6 used convertibles you'd forgotten about
Summer officially kicks off this week, but many people have long since pulled out their convertibles to enjoy the warm weather. Others are certainly planning to get their hands on a convertible in the coming weeks, or will finally succumb to the urge to drive around with their hair blowing in the wind. What about you?
Regardless of the type of buyer and driver, there are plenty of retractable-roof models on the market to suit different needs - even more so on the pre-owned side, since some are no longer offered new these days. Obvious names come to mind. But if you're hoping to save money by opting for an older or less desirable convertible, you've probably overlooked a few.
Some examples? Here are a few!
Chrysler 200 Cabriolet
Heir to the Sebring convertible, this short-lived car (2011-2014) houses a smooth, high-performance V6. Obviously, the 200 isn't a sports car, and its handling remains very average. It does, however, offer a smooth ride. It may not be the most impressive of convertibles, but it shouldn't cause you any major worries. Make sure, of course, that it's in good condition and well-maintained.
Saturn Sky
We remember the Solstice more fondly since Pontiac is a brand that resonates more strongly with us, but the Saturn Sky developed in parallel is rather forgettable. A rival to the Mazda MX-5, it offered a Red Line version powered by a spirited turbocharged EcoTec engine producing 260 hp. Its design makes it impractical and therefore unsuitable for everyday use. However, the Sky was designed to be slightly better equipped than the Solstice.
Volvo C70
Discontinued in 2013, the Swedish C70 convertible has remained virtually unchanged in its eight-year career. It was Volvo's riposte to the Audi A4/A5 Cabriolet and BMW 3 Series Cabriolet. Drivers appreciated its 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine generating 227 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, but not its reliability problems. Caution is highly advised if you're considering this model.
MINI Roadster
Yes, there's the MINI Cabriolet, based on the classic hatchback variant, but had you forgotten about the Roadster? Marketed from 2011 to 2014, this car was the convertible version of the MINI Coupé. As a result, it has only two seats instead of four. Several features distinguish it from the Cabriolet model, including the reduced frontal area, flattened windscreen and lower center of gravity. A tighter-fitting fabric soft top and a more distinctive rear enhance the vehicle's sporty appearance.
Fiat 124 Spider
Fiat sales are so marginal in Canada that it's easy to forget certain models, even those that disappeared just a few years ago. The 124 Spider is a good example. Sharing its platform and interior with the fourth-generation Mazda MX-5, it has a resolutely Italian character, thanks in part to a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine from Fiat, producing 160 hp in the Classica and Lusso versions, 164 in the Abarth. The latter stands out even more with its two-tone bodywork and firmer suspension. It's an excellent car, though not as agile as the MX-5. For maintenance, it's best to call on a trusted mechanic or a Mazda dealer.
Pontiac G6 convertible
We're including it here, but more as a warning. The design of the G6 convertible is one of the worst the automotive industry has seen in the 2000s. The hardtop mechanism is often faulty, the roof panels are heavy and cause problems over time, and after many years, the roof's waterproofing becomes problematic. You'll notice this in the sound: creaking noises from the roof and chassis are frequent. Finally, the 3.5-liter engine isn't bad, but it's rather archaic.
