While average prices for new cars continue to increase, it makes sense for those who decide to explore the secondhand market for alternatives. There are plenty of options to choose from in the used market for buyers who feel they can get more for their money, especially if it’s possible to get a luxury or performance car for the same amount of money that a new, entry-level Nissan Sentra currently costs.
It’s especially true for those eyeing something that can offer open-top motoring on a budget, whether it’s for pure driving excitement as a roadster, or a refined cruiser that isolates you from the surrounding world, and the fact is there are plenty within an average budget of $50,000 that can meet any number of these criteria. Putting into perspective what options are out there, we’ve gathered some of the best used convertibles we reckon offer great value for money these days as a secondhand purchase, from elevated levels of luxury refinement to a platform that delivers driving excitement typically available in far more expensive models.
All information on the featured models has been sourced directly from the manufacturer. The models featured are priced (on average) at or below a price range of $50,000 at the time of this writing, and are ranked from least to most expensive. Pricing data cited is current as of October 2026.
Infiniti G37 Convertible
Starting Price Range: $9,000
Examples of the Infiniti G37 Convertible can serve as starting points for the best used luxury convertibles on the secondhand market. While it shares a lot with the Nissan 350Z and 370Z sports cars, Infiniti’s first attempt at a luxury convertible benefits from a longer wheelbase that allows for four-occupant seating (versus two in the Nissan Z counterparts), and, being the more premium-focused of the two Japanese brands, better grades of interior materials and features.
When considering these, originally sold new for $45,000 and with decent examples now available within the $10,000 price range, buyers receive a lot of luxury convertible for their money’s worth. The open-top version of the G37 Coupe brings a good balance of performance and luxury qualities as a used convertible car, with a 3.7L VQ-series V6 engine under the hood combined with a rear-wheel-drive chassis, with certain models benefiting from platform enhancements like sports suspension, upgraded brakes and steering settings, and a six-speed manual transmission that will satisfy any driving enthusiast who wants an affordable entry into this segment.
Chrysler Crossfire Convertible
Starting Price Range: $12,000
The Chrysler Crossfire Roadster only spanned one generation during its original production run, but it has some qualities that make it a great used convertible car purchase. Heavily based on the first-gen Mercedes-Benz SLK, including the same supercharged V6 engine and automatic transmission, the two-door Chrysler is an interesting option for those looking for open-top motoring and luxury at a very affordable price, with decent examples starting around $10,000-$12,000 on the used market.
Some reminders of the cost-cutting measures that resulted from the DaimlerChrysler era, the latter of which made their way into the Crossfire Convertible, are still apparent, from certain cabin materials to various components shared with the Mercedes-Benz parts bin. Nonetheless, used Crossfires still draw admirers among niche enthusiasts of the Youngtimer era of cars, with the convertible variants arguably more aesthetically pleasing compared to the controversial appearance of the hardtop coupe.
Volvo C70 (Second Gen)
Starting Price Range: $13,000
Sold exclusively in two-door convertible form, the second-gen Volvo C70 can be one of the best used hardtop convertibles buyers can choose among current options in the market. The C70 also received the brand’s signature turbocharged five-cylinder engine, known internally as the T5, which has its own cult following among Volvo aficionados and enthusiasts alike.
Being exclusively front-wheel drive, the C70 won’t excite to the same level as sportier European counterparts, but many examples within budget of buyers come highly equipped with features like leather seats, a premium audio system, and other comforts normally reserved for far more expensive cars.
In addition, with Volvo’s reputation for producing some of the safest production vehicles available, the C70 is also among the most secure in the segment, from its hardtop construction to Swedish levels of ergonomics to ensure any number of occupants are protected in the event of an accident; leading to the second-gen C70 being ranked one of the safest convertibles upon passing the rigor of the IIHS (Insurance Institute of Highway Safety) front, side, and rear crash protection tests with flying colors.
Mazda MX-5 Miata (NC)
Starting Price Range: $14,000
For those eyeing a Mazda MX-5 that offers modern conveniences with the roadster’s best traits as a lightweight sports car, NC-generation examples are great used convertible cars. While it had to upsize slightly in weight compared to the preceding NB-generation to meet stricter safety regulations, the NC-gen MX-5s continued to employ the same formula that defined Mazda’s lightweight sports car: a naturally-aspirated four-cylinder up front, a manual transmission for greater driver control (though an automatic was also sold alongside), sending power to the rear.
Adding to this generation’s desirability among all iterations of the Mazda roadster, the NC was available with a power-operated hardtop roof alongside its manually-operated soft-top configuration – ideal for those who desire the security of a hardtop roof among options for an affordable, used convertible car. When combined with the vast aftermarket support that continues for this platform, and a rewarding rear-wheel drive chassis that will not only impress anyone who experiences one behind the wheel (but ideally prove easy and affordable to maintain long-term), choosing a NC-generation MX-5 can be seen as one of the best used convertibles money can buy.
