Pros & Cons of Buying a Used Convertible

William Byrd
Jul 1, 2021

Owning a convertible may not be for everyone. However, if you are up for open-air motoring, we’re here to help. Plus, we share our five picks for the best ones to buy.

2019 Mustang GT California Special

An automobile can literally just be a conveyance, an appliance, something meant purely for getting from point A to point B. However, owning the right vehicle can change everything. After all, owning a convertible is a rite of passage for anyone who truly enjoys driving.

We truly believe in this adage, but we won’t say that it’s all roses and sunshine. There are some drawbacks to convertible ownership. So, let’s delve into the realities of convertible ownership to help you decide if it’s right for you.

2017 BMW 2 Series - Photo by BMW

Convertibles Have Gotten Even Better Over Time

The history of the convertible is as old as the history of the automobile itself. If you look back on the very first cars, virtually none of them had a top. Of course, none of them really had doors either.

However, as engines became more powerful, it became more important to protect the driver and passengers with some sort of structure.

Early models were fitted with basic folding structures, manually raised or lowered to protect the occupants. It wasn’t until 1939 that Plymouth introduced the first mechanically operated convertible roof.

Today, there are a mix of convertibles on the market, some still using simple manual-folding tops. Others use power-folding cloth tops or more complicated folding hardtops.

There are a lot of questions about convertibles that many readers likely have at the ready. Is a convertible safe? Do convertibles get stolen more often? Is the extra expense of a convertible worth it? Here, we will delve into some of the most common questions and then run through our list of the best convertibles on the used market. Let’s get to it.

2019 Jeep Wrangler - Photo by Jeep

 Is Driving a Convertible Right for You?

Remember reading the latest car magazines as a kid? Road & Track, Car and Driver, Motor Trend, we read them all religiously. When the latest sports car came out, it was testing time. In almost every issue, the convertible version of any car was less rigid, not quite as quick, and that made sense right?

Cutting the top off of a car can certainly affect its driving dynamics. Reports of inconsistent handling, bad weight distribution, chassis shake at speed all permeated the reviews of convertibles from the 1980s and 1990s.

Since then, however, automakers have invested billions in engineering and testing to improve the convertible-ownership experience. Open-air motoring is some of the purest things a driver can experience. It’s just you, the car, and the road. With the top down, you’re closer to the action. The sights, the sounds, the smells, they are all more prominent with the top down.

Now that new materials like carbon fiber, and enhanced production processes have made the convertible more capable, the experience is only heightened. Modern convertibles are built as convertibles from the beginning, they are no longer afterthoughts. The old process of cutting off the roof and trying to adapt a couple into a convertible is gone.

2019 Mazda MX-5/Miata - Photo by Mazda

Are Convertibles Noisy?

The latest convertibles, particularly from the 2015 to 2020 model years are packed with engineering to maximize your driving experience. Now, there may be a bit of road noise compared to the fixed-roof version, but that should be something that you can discern whether or not you are OK with during a test-drive.

Many expect a convertible to be colder in the winter and leaky during the spring and summer, but none of that is necessarily true. Modern soft tops are insulated and made of thicker material than they used to be.

Bottom line: the engineering that has gone into newer convertibles has all but eliminated the likelihood of unwanted exposure to the elements. Plus, if you able to find a good retractable hardtop, well that’s the best of both worlds.

2021 Lexus LC500 Coupe and LC500 Convertible - Photo by Lexus

Are Convertibles Safe?

Back in the day, the notion of a rollover in a convertible wasn’t a particularly attractive outcome for anyone involved. The aforementioned lack of rigidity meant that the passenger compartment of a convertible wasn’t likely to be as protected as it could be. The “cut off the roof and hope” era meant that driving a convertible wasn’t quite as safe as it is today.

Modern convertibles have integrated roll bars–some that can pop up when the vehicle senses a rollover–as well as fortified windscreens and other safety features. A recent study from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety determined that actual crash statistics show no added risk for convertibles.

They noted that “manufacturers have voluntarily strengthened the A-pillars on each side of the windshield and installed roll bars to provide additional protection in rollover crashes,” which has contributed to the overall safety of convertibles. “If you’re shopping for a convertible, you should consider crash-test ratings and safety features, just as you would if you were shopping for any other car,” noted the report.

2019 BMW M850i xDrive - Photo by BMW

Are Convertibles More Expensive to Insure?

One of your key concerns about buying a convertible is likely to be about the upkeep and insurance of a convertible compared to a non-convertible. Are convertibles more expensive in this realm? Sort of, yeah, but not for safety reasons. It’s mainly because these cars include additional moving parts to operate the convertible top.

