.0-litre turbo petrol with manual gearbox - auto 'boxes dull down the drive.
- Star rating: 3.5 stars
- Used price: £595-£3,055
- Fuel economy: 33-56 mpg
- Pick of the range: 2.0 T Privilege
View the latest Renault Megane Cabriolet cars for sale
Smart Fortwo cabriolet (07-14)
The one to have if you live somewhere tight for space
Just like the Smart Fortwo Coupe, the Cabrio is strictly a two-seater and has a tiny boot, so it won't suit everyone.
Nor is it the best car for motorways, but for urban dashes the Fortwo Cabrio rides and handles just fine. The roof lowers quickly yet keeps noise sealed out when it's raised.
You can choose from 61, 71- and 84hp 1.0-litre engines, or the 98hp Brabus model, though all have a sluggish auto 'box.
From 2009-on, the two least powerful engines gain mhd mild hybrid drive to improve economy and emissions, while the cdi diesel off ers 88mpg and 88g/km of CO2. The diesel is sluggish, however, so the 71hp petrol gets our vote. Avoid the base Pure trim as it's Spartan.
- Star rating: 3.5 stars
- Used price: £1,290-£8,895
- Fuel economy: 52-85 mpg
- Pick of the range: Fortwo Cabrio mhd Passion
View the latest Smart Fortwo Cabriolet convertible cars for sale
Used premium convertible cars for up to £70,000
Despite not having the best weather, we Brits love convertibles and buy more of them than anywhere else in Europe. On the whole most convertibles are slower than the car they're based on, but what happens if you're a performance car fan but fancy topping up your tan?
Here are some of the fastest convertibles a budget of under £70,000 can buy.
Audi A5 RS5 Convertible (2010-2015)
Beautful build quality, effortless performance
The Audi RS5 is well worth considering thanks to its magnificent engine. While others, like BMW, have introduced more efficient small capacity turbocharged engines, Audi's RS5 perseveres with a naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8 and we're glad. Producing 444hp it loves to rev and sounds like a race car while doing it.
Luckily, all that power is efficiently channelled to the road via Audi's all-wheel drive quattro hardware, so there'll be no smoking tyres away from the lights.
Against the clock the RS5 can hit 62mph in just 4.7secs before the speed limiter calls time at 155mph. Better still, the RS5 is a proper four seater so the whole family can enjoy that soundtrack.
Sadly at almost £70,000 it isn't cheap and if you do hit bumpy B-roads you can feel the car flex - which isn't pleasant.
- Star rating: 3
- Used price: £19,105-£45,940
- Fuel economy: 26-26 mpg
- Engine: 4.2-litre V8 petrol
- Gearbox: Seven-speed twin-clutch automatic
- Power: 450hp
- Torque: 430Nm
- 0-62mph: 4.7 seconds
- Top speed: 155mph
- Top down in: 15 seconds (up to 31mph)
View the latest Audi A5 RS5 convertible cars for sale
Lotus Elise S
Raw driving experience for fun-loving types
If you can manage the physical gymnastics involved with traversing a high sill and folding your body through the small pillar box opening (when the roof's in place) and actually fit in its diminutive cabin you're in for a real treat.
The Lotus Elise is the most involving and engaging drive out of all the fast convertibles here. That's because its lack of luxuries, like power steering, mean there's nothing to distract you from the driving experience – which is sublime.
From its communicative steering, great balance and light weight, the Elise has some of the best handling of any car on sale at any price. Even its modest-sounding Toyota-sourced 1.6-litre that can only produce 134hp doesn't let the side down, helping the Elise to 62mph in just 6.5 seconds.
Of course, we've already mentioned the Elise isn't perfect. Some drivers just won't fit, removing the roof takes an age and build quality can be flaky, but few cars offer this much fun even at this price.
- Star rating: 4
- Used price: £4,765-£44,145
- Fuel economy: 32-45 mpg
- Engine: 1.6-litre petrol
- Gearbox: Six-speed manual
- Power: 135hp
- Torque: 160Nm
- 0-62mph: 6.5 seconds
- Top speed: 127mph
- Top down in: a long time
View the latest Lotus Elise convertible cars for sale
Mercedes-Benz SLK55 Roadster (2011-2016)
The one to have if you like hard-top security and open-air thrills
Forget fast convertible, the SLK55 AMG is more like a hot rod. Don't believe us? You will when you bury your foot into the carpet and the SLK reaches 62mph in just 4.6 seconds. The SLK55's secrets are revealed when you open the bonnet because in the place you would normally expect to find a small petrol there is a stonking 416hp 5.5-litre V8.
Roof down, like the Audi RS5, you're treated to one of great automotive soundtracks, but perhaps the best thing about the SLK55 is when you're not in the mood it transforms from tyre-torturer to relaxing cruiser with the added security of a folding hardtop. Biggest issue with running the SLK55 is the price you pay for performance at the pumps, but if you can live with that you'll have one of the fastest convertibles around.
