THEsummer it is one of the most popular seasons of the year: heat, good weather, holidays, sea and… driving with the wind in your hair.
Yes, because for decades now summer has rhymed with cars cabriolet.
The open car with a removable roof is indeed perfect for enjoying the summer.
So why not aim to spend the summer with one of the many auto economic convertibles?
It is in fact a common belief that convertible cars are all extremely expensive.
Well, if you take the new price list, this is true. Under € 20, for example, there is only one car.
But is it inevitable to have to spend so much?
No, I know if I point to used market. In fact, today I want to propose to you 6 cheap convertible cars, perfect for enjoying the summer “en plein air”, and perhaps finding a fanciful and different everyday car.
Are you ready? Let's start!
READ ALSO: Lexus, super convertible and super mirrors
DISCLAIMER: what to check in in cheap convertible cars
Before talking to you in detail about our 6 chosen ones, it is important to make one checklist in a cheap convertible car.
In addition to the "usual" things to check, that is the state of the engine, gearbox, interior, and make sure that every electrical component of the interior works properly, the most important thing to check is obviously the roof.
Whether this is manual or electronic, whether this is in canvas or, above all, in metal, it is essential check its condition perfectly.
Open and close the roof several times, check that everything works smoothly, safely and without jerks (especially if electric) and check carpets and seats for humidity or bad smell.
If you find them, it means that the roof does not seal perfectly the car when it rains or when it is washed.
If you are looking for a "project" car to keep for several years, you can negotiate on the price, but if you want a car only for the summer to be resold in September / October, it is better to look for another example in better condition.
Remember to do these checks, because the repairs on canvas roofs and even more so on rigid ones they really are salads.
Better to check several times before risking having to spend thousands of euros on a non-working roof.
If you can, then prefer cars with a canvas roof. In addition to being lighter, it “steals” less luggage space than a rigid metal roof, and is generally more reliable and cheaper to repair.
But don't be scared - the cars on this list are all generally reliable from the point of view of the roof.
Once you have done your research, you can sleep peacefully.
TOP 6 Economic convertible cars: our choices
After having scared you enough, let's start with our list of cheap convertible cars to enjoy the summer with.
The criteria we used are:
- Average rating less than 10 thousand euros
- Not older than 15-20 years: the historic ones have charm, but require special attention
- Models with a great history in when ad reliability
We then did a "mix”Of sports and very fancy cars and others that can be used with pleasure even during the winter, managing to combine practicality and usability with the extra quid of the exclusivity of the sunroof.
But now, enough of the pleasantries: let's attack the list!
BMW Z4: style and a good dose of sportiness
Let's start immediately with a bang, with a car that cannot fail to be mentioned among the best economic convertibles: BMW Z4.
In particular, to stay within our budget, I recommend the first series of Z4, the E85, produced between 2002 and 2008.
The first series d Z4 was designed by the “controversial” hand of Chris bangle, American designer "father" of all BMWs of the early 2000s, with highs (BMW 3 Series E46 and 5 Series E60) and lows (7 Series E65).
The lines of the Z4, however, are striking at first glance.
The very long bonnet with the cockpit set back and almost "resting" on the rear wheels give the German discovery a 'unique aesthetic, recognizable at first glance.
The interiors are also “special”, with lines and solutions different from the “usual” BMWs.
Being a German car, even the tallest are there, making it the most comfortable of all two-seater spiders.
At the wheel, then, despite the fact that it is not a scalpel, the Z4 is loved.
The proverbial rear-wheel drive combined with excellent engines make it very pleasant to use for walks on scenic roads and a lot of fun if "scrambled".
The engine range is very interesting, consisting of 7 engines, all gasoline aspirated, which start from the 2.0 4-cylinder 150 HP to get to the monstrous Z4 M equipped with a wonderful 3.2 6-cylinder inline engine with 343 hp.
To stay on budget and not spend too much on maintenance, I recommend getting one of the 6 cylinders in line more "relaxed". The 2.0 in fact, despite being valid, does not have the same elasticity and sound of the 6 cylinders, the BMW trademark and uniqueness of this car.
Trust me: without a 6-cylinder engine, the Z4 immediately loses its meaning.
