Most affordable convertibles

The best affordable convertibles give you the option of open-air motoring but don’t require compromises. A comparatively low price tag is a must, and running costs should be sensible. Good looks and a fun drive are nice-to-haves, too. Our top eight affordable convertibles range from sporty two-seaters to classy four-seat cruisers, with each one offering great value and the ability to put a smile on your face whether the sun’s out or not. 

The cars featured in this guide:

• Mazda MX-5

• Mini Convertible

• Audi TT Roadster

• BMW Z4

• Fiat 500C

• Porsche Boxster

• BMW 4 Series

• Audi A5 Cabriolet

What makes a good affordable convertible?

The simple pleasure of driving a convertible with the roof down doesn’t always come cheap. In fact, drop-top cars can be pricey. But fear not. Whether you want a daily driver or something fun for the weekends, there are lots of affordable convertibles that give you the ‘wind-in-the-hair’ experience for surprisingly little outlay.

If you have a bit more to spend, whether you’re buying outright, on finance or via car refinancing, check out our guide to the best convertibles you can buy. 

Mazda MX-5

One car dominates any discussion about affordable convertibles: the Mazda MX-5. That’s because it’s been the default choice for anyone looking for a sporty, budget-friendly open-top car for almost 40 years.

The first MX-5 arrived in the UK in 1989, and every version since then has been essentially the same thing: a lightweight, rear-wheel drive two-seater with a minimum of frills and a price that makes every other sports car look expensive. The latest model (pictured), introduced in 2015, adds more high-tech features but retains the purity of its predecessors. Prices for used models start at just over £10,000, and you’ll struggle to find any other car that’s as much fun to drive for that money. If you can’t stretch to that, older MX-5 models are just as capable of putting a smile on your face and can cost as little as £1,500. 

Mini Convertible

The Mini Convertible proves that when you take a car known for its fun character and chop off the roof you get… even more fun! Blasting down a country road in any Mini is fun, but being able to fold down the roof and feel the wind in your hair and the sun on your face adds an extra dimension to the experience. 

If cruising around town is more your thing, you can potter about enjoying the sights and sounds of the city with the roof down. And if it starts to rain you can simply raise the roof at the touch of a button, at speeds of up to 18mph. Space in the two rear seats is limited and the boot is tiny, but the Mini’s interior has a premium feel and it’s available with high-tech features such as a head-up display and wireless phone charging. Running costs for most models are reasonable, and the Mini has a good reputation for reliability. 

Audi TT Roadster

The Audi TT Roadster is a stylish drop-top that’s sporty yet sensible. It’s a great option if you want a convertible that’s fun for a B-road blast, but which is just as well-suited to a drizzly January commute. 

Every version is nimble and responsive, yet provides enough comfort to make a good daily driver. High-spec versions are seriously fast, while the more affordable versions give surprisingly good fuel economy and have sensible insurance group ratings. Of the three generations of TT Roadster, the second one (pictured) is the best bet if you’re looking for something affordable. It was sold new between 2007 and 2014, yet it still looks sharp and still has reasonably up-to-date tech.

BMW Z4

The BMW Z4 is one of the sportier options on this list, as you might expect from the brand. Its low-slung bodywork and dramatic looks set the tone, and it gives you a driving experience to match, especially if you choose one of the more powerful engine options available.  

Every BMW Z4 is guaranteed to put a smile on your face, but there are three distinct models to choose from. The 2002-2008 model offers low prices and a fabric roof. The 2009-2016 version costs more, yet it’s still comparatively cheap and has a lot more features. It also has a folding metal roof that gives you extra security and is a bit more winter-friendly. The latest model (pictured) was introduced in 2018. It’s a big step up in price and luxury, and goes back to a folding cloth roof.

Fiat 500C

‘Cheap and cheerful’ can be a good thing, especially in the case of the Fiat 500C. This convertible version of the Fiat 500 city car is one of the cheapest open-top cars you can buy, blending the hatchback version’s retro looks with the ability to get the wind in your hair.

Admittedly, you don’t get the same open-to-the-elements feel that you do in some convertibles because only the central section of the roof folds away (the side panels and window frames remain in place). You can still gaze up at the sky, though, and fill the cabin with fresh air on a countryside jaunt. While the 500C’s engines give great fuel economy, they don’t give you much power. For a sportier take, opt for the Abarth 500C – a souped-up version with a turbocharged engine and mean-looking makeover. 

Porsche Boxster

The Porsche Boxster is a true sports car that’s a joy to drive and, believe it or not, affordable. It was introduced way back in 1996 and it’s possible to pick up an early model for £5,000 or less. It’s worth spending more to get a newer model that’s been well looked after, though, especially because a Boxster in good condition and with service history should depreciate very slowly. That means you can enjoy a few years of ownership and still sell the car for a good price. 

As with every Porsche, the Boxster feels beautifully built and meticulously engineered. It’s wonderfully agile and responsive to drive, yet feels just as at home pootling to the shops as it does tearing up a favourite country road. The interior is snug but comfortable and has a high-quality ambience. Running costs are on the high side, but the Boxster feels like a car worth paying a premium for.  

BMW 4 Series

The BMW 4 Series Convertible has got the lot: style, power, driving appeal, luxury features and seating for up to four. It costs less than you might think, and you can choose between more budget-friendly versions or high-spec models with eyewatering performance and lots of kit. Where’s the catch? Honestly, there isn’t one. It’s one of the best all-rounders you can buy, proving that sometimes you really can have it all. 

To be clear, we’re talking about the model sold new between 2014 and 2020 (pictured). The latest model is even better, but even the earliest versions are still quite pricey. Stick with the previous 4 Series and you get a high-quality convertible that manages to be both sporty and luxurious, yet which doesn’t cost the earth to own. 

Audi A5 Cabriolet

Prices for some luxury four-seat convertibles can run into six figures, but the Audi A5 Cabriolet is one that’s far more attainable. It gives you all the prestige and refinement you expect of an Audi but you can find early models with less than 80,000 miles on the clock for £6,000 or less. Prices for the second-generation model, which is even classier, kick off at about £13,000. 

Whichever version you go for, the A5 Cabriolet is a great cruiser that allows you and three passengers to while away the miles in comfort. With the roof in place, you can enjoy the peace and quiet and marvel at the top-notch interior quality. Fold the hood down (electrically, of course) and everyone can enjoy a wind-in-the-hair experience and expect plenty of admiring glances along the way!