Nothing says summer road trip like a convertible, and now is a great time to be in the market for a used drop-top. Why? Because the selection of affordable convertibles is truly remarkable these days. From small and light sports convertibles to beefy muscle cars to luxury cars, there’s something for just about every kind of convertible aficionado on this list — and none of them will break the bank.
Here are 10 of the best used convertibles you’ll find for less than $25,000. As always, the suggested model years and trim levels are merely a starting point for your research. Prices vary by region, so you may find even better deals with some savvy shopping.
1. 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata
A legend among convertibles and sports cars, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is not only one of the category’s all-time best-sellers but also an excellent pick for both sporty driving and laid-back cruising. Sure, it’s small, but that means it’s light and nimble. The cabin is surprisingly roomy, whether you choose the cloth top or the Targa-style Miata RF. The rear-wheel-drive Miata is always at the top of the convertible list for the pure, classic roadster driving experience you want with all of the modern safety and convenience you need. On our $25,000 budget, you can get the top-of-the-line Grand Touring model or go a couple of years newer than the suggested 2017 model with a slightly lower trim level. See used Mazda MX-5 Miata models for sale near you
2. 2017 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
The 2017 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible looks like a muscle car and comes from a long line of American iron. In truth, however, the Camaro’s handling and braking are closer to European sports cars than the trundling power monsters of yore. For our money, the 335-horsepower V6-powered 2017 Camaro LS is a good fit, or you can opt for 426 horsepower and a 6.2-liter V8 in the 2015 Camaro SS. See used Chevrolet Camaro models for sale near you
3. 2018 Ford Mustang Convertible
Much like the Camaro, the 2018 Ford Mustang has outgrown its straight-line roots without forgetting about them, still quick at the drag strip but much more at home on a curvy road. That means the Mustang, like the Miata and the Camaro, offers a great blend of performance and comfort with its own style. While a 460-horsepower V8 variant was offered for 2018, the 310-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder deserves a look, too, not least because it rates up to 29 mpg on the highway. See used 2018 Ford Mustang models for sale near you
4. 2019 Fiat 124 Spider
Based on the Miata, the 2019 Fiat 124 Spider offers much of the same sporty driving feel but in a somewhat longer, only slightly heavier package. The turbocharged 1.4-liter engine also differs from the Miata’s 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, generating slightly less power despite the turbocharger. It’s fun to drive and full of character, and on our budget, you should be able to find either a Classica or Lusso trim from either 2018 or 2019. See used Fiat 124 Spider models for sale near you
5. 2008 Porsche Boxster S
Rounding out our cadre of performance-themed convertibles, the 2008 Porsche Boxster is about a decade older than most of this list, but that’s precisely what you’d expect of a car with this much style, performance, and panache. The only mid-engine offering on our list, the Boxster’s handling, steering, and braking performance are all top-notch — benchmarks for the class. Our $25,000 budget should afford the Boxster S and its upgraded 3.4-liter 6-cylinder rated for 295 horsepower. See used Porsche Boxster models for sale near you
6. 2017 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible
If fun is a bigger priority than speed, you can hardly go wrong with the 2017 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible. With its friendly face, expansive open roof, and comfortable ride quality, you’ll be taking in the sights and the breeze and letting go of stress and frustration — provided you can avoid traffic. If you frequent the beach or simply enjoy the look, the Beetle Dune gets a slightly higher ride height and other unique appearance tweaks, while the Beetle 2.0T gets a bit more punch from a turbocharged engine. Both should be available on our budget. See used Volkswagen Beetle models for sale near you
7. 2017 Mini Cooper S Convertible
Like a cross between the Beetle and the sportier options above, the 2017 Mini Cooper Convertible proves a front-wheel-drive convertible can have both speed and pace. As fun as it is to drive, especially in 189-horsepower Cooper S form, the Mini Cooper Convertible is also all about style, with lots of customization options available at the factory and many more in the aftermarket. The Mini may be the best fit if you’re into making your car your own. See used Mini Cooper models for sale near you
8. 2015 BMW 2 Series Convertible
A BMW convertible for less than $25,000? And it’s not a few decades old? It’s true, the 2015 BMW 2 Series Convertible range is now within reach of realistic budgets, and that’s a great thing for those who love the style and the feel of a BMW. Even the base 240-horsepower 228i is fun to drive and peppy, but the properly quick 320-horsepower M235i is also available for our money. Either way, you’ll get a rear-wheel drive and manual transmission as standard, but all-wheel drive and an automatic are available. See used BMW 2 Series models for sale near you
9. 2014 Lexus IS 350C Convertible
A new-ish Lexus convertible for less than $25,000, too? It really is a great time to be in the used car market. Although it’s nearly a decade old, the 306-horsepower V6-powered 2014 Lexus IS 350C at the sweet spot of our budget remains an attractive option for the convertible driver who wants plenty of passing power but also wants to be swaddled in comfort and refinement. See used Lexus IS models for sale near you
10. 2015 Infiniti Q60 Convertible
If the Lexus sounds good but you want a more enthralling design, the 2015 Infiniti Q60 may be for you. The base 3.7-liter V6 rates 325 horsepower and is available with manual and automatic transmissions. As good as the Q60 is to drive — and it’s quite good — it’s also excellent when style and comfort take priority. The high-performance IPL variant is likely out of reach of our budget, but our budget should afford a standard Q60 equipped with most or all of the optional packages and features. See used Infiniti Q60 models for sale near you
- 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata
- 2017 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
- 2018 Ford Mustang Convertible
- 2019 Fiat 124 Spider Convertible
- 2008 Porsche Boxster S
- 2017 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible
- 2017 Mini Cooper S Convertible
- 2015 BMW 2 Series M235i Convertible
- 2014 Lexus IS 350C Convertible
- 2015 Infiniti Q60 Convertible