- Star rating: 4
- Used price: £10,235-£26,120
- Fuel economy: 18-30 mpg
- Engine: 5.5-litre V8 petrol
- Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
- Power: 420hp
- Torque: 540Nm
- 0-62mph: 4.6 seconds
- Top speed: 155mph
- Top down in: 20 secs
View the latest Mercedes-Benz SLK55 convertible cars for sale
Volkswagen Golf R (2014-2016)
As sensible as you get for a convertible
It was hard to take the Golf R seriously when it first went on sale. That's because initially it was almost as expensive as the Porsche Boxster, but following a hefty £5,600 price-cut the Golf Cabriolet R is suddenly a very tempting way to go fast topless.
Powered by the same 261hp 2.0-litre turbo that powers the Scirocco R it does without the hatch's all-wheel drive. Despite this it's still able to hit 62mph in just 6.4 seconds and go on to 155mph before the speed limiter calls time.
On the road the Golf feels almost as fast as the Boxster it was originally priced against, with lots of useful low-down urge. The stiffer suspension also gives you plenty of confidence through bends, while the standard six-speed twin-clutch automatic offers seamless gear changes.
- Star rating: 4
- Used price: £13,170-£28,340
- Fuel economy: 39-40 mpg
- Engine: 2.0-litre turbo petrol
- Gearbox: Six-speed twin-clutch automatic
- Power: 261bhp
- Torque: 350Nm
- 0-62mph: 6.2 seconds
- Top speed: 155mph
- Top down in: 9.0 secs (up to 30mph)
View the latest VW Golf R cars for sale
Porsche Boxster Roadster (2012-2016)
The driver's choice
Not only is the Boxster a fast convertible but it's a brilliant sports car full stop. Like the best driver's cars it's not all about the straight-line speed, but how the Boxster makes you feel once you find a challenging piece of road. It's agile, grippy and well balanced and gives you incredible confidence.
Roof down the 2.7-litre flat-six also sounds fantastic, but perhaps the best thing about the Porsche is it is a wonderful car to live with. There are two boots and lots of luggage space, it can even average 33mpg and finally, we think the latest version looks great.
- Star rating: 5
- Used price: £19,370 - £68,465
- Fuel economy: 28 - 35 mpg
- Engine: 2.7-litre flat-six petrol
- Gearbox: Six-speed manual
- Power: 264hp
- Torque: 280Nm
- 0-62mph: 5.6 seconds
- Top speed: 164mph
- Top down in: 9.0 secs (up to 30mph)
View the latest Porsche Boxster Roadster cars for sale
Jaguar F-Type
The one for looks and soundtrack
The Jaguar F-Type is not only one of our favourite convertibles, but one of Parkers' favourite cars - that's why we've given it a flawless five-star verdict when we first drove it. Best of the bunch is the supercharged 3.0-litre V6 that produces 378hp and helps it sprint to 62mph before topping out at 161mph.
Behind the wheel you'll love the way the Jag roadster drives. Its eight-speed auto shifts quickly and smoothly while its agile handling, quick and accurate steering means the F-type is great fun to drive. Roof down, there's a bit too much buffeting for our liking and the tiny boot means you'll have to pack light. It's also not cheap, but if you buy into its classic roadster looks you'll think it's worth every penny.
- Star rating: 5
- Used price: £23,840-£83,805
- Fuel economy: 25-33 mpg
- Engine: 3.0-litre supercharged V6 petrol
- Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic
- Power: 374bhp
- Torque: 460Nm
- 0-62mph: 4.8 seconds
- Top speed: 161mph
- Top down in: 12 seconds (up to 30mph)
View the latest Jaguar F-Type cars for sale
Abarth 500C (2010-2015)
City-dwellers, queue here…
For those not in the know it's easy to mistake the Abarth as just a Fiat 500 with big wheels - but this would be foolish because lurking beneath the bodykit is a surprisingly serious sports car. Cute it isn't.
Fast it is, especially when you choose the 595C Competizone (£20,990) version that sees power boosted to 160hp and the 0-62mph tumble to just 7.4 seconds.
Better still is the experience behind the wheel. Wind the roof back (okay, it's not quite a 'proper' convertible) and the little Abarth is genuinely fun to fling down a tight twisty road, so long as you avoid the jerky paddleshift gearbox. The engine offers plenty of low-down urge too.
Shame the ride is on the bouncy side and that roof, when wound all the way back, obscures the rear view, but for bang for your bucks this is one of the best ways to go topless quickly.
- Star rating: 3.5
- Used price: £5,220-£12,275
- Fuel economy: 47-48 mpg
- Engine: 1.4-litre turbo petrol
- Gearbox: Five-speed manual
- Power: 162hp
- Torque: 230Nm
- 0-62mph: 7.4 seconds
- Top speed: 131mph
- Top down in: less than 10 seconds (up to 37mph)
View the latest Abarth 500C convertible cars for sale
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What Is the Best Used Convertible Car to Buy
Source: https://www.parkers.co.uk/used-cars/cheap-convertible-cars/