Mercedes CLE Cabriolet

BMW 4 Series Convertible

Aston Martin DB12 Volante

Mercedes AMG SL

BMW 8 Series Convertible

Lexus LC Convertible

best-used-convertibles

<p dir="ltr">You might think that UK drivers wouldn’t particularly care for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/best-convertibles/n17007">open-top, convertible cars</a>&nbsp;but, despite the unpredictable climate, we buy more than most European countries. That's good news if you want one&nbsp;as it&nbsp;means there’s a good number of very affordable used examples available.</p>

<p dir="ltr">What’s more, there’s a used convertible to suit every taste&nbsp;– from practical and family-friendly four-seaters to small, sporty two-seaters.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><em><strong>Slideshow story: please click the right-hand arrow above to continue, or simply scroll down if you’re reading on your mobile</strong></em></p>


Best used convertibles

Sports

<p dir="ltr">Jaguars are consistently among the best-handling cars of their kind, with the firm’s model range encompassing the XE, XF and XJ saloons, the F-Type sports cars and multiple SUVs.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Jaguar was actually relatively late to launch its first SUV, the F-Pace, but it quickly followed it up with the smaller E-Pace and the all-electric I-Pace.</p>

<p dir="ltr">That SUV range will keep growing, too, with larger and more luxurious SUVs planned to take on the Porsche Cayenne and the Range Rover from sister brand Land Rover.</p>


JAGUAR

F-TYPE

<p dir="ltr">Elegant&nbsp;yet purposeful, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/jaguar/f-type/coupe/review/n17268">Jaguar F-Type</a>&nbsp;is one of the most desirable used convertibles around. This soft-top sports car is available in turbocharged four-cylinder, supercharged V6 and V8 form. All variants, especially six&nbsp;and eight-cylinder cars, sound amazing and drive like a dream, with fun handling and impressive performance. Not cheap to run, but there are plenty of bargains out there, offering great value for money. Prices start at just £20,000.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>We found:&nbsp;</strong>2019&nbsp;Jaguar F-Type 3.0 V6, 56,000&nbsp;miles, £30,000</p>


10: Jaguar F-Type Convertible

<h3><strong>Strengths</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Good performance</li>
	<li>Attractive styling</li>
	<li>Lots of fun to drive</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Tiny boot</li>
	<li>Fiddly infotainment</li>
	<li>Not cheap to run</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the M8&nbsp;grand tourer, which costs more than £120,000.</p>

<p dir="ltr">BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has ten in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7 and XM, plus the electric iX3 and iX.</p>

<p dir="ltr">All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.</p>


2 SERIES

<p dir="ltr">The compact BMW 2 Series is a great all-round convertible. It's comfortable and terrific fun to drive, comes with good petrol or diesel engines and has sharp handling. It’s also reasonably practical. It feels classy and sporty throughout, and buyers can&nbsp;choose from&nbsp;relaxed SE to sportier M Sport, which has&nbsp;stiffer suspension. It has&nbsp;proved reliable too, coming fifth out of 15 models in its class in the most recent&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/2021-what-car-reliability-survey-coupes-convertibles-and-sports-cars/n23413">What Car? Reliability Survey</a>.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>We found:&nbsp;</strong>2020&nbsp;BMW 2 Series Convertible 218d M Sport, 42,000&nbsp;miles, £14,900</p>


9: BMW 2 Series Convertible

<h3><strong>Strengths</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Compliant ride</li>
	<li>Sharp handling</li>
	<li>Strong performance</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Cramped rear seats</li>
	<li>Diesel engines noisy</li>
	<li>Mid-spec trims not so well equipped</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.</p>

<p dir="ltr">As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.</p>


MERCEDES-BENZ

E CLASS

<p dir="ltr">A drop-top with the three-pointed star on its nose is a covetable thing indeed, and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/e-class/sports/review/n17289">Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet&nbsp;</a>is no exception. Clever aerodynamics and an innovative heating system that blows warm air at your neck to help prevent the chilling effect of wind buffeting helps to keep occupants warm. The E-Class Cabriolet is&nbsp;well built, supremely smooth and comfortable. It's also refined to drive with the top down and gives you a big boot for extended holidays.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>We found:&nbsp;</strong>2019<strong>&nbsp;</strong>Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet E350d AMG Line, 50,000&nbsp;miles, £21,995</p>


8: Mercedes E-Class Cabriolet

<h3><strong>Strengths</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Well equipped</li>
	<li>Low levels of wind buffeting with roof down</li>
	<li>Decent boot for a convertible</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Some models have pricey tax bills</li>
	<li>Not the sharpest to drive</li>
	<li>Rear seat space not as good as some rivals</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Talk about taking an idea and running with it. The big-selling Mini hatchback is still at the core of the firm’s range, but its cute styling and relatively compact dimensions have been spun off into an estate (the Clubman) and an SUV (the Countryman), as well as a convertible.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Despite its small size, the Mini is a firmly premium product, and the three-door hatchback counts the Audi A1 and Volkswagen Polo among its key rivals.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The fact that Mini is owned by BMW brings some big advantages –&nbsp;not least the fact that its infotainment system is based on BMW’s industry-leading iDrive.</p>


