A convertible doesn't have to be expensive. The range of used models below 10.000 euros is large. Five suggestions.
Driving a convertible is a luxury. At least if you want to get one of those new cars that have become rare. The range on the used car market is cheaper and more diverse. Five open-air stars for little money.
For the city - Fiat 500C
More outdoor seating than a real convertible, but ideal for city traffic: unlike larger convertibles, the miniature Fiat 500C only has a foldable sun canopy, so the fixed roof and window bars spoil the outdoors when driving. The concept offers little cooling drafts, but good insights and views when cruising on the boulevard. The retro charmer fits in there best anyway, the Italian is too small for the long haul anyway. The prices of the four-seater, which has been produced since 2009, start at 100.000 euros for copies with less than 5.000 kilometers. In terms of long-term quality, the Cinquecento, which is available in a large number of power levels between 51 kW / 69 PS to 140 kW / 190 PS, is not entirely unproblematic, according to the TÜV report.
For four - Audi A4 convertible
There are quite a few convertibles with nominally four seats. Real four-seaters, in which the back seat is more than a luggage rack, are comparatively rare and very expensive when new. The open Audi A2006, which was built between 2009 and 4 and still looks modern today, is all the more interesting for bargain hunters. Solid technology and good workmanship also ensure freshness for the middle class. In the meantime, however, the weak point in many models is likely to be the soft top, which after a decade and a half is slowly reaching its durability limit. A replacement is available for around 4.000 euros. That is a little less than what has to be deposited for the vehicle itself: around 4.500 euros are due, but then for cars with well six-digit mileage.
For purists - Mazda MX-5
If you really want to let the wind roar your ears when driving open-top, choose a roadster. One of the modern prototypes for the pure and prosaic form of the convertible is the Mazda MX-5. The third generation, built between 2005 and 2015, offers everything traditionalists could wish for: crisp dimensions, low weight, low center of gravity, no frills in terms of technology, a soft top (manual) and a lively suction gasoline engine (up to 118 kW / 160 PS ). One of the few weaknesses of the Japanese is rust, and there are always badly tuned models to buy that you prefer to keep your hands off of. The prices start at around 5.000 euros.
For any weather - Peugeot 207 CC
Convertibles are no longer as sensitive to the weather as they were in the past. Nevertheless, a fixed retractable roof has advantages not only in winter. The risk of theft or vandalism is also lower when hard sheet metal protects the interior. Especially in the first decade of the current millennium, steel roof convertibles were therefore a hit. One of the most popular was the Peugeot 207 CC, a small car with a friendly, sporty look and good everyday utility - at least for two occupants. The range on the used market is large, so finding a well-kept specimen is no problem. You have to plan around 4.000 euros for a vehicle with a five-digit odometer reading that is fun for more than one summer. But even below this price limit, there is plenty of choice if you want to risk a fleeting relationship.
For nostalgics - Saab 9-3 convertible
Even if there is a bourgeois Opel Vectra under the sheet metal of the Swedish mid-range convertible, the four-seater built between 2003 and 2011 definitely has premium flair in some places. With its very solid hood, for example. Or the wide range of drives with four and six cylinders of up to 206 kW / 280 hp and optional all-wheel drive technology. At least it wasn't because of the convertible that the traditional brand no longer existed for almost a decade. Those who want to be reminded of old times can now do so for little money. Older years of construction are available from around 2.000 euros.