For instance, a convertible may have a very complex retractable hardtop, which may give you–and any potential insurer–a little anxiety in regard to long-term reliability.

So, there is the potential to pay a bit more on insurance for your future convertible, but that is purely based on the complexity. Most insurance companies will let you test the waters via their website or mobile app and toss in the VIN number of a car you might want to buy to see just how expensive it might be.

There are some considerations from a maintenance perspective. Make sure you monitor the critical parts such as hinges, struts, and other elements that make the top function. You don’t want any post-purchase surprises to surface.

So, always get a good pre-purchase inspection done. Seats, dashboards, and other surfaces are susceptible to sun damage and cracking over time, so keep up with basic interior maintenance with protective sprays to help keep everything in good working order.

Get a comprehensive virtual overview of the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata in the video review, above, by popular auto influencer Doug DeMuro.

Fiat 500C Abarth - Photo by FCA

Do Convertibles Get Stolen More Often?

At one time, the risk of a convertible top getting sliced open was a real fear. While that’s not completely out of the realm of possibility these days, modern convertibles are built more solid than they used to be.

Nowadays, convertibles feature real glass windows instead of the easy-to-slice plastic of yesteryears, and it’s much harder to get into a convertible than it used to be.

Some convertibles will set off a factory-installed proximity alarm if you reach into it while it is locked with the top down. Common sense practices like not leaving attractive electronics or other goods visible is important whether you own a convertible or not. That not only keeps your stuff safe, it reduces the likelihood of the whole car getting stolen.

2018 Ford Mustang - Photo by Ford

Can I Afford a Convertible?

Are convertibles expensive? Definitely. Nationwide insurance estimates that the average convertible costs $5,000 to $9,000 more than a comparable hardtop version. A quick survey of convertible prices versus the coupe version seems to validate that there is definitely a mid-to-high four-digit difference in price.

However, there are some vehicles like the Mazda Miata and Jeep Wrangler that are only sold in convertible format. So, there are some very affordable ways to get into top-down motoring. Which gets us to our big finale: What are the best convertibles on the used market?

Top 5 Convertibles

Top 5 Best Used Convertibles

It’s important to look at the variations and segments of convertibles available on the used-car market, because there aren’t quite as many as there used to be.

If you find yourself browsing our best convertibles section and you can’t quite afford the highest-rated convertible, the 2018 Aston Martin Vanquish, fear not, there are lots of options. Let’s break it down by segment.

2021 Porsche Boxster - Photo by Porsche

Best Luxury Convertible

The luxury market is full of great convertible options. While we’re tempted to proclaim that the 2016 BMW M4 is without a doubt the best convertible available, there are a ton of great candidates in this segment.

The Audi TT is a solid choice, as is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. And it’s hard to ignore Porsche engineering.

As good as the perennial sports-car favorite Porsche 911 is, the better option is the smaller, lighter, and cheaper Porsche Boxster. For the money, it’s hard to find a more fun-to-drive convertible.

2011 Mazda MX-5/Miata - Photo by Mazda

Best Budget Convertible

On the opposite end of the luxury-convertible spectrum is the best budget convertible. There really aren’t many options on this list. The Fiat 500 Abarth Cabrio is an incredibly-fun option, with a cool retractable top and Italian style.

But, there is an even better option for car shoppers looking for a budget convertible, and it may be the best ever: the Mazda Miata. Mazda ended up making an amazing tribute to the classic British roadster, but with Japanese engineering and reliability. And, there is even an Italian roadster out there that is sort of the average of the Miata and the 500: the Fiat 124 Spider.

2017 Ford Mustang - Photo by Ford

Best Muscle Car Convertible

The top-down Route 66 road trip is about as American as it gets. So, what better to experience it than a tried-and-true American muscle car? Candidly, there aren’t many options on this list. The pure “pony” or “muscle car” class only includes a few cars.

The Chevrolet Camaro is a great option, but every best-convertible list has to include the Ford Mustang., which recently landed at the top of our “Best Ford Cars” list against some strong competition. Available with a variety of engines and trim levels, the Mustang is a fantastic choice if you are looking for that traditional convertible road trip.

2020 Ferrari 488 Pista Spider

Best Money-is-no-object Convertible

Let’s pretend that we can buy literally any convertible on the market, a scenario where no MSRP is too high. If that’s the case, it’s hard to ignore the amazing 2020 Ferrari 488 Pista Spider. With a sticker price higher than the average price of a house in the United States, the Pista Spider isn’t for the faint of wallet.