MINI

CONVERTIBLE

<p dir="ltr">The latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mini/convertible/sports/review/n17156">Mini</a>&nbsp;is one of the more accessible convertibles on the market, with some of the lowest prices of the lot. Those compact dimensions also mean it’s very easy to drive around town. With excellent build quality, great looks and some of the most fun driving dynamics around –&nbsp;not to mention a choice of impressively efficient engines – it's&nbsp;a very compelling cabrio.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>We found:&nbsp;</strong>2019&nbsp;Mini Convertible 1.5 Cooper, 35,500&nbsp;miles, £10,995</p>


7: Mini Convertible

<h3><strong>Strengths</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Strong engines</li>
	<li>Smart interior</li>
	<li>Good refinement</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Tight rear space</li>
	<li>Rear visibility isn’t great</li>
	<li>Small boot</li>
</ul>


C CLASS

<p>If you're after a suave and relaxed four-seat convertible car, the Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet may well be the car for you. The ride on its air suspension is positively wafty, while it's refined, good to drive, well-equipped and decently practical too. The interior is plush and neatly laid out, too, so it'll impress your passengers, or the passers-by looking in as you cruise past with the roof down.&nbsp;On top of that, it's now really good value bought used, so it just edges above its E-Class Cabrio sibling here.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>We found:&nbsp;</strong>2019 Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet C220d AMG Line, 48,000&nbsp;miles, £18,000</p>


6: Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet

<h3><strong>Strengths</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Well equipped</li>
	<li>Comfortable ride on air suspension</li>
	<li>Good to drive</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Unrefined diesels</li>
	<li>Cramped rear seats</li>
	<li>Audi interiors feel more solid</li>
	<li>Reliability a bit mixed</li>
</ul>


4 SERIES

<p dir="ltr">This latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/4-series/sports/review/n173">BMW 4 Series Convertible</a>&nbsp;follows in the footsteps of a long line of classy BMW&nbsp;drop-tops. For starters, it's excellent to drive with the same sharp handling and punchy performance we so enjoy in the regular hard-top coupe version. There's a high-tech, classy and comfortable interior and it's even quite practical. The entry-level 2.0-litre petrol-engined car is our favourite - it'll see off 0 to 60mph in 7.5sec but should be relatively frugal to run. Used prices have dipped below the £30k mark now making it even more tempting.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>We found:&nbsp;</strong>2021&nbsp;BMW 4 Series Convertible 420i M Sport, 46,000&nbsp;miles, £28,000</p>


5: BMW 4 Series Convertible

<h3><strong>Strengths</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Sharp, polished, fun handling</li>
	<li>M440i is especially quick and entertaining</li>
	<li>Good amount of space (by class standards)</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Some wind and tyre noise</li>
	<li>Firm ride – you'll want adaptive suspension</li>
	<li>Rivals are available for less money</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Porsche is best known as the quintessential sports car maker, but its line-up is increasingly diverse, interesting and successful, from its SUV family to the Panamera hatchback and shooting brake and, in time, a planned family of electric vehicles.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Whatever your choice, What Car?’s testers rate the cars highly; Porsche has an unusually high percentage of five and four-star cars.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Without exception, its sports cars are class leaders or among the class leaders, standing out for combining driving thrills with surprising luxury and comfort. Likewise, its SUVs are among the sharpest handling, as well as offering high levels of practicality and quality. Meanwhile, the Panamera is a true rival to the very best large executive saloons.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Porsche also sees itself as an electric car pioneer and has already enjoyed sales success with its plug-in hybrid range. Its first all-electric sports car is imminent, signalling the firm’s intent to stay relevant for many years to come.</p>


PORSCHE

BOXSTER

<p dir="ltr">Wait, what's this? Surely this isn't the latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/boxster/sports/review/n27">718 Boxster</a>&nbsp;but the one before? You're right, but in many ways, we prefer this older car, thanks to it coming with the delightful flat-six engine rather than the later car's four-cylinder unit. It feels light, agile and quick on its feet, not to mention its 3.4-litre engine produces a healthy 311bhp (in S guise) and is great fun. That being said, even standard cars with the 261bhp 2.7-litre engine are a joy to drive.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>We found:&nbsp;</strong>2016 Porsche Boxster 2.7, 48,000&nbsp;miles, £24,000</p>


4: Porsche Boxster

<h3><strong>Strengths</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Brilliant handling</li>
	<li>Surprisingly comfortable ride</li>
	<li>Classy interior</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Not as well equipped as some</li>
	<li>Relatively expensive to buy and own</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV are all common - yet upmarket - sights on UK roads.</p>

