vLane Blog

Best Convertibles Under $30,000

From Brian Sy, Featured Contributor
Posted on May 8, 2008

Five droptops for having fun in the sun.

The rain is subsiding, the days are warming, and the skies have again turned blue. Yes, it sure makes for some mighty beautiful scenery when looking out your car window. But hey, when you've got paradise around you, why not let it in from all sides?

Why not indeed. What you need is a convertible -- preferably one that's drives nicely, makes a showcase of your pretty face, and doesn't cost a fortune. You're in luck. This season's crop of droptops is better than ever, with shapes, sizes, nationalities, and personalities to suit everyone's tastes. There are now 13 models starting under 30 grand to choose from; we've singled out the best five.

Mazda Miata -- $21,220



1. The Miata belongs to a special division of convertible: the roadster. That means no room for backseat riders, but who needs em? Behind the wheel of a Miata, you'll be too busy enjoying its zesty engine, perfect shifter, and handling so agile that the car feels like a part of your body. Even better, the Miata is comfortable enough to not beat you up, and opening/closing its roof takes all of five seconds -- if you're slow. Throw in the lowest price in the group, and what's not to like?

Mini Cooper -- $22,600



2. The Miata may be the paragon of driving fun, but Mini makes amends by being the most fun to be seen in. Even a half-dozen years after its arrival, can you honestly name one automotive shape with more style or presence? You cannot. Besides, the Mini is pretty enjoyable in its own right. Its smallest-of-all size makes it feel eminently tossable, and its high-class engineering evokes feelings of pricier cars. And check this out: its power cloth top contains its own sunroof.

3. Volkswagen New Beetle -- $23,890

   

   The New Beetle may not be so new anymore, but lots of people still think it's the cutest, most smile-inducing car on Earth, and dropping the top only makes it more so. It's not bad to drive, either. A 150-horsepower 5-cylinder engine gives it decent pep, and while it's not sporty, it drives with the decent-handling, pleasant-riding nature of the regular Beetle. Finally, the price makes it far more accessible than VW's newer convertible, the Eos.

4. Ford Mustang -- $25,270

   

   If you like your top-down fun and frivolity served up with a dose of testosterone, the Mustang's your only choice. Compared to the cars above, the Stang is bigger, chunkier-looking, rear-wheel-drive, and carries two big engines, one of which (the V8) makes a gratifying, bass-heavy roar. It's also got the power to burn rubber in any of those other convertibles' faces, and there's even a decent pair of seats in back. It's a lot of attitude and ability for not a lot of money.

5. Toyota Solara -- $27,850

   

   Think of the Solara as the convertible for those who want the wind-in-the-hair experience paired to the most calm, conventional car possible. The Solara traces its roots to the Camry, so it's on the big, soft side. The seats are roomy, the ride is supple, and the V6 gives swift, silent response. It's ultimately more interested in letting four adults enjoy the sun in top-down tranquility than anything else. Remember, grown-ups need convertibles, too.

Read More:

• Ditch Your Guzzler For a Compact Car?
• The 10 Most Stolen Cars in America
• 10 Worst Resale Values of 2008

Accelerate your car search! Use the vFinder to find the ride that fits your life.

Brian Sy is a featured contributor for vLane.