It’s a fun exercise to imagine that your post-lottery winnings land you at the closest Ferrari dealer, and this topless 711 horsepower Italian is now in your driveway. Check it out in action in YouTube auto influencer Shmee‘s test-drive through Italy, above.

2020 Jeep Wrangler - Photo by Jeep

Best Off-road Convertible

OK, back to reality. Our recommendation for the best-ever off-road convertible is the Jeep Wrangler. A few great preowned options include a 2012 JK Unlimited, a 2017 JK Unlimited, and a JL two-door.

The Jeep is a fantastic vehicle, and aside from actually being aerodynamic, it does literally everything else well too. It is perhaps the most versatile convertible on the market. Where else can you literally take off the top, the windows, the doors, and the windscreen? Now, that’s open-air motoring.

Thinking about picking up a used Jeep as your next ride? Check out what Doug DeMuro has to say about the 2018 Jeep Wrangler, above, and why it’s even better than previous editions.

Dropping the top is an event. It’s an experience. It’s something that you owe yourself to at least try. So, go take a test-drive to see if a convertible might be right for you.

Naturally, you’ll need to be OK with a two-door vehicle, unless you’re up for a Wrangler Unlimited — and if you are, it’s incredibly rewarding. The old concerns about theft, leaks, and cold driving experiences are greatly exaggerated, at least for modern convertibles. Top-down driving is closer than you think.

Editor’s note: Check out this article’s author Will Byrd‘s awesome original video review, above, of Will’s “amazing experience” driving a topless Lotus Elise from San Jose to Monterey, California, and back.

Photos: Ford; Mazda; BMW; Stellantis; Ferrari

Frequently Asked Questions

Apr 7, 2022

Why shouldn't you buy a convertible?

Convertibles can be fun vehicles, it can be nice to feel the wind through your hair while driving, but there are also some issues with them. There are a few reasons why getting a convertible may not be the best choice for you. One of the big reasons is you lose a significant amount of room in the vehicles when you go with a convertible. The convertible top has to store in the trunk so you lose backseat room, as well as cargo volume in the trunk.

Another reason that a convertible may not be the best option is that they typically handle worse than a coupe. Convertibles have less structural rigidity than a coupe, leading to them having more body roll and poorer handling feel. This can be a negative if you are looking at a high-performance car.

Convertibles also are usually more expensive to maintain because they have more components in them. The roof assemblies have been known to be problematic across many different brands, and if they fail that is just another part that will have to be repaired or replaced.

What is the most reliable used convertible?

There are a few brands that are known to make some reliable convertible options. The most reliable used convertible to take a look at would be a Mazda MX-5 Miata. These are known to be great small cars that are fun on the road, can be great track toys, and last a long time since they have a reliable Mazda engine in them.

Another good coupe to take a look at would be a used Porsche Boxster. These are a bit more expensive, but you get a good vehicle when you go with a Boxster. They are a lot of fun to drive, and you get the added prestige of having a Porsche along with the fun of a convertible.

If you want a convertible that is not as sporty as the other two options then I would recommend taking a look at a BMW 3 or 4 series convertible depending on the model year. These are much more daily drivable compared to some of the other options and have a lot of the same features you would find in the coupes and sedans.

Which is better hardtop or soft-top convertible?

Both hardtop and soft-top convertibles each have their strengths and weaknesses, and choosing between them comes down to personal preference. A hardtop convertible will generally look more like a coupe when the top is up. The panels are painted the same color as the car in most cases, and that leads to them blending in better on the road.

A hardtop convertible usually is going to have less road noise compared to a soft-top. These have panels that lock together with a lot tighter tolerances than a soft-top which can help keep wind noise out while you are driving. This can also lead to a hardtop having better weather resistance in the rain.

Soft-top convertibles are typically cheaper to fix if something does go wrong though. They are much less complex than a hardtop convertible and have fewer motors which makes them cheaper to service. Replacing a soft-top is also cheaper if something does get damaged compared to replacing a hardtop.