<p dir="ltr">At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.</p>


AUDI

<p dir="ltr">A high purchase price (thanks to its strong residuals) is the only reason the&nbsp;Audi A3 Cabriolet didn’t finish higher up our list. It’s a cracking all-rounder, with the same sublime balance between ride and handling as any hard-top A3. The 1.4-litre TFSI is our favourite because it blends excellent performance with impressive economy. You get a gorgeous interior, an impressively big boot for a car of this type, and enough room in the back for two adults. Used prices start from around £7000.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>We found:&nbsp;</strong>2017&nbsp;Audi A3 Cabriolet 1.4 TFSI Sport, 75,000&nbsp;miles, £12,000</p>


3: Audi A3 Cabriolet

<h3><strong>Strengths</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Beautifully finished interior</li>
	<li>Ride and handling balance</li>
	<li>Well equipped</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Sport and S Line are more refined than SE cars</li>
	<li>Poor rear room</li>
	<li>Optional automatic is jerky</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">You might be surprised to find out how cheap the third-generation&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/tt/coupe/review/n12">Audi TT</a>&nbsp;is these days, with prices from £10,000. In fact, considering how good it is to drive, we’d say it’s something of a bargain. The TT gives you agile handling, quick, direct steering&nbsp;and, on higher-spec models, the grip and traction of four-wheel drive. True, you’ll have to make do with two seats, but if that’s all you need&nbsp;and you want a premium feel, the TT is about the best there is.</p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>We found:&nbsp;</strong>2017<strong>&nbsp;</strong>Audi TT Roadster 2.0 TFSI Sport, 39,000&nbsp;miles, £12,500</p>


2: Audi TT Roadster

<h3><strong>Strengths</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Fabulous interior</li>
	<li>Crisp handling</li>
	<li>Efficient engines</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Stingy equipment</li>
	<li>Some wind noise at speed</li>
	<li>Not the cheapest convertible</li>
</ul>


<p dir="ltr">Mazda can be summed up in a single word: bold. Not only do its cars generally look like nothing else on the market, but it’s also invested heavily in innovative engine technology.</p>

<p dir="ltr">So, while many car makers have moved to smaller turbocharged engines, Mazda instead offers larger motors that are still efficient. For example, the entry-level petrol option in the Mazda 3 is a 2.0-litre unit –&nbsp;far larger than what you’ll find in most rivals – but it remains very clean.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Highlights of Mazda’s line-up include the MX-5 sports car, which has won our Convertible of the Year Award multiple times, and the CX-5 large SUV, which was named as our inaugural best car for dog owners.</p>


MAZDA

MX-5

<p dir="ltr">If you can live with only two seats, there's little to dislike about the latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mazda/mx-5/sports/review/n17349">Mazda MX-5</a>.&nbsp;It's great fun to drive, but cheap to buy and run, and very reliable. The&nbsp;compact dimensions make it great around town&nbsp;– it never feels out of its depth on a motorway either – and the soft suspension gives it a brilliant ride. You’ll have a dependable and fun little sports car – one that makes for&nbsp;the best used convertible in the biz. Prices start at just £10,000.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr"><strong>We found:&nbsp;</strong>2019&nbsp;Mazda MX-5 1.5 SE-L, 30,000&nbsp;miles, £13,000</p>


1: Mazda MX-5

<h3><strong>Strengths</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Outstanding ride and handling balance</li>
	<li>Performance suited to UK roads</li>
	<li>Low running costs</li>
</ul>

<h3><strong>Weaknesses</strong></h3>

<ul>
	<li>Wind noise at speed</li>
	<li>Limited storage</li>
	<li>Driving position lacks adjustment</li>
</ul>


<p>What we're looking for:</p><ul><li>Wind-in-the-hair excitement</li> <li>Roof that’s quick and easy to raise and lower</li> <li>Comfortable seating for four adults</li> <li>Sufficient practicality for everyday use</li> <li>Little wind buffeting</li> <li>Quietness, whether the roof is up or down</li> <li>Minimal shaking and shimmying over bumps</li></ul>

<p dir="ltr">Despite the British weather, UK car buyers are among the biggest enthusiasts for wind-in-your-hair motoring, so convertibles have always been surprisingly popular here. It’s best to be able to react to the fickle climate, though, so a roof that opens (and closes) quickly is every bit as important as good top-down cruising refinement.</p>

<p dir="ltr">There are precious few bespoke drop-tops these days, so your choice of models is generally limited to soft-top versions of existing models. But there are still some fantastic options out there.</p>

Convertible

Summer is here, so if you fancy making the most of those unpredictable rays you'll want a used convertible. Here's a list of our top 10 favourites

NEW REVIEWS:

Best used convertibles

Summer is here, so if you fancy making the most of those unpredictable rays you'll want a used convertible. Here's a list of our top 10 favourites...

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