In this list you’ll find practical city cars as well as pure sports cars. Here are the best used convertibles under £10,000:
The 2nd generation MINI Convertible has added space, better interior and improved performance compared to the previous model. This is a stylish and fun to drive small, convertible car with plenty of custom options. There are three standard models available with 1.4 MINI One, 1.6 MINI Cooper and Cooper S.
The MINI Hatchback is a much more popular choice for MINI enthusiasts, however the convertible version is one of UK’s best selling convertibles in history. There is even the option to have a Union Jack styled fabric roof. The Convertible drives just as well as the hatchback equivalent, however it’s not quite as sharp due to extra weight on the chassis needed for strength reinforcement. It has a slightly firm suspension but this is to be expected with all MINI’s. In 2010, first 1.6 diesel version, Cooper D was released with 70mp and 105g/km and is considered one of the most economical convertibles available.
The MINI Convertible comes with a stop/start system and air-conditioning as standard.
In terms of performance, the roof on the convertible does not have a negative impact on the handling with good grip and does well on corners. It only takes 15 seconds to close or open the electric roof and it works at up to 20mph. In terms of security, the lockable glove box and back seats are a welcomed feature. This convertible will hold its residual value well due to demand for this type of upmarket car.
This Audi TT Roadster is the 2nd generation version and has improved considerably compared to its predecessor. It is lighter with aluminium panels which makes for a fun, better drive with more accurate steering. The interior of this used Audi Cabriolet is beautifully designed and has a sporty look and feel to the cabin. It has a fabric roof which folds down in an ultra fast speed of 12 seconds and is fully electric.
There are three versions available, all with sporty features with heavily strengthened seats. 2009 TFSI version is the most affordable to purchase and reasonably efficient at 44 mpg. The used Audi convertible TDI version launched in 2008 is however, the most cost effective with up to 51 mpg. Used prices for Audi TT’s tend to drop slowly as this car holds its residual value well. TTS models have the best performance and are thereby very popular if you are intending to resell in the future. In terms of safety, the security of four wheel drive, especially in poorer weather conditions adds extra reassurance. Also, very few issues have been reported over the period 2007 up to 2014 so this bodes well for reliability.
The Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet is a small two-door, four seat convertible with a soft top and just about enough room for 4 adults. Its main rival is the Audi A3 convertible which has more modern styling compared to the Golf Cabriolet which feels slightly dated. However, this VW has a quality build, solid structure and interior has the upmarket appeal of functionality and elegance you would expect from Volkswagen. The interior is also comparatively sleeker than Audi A3 with discreet roll over hoops integrated within the bodywork.
The VW Golf Cabriolet released in 2011 is considered a much improved overall design compared to the Volkswagen Eos released in 2006. It’s a very practical convertible with few compromises. Moreover, the roof opens and closes in less than 10 seconds at speeds up 19 mph. It also folds down on top of the car allowing for more boot space, a total of 250 litres worth which is great for a convertible. Also, the rear seats can be folded down individually to create more space.
The best performing Golf Cabriolet engines are tye 123bhp 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol at 51mpg which produces 128 g/km in CO2 emissions and the 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel at 65mpg, producing 112 g/km. The 1.6-litre TDI BlueMotion is the most efficient in terms of running costs. Standard models are lacking in modern equipment and you will have to upgrade to GT, the top spec, to have a sat nav. However, in terms of safety, this convertible has a 5 star safety rating with wide range of safety equipment on offer as standard including child car seat mounting points in the back seats and active roll over protection.
Financially, the Mazda MX-5 is possibly the best selling sports car in history with over 900,000 units produced. The 3rd generation MX-5 improves on the impressive versions previously released in 1989-1998 and 1998-2005. This convertible is reliable and has excellent customer satisfaction feedback. It was even voted as the most reliable Sports car in the 2013 ‘Which? Survey. What could let this car down is the fact that the roof is not electric and it has a small boot space of 150 litres.
Facelifted in 2009, car buyers could opt for the ‘Roadster Coupe’ with a hardtop that retracts into a space above the boot in just 12 seconds. There is even a 20th Anniversary Limited Edition Mazda MX-5 available within the £10,000 budget released in 2010. Another release in 2011, called the MX-5 ‘Kendo Special Edition’, includes a premium BOSE audio system, Bluetooth hands-free and cruise control. In 2012, the Mazda MX-5 Venture Edition was released based on the previous Mazda MX-5 SE and Sport Tech models. Furthermore, in 2012, there was a major update to make the MX-5 more responsive, efficient and safer for pedestrians and later facelifted with more responsive acceleration and braking. In 2014, the MX-5 Sport was introduced.
As you can see from these updates, there are plenty of various models available which makes for a great selection of used convertibles. For the Mazda MX-5, prices could be as low as £2,000 so there are plenty of choices below the £10,000 mark. Sport models are available only at 2.0-litres and comes with alloys, leather upholstery and heated seats as standard.
The Honda S2000 is a pure, classic, convertible sports car with a high revving engine. It has great looks and produces quick gear changes. The electric roof only takes a few seconds to raise or lower and there have been few faults reported so very reliable. This convertible has a 4 star safety rating which lacks behind some of its rivals. In terms of fuel efficiency it does up to 28.2 mpg. The boot is small at only 143 litres so not a practical car but why get a convertible if this is a priority? The interior space is also very limited, even for smaller drivers. Competitors such as the Audit TT and Porsche Boxster out-shine the Honda in terms of all-round performance.
Initially released in 1999, further improvements were made with this second generation model in 2004 with further improvements leading up to 2009. The glass rear window, replacing the previous plastic material, was only introduced in 2002. Overall, the latest models have better features and settings. Buying as a used car, beware of any issues arising from the previous owner as this sports car is a very popular ‘track-day toy’.
The 2008 UK model is the same as the Japanese release of the S2000 Type-S which has updated springs, re-tuned dampers and thicker anti-roll bars. You might be able to find one with high mileage under £10,000.
In conclusion, this list should help you in deciding how to part ways with £10,000 on a used convertible. When buying a used convertible, remember to always check the roof material and ensure there are no leaks.
For more used convertibles you can check our other list, Best Used Convertibles Under 20K which includes the BMW Z4, Audi A5 Cabriolet and Porsche Boxster.
You can find plenty of used convertibles using Carsnip’s easy-to-use search bar.
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