According to Kelley Blue Book, the average price of a new car in America these days is around $47,400. That’s a big number and is often associated with one more bland crossover. But we have good news for those of you who want to have some fun with your ride: there are numerous amazing second-hand convertibles currently on the market that cost no more than the $50,000 average new car figure.
Why spend 50 large on a nondescript transportation appliance when you can drive a twin-turbo 12-cylinder Bentley? That’s right; depreciation is a beast, but in this case, your friend. From Bentleys and Aston Martins to hot-rod Camaros and canyon-carving Porsches, we’ve got a little something for everyone on this rundown of great used convertibles for $50,000 or less.
Our Selection Process
To identify the convertibles that fit our bill, we used average pricing from Classic.com with a $50,000 cap. From there, we whittled down the model to find the specific variants that we would say are actually worth buying. For example, the Porsche Boxster S is a better buy in our book simply because it’s more powerful and arguably more engaging behind the wheel.
There is a definite enthusiast bent here, and in cases where personal experience played a role in a convertible’s selection, it’s noted. Aside from that, efforts were made to offer a wide mix of styles from American muscle to European luxury and classic roadsters.
Mazda Miata (ND)
For maximum smiles per gallon, find yourself one of the all-time classic convertibles — the Mazda Miata. Classic.com pegs the average price tag around $27,000 for this Japanese roadster that blends a naturally aspirated inline-4 with rear-wheel drive and a sweet-shifting 6-speed manual.
If you’ve never experienced the thrills of driving this lightweight wonder, I strongly recommend you remedy that — as soon as possible.
Porsche Boxster S (981)
Another must-drive convertible is the third-gen Porsche Boxster in S guise with its mid-mounted 3.4L flat-six wailing away behind your seat. Figure on about $43,000 to get into one and then thank me when you do.
The wonderfully mechanical sound of the naturally aspirated Boxster S mill falls into the All-Time Automotive Experiences category. Slinging it through your nearest windy road with the 6-speed manual is pretty nice, too.
Porsche 911 Carrera 4 (997.2)
Perhaps you want a Porsche, but prefer the iconic 911 with its engine mounted all the way out back. Within our $50,000 budget, you can find a Carrera 4 from the second half of 997 production. That number 4 on the nameplate means all-wheel drive and widened body work to go with the 345-horse flat-6 mill.
And, unlike the Boxster, in the 911 convertible, you can technically seat two (small) folks in the back.
Chevrolet Corvette (C7)
Not digging the lines on the new mid-engined Corvette C8? Then take a look at the C7 series with its classic long hood and clipped rear-end vibe. For right around $50,000, there are C7 Corvette convertibles ready to show off the thumping naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 mounted up front.
Rated for 455 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, this is America’s Sports Car for the traditionalists.
Ford Mustang GT (6th Gen)
For well under $40,000, the previous generation Ford Mustang convertible can be yours. My recommendation would be to skip the four-cylinder EcoBoost model and head straight for the GT with its 5.0L Coyote V8 burbling under the hood. 460 horsepower is plenty of juice for this classic rear-wheel drive muscle car, and I can tell you from experience, it sounds as good as it looks.
BMW M3 (E46)
BMW has a reputation for building some of the best straight-6 power plants in the industry, and the 3.2L S54 version found in the E46 M3 convertible is one reason why. Good for 333 horsepower at 7,900 rpm, these handsome M3s were made to rev. All the more fun with the standard 6-speed manual, these iconic M3s still turn heads almost 20 years after they went out of production and will only run you about $25,000.
Mercedes-Benz E550 (A207)
Did you know the Mercedes E550 droptop arrived in 2010, packing a naturally aspirated 5.5L V8 good for 382 horsepower? And that by the end of production in 2017, it had been swapped for a 4.6L twin-turbo V8 making 402 horses? I can tell you it was news to me, and considering these luxurious droptops are averaging just about $24,000, I will also tell you I want one.
Infiniti Q60
The Infiniti Q60 convertible, with its retractable hardtop, roughly matches the Mercedes E550 on the used market these days. Though it may not have the same brand cachet as the Benz, these sleek open-air grand tourers did come with a strong naturally aspirated V6 that made 325 horsepower at a lofty 7,000 rpm.
For the enthusiasts who appreciate that piece of information, know that the Japanese automaker also made an IPL (Infiniti Performance Line) version with more power, sharper looks, and a buttoned-down chassis.
BMW M6 (F12)
If someone told me that for about $42,000, I could be driving a big four-seat convertible powered by a 4.4L twin-turbo V8 putting down 500 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque, I would jump through hoops to secure those funds. Such is the case with the F12-generation BMW M6 convertible that brings the power, ample luxury, and an available 6-speed manual.
