9 Best Used Convertible Cars
With the weather hotting up in the UK, you may be thinking about a used convertible. At Peter Vardy you can feel the sun on your arms and the wind in your hair for cheaper than you think!
1. Audi Tt Petrol 1.8T FSI Sport
This Audi convertible is visually stunning, and boasts excellent fuel economy and performance. With a 1240kg kerb weight the TT is just about light enough not to feel short-changed by the 1.8-litre motor. It’s smooth, torquey and responsive enough for everyday motoring, with just enough power to deliver a degree of excitement.
2. Mazda Mx-5 Petrol 2.0 Sport Nav
Shorter, lower, wider and – most importantly – lighter, the MX-5 comes with a choice of either 1.5 or 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engines and the promise of unparalleled ‘Jinba ittai’ – the manufacturer’s catch-all term for oneness between car and driver. The car’s selling points include good performance and handling, and great value for money. The Mazda MX-5 is light and compact, it looks good, it offers a direct driving experience, it’s affordable and relatively economical – what’s not to like?
3. Mercedes-Benz SLC Diesel 250d AMG Line
With metal and glass all around – rather than the typical fabric tent top – the cabin’s pretty quiet with the roof up. This remains the case if you drop the roof, with only a little wind intrusion disturbing the cabin at speed. The wind in your hair, the sun beating down, your favourite stretch of road and the sound of a tuneful petrol engine to accompany you – that’s the romantic ideal most people will picture when in the market for a roadster. The Mercedes' headline figure is an impressive claimed economy of 64.2mpg, while CO2 emissions of 114g/km should tempt those lucky enough to have a two-seat convertible on their company car list.
4. BMW 4 Series 420d M Sport
The car’s styling is modern but simple, with enough sporty details in M Sport trim to set it apart from more basic models. Inside, the BMW 420d M Sport comes as standard with an 8.8-inch screen for its iDrive infotainment screen; pay an extra £295 and you can enjoy another screen behind the steering wheel in place of the traditional analogue dials. Boot space is good, with 445 litres on offer.
5. Audi A5 40 TFSI S Line
The Audi A5 Cabriolet is refined, comfortable and has tidy, if not thrilling, handling. It’s one of the best drop-tops in this price range. While some rivals have developed folding hard tops for their convertibles, Audi has refined and developed its folding fabric roof. The latest top design has multiple layers that are designed to reduce wind and road noise - as well as keep the weather out - and the fully electric roof can open in 15 seconds at speeds of up to 31mph. And the roof now has a one-touch function that means you don't need to keep your finger on the button to allow the top to fully open or close.
6. MINI Convertible 1.5 Cooper Exclusive
You get a terrific interior and sensible running costs, while strong residuals mean you can buy with your head as well as your heart. But thanks to being based on the three-door version of the Mini hatchback, the Mini Convertible isn’t simply a car for fun days out and holidays; it can function just fine as an everyday car. You can keep things relatively cheap by going for the entry-level Cooper.
7. BMW Z4 sDrive 20i M Sport
The Z4 will appeal to those looking for a comfortable and relatively practical convertible sports car. Lighter than the more expensive M40i by a full 130kg, it steers and handles more sweetly than its big brother, plus it’s cleaner and comes with plenty of equipment. Available with three different petrol engines and in three different specifications, the new front-engined, rear-wheel drive Z4 is aimed squarely at the driving enthusiast.
8. Porsche Boxter 2.0 PDK
In GTS trim, with its glorious 4.0-litre flat-six engine, the Porsche 718 Boxster sounds amazing, is sensational to drive and is beautifully built – it’s one of the best open-top sports cars on sale. As standard, you get air-con, 18in alloy wheels, Xenon headlights, Alcantara seat trim, automatic lights, an six-speaker/ 110-watt stereo, and a 7.0in infotainment screen with sat-nav, Apple CarPlay, a DAB radio and Bluetooth. Entry-level Boxsters comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine making 296bhp. That's enough for 0-62mph in 5.1sec (or 4.7sec with the PDK automatic gearbox and Sports Chrono Package fitted). It revs out cleanly and is really into its stride by 3000rpm.
9. Porsche 911 S PDK
The Porsche 911 Cabriolet delivers the same sort of driving thrills as the coupe, but opening the roof adds another dimension to the experience. Porsche first introduced the 911 Cabriolet in 1982, nearly 20 years after the original 911 coupe arrived, and 15 years after the 911 Targa, and it was the first full convertible from Porsche since the 356 of the mid-Sixties. The roof of the 911 Cabriolet opens or closes in 13 seconds, and can be operated when driving at low speeds. It's the same on all models, so is made from multiple layers of fabric, and when it's closed, it has the same profile as the coupe.
We also have handy guides on hatchbacks, saloons, and family cars. You can view our range of new and used cars, or you can contact us - we will be happy to hear from you!