Top 10 Budget Convertibles | Top 10 - Car News Apr 2013

15:05 Tuesday 12 May 2015

The weather is warming up, the barbecues are being taken out of the sheds and the nation's beer gardens are full of people who don't smoke.

Yup, spring is here and everybody is wishing that they were driving a convertible; and the good news is that, for less than £7,500, you too can lay your hands on a cracking soft-top. We've trawled through the used car listings on CarSite.co.uk to find the best convertible bargains out there.

Toyota MR2

For as little as £1,995, you can get yourself behind the wheel of Toyota's legendary MR2. For that you get a mid-mounted 1.8-litre engine, razor sharp handling, good looks and superb Japanese reliability. On the downside, there's very little boot space but this is a small fly in what is otherwise a very agreeable tub of ointment.

Used Toyota MR2s for under £7,500

Mazda MX-5

The MX-5 is nothing short of a legend and you can pick up early models for under £1k. Fantastic handling, good looks, bullet-proof reliability and a surprising amount of practicality are just some of the Mazda's strong points and if insist on a full service history, you really can't go wrong. Japanese imported Eunos models are often better equipped, but should be significantly cheaper so make sure you don't pay over the odds.

Used Mazda MX-5s for under £7,500

Saab 9-3

Saab may no longer be with us but that doesn't stop you from picking up one of their best-loved models. Second-generation drop-top 9-3s start at around £3,000 and offer good performance, excellent safety credentials and classic Swedish styling. The topless 9-3 is also much more immune to the dreaded scuttle-shake than earlier Saab convertibles and if you hang onto yours for long enough, classic car status could be just around the corner.

Used Saab 9-3s for under £7,500

BMW Z4

Strong six-cylinder engines and a finely balanced chassis make the Z4 a hoot to drive. It also looks great, offers superb reliability and shouldn't be too expensive to run. What's more, you can pick up Beemer's soft-top 'ultimate driving machine' for as little as four and a half grand.

Used BMW Z4s for under £7,500

Ford StreetKa

Okay, if you look like Ray Winstone, you're going to look a bit of a prat driving the StreetKa. However, if you're a woman -- or just a slightly effeminate man -- you'll love the Ford's nippy performance, precise handling and cute looks. What's more, you can pick one up for less than £2,000.

Used Ford SteetKas for under £7,500

Porsche Boxster

A Porsche for less than £7.5k? You betcha. For this money you can pick up a tidy first-generation model and because the newer Boxster looks almost identical to the model it replaced, no one will be aware that you've spent so little. It's not the fastest cabrio in the world but it handles beautifully, it's surprisingly practical and it's just about the most prestigious car you can buy for the cash.

Used Porsche Boxsters for under £7,500

Honda S2000

Let's cut to the chase -- the S2000 was a brilliant car. It had a fantastic V-TEC engine, a well-sorted chassis and a good amount of standard equipment. What's more, it topped the JD Power survey thanks to its bank-vault build quality. The S2000 is probably the best all-rounder on this list and it can be yours for less than six grand. Hugely impressive.

Used Honda S2000s for under £7,500

Audi A4 Cabriolet

Effortlessly elegant, superbly engineered and fast, the A4 Cabriolet is an excellent car and the convertible of choice for those who like to keep up with the Joneses. Just don't expect to fit anyone tall in those dinky back seats.

Used Audi A4s for under £7,500

Alfa Romeo Spider

Bellissimo! Easily the best-looking car on this list, the Alfa Spider can be yours for less than three grand. For that you get beautiful Italian styling, a strong engine and good handling. Alfas aren't exactly famed for their reliability so insist on a full service history and be prepared to deal with minor electrical glitches.

Used Alfa Romeo Spiders for under £7,500

MINI Convertible

The MINI lost none of its charm by having its roof cut off. It's still a hoot to drive and looks great in an "I'm just popping down to the nail salon" sort-of way. These things hold their value well so it should be a safe investment, and you can pick one up now for less than five grand.

Used Mini Convertibles for under £7,500

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