While new convertibles are expensive you’ll be amazed by the bargain price of a used one, we have 5 drop-tops that could be yours for around €12,000 writes Suzanne Keane
Fiat 500c (2010)
The Fiat 500C (2010) is the ultimate city convertible. The simple roof design doesn’t take away from the design of the car and as the fabric hood just retracts it doesn’t interfere with boot space (an impressive 182 litres in such a small car) and it can be operated at speeds less than 60kmph. The convertible handles just like the hatchback version and remains agile and nippy around town. The 1.2L Petrol engine costs just €200/year to tax and will give you 55mpg although the 69bhp can just about manage 0-100kmph in under 13 seconds. There were so many options for customisation with the 500C when new, both exterior and interior, it’s doubtful that you’ll meet anyone else with the exact same car!
Fiat 500C Convertible
MINI Cooper S Convertible (2008)
The very definition of fun the MINI Convertible is well worth a look. Slightly larger than the Fiat it will cost €514 per year to tax and the ‘S’ version comes with a 167bhp 1.6L supercharged engine. It goes from 0-100kmph in just over 7 seconds while giving you 34mpg. On the road it still feels like a hot hatch and despite being a convertible it drives just like the normal Mini. Inside the interior is almost as funky as the Fiat 500 but space in the back is very limited , the boot is minuscule and holds just 120 litres although the rear seats do split and fold down to make more space. There is no shortage of MINI Convertibles on the market so be sure to look at a few of these before deciding – like the Fiat there were so many options for personalisation available when new that you need to make sure you’re getting what you actually want!
Mazda MX-5 (2007)
One of the best roadsters every built the rear wheel drive Mazda MX-5 redefined the convertible game when it arrived 25 years ago. The 1.8L normally aspirated engine has 126bhp and does 0-100kmph in less than 10 seconds. This may not sound as good as the Mini but it’s certainly more fun to drive! Competition has come and gone over the years but the MX-5 remains an iconic roadster for good reasons.
The Roadster Coupe version comes with an automated folding roof, climate control and iPod connectivity but the interior is quite cramped, especially for a taller driver, and the steering wheel isn’t adjustable but it does all feel very solid and well put together. On the road the steering is very direct, handling is excellent and it’s an ideal drivers’ car without the fuss – although it will cost you €636/year in road tax!
Mazda MX-5
Mercedes CLK 200 (2004)
Need more space? If you need to use your convertible as a daily driver the Mercedes CLK 200 (2004) can seat four comfortably and has almost 300litres of boot space which is far more than offered by rivals. An effortless cruiser it is ideal if you need to cover long distances. Annual Road Tax will cost the same as the MX-5 (€636) while the 1.8L Supercharged engine has 184bhp and will do 0-100kmph in just over 9 seconds while averaging 33mpg. The roof opens in just 17 seconds (from a button on the key fob) and can be closed again while moving at less than 8kmph. The interior is quite dull and boring but keep an eye out for extras like a sat nav, leather seats and a wind deflector. The CLK has 6 airbags as standard and some models come with an extra 2 rear side airbags.
Jaguar XKR (2003)
Nothing says performance like a Jaguar XKR. but while it is within budget it is pricey to run; annual road tax costs an eye watering €1,809 and the V8 engine is very thirsty. The stunning performance comes courtesy of the 390bhp under the bonnet that is provided by an Eaton Supercharger combined with a twin air to liquid intercooler. Safety features include ABS as standard along with Emergency Brake Assist and Jaguar’s Adaptive Restraint Technology which uses sensors to determine the size and position of a front seat passenger to decide on the required airbag energy level. Cruise control and an Alpine sound system came as standard on these and keep an eye out for touches like a Momo steering wheel, gear knob and Recaro seats.
Suzanne Keane
30th June, 2014
