Which low-cost used convertible should you consider?
What can you do if you're on a budget and want to enjoy summer on the road with your hair blowing in the wind? No need to split hairs, we're here to help!
As we all know, there are fewer and fewer new convertibles available and used convertibles have become more expensive since the pandemic. For many, this means considering older models, with higher mileage or possibly less reputation for quality and reliability.
Whatever you choose, the important thing is to make sure that the car has been thoroughly inspected - from the mechanics to the roof - to avoid unpleasant surprises. It's okay not to want to pay a big price, but it requires more research and care before you buy.
If you're a single person or a couple, and driving pleasure is more important to you than space, a fairly affordable used convertible we'd recommend is the Mazda Miata, more precisely the first generation (NA) or early second generation (NB). It's a fun car, and very reliable in the long term. Don't worry too much if the mileage approaches or exceeds 200,000 km, provided the car has been properly serviced. Watch out, however, for cars that have been modified or show signs of corrosion.
For something more powerful, here's an interesting option: the Nissan 350Z Roadster. It's possible (but not easy) to find one for under $10,000. It's likely to be a 2004 model with mileage over 200,000 km, but the engine under the hood is a renowned V6 that generated close to 300 hp.
If you need rear seats, real or extra, you could look at the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder from the mid-2000s, so either the end of the third generation or the very beginning of the latest generation. Its handling isn't particularly impressive, but the reliability and durability of Mitsubishi parts remain above average.
Finally, another car we'd recommend is the Toyota Solara. Here again, you'll have to go back quite a bit in time, to the early 2000s, to find a low-cost example (production, by the way, ceased in 2008). You and three other passengers can enjoy Toyota's reliability and sunshine at the same time. Four- and six-cylinder engines were available, depending on the power you were looking for.
