The warm weather is here and you’re looking for the best convertible cars. We know. Everybody starts thinking about taking the top down when the sun is shining.
However, when you’re dropping the top, you might not want to drop the amount of money that could buy a new house. These are the best convertible cars for under $50,000.
Style, luxury and performance all combine in the Mercedes-Benz SLC300 Roadster. A 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder pushes the nine-speed SLC’s 241 horsepower from 0 to 60 in just 5.8 seconds. All that while the open sky is above, turning elongated foreheads a bright shade of red.
It’s the classic two-seater convertible design, but with one really nifty feature (can I still say nifty?). The retractable hardtop has a dimmable sunroof as well. It comes in under $50,000, but just barely.
It’s been a Car and Driver 10 Best for 16 years, and that alone says something. The Mazda Miata has been a driver’s car from the get-go, even though it’s far from the most powerful. The 2.0-liter SKYACTIV 4-cylinder has just 155 horsepower, but the car weights 1,000 lbs less than most of the competition.
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Because of its pared-down nature, the MX-5 Miata focuses on the thrill of the drive. Nearly perfect 50/50 weight distribution sets the tone for precise handling, making the Mazda MX-5 Miata one of the most fun convertibles to drive. It’s one of the least expensive too – entry-level pricing is just around $25,000. Definitely one of the best convertible cars.
Say the words “luxury car” and BMW springs to the front of your mind. The 2 Series is the entry-level luxury car, but make no mistake – it’s all BMW. For under $50,000, you can drive either the 230i with xDrive or the M240i sDrive (no AWD). It could be a tough choice.
The 230i has 248 horsepower from its 2.0-liter engine, while the free-spirited M240i has 335 horsepower from a turbocharged 3.0-liter. It’s fun to drive, yes, but what about the luxury? Slick leather, paddle shifters, navigation with a massive dash-topping screen. It’s all there.
The 2018 Audi A5 is all about the finer details. The 2.0-liter TFSI engine with 252 horsepower is enjoyable with a 0-to-60 time at 6 seconds flat. But it’s all the other stuff that really stands out. The top can be dropped at up to 31 mph without ripping off.
It can be equipped with Audi’s virtual cockpit cluster, a 12.3-inch in-dash display. The A5 looks and drives better than most, and it should. The base price tag toes the $50,000-mark. Any add-ons will put you over.
If you simply want to go fast in a convertible, there’s no better choice than the Chevy Camaro. For under $50,000, you can get the base 2.0-liter convertible at $32,900 or the SS trim and stay within budget. Go Camaro SS – you won’t be disappointed.
It’s dressed nicely inside with leather surfaces and a decent MyLink infotainment system. But who really cares about all that jazz when you unleash the fury from your 6.2-liter, 455-horsepower V8? You’ll scoot to 60 miles per hour in 4.0 seconds flat.
It’s the Audi A5’s baby brother. Smaller in dimensions as well as under the hood, you’ll still get a fantastic driving experience from the Audi A3. The front-wheel-drive 186-horsepower powertrain will probably feel a little underwhelming, but the 220-horsepower engine with Quattro AWD is just enough.
It’s sexy both outside and in. Leather, tons of features and that wide-open Audi grille are par for the course. Luxury comes in at $37,600 base price, which is pretty attractive also.
Sure, you could go for the entry-level Mustang convertible, but for under $50,000, you could also choose the Ford Mustang GT Premium Convertible. Yeah, let’s go with that one. Ford’s 435-horsepower 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 sings you the song of its people every time you stomp on the gas pedal.
Heated and cooled leather front seats, SYNC 3, available Adaptive Cruise Control – it’s all unimportant in the light of the powertrain. You’d be more inclined to choose between the 6-speed manual transmission and the 6-speed SelectShift automatic with paddle shifters.
This spunky little number is perhaps the closest competitor to the Mazda Miata. A similar starting price of $25,000, a 1.4-liter MultiAir engine with 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, and an Italian-bred spirit are bound to be the biggest attractions.
It’s all about the drive in the Fiat 124 Spider. Nicely appointed with leather, a good infotainment system and blessed with pretty awesome looks, this has to be considered one of the best convertible cars.
Choose from the MINI Cooper Convertible, the upgraded Cooper S, or the John Cooper Works Convertible: you’ll stay well under the $50k ceiling regardless. But what do you want to experience? If it’s just open-top driving, the Cooper’s 134 horsepower is just fine. If you want your toes to twitch in excitement, go with the JCW version.
A neat little tidbit, the convertible top has a third option, aside from open or closed. It can be set half-open, like a soft-top targa top. And, of course, the iconic MINI shape is going to draw coos, smiles and pointing children.
The VW Beetle convertible is a great choice, but admittedly more gentle than some of the others. Let’s just say you won’t see the Duck Dynasty guys in the driver’s seat. Otherwise, the VW Beetle is awesome.
With its little spoiler in the back and its retro shape, the Beetle convertible will never go out of style. It isn’t a sports car by any means, but 170 horsepower still means it’s enjoyable to drive. Starting sticker price is around the $25,000 mark, making it one of the cheaper items on our list of the best convertible cars.
If you’re surprised with a Buick convertible in the lineup, join the club. It’s done quite nicely, maintaining the business feel Buick has been known for while adding a fun-to-drive aspect also. A turbocharged 1.6-liter engine has 200 horsepower, keeping the Cascada efficient too.
For $33,000, the Cascada fits in between the luxury convertibles and economy droptops, but definitely one deserving to be on the list of best convertible cars.
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