What convertible would you recommend on a budget of 15k?
Posted by Significant_Shape_75@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 60 comments
Really love driving convertibles, not rich though. Was looking into used Mustangs because I would want a 4 seater for practical purposes. Can stretch budget to 20k, but 15k would be ideal. Decent MPG/running costs as well.
Busy-Organization942@reddit
For some reason, the Toyota Solara neve caught on, so they can be had for cheap, with low miles, since many are/were weekend or second cars. I see them well below 8 k all the time.
https://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/d/mesa-2008-toyota-solara-convertible/7928034460.html
MisachuHawke@reddit
Late 90's early 2000's VW Beetle
Daqgibby@reddit
CLK 55 AMG; not the best mileage, but plenty fast, reliable, and practical. Can be had in your price range with a little digging. Now, don’t buy the one I want…
oldchoice87@reddit
Also check out the later model year CLK 550s No AMG tax, and they actually have slightly more hp.
Daqgibby@reddit
Good to know, thanks
english_mike69@reddit
Miata is the answer in this price point.
If you like to loon around country roads with the top down, they’re not really powerful enough to get you in major trouble but the suspension and lack of weigh make for a fun time.
In town they’re also easy to park.
Seaworthypear@reddit
No it's not
Plus he said 4 seats
loweexclamationpoint@reddit
We just went down this road in February. Requirements were enough space for 2 people plus a couple small bags plus 2 sets golf clubs, or 2 large bags. More emphasis on comfort than hot rodding - if you've ever driven 8 hrs with top down you know what I mean.
A slightly beat up 2018-20 Mustang 4cyl would be in your range, as would a fairly decent recent Buick Cascada. Also BMW 3 but those are smaller, plus don't have rear cam which was on our want list.
In the end we decided to spend a bit more for an Audi A5. We looked at BMW 4 series, MB 330, & Audi S5. The A5 was the best driving car of all these, plus had the most comfortable seats. No need for the extra power of S5, plus the Audi Stronic transmission is really fun and the driving modes really make it feel like 2 different cars.
Runner up was the MB for its better wind control features plus more powered gadgets like memory adjust steering wheel. But it drove a lot heavier.
On a tighter budget we would have taken the Mustang. Plus easier to get serviced in smaller towns.
brabson1@reddit
Go feast your eyes on the tragedy that is a convertible Nissan Murano
BRICH999@reddit
For what reason do you want a convertible? Unless otherwise disqualified, the answer is and will always be miata.
TealSapphire@reddit
What a ridiculous question
BRICH999@reddit
Not really, if OP said they needed a car to commute in and also bring their toddlers to daycare in, the answer would not be miata. But since op said they want something fun to drive, the answer is miata
TealSapphire@reddit
You could have just asked: are you putting kids/child in it?
BRICH999@reddit
that is not the only qualifying question and i thought it would be easier to ask one question then 17 questions about the OP's height and weight, ability to get in and out of small cars, if they are prioritizing storage and passenger space, 0-60 times, if they plan on tracking it, their opinion on driving a manual etc.
since OP was very vague in what they want, I asked one question that should determine their primary use of the vehicle. sorry for that, i didnt mean to offend you
Significant_Shape_75@reddit (OP)
Not a car guy really, but I just really love driving them. Makes me happy.
eldredo_M@reddit
I’ve always thought that the Volvo C70 was an attractive car. Don’t know much about it beyond that. Should be able to find one within your budget.
Tacenda20@reddit
Because nobody said it... you could get an Audi A3, A4, A5 convertible. You would be looking at used for that. It's an Audi so repair costs will be higher though
Impressive_Edge6191@reddit
Maybe I got lucky? I have a 2016 a3 cabriolet and it’s been trouble free. It’s right around 100k 2.0 TFSI quattro, all I’ve had to do is the general maintenance and wear items like any other car (and not much different on cost compared to a domestic vehicle) - it’s a pretty simple car really. I’ve had no mechanical or infotainment issues, no soft top issues etc. But backseat room is a bit of a joke (I installed the windscreen rather than bothering with ever trying to fit a person back there) it is all in all a fun little car to drive.
Jason_Passion@reddit
The latest V6 Camaro is quite nice.
Icy-Reindeer-89@reddit
3 or 4 450sl Mercedes
Crafty-Blood3145@reddit
Jaguar ftype, Nissan 350z or 370z, bmw z4. Just get it checked out by mechanic before you buy.
surmatt@reddit
NC Miata.
shadracko@reddit
Why do you need a 4-seater? Miata can do a lot. Unless you have 2 or more kids at home...
Wokeymcwokerson@reddit
E36 or a jeep wrangler/ k5 blazer older bronco where the top comes off. All cheap if you can work on them.
Spyderbeast@reddit
I suggest this because I had one
Lexus SC430
They stopped making them in 2010, so you're not getting anything new
But they're solid. I had a 2002 from 2018-2024, took it from about 160k miles to 185k miles over that time
A lot are lower mileage, weekend cruisers, garage princesses
At around 15k, if you have any in your area, you might enjoy
IOI-65536@reddit
Honestly I think with given all qualifications he's left with Lexus SC430 and Toyota Solara (which are basically different trim sets of the same car). Both of which are going to be really old, but yeah, even at 10k you should be able to find something well under 100k miles.
