Looking to add some top-down thrills to your life? Our updated convertibles buying guide video and latest road tests can steer you in the right direction.
There are many considerations when choosing a convertible, be it for just weekend escapes or a year-round commuter. Know going in that convertibles usually cost significantly more than an equivalent fixed-roof car. If your budget is modest, your new-car choices will be commensurately limited, but we have recommendations for good, reliable used convertibles.
Prices range from the low-to-mid $20,000s for a small convertible, such as the Fiat 500C, to well over $100,000 for ultra-luxury performance convertibles, such as the Mercedes-Benz SL. There are plenty of models in the middle price range, too. It all depends on the sportiness, performance, and luxury levels that you can afford. The good news is that you don't have to spend a lot to have a fun driving experience. One of the least expensive sports cars on the market, the Mazda Miata, is a lot of fun to drive.
While you may favor cars that focus on handling prowess, for top-down cruising, ride quality, comfort, and wind noise are key factors to consider. The key lesson here is to go beyond styling and brand loyalty to choose the best convertible by doing your research.
Should you favor luxury, we just published our road tests of the Audi TT, BMW Z4, Mercedes-Benz SLK, and Porsche Boxster. Each car has a decidedly different character, as detailed in our report "Convertibles for the open road" from the upcoming May issue.
Whatever end of the price spectrum you are focused on, our car model pages provide detailed road tests, reliability, owner satisfaction, owner cost, and pricing information that can help you make an informed decision.
Summer is just around the corner. Check out our video below, and line up some test drives of your own.
