What are the best affordable convertible cars?
Want a topless car for all occasions? Here are some of the best you should consider
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Something you learn as you mature is that convertible cars aren’t just for summer.
This is thanks to modern cars having better heaters, which are sometimes fitted within the headrests to keep both driver and passengers at the right temperature.
Living in the UK does mean you can’t always make the most of a convertible, but that’s when the roof goes up and you save top-down driving for another day.
With that in mind, here are 10 of the most affordable convertible cars you can buy online to give your life a bit more variety and versatility.
Mazda MX-5
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If there was ever a two-seater convertible sports car fit for purpose, it’s the Mazda MX-5.
Ask anyone to describe or draw a sports car and it’s likely it'll look like this.
The Mazda MX-5 is the definitive convertible and can be bought for a few thousand pounds so it’s cheap too.
Powering newer MX-5 models is either a 1.5-litre or 2.0-litre petrol engine. Despite being in a sports car, they’re very fuel-efficient and pack plenty of punch when you stamp on the accelerator.
It’s the perfect car for a weekend trip away with your partner or for a hardcore petrolhead to enjoy.
Mini Convertible
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The Mini has been a fan favourite ever since its launch.
They were once a lot smaller, but to grow with the times and with BMW’s acquisition of the brand in 1996, they’re now larger – but they're also much better to drive.
One of the coolest models in the range is the cabriolet, which – as the name suggests – offers topless driving in a small hatchback, making it ideal for hot summer days or even those cold yet refreshing winter mornings.
Its three- or four-cylinder engine produces great horsepower and is therefore peppy and raring to go at all times.
And if your budget allows, there’s an all-electric version on offer for guilt-free cruising.
Smart ForTwo Cabriolet
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Just because you need a small city car for where you live doesn’t mean it has to be boring.
In fact, these can be some of the most interesting little whips out there, as the Smart ForTwo Cabriolet demonstrates.
It might be the size of a wheelie bin, but it drives far better than one.
Despite having such a short wheelbase, it’s able to go around corners with ease and feels very well-planted at all times.
Standard models come fitted with a small three-cylinder engine but there’s also an electric variant on offer for emission-free city driving.
Fiat 124 Spider
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Based on the Mazda MX-5, the Fiat 124 Spider is a two-seater sports car with a distinct Italian flair.
Yes, it’s powered by the same engine that's found in the new MX-5, but its looks distinguish it from its blood brother.
It can be had with either a manual or automatic gearbox, so it’s perfect for all types of drivers.
And if you really want to push the boat out, go for the Abarth version and get more horsepower, firmer suspension and a sports exhaust with extra antisocial pops and bangs.
It’s perfect for summer cruising and autumn driving, threading down a tight Yorkshire B-road.
BMW 2 Series convertible
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Just because you want a BMW convertible, it doesn’t mean you have to fork out a fortune for an M8 convertible.
Instead, you can spend a fraction of the cost on a 2 Series and put the rest towards fuel or that house extension you’ve been debating (yes, the 8 Series really is that expensive).
The 2 Series can be had with either a petrol or diesel engine, both of which suit the four-seater convertible.
The ones to go for are the 220i and 218d because they’re the best on fuel and aren’t sluggish when you need to get places.
They have all the bells and whistles you’d get in a standard BMW but with the option to roll the roof down.
Fiat 500C
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Like with the aforementioned Smart car, city cars don’t need to be boring, and it doesn’t get much better than a little Fiat 500 to do that.
The 500C is the convertible version of the iconic Italian car – well, it’s more of a glorified sunroof really, but works all the same.
Its standard petrol engine is ideal for most buyers, but you may want to upgrade to the all-electric version, which is very nippy around town and as silent as ever.
In a small convertible, that can be pure bliss.
BMW 4 Series convertible
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Whenever you see a 4 Series, your first thought may be ‘cor, how did they afford that?!’, but they can be more affordable than you may think.
A used 4 Series can be far less expensive than a brand-new 2 Series, which makes it very appealing because they’re larger, more powerful, more luxurious and feel much more expensive than they are.
Newer ones feature a soft top but older versions could be had with a convertible hardtop, which is much more desirable in colder weather and is far easier to keep clean.
Plus, they’re a hoot to drive in all variants.
Audi A3 cabriolet
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Audi makes quite a few different convertibles so the humble A3 is often overlooked, but we think it’s a bit of a gem.
Hear us out. It’s got enough room for four people to sit comfortably, a roof that retracts all the way, a cracking sound system and comfortable seats. Are we hearing ‘beach trip with the gang’?
Aside from that, you know it’s going to be reliable because of the Audi badge slapped on the front – and they’re fuel-efficient too.
Mercedes-Benz SLC
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Once known as the SLK, the revisited SLC is Mercedes’ answer to the Audi TT and Porsche Boxster.
The SLC is a hardtop convertible two-seater sports car and is one of the most comfortable in its class – as you’d expect any Mercedes to be, quite frankly.
Its engine is a strong point but the feature you want to look out for as a convertible buyer is the hallowed air scarf, which is a little vent on the seat rest that blows warm air down your neck whenever you please.
It’s really quite lovely on a frosty winter’s morning.
Audi TT convertible
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Last but not least is the Audi TT – the obvious choice for many for some affordable convertible fun, but often the best path to take.
Not only can it be had with AWD so it’s ideal for slippery conditions, but it’s also effortlessly quick on any bit of road and packed full of great tech.
Newer models benefit from features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as optional Bose speakers, which sound phenomenal.