Each type of convertible has positives and negatives, but a hardtop convertible seems like the way to go if you want a more advanced and quiet convertible.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Ilana K on July 20, 2021
Easy to remove panels overhead and have half of a convertible (freedom panels).
It is relatively new and we have been quarantining, but I haven't had one issue yet. Very reliable, performs perfectly and it is pretty comfortable. I previously had a BMW x5 so it is not as nice of a ride, but the cool look and the amount of aftermarket details you can add make the cat super neat and fun. I would have gotten the automatic tip if I knew I wasn't going to take the hard top off much, but the freedom panels are cool. I especially like the uniqueness of the special editions (willys). I feel comfortable driving it in any weather. It would be nice if the doors unlocked with your key on your person instead of having to find the key and press the button. It is a great and cool car.
accountCircle Hailey H on July 18, 2021
Brand new 2020 white jeep wrangler.
I love my brand new white jeep wrangler. While the tires are big, the ride both on the interstate and on regular roads is very smooth and not as loud as I first believed it would be. I also have the one-touch top, which is very similar to that of a convertible, where all you have to do is press a button and the top goes backwards all the way. It is super easy for someone like me, who does not want to take the top off and put it back on over and over again. The interior has black leather seats, with a beautiful chrome red touch along the dashboard. There is a very large touch screen, with apple carplay and Bluetooth capabilities.
accountCircle Linda J on July 24, 2021
2019 ford mustang convertible.
It is very comfortable to drive and the seating contours for added comfort. It has great starting and stopping ability. The only issue is blind spots but the convertible top helps tremendously with that. Obviously the passenger capability is lacking. The legroom in the back is virtually nonexistent unless you move the front seats up a great deal. It does fit a car seat very well surprisingly. Previous years did not fit car seats properly. The trunks looks are deceiving. It looks like it is deep and would hold more than it does.
accountCircle Debbie D on July 24, 2021
2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata has little room to take items along.
It is a convertible and has an automatic retractable roof which takes about 30 sec and I don't have to do more than stay in the car and push a button, the car does everything itself. The trunk is large for the size on the vehicle, which is a plus since there is little room up front. The car handles very well especially corners. I have the option to drive it either manually (4 speed) or as an automatic. The interior remains very comfortable (warm) with the top down, even cool days or evening.
accountCircle Phil P on July 28, 2021
2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon with great mileage, and convertible to boot.
It's a go anywhere, do anything, vehicle. I drive in daily, comfortable and has all the amenities I want. Its safe, reliable, and the diesel gets great gas mileage. The performance is great with the torque of the diesel engine and the 8 speed zf sourced transmission. I opted for the top of the line head unit and it is fabulous, as well as the proximity entry. Not looking for your keys in your pocket is great when you have your hands full. I would highly recommend.
accountCircle Andrew W on July 19, 2021
2019 ford mustang - 25k fun pony.
Mustang's handling is very good in this price range, and it works pretty well as a daily commuter. Ecoboost power is well enough if you love to have some tire spins occasionally, but for more serious driving experience, probably you should consider more expensive choices. As for shortcomings, the convertible version is a little noisy on the road, the seats are ok, but not really comfortable for longer drives. But in general, very nice pony for mid-20k price range.
accountCircle Jenn B on July 11, 2021
Zippy 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport for the city and the country.
This is our first convertible, and we love driving it on country roads in the summer and fall. It is decently fuel-efficient. It is not the most practical car for us because the trunk space is very limited, especially when the top is down. (so, no stopping at estate sales on those country drives.) Also, my husband gets bad back pain after long drives because the seat is not very cushioned.
accountCircle Lara T on July 21, 2021
Pretty, powerful 2019 Ford Mustang EcoBoost that does not gas guzzler.
This car not only runs well, it is also appealing to look at. It has a good number of features, but not so many that you would never use them all. The only thing I do not like about the modern cars is that they do not come with a spare tire, but with a repair kit. The convertible top is easy to use and is very durable. The engine has a lot of power, but does not guzzle gas, either.
accountCircle Lii L on July 6, 2021
Love my 2020 Jeep Wrangler Sahara. Will buy again.
I do not have problems with the jeep. Some people might think it is noisy when drive above 60 miles/hour. But that is just what happens with cars that are convertible. I love my hard top and the fact that there is a jeep wrangler 'wave'. You kind of feel like you are a part of a community. Love the warranty. 2020 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
accountCircle Merry A on July 28, 2021
The 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport is a fantastic car all the way around.