The 2.2 is quiet and consumes just the right amount, while the 2.5 and 177 HP 192s certainly have something more.
And if you really want a purebred sports car at a sale price, you can aim for the 3.0i and 3.0si versions, with 231 and 265 HP respectively.
Prices? It starts from less than 6 thousand euros for the more "elderly" 2.5 and 3.0, while for an example between 2006 and 2008 with the 2.2 or 2.5 petrol it is around 7-8-9 thousand euros depending on the conditions.
Defects? The steering is not the most precise, some components (such as the headlights) wear out quickly and it is not the most exciting to drive "hard".
To go for a walk, enjoy the sound of a naturally aspirated 6-cylinder and the road you are traveling on, however, few beat it.
Mazda MX-5: the answer is always Miata
In second place (I remind you that this is not a ranking of any kind), the economic convertible par excellence cannot be missing, Mazda MX-5.
But don't be fooled: economic does not mean "poor", on the contrary.
In fact, among car enthusiasts there is a saying, borrowed from the Anglo-Saxons: "the answer is always Miata", or "the answer is always the Miata (“common” name of the MX-5) ”.
Because the MX-5, in each of its series, is able to offer with relatively little money a driving experience with very few equals. Today we focus on the second series produced from 1998 to 2005, or NB for model enthusiasts, at the moment the cheapest one to buy and maintain.
Its greatest value is undoubtedly thedriving experience.
The steering is very precise, a real blade capable of returning all information from the asphalt, the frame is precise, rigid and capable of giving you the necessary confidence from the first corner.
There is also a perfect gearbox for precision and grafts and rear-wheel drive, a rarity in this price range (and in this list).
Although the engines are not really lightning (neither the 1.6 bhp 110 nor the 1.8 or 140 bhp 145 will stick you to the seat), thanks to its lightness the MX-5 is always fun, very easy to drive "well", a real driving school.
On an MX-5 you will learn all the fundamentals of sport driving: to start driving seriously, there is no better.
I advise you to aim for a version 1.8 for the presence of the self-locking differential and that handful of extra HP. Even with the 1.6, however, you will not be disappointed.
The price reflects both the season and the incredible popularity of the model. Do not go below 3/4 thousand euros for a 1.6, since under that figure you would only find rusty or worse damaged cars.
For a 1.8, 6/7 thousand euros is the correct figure.
Defects? One for all, its lack of practicality and versatility.
I'll explain. The passenger compartment is narrow, the luggage space is not generous, the air conditioning struggles to cool a passenger compartment heated by the transmission and at high speeds it turns out to be quite noisy.
But if you are looking for a car that can teach you to drive and always get off with a smile on your face, she is not only one of the best cheap convertibles, but one of the best cars to choose.
As a car to use on Sundays for trips out of town, it is perfect for any buyer.
To have it as an everyday car, you have to love her. And judging by the one and a half million units produced ... so many love it.
MINI Convertible: a timeless icon… and definitely fun
Let's go from one icon to another, from Japan to England to talk about MINI Cabrio.
More precisely, today I want to talk to you about the first MINI Convertible series, the R52, produced from 2005 to 2008.
This small convertible is based on the first version of BMW's MINI remake, which we have already told you about on Tech Princess before.
With this first "attempt", BMW wanted keep all the MINI DNA of driving pleasure, original aesthetic solutions and a spacious (for 2) and welcoming environment.
This "mantra" is also confirmed on the Cabrio version which, a strange case on compact cars with a “cut” roof, is very beautiful and graceful even with the hood closed.
Thanks to the squared lines of the starting model, and to a particular care for the roof. This, covered in canvas, is of high quality and allows you to travel at high speed with the silence of a “closed” MINI.
As for the passenger compartment, little or nothing changes at the front.
Plenty of space and a dashboard dominated by the large circular speedometer, which makes the interior immediately recognizable. At the rear there is slightly less space for the shoulders, while the trunk remains almost unchanged, as the canvas roof "rests" on top of the luggage compartment.
A detail that I love is theflap opening of the boot, with visible hinges: beautiful.
At the wheel, despite the additional weight of a hundred kilograms, it turns out to be the usual, splendid MINI first series.
Precise, rigid, stable at any speed, thanks to a precise steering and a flat set-up will make you have a lot of fun.