Spyderbeast@reddit
Ehhh... not quite the same, but I wouldn't dis a Solara either.
(I have a little automotive fetish about hardtop convertibles, aside from that, the Solara wasn't as powerful)
zinten789@reddit
w212 Mercedes E350 cabrio in the best shape you can find
hotpenguinlust@reddit
If you have some size to you, Late 2000 Toyota Solara. Basically a Camry.
If you're smaller, a Miata is the best.
JustAnotherFNC@reddit
I'd go with a 90s SL500s, 00s Z3s, or the cleanest NA Miata ever.
I'm stupid though, so avoid those.
REITlol@reddit
Mustang, Camaro, BMW 3 series. All used.
Explorer335@reddit
E46 bimmer is fantastic. The e89 or e93 folding hardtop bullshit is horrific to repair.
rolph4@reddit
Get an old CLK and use the rest of the budget for all repairs over the next few years.
gjk14@reddit
Love our 2011 Chrysler 200S, never a problem.V-6vroom.
ajm91730@reddit
15k buys a decent mustang, especially if you're ok without a V8. Small backseat (though none of these are huge), but the obvious and probably best choice.
Mercedes clk500 with the m113 are supposed to be reliable if the top is good. Definitely within purchase price range. Can be expensive to run depending on who works on it
Mayyyyybe a couple BMWs in range, particularly the na 6 cylinders.
Infiniti G35/7 if you can get past the stereotypes.
Camaro if you're a 5'2" Sasquatch with a distorted sense of attractiveness and quality.
I don't know much about minis, but they're worth looking into.
schelle-racer@reddit
Miata hard top; or boxster. Get it out of your system with an inexpensive car because eventually the downsides will catch up and you will be done with convertible chapter of life.
SevroAuShitTalker@reddit
A sawzal and whatever car you can find for 14k
MulberryMonk@reddit
C5 or C6, vert or coupe both have drop tops
DMCinDet@reddit
mustang is not a 4 seater. unless 2 of you dont have legs.
Significant_Shape_75@reddit (OP)
lol I meant ‘but’ not ‘because’. Corrected the post thanks!
Careful_Wonder_574@reddit
Lexus IS 250, BMW 3 series, BMW 6 series, Mercedes E class, Mini, Audi A4, Audi A3, Audi A5, all these came with 4 seater convertibles Lexus will be low cost of living everything else will be expensive to maintain, that might be a factor, I think E class and 6 series probably has the most room and mini well as the name suggests, Good luck
bacon_in_beard@reddit
good list. could add infinity 37 also
Careful_Wonder_574@reddit
Well there is Camaro and beetle too but not for the guy who is considering a Mustang lol
gmehodler42069741LFG@reddit
Toyota solara
CauliflowerTop2464@reddit
Older Sebring. Lexus or Toyota. Mercedes CLK or E series. Non of the newer SL’s. Mustangs are a good option, though probably stick to before 2015.
I would stay away from the murano.
shrimp_blowdryer@reddit
Fiat spyder
Beard_Hero@reddit
Sebring. So that it only checks the 4 seat convertible box. Not reliable. Not great on gas. Not cool.
Fluffysharkdatazz@reddit
Mercedes slk from mid 2000s
FinStop@reddit
E350 Convertible 2014-17
pbrown6@reddit
An old Toyota Solara, in cash.
af_cheddarhead@reddit
If you are looking for a boulevard cruiser the Buick Cascada is a decent used choice.
IntheOlympicMTs@reddit
Early 90s Dodge Dakota.
Hersbird@reddit
Or late 80s. 89-91 only.
Hersbird@reddit
There was pretty clean 2002 SL500 last fall here for $4500 at the Hyundai dealership. I still kick myself for not scooping it up. That was Mercedes' flagship in 2002 and before they started cutting corners.
lazarinewyvren@reddit
How has no one said toyota Avalon? Convertible. Check. 4 seats. Check. Decent mpg. Check. Comfy af. Check.
bacon_in_beard@reddit
do you mean the camry solara?
lazarinewyvren@reddit
I sure do
R1tonka@reddit
R52 mini convertible. Find one well minded with a manual transmission. Find a mechanic to work on it. Budget for the stuff you hate. Do the stuff you love yourself.
But hot damn, I have owned Porsches, bmws, Mercedes, and more.
The r53 in my garage is the cheapest miles for smiles ever.
N1njagoph3r2@reddit
Nissan Murano.
But really 4 seat convertible your options are mustang,camaro or a beamer
bacon_in_beard@reddit
maybe not everyone’s favorite but you can pick up a lexus is250c with 100k miles on it for sub 15k. car will last forever with minimal repair and maintenance. i have one and i love it. rear while drive with a (weak)v6 but super smooth transmission and steering.