I have owned this pre-owned vehicle for almost 4 years and it has never had any mechanical problems thus far. I have had to replace the convertible roof and that has been my biggest expense. I purchased the vehicle at 69,000 miles and am currently at 98,000. It is comfortable, good gas mileage, and all around fun to drive.
accountCircle Nicole E on July 19, 2021
Quick fast and reliable 2019 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium convertible.
It is a convertible and has a kick. The interior has all the bells and whistles. I also have the in car Wi-Fi and satellite radio. It is a fun car for living in the south. Being an ecoboost it has great gas mileage. I love the fact I can start the car with the app and can also see all my gauges on the app as well.
accountCircle Louis K on July 14, 2021
2014 Porsche Boxster has aesthetic with their sport theme.
It has what Porsche calls h6 engine. I think it's like v6. It's a coupe with great aesthetics. It has a smooth riding experience, I would say it is comfortable most of the time. Also has convertible features. The Boxster or Porsche itself has a good reputation for sport vehicle. It also grabs a lot of attention.
accountCircle Jim M on July 30, 2021
Improved 2019 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium overtakes the older model.
I traded in a 2014 for the 2019 and it is so much better. I would never go back. The mirrors have lights that monitor what's next to you and I have a backup camera and is better on gas miles and how the convertible top opens and closes it is easier to operate I would never go back.
accountCircle Tracy on July 1, 2021
2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring. Fun and exciting convertible!
Reliability is great. Seats are very comfortable, just smaller area in the car, with only 2 seats. Trunk is very small. The road noise is a little loud but it is a sports car. But it is fun to drive and has pretty good power. With the top down you can still talk to your passenger.
accountCircle Kaitlyn R on July 1, 2021
2006 Porsche Boxster. Not bad not great but it's worth it to me.
I hate that the motor in the passenger side window works on its own when it wants too. The spoiler stopped working. The sunroof (convertible top) motor went out. You have to be careful about how much oil you put in your vehicle and make sure you always use premium quality gas.
accountCircle Susan E on July 26, 2021
2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport. Great, small reliable vehicle with hard top convertible.
I love the look and performance of my car. It is reliable and easy to park because of how small it is. It is fairly comfortable, but the problem is that the trunk is very small. I cannot do shopping for very large food orders because I do not have the room to fit everything.
accountCircle Pat C on July 4, 2021
2020 jeep wrangler unlimited.
No problems yet. Very comfortable and is very fun to drive. Great gas mileage so far as well. It is very nice to be able to remove the hardtop and make it a convertible in about ten minutes total. There is also a very friendly group of owners that always wave to each other.
accountCircle Aaron H on July 4, 2021
2001 Porsche Boxster: Everyone should drive one!
Had transmission issues. Installed rebuilt and car is like new. I love it! Although it's a weekender car, I do drive it as a commuter now and then. Porsche is truly a fine crafted automobile! You can tell the first time you sit behind the wheel. This is my 4th Porsche!
accountCircle Daniel P on July 22, 2021
My thoughts on my 2007 Porsche Boxster.
Handles very well, as well as being a really good looking car. Reliable, quick, and comfortable. Visibility is very limited when trying to reverse, due to the low seating position. Convertible top functions perfectly, though I wish it had better fuel mileage.
accountCircle Leyla F on July 11, 2021
2014 Porsche Boxster white and engine got fixed.
The only real issue my vehicle has had is that it had gotten a nail in the tire, which is not necessarily a problem with the vehicle. Another issue that had happened was with the engine, we had to take it back to get repaired but it was all good in the end.
accountCircle Beth on July 14, 2021
2001 Porsche Boxster fun.
The car is sporty and fun to drive. I love the way the bucket seats feel, and they are made of quality leather. The top has an easy one clasp lock making it easy to open and close.
accountCircle Ted R on July 15, 2021
I love my 2003 Porsche Boxster would buy another.
Great performance and handling. Very stylish, mid range engine facilitates corners and narrow roads. Maintenance has been reasonable with no major issues.
accountCircle Jackson P on July 28, 2021
2004 Porsche Boxster is a good car for advanced driver.
I have a porsche boxster model 2004. It's a great car, accelerates very fast. Uses a lot of fuel. 6 liter 8 cylinder engine. I love my car.
accountCircle Derek Smith on July 22, 2021
Cheap, fun, reliable motoring. 2002 Porsche Boxster.
Once you have replaced the IMS bearing, it is a solid and exhilarating drive. Depreciation is negative! So it is cheap motoring.
accountCircle Larry Fine on November 25, 2023
The theme of the article.
Well written. I wish you taught my creative writing class in law school.
accountCircle Craig H on July 7, 2021
2011 Porsche Boxster is comfortable and fun to drive.
I like the acceleration and like the handling. Nothing I don't like.
avatar William Byrd
William Byrd has been a professional automotive journalist for over 10 years. He has produced tons of high-quality content for a host of popular auto websites, including Autotrader, Jalopnik, Vehicle History, Hooniverse, CarMax, Right Foot Down, and others.
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