Defects? It is not the most comfortable car in the universe, and the interior, also due to the rigid set-up, tends to creak.
From the reliability point of view, however, everything is fine: this version is almost free from chronic problems.
As for the engine range, given the increase in weight, we recommend starting with one cooper, which with its 116 HP proves to be lively.
If you want to enjoy the sporty MINI driving experience, though, aim for the Cooper S: Its 170 HP supercharged engine is addictive.
If you are instead novice drivers, know that the version One with 90 HP can be driven in the first year of driving: a very special first machine.
Prices start from 4 thousand euros for a One, until you touch i 10 thousand for a Cooper S of 2008.
In any case, it is a car that holds its price very well, and that you will not make any difficulty in reselling.
READ ALSO: MINI, Special 60 Years: 5 + 1 MINI in the cinema, on TV, and… on the covers
Audi A3 Cabrio: a compact with something more, indeed, less
In the fourth box of economic convertible cars it enters with full right Audi A3 convertible.
Given our budget of less than 10 thousand euros, we are focusing on the first series of this German discovery, produced by 2008 al 2013.
This does not have the sporty charm of MX-5 or Z4 or the exclusivity of MINI Cabrio, but the line of “normal” convertible cars produced by Northern European manufacturers begins.
Why am I telling you this? Because in Northern Europe they are incurable optimists.
In fact, the climate is not the best for buying a convertible car, but they don't know it and produce them anyway.
The mantra of these cars differs significantly from the others.
The perfect convertible car for Northern Europe has to be usable, comfortable and usable every day like the hardtop equivalent. The removable top must be one more thing, not a handicap, so that as soon as you don't freeze from the cold and the sun is out, you immediately start driving with the wind in your hair.
Audi A3 Cabrio follows this trend. Compared to the standard A3 it loses almost nothing in terms of comfort, silence and usability.
The hood is well made and well soundproofed, the interior space is almost identical to the closed version and the boot, despite the narrower "mouth", is also suitable for shopping.
This means that you may not have that feeling of sportiness and exclusivity of an open sports car, but that instead you will have a 'excellent compact all-rounder, capable of driving itself really well, being suitable for travel and daily use, plus the possibility of traveling "en plein air".
Defects? Very few indeed: the second generation A3 on which it is based is a car solid and well made, with excellent reliability.
The engine to choose depends on your needs.
If you want to aim for“integralist” convertible experience, look for a petrol engine, magari i 1.8 o 2.0 TFSI, which with their respective 160 and 200 HP guarantee compact sports performance and excellent sound.
If, on the other hand, you are aiming for the A3 as an everyday car, look for a Diesel, maybe the 1.6 TDI o the indestructible 1.9 TDI.
These two 105 HP engines have a decidedly less fascinating sound than a petrol engine (and in a convertible car it can make the difference), but in terms of real-world performance and above all consumption they are unbeatable.
Saab 9-3: the queen of large 4-seater convertibles
The last two boxes of our ranking are occupied by two scandinavian car, precisely swedes.
The Swedes, in fact, have always loved the large 4-seater convertibles, and let it be Volvo that, above all, Saab have been offering excellent convertibles for years.
Let's start right from Saab 9-3 Cabriolet, considered by many THE 4-seater convertible, the perfect choice.
Based on the equally excellent 9-3 sedan, the Convertible combines a truly successful style with the usual Scandinavian pragmatism.
Everything is well designed, well done, well thought out, and being a Saab there are many special gems.
Let's start with the famous power on behind the gear lever, to get to the Night Panel, a technology taken from Saab's aeronautical production that turns off all on-board devices except the speedometer, so as not to tire the driver.
Then concludes the picture a excellent driving handling, a high level of comfort and the presence of the proven and powerful Saab Turbo engines.
You can choose between the cheaper 9-3 first series, produced between 1998 and 2002, or the more modern second series, produced between 2003 and 2010, the year in which the Swedish brand was closed.
But don't worry: Saab fans are many, in Italy and around the world.
This means that you will have no difficulty in finding any spare parts, even the "special" ones dedicated to Cabriolets.
The 9-3 really needs no further introduction: the soft top is resistant even to the coldest climates, the engines are bomb-proof and the comfort and practicality it offers even with the canvas roof is almost unrepeatable.