Jaguar F-Type R (1st Gen)
The sound of a Jaguar F-Type V8 at full snarl can be a bit startling if you’re not expecting it, but in the most excellent way possible. Strapped with a supercharger and making 550 horsepower, this 5.0L mill that is found in the 1st-gen F-Type R convertible is reason enough to pony up $47,000. Standard AWD makes this underrated sports car the ideal all-season convertible, one that can hit nearly 190 mph if you dare.
Aston Martin V8 Vantage (2nd Gen)
The idea of parking an Aston Martin convertible in the driveway is enticing, what with those timeless lines and hard-to-beat winged badge. For around $42,000, you can do just that with the 2nd-gen Vantage Roadster. Offering room for just two, these gorgeous droptops came with a naturally aspirated 4.3L V8 making 380 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and are best enjoyed with the 6-speed manual.
Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG (R230)
Another convertible from the luxury segment is the Mercedes SL55 AMG from the early aughts. Of course, that AMG badge means a healthy dose of performance to go with the ritz, as in a hand-built 493-horse 5.4L supercharged V8 for early models and 510 horsepower by the end of production. Currently averaging less than $30,000 according to Classic.com, the SL55 AMG is a very compelling convertible.
Audi RS5 (1st Gen)
Audi reserves its RennSport (RS) moniker for the most potent vehicles in its lineup. So when the German automaker applied it to the 1st-generation A5 convertible, the industry took notice. Featuring a naturally aspirated V8 with 450 horsepower, standard AWD, and Audi’s well-regarded interior design, these RS5 convertibles are worth a look, especially given the roughly $36,000 price point.
Nissan 370Z
So far, the latest Nissan Z car does not offer a convertible variant. But that’s okay, the 370Z did up until 2019, and it is an excellent all-around open-air sports car. Running a 3.7L V6 free of forced induction, these previous Z cars were good for 332 horsepower, had an enthusiast-friendly rear-wheel drive configuration, and featured distinctive lines all for around $24,000 today.
Audi TT (Mk3)
Audi’s small TT in roadster form has been on sale for three generations, and for about $42,000, you can get into the most recent version, which began production in 2015. This is the convertible for those who value understated but elegant style and strong, but not crazy, performance.
Over the years, there have been hotrod TTS and RS versions, but the standard Mk3 TT and its 2.0L turbocharged inline-4, making 228 horsepower, is just right.
Chevrolet Camaro SS (6th Gen)
If, on the other hand, speed and power are your thing, I give you the 6th-gen Chevy Camaro SS convertible. No longer in production, the Camaro pulls hard on the American muscle nostalgic heart strings. Fortunately, for about $46,000, you can get into one with a big naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 churning out 455 horsepower and 455 lb-ft of torque.
Fiat 124 Spider Abarth
The Fiat 124 Spider may be based on the period Mazda Miata, but it does have distinctive bodywork, and in Abarth trim, it pays tribute to the Italian automaker’s racing roots. The scorpion badges are a giveaway, and it’s worth noting that the 124 Spider swaps Mazda’s engine for a Fiat-made turbocharged inline-4 good for 164 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque.
Figure on $25,000 to $30,000 for one of these Italian roadsters in Abarth guise.
Alfa Romeo 4C Spider
Speaking of Italian convertibles, get a load of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider. It’s hard to believe that the 4C Spider’s exotic good looks can be had for only about $50,000, particularly given its truly wild carbon fiber chassis.
Be aware that price points are skewed by the six-figure Stradale Tributo variant, but a “regular” Alfa 4C Spider is a relative bargain for anyone interested in driving one of the few remaining featherweight sports cars.
Mini Cooper John Cooper Works (3rd Gen)
If you’re unfamiliar, the JCW (John Cooper Works) badge on modern Mini Coopers indicates more power and performance. In the case of the 3rd-gen JCW Cooper Convertible, that means 228 horsepower, a stiffer suspension, and all the British-themed touches you can handle. Running below $30,000 on average, these quirky Minis are packed with personality.
Bentley Continental GTC (1st Gen)
When a Mini Cooper is too cute and a Chevy Camaro is too brute, I give you the 1st-gen Bentley Continental GTC. This ultra-luxury liner comes standard with a 6.0L twin-turbo W (not V) 12, cranking out 552 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. The Bentley badge confers a certain status all by itself, which it should, considering these classic British cruisers cost some $200,000 when new.
Although Classic.com shows an average price today of about $55,000, dig through the data a bit and you’ll find plenty closer to 50. Very cool.
Skip The New Car For A Fun Used Convertible
$50,000 is a lot of money, and if you’re going to spend that sum on a new vehicle, why go the brand-new route? I mean, aside from warranties and the hope that a new car will run trouble-free, that is. I
If you decide instead to find an interesting new-to-you convertible for the same outlay or less, I concede there is a good chance of more repair bills. However, with this many excellent options to choose from (an Aston Martin?!), it’s at least worth considering how much more fun you’d have behind the wheel of one.