Best second-hand convertible cars 2022
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Convertible cars are incredibly popular in the UK. It’s probably because we’re keen to make the most of what little sunshine we get. Driving a car with the sun on your face and the wind in your hair is one of life’s greatest pleasures.
Convertibles come in all shapes and sizes, from chic city cars to luxury limousines. They tend to be more expensive than their tin-top equivalents, which is why it makes sense to choose a second-hand convertible car. You can buy one for as little as £500, if you’re prepared to put up with a few leaks.
We wouldn’t recommend that, however, which is why you should splash the cash on something more desirable. Whether you’re after a drop-top for a duo or a four-seater for the family, these are some of the best second-hand convertible cars you can buy. All you need to do is pray to the weather gods.
We’ve limited our selection to cars registered after 2010 and with no more than 100,000 miles on the clock.
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Audi A3 Cabriolet
Available to buy new from 2014 until 2020, the Audi A3 Cabriolet is one of the most desirable second-hand convertible cars you can buy. It features an electric folding roof that can be lowered or raised at speeds of up to 31mph. A range of punchy and economical petrol and diesel engines are available, with some models boasting the all-weather reassurance of four-wheel drive. You get a generous level of equipment, even on the entry-level SE trim, with a high quality feel throughout. You can opt for S line trim for a slightly sportier ride, but the A3 Cabriolet works best as a comfortable cruiser.
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MINI Convertible
The first modern MINI Convertible debuted in 2004, with the current third-generation model arriving in 2016. All versions are great to drive, regardless of the engine, but the current model offers the best blend of quality and practicality. There’s enough room for four adults, at a push, but you might prefer to use the rear seats for extra luggage space. The roof can be operated at speeds of up to 19mph, so you don’t have to stop at the first sign of rain. With the roof up, it’s as fun to drive as the standard hatchback, which is high praise for a convertible.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet
Of the three drop-top Mercedes-Benz models based on a saloon, the E-Class Cabriolet is arguably the best. It feels as luxurious and comfortable as the significantly more expensive S-Class Cabriolet, yet is no more demanding to drive than the smaller C-Class Cabriolet. There’s enough room for four adults to sit in comfort, along with a boot offering class-leading luggage space. Because the E-Class Cabriolet has been configured for comfort, it makes sense to opt for one of the frugal diesel engines. This way you can use the money you save on fuel for a fantastic holiday in the sun. Taking the car, of course.
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BMW 2 Series Convertible
The BMW 2 Series Convertible arrived in 2015 as a replacement for the 1 Series Convertible. Longer and wider than its predecessor, the 2 Series feels noticeably bigger, so there’s more room in the back and the boot. It remains a small car, though – the 4 Series Convertible is better for families – but the drop-top 2 Series is fantastic to drive, especially if you opt for the M235i. Power for this model is sourced from a 3.0-litre straight-six engine, which makes it ideal for keen drivers. For everyone else, the 220d diesel offers the best blend of performance and economy.
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Jaguar F-Type Convertible
Early examples of the Jaguar F-Type have dropped below the £30,000 mark, so there’s never been a better time to buy this stylish sports car. In some respects, the F-Type Convertible is showing its age, but a 2020 update introduced new styling, an improved infotainment system and a new four-cylinder petrol engine. Don’t rule out a pre-facelift F-Type, because few cars deliver more theatre, especially with a V8 engine beneath the bonnet. The V6 versions are almost as sonorous and probably quick enough for most buyers, though. Get used to packing light, because the boot is very small.
Range Rover Evoque Convertible
It would be unfair to label the Range Rover Evoque Convertible a failure, but even Land Rover would be forced to accept that this experiment didn’t work. Launched in 2016, the unlikely convertible was based on one of the most desirable SUVs on the planet, but it was too expensive and a little impractical for most buyers. Still, it won enough fans for there to be a healthy supply of second-hand examples, with prices starting from around £25,000. That’s a £20k saving on the original list price. As a second-hand convertible, the Evoque becomes seriously tempting.
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Vauxhall Cascada
Cars that are overlooked tend to make excellent second-hand buys, which is why we’re recommending the Vauxhall Cascada. It might sound like the name of a German dance music act, but hear us out before you evacuate the dancefloor. Prices start from £5,000, so it represents excellent value for money, undercutting its premium rivals by a significant margin. There’s space for four adults, a big boot and a roof that takes just 17 seconds to lower at speeds of up to 30mph. It’s a little dated in places, but no more so than that song you danced to at an Ayia Napa nightclub.
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Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet
On a purely rational basis, buying a Volkswagen Golf hatchback makes more sense than splashing out on a Beetle Cabriolet. Yeah, but rational thinking goes out of the window when you’re buying a convertible – it’s all about letting your hair down and living the good life. The Beetle Cabriolet looks fantastic, so you’re guaranteed to turn heads, and all engines deliver a great blend of performance and economy. It’s also bigger on the inside than the MINI Convertible, so your rear-seat passengers will thank you for the extra legroom. The lowered roof doesn’t even eat away at the boot space, so you’re free to take extra luggage.
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Porsche 718 Boxster
You can buy a second-hand Porsche 718 Boxster for the price of a mid-range Nissan Qashqai. Granted, this isn’t necessarily something you’ll want to drop into conversation when you're discussing the next family car with your significant other, but it proves that owning a sports car needn’t be too expensive. Even the entry-level four-cylinder versions feel special to drive and they should be cheaper to run than the six-cylinder models. The roof can be lowered in just nine seconds at speeds of up to 30mph, so you needn’t panic when the clouds start to gather. Still want that Qashqai?
- Read our full Porsche Boxster review
Ford Mustang Convertible
Mustang fans rejoiced when Ford launched the first right-hand-drive model in the UK. That was seven years ago, which means there are now plenty of second-hand Mustang Convertibles to choose from, with prices starting from around £25,000. For that price, it’s likely to be powered by a 2.3-litre EcoBoost petrol engine, which promises decent fuel economy and just enough performance. Better still, opt for the fabulous 5.0-litre V8 and live the all-American dream. In terms of theatre and the ability to outshine a supercar, few cars can rival a Ford Mustang. It’s a big car with a big personality.
What are the cheapest second-hand convertible cars in the UK?
The second-hand market is littered with cheap convertible cars, with prices starting from around £500. For this price, you’re probably looking at something French, possibly a Renault Megane Cabriolet or Peugeot 307 CC. Up the budget to £1,000 and the list will include the likes of the Vauxhall Astra, Saab 9-3 and Volkswagen Beetle. Doubling your budget to £2,000 will grant access to sports cars like the BMW Z3, Mercedes-Benz SLK and MG F.
What should I look for when buying a second-hand convertible?
The roof is the first thing to look at. If it’s electric, does it operate correctly? Make sure you open and close it a few times before parting with any cash. It might be difficult to check for leaks, so look for tell-tale signs such as water in the footwells, a musty smell in the cabin or stains on the seats. Plastic rear screens have a limited lifespan, so budget for a replacement if you see evidence of deterioration.
What’s the best second-hand convertible car in the world?
Money no object, the Rolls-Royce Dawn is probably the best convertible car in the world. Each Dawn is finished to the original owner’s specification, which might be a problem when you’re buying a second-hand example. Still, we think you’ll cope. Elsewhere, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Cabriolet is an exquisite convertible, while the Bentley Continental GT Convertible is a happy marriage of sharp dynamics and supreme comfort. In the real world, the E-Class Cabriolet is the best second-hand convertible for all seasons and all reasons.