Prices start from 2-3 thousand euros for the older first series with aspirated engine up to reach altitude 10-12 thousand for one of the last convertibles produced.
Bet on a model of the second series, equipped with an engine 1.8t of 150 CV o 2.0t of 175 CV: excellent performance and really interesting sound.
For low consumption, aim for the 1.9 diesel of FIAT origin: economical and simply indestructible.
Volvo C70: the outsider of economic convertibles
In the last place, but not by demerit, of our ranking of the best economic convertible cars it places itself Volvo C70, in particular the second series, produced between 2006 and 2013.
This is the first coupe-cabriolet on our list.
Cars with retractable metal roofs were all the rage in the late 2000s and early 10s, but today due to the complexity of the roof and the added weight they are returning to the canvas solution.
However, this does not mean that there are no cars worthy of attention with a retractable roof, and one is the Volvo C70. A decidedly unconventional choice, but very interesting.
Designed and produced by a collaboration between Volvo e Pininfarina, the C70 was the first car produced by the famous Turin-based company outside the Italian borders.
It was in fact built in Sweden, where based on the excellent average of Volvo S40/V50 added a retractable roof designed by the Webasto specialist.
The result is a 'excellent coupe with the roof closed it's a beautiful convertible with an open roof.
This is not a thing discounted: many cars in those years were simply clumsy with the roof closed ...
From a mechanical point of view, then, the C70 exploits the beautiful Volvo's trademark 5-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, and a 2.0 diesel fleet.
These engines are a guarantee of reliability, performance and a unique sound as far as the petrol versions are concerned.
Of course, the sports cars are others, but the excellent performance of the engines combined with excellent driving comfort and extreme practicality makes the C70 a Truly unconventional and very interesting “daily car”.
Its rigid roof later proved to be one of the most reliable over time, as well as the rest of the car, really solid.
The engine to choose is undoubtedly a 5-cylinder petrol, perhaps the best T5 turbo da 225CV.
They do not consume exaggeratedly and allow a smooth ride unknown to equivalent 4 cylinders. If you want to consume little, the D5 turbodiesel or, even better, the 2.0 diesel 4-cylinder Ford origin are park and silent.
Price? It starts from 5 thousand euros for the more “experienced” D5 turbodiesel, while around the 7/8 thousand euros there are some real bargains, such as T5 versions with less than 40 km.
A car with little commercial success is not always a poor car, on the contrary: sometimes there are real luxury exceptions.
Many excluded, only one denominator: the pleasure of driving
Our list of cheap convertible cars for the summer ends here.
But much more could have gone on. In fact, there are many excellent exclusions like Alfa Spider, FIAT barchetta, BMW 3 Series Convertible, Volkswagen Eos and so on and so forth!
Convertible cars are not for everyone: some do not like the sun on the skin, others the wind in their hair, but undoubtedly in the summer, especially in a forced Italian summer, they can give that little bit more to our holidays.
With this small buying guide we have seen how convertible cars are anything but unattainable, and that indeed, with a few small compromises they can also become yours. everyday car… with that extra taste of wind and salt.
Discount
Cocoda Bluetooth Car Transmitter, [Blue Ambient Ring ...
- AMBIENT RING LIGHT AND LED DISPLAY - When turned on, the ambient bright ring light glows blue, ...
- 2 USB PORTS & SAFE CHARGING - Supports charging 2 devices with overload protection. One USB port (5V ...
- THREE CHOICES TO SCORE YOUR MUSIC - Cocoda Bluetooth FM Transmitter can freely play stereo music in ...
Mpow 【Updated Version】 Smartphone Holder for Cars, ...
- ♞ Strong Suction Cup】: Ultra sticky suction cup is made with new material, safe suction cup sticks tightly ...
- ♞ 【Adjustable Arm】: Mpow Car Smartphone Holder with Extendable Telescopic Arm, which can extend ...
- ♞ 【360 ° Rotatable】: Ball head allows you to rotate it 360 ° to have a desired angle. With this...
Original Mini baseball cap, with flat brim, ...
- Unisex baseball cap.
- With 3D MINI logo.
- Flat visor and adjustable width on the back.