Porsche Boxster (986 Gen)
Starting Price Range: $15,000
The first-gen Porsche Boxster is a very affordable sports car now worth exploring for enthusiasts on a budget. Positioned as the entry point into Porsche ownership, the Boxster’s mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive platform still brings its own unique strengths when compared to its more renowned 911 sibling, with the analog nature of the platform, combined with its compact size and usability, drawing appreciators in the current era of enthusiast cars.
Good examples of the base-model Boxster can start from around $15,000, with the more powerful, top-line Boxster S and desirable manual transmission-equipped models also not far off from this price range.
BMW Z4 (E85)
Starting Price Range: $15–16,000
The E85-generation of the BMW Z4 Roadster is a candidate for the best used convertibles available for enthusiasts looking for an entry-level, rear-wheel-drive sports roadster. The successor to the Z3 Roadster continues the traditional BMW rear-wheel-drive recipe, alongside a naturally aspirated inline-six powerplant under the hood, surrounded by an open-top roadster body whose styling still looks sharp, notably when compared to the latest offerings from the BMW brand.
Adding to the E85-gen Z4’s selling points, its platform continues to provide an engaging driving experience for anyone behind the wheel, without any heavy electronic interference or aids; combined with that, manual transmission, Z4s are one of the most affordable ways to experience such an analog combination. Ignoring the higher premiums of the more hardcore Z4M Roadster and the rarer hardtop Z4 Coupe variants, most standard first-gen Z4s in decent shape can start from the $15,000 range.
Mercedes-Benz SL (R230), SL 500
Starting Price Range: ~$16,000
While premiums for the R129-generation Mercedes-Benz SL are increasing, examples of the succeeding model, the R230-gen SL, can be options for those looking for a more attainable luxury Mercedes coupe. Combined with its metal folding hardtop roof, the R230-gen SLs are proving to be one of the best used hardtop convertibles among used options today.
If buyers focus on the mid-spec R230-gen SL 500s equipped with the naturally aspirated V8s, ignoring the somewhat weak SL 350s and the potent (but thirsty) SL 600 V12s, these can be a great long-distance tourer within a price range below $50,000. A good service history is essential if targeting this generation, especially among the very affordable examples, given the R230 SL’s highly complex suspension and electronic systems that require a sizable amount of investment to ensure they remain faultless.
Jaguar XK Convertible (X150)
Starting Price Range: $20,000
The Jaguar XK previously served as the flagship two-door model of the British luxury brand. Nowadays, used buyers can find examples at accessible prices thanks to long-term depreciation. For the best used luxury convertibles possible, the X150-generation XK offers a good balance of enough amenities and comforts from a modern classic in an open-top convertible that still has presence out on the road – considering the styling was penned by the same person responsible for the Gaydon-era Aston Martins, Ian Callum.
Not only can a X150-gen XK Convertible be a great-used convertible car for its current asking price, but it can also be one of the most affordable ways to experience a V8 powertrain, with examples worth pursuing starting from the $20,000 range. The cheapest examples will net buyers an early 4.2L-equipped XK; while for slightly more, decent later models equipped with the bigger 5.0L AJ-series Jaguar V8 and slightly more cabin tech can be found.
Cadillac XLR
Starting Price Range: $23,000
Once serving as the flagship two-door model of the Cadillac brand, the XLR is one of the many used convertible cars those in the market seeking attainable luxury can shortlist. Once priced at around $75,000 when it was first launched in 2004, surviving examples of XLRs can now be found for as little as $23,000. This means that, for the same price range as a new Nissan crossover, buyers can get a wood trim-finished cabin surrounded by leather upholstery, a Bulgari-branded instrument cluster, power-folding hardtop roof, and a 4.6L V8, all in a premium Cadillac.
If that is not enough to satisfy, buyers can budget more for the even more potent XLR-V models that offer drop-top American muscle for a very attractive price.
Audi TT Roadster (MK3)
Starting Price Range: $30,000
The final iteration of the compact Audi sports roadster, the TT (aka the MK3 generation), is beginning to depreciate into affordable price ranges for most enthusiasts and is worth considering among used convertible cars on the market. Bearing condition, mileage, and other factors, most MK3-generation TT Roadsters have depreciated towards the $30,000 price range at this point.
The turbocharged four-cylinder powertrain and dual-clutch automatic transmission are standard on most TT Roadsters of this generation and are shared with another compact performance model, the Volkswagen Golf GTI hot hatch. But for those eyeing potential future classic material, given that the internal combustion-era Audi TTs have been discontinued from Audi’s lineup, well-looked-after examples of Audi’s compact roadster may appreciate in future years. This is thanks to the R8-esque styling and other qualities that are likely not to be found in any succeeding Audi or Volkswagen Group products, with Audi planning an electrified successor to take up the TT nameplate.
Base Trim Engine
2.0L Turbo Inline-4 Gas
Base Trim Transmission
7-Speed Automatic
Base Trim Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive
Base Trim Horsepower
228 hp
Base Trim Torque
258 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Fuel Economy
23/30 MPG
Infotainment & Features
9 /10
Sources: Porsche, Audi, Mazda, General Motors, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, BMW, BringATrailer
