Best Affordable Convertibles

No list for a convertible or a sports car is incomplete without the Mazda’s MX-5. Across four generations, the MX-5 has proven time and time again to be a reliable, great-to-drive and accessible two-seater. In recent times, the robust folding fabric roof model has been joined by a clever RF version - or Retractable Fastback - which transforms the MX-5 experience thanks to a folding metal roof. Because the MX-5 has remained so popular over the years, there are plenty to choose from in the used market. You’ll find a good range of prices to choose from on AA Cars, too, with nearly-new examples costing around £26,000, or 2016-age cars from around £16,000. However, whichever MX-5 you choose, you’re set to have an enjoyable time.

Audi’s original TT showcased a curvaceous design that few people had seen enter mainstream motoring before. It was an instant hit and while that original model might’ve been a coupe, it was soon joined by a convertible model that brought all the look and feel of the standard TT but with a clever folding cloth roof. Later generations brought added refinement to the TT, though a common theme through all models was solid material quality and excellent sturdiness. Audi TTs have always been pretty expensive compared with rival cars, but there’s a decent spread of prices to choose from on AA Cars. At the more expensive end, range-topping Vorsprung models with under 7,000 miles cost in the region of £40,000, though £12,000 is enough to get you a very smart 2012 model with around 35,000 miles on the clock.

The original Z4 showcased a bold new design direction for this sporty convertible. Over time, the Z4’s look and feel has matured, bringing a more understated appearance. The Z4 has also flipped between metal and fabric folding roofs, with the latter featured on the very latest generation car. However, all Z4 generations have stood out thanks to their excellent driving dynamics and smooth, effortless engines. You also have sportier ‘M’ versions if you want some extra performance. You’ll pay in the region of £40,000 for a nearly-new model, which brings BMW’s very latest technology including a full wraparound infotainment display and lots of soft-touch materials. However, there are Z4 versions that are more affordable; we found several 2013 cars on AA Cars available for under £12,000. It does mean you don’t have to blow the budget in order to get behind the wheel of a Z4.

Stylish, well-made and great to drive, the Mini Convertible takes all of the excellent features that you’d get from the standard car and adds in that roof-down excitement. It was the first body variant to be explored after the ‘new’ Mini arrived in the early 2000s and it very quickly became a popular model in the range. Today, it continues to have a solid place within the Mini line-up and because of its popularity over the years, there’s lots of choice in the used market. As with the regular Mini range, there are plenty of engine options to choose from, ranging between One, Cooper and performance Cooper S cars. Plus, the Convertible has always been offered in a great range of colours and specifications, so you should easily find one which fits your personality. It can be a very affordable option, too, with 2016-age cars available for under £10,000 with very reasonable mileage.

The Boxster provides a gateway to the Porsche brand, utilising all of this German brand’s performance know-how and introducing it to a convertible that is easy to drive day-to-day. While you do have to bear in mind that running costs and potential repairs could be high for the Boxster - just like any Porsche - with its excellent dynamics, it feels like a worthy trade-off. You might not think a Porsche would be affordable, either, but there are plenty of used Boxster models which won’t break the bank. Early Boxster S cars can be found for under £7,000, while £15,000 feels like something of a ‘sweet spot’, as it gets you a later car with more toys on board. We’d always advise doing your homework on any Boxster’s service history, too, in order to avoid any issues later on which could prove expensive.

You might not think that SUVs and convertibles go together, but with the T-Roc Cabriolet, that’s not the case. This high-riding model gives you all the benefits of an SUV but, at the press of a button, is transformed into a genuinely entertaining convertible. While its boot isn’t quite as large as that of the standard T-Roc, it’s still far more practical than other cars on this list. It’s also comfortable and easy to drive. While Volkswagen certainly was thinking outside the box when it drew up the T-Roc Cabriolet, it wasn’t a roaring success. However, this does present an opportunity to someone after a quirky convertible at an affordable price. We found examples on AA Cars for under £15,000, for example.

With its high-end finish and premium feel, the Mercedes SLK is there for drivers who want the finer things in life. Acting as an entry point to the Mercedes convertible range, the SLK is a great choice for all types of drivers. Despite that Mercedes badge, it is an affordable option on the second-hand market, too. We found models from 2014 for under £14,000, while very early SLK cars can be purchased for under £5,000 too. The SLK has been available with a range of engines across its lifespan, too, which means that there’s plenty of choice for buyers. It’s worth bearing in mind that in 2016, the SLK name was removed in favour of the SLC badging - so look out for those models if you’re after the very latest cars.

Like the Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet, the Range Rover Evoque is something of a left-field choice. Like the standard Evoque, it’s a high-riding model which actually incorporates quite a bit of off-road tech to help it venture further afield. A real plus point is that if you do decide to head on to the rough stuff, you’ll be able to do so with the wind in your hair thanks to that huge retractable cloth roof. Again, like the Volkswagen, the Evoque wasn’t a big success for Range Rover and was phased out after a very limited period on sale. However, if you’re after something a little different, then you can find examples for just under £13,000, while £15,000 will get you a very smart example with lower mileage.

If you’d like to drive around the city with the breeze on your skin, then Fiat’s 500C could be a great way to do it. Unlike others here, the 500C isn’t a full-size convertible; its retracting roof sits between two fixed rails, so you can’t fully remove the top of the car. However, it’s enough to transform the feel of the 500 and helps to give this already-characterful car even more character. But just like the standard car, the 500C is great to drive with fun, nippy handling which makes it great for around-town jaunts. There should be a 500C model to suit all budgets, too. On AA Cars, we found a 2015 example for £4,500, while the very latest electric models have also filtered through to the used market and are now available for around £14,000.

Finally, we have probably the most dynamic car on this list - the Honda S2000. Known for its sharp, involving handling, the S2000 is a convertible for drivers looking for a car with a bit of edge. However, thanks to Honda’s know-how, the S2000 can be a reliable choice when looked after and routinely maintained. Expect to pay around £14,000 for a clean example, but always make sure that any car you’re looking at has had a full service history - the S2000 is a high performance car and, as a result, needs to be looked after properly and driven with the respect it deserves.