Best Used Convertibles on a $20,000 Budget

Convertibles tend to belong to one of three camps these days. Some put performance first, others prioritize luxury, while the third group is all about cruising fun. Whichever kind of convertible gets your engine revving, we have something for you on this curated list.

Here are 10 of the best convertibles you’ll find on a $20,000 budget.

1. 2014 Audi A5 Cabriolet

One of the best-looking cars of any era, convertible or not, the 2014 Audi A5 is a rarity: a production car that stands with the all-time greats in terms of aesthetics. It’s also an excellent luxury car, with plenty of comfort, available all-wheel drive (AWD), and even a fair bit of pep from the 220-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine you’re likely to find in the 2.0T Premium Plus model that suits our $20,000 budget. See 2014 Audi A5 Cabriolet models for sale

2. 2015 BMW 2 Series

As sporty as stylish, the 2015 BMW 2 Series Convertible follows a formula similar to the A5 Cabriolet but with a decidedly Bavarian bent. The turbocharged 2.0-liter 228i is the best fit for our budget, rated for 240 hp and available with AWD, but with rear-wheel drive (RWD) as the default for superior dynamics. See 2015 BMW 2 Series Convertible models for sale

3. 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

European cars are great, but sometimes you just want the taste of home cooking, and the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro is as American as apple pie. The base model with the V6 would allow you to buy a somewhat newer model, but some folks may find the Camaro SS’s 6.2-liter V8 — rated for up to 426 hp with the manual transmission — is worth a few more miles on the odometer and a little more age. See 2014 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible models for sale

4. 2017 Fiat 124 Spider 

Although it shares much of its architecture with the Miata, the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider is a substantially different car, with excellent but different driving dynamics, its own style, and a 160-hp turbocharged 1.4-liter engine in place of the Miata’s 2.0-liter normally aspirated unit. Look for the luxurious Lusso trim on our budget, and you may even find models equipped with the optional Bose audio system. See 2017 Fiat 124 Spider models for sale

5. 2012 Ford Mustang Convertible

Ford’s counterpart to the Camaro, the 2012 Ford Mustang is one patriotic pony-car, rated for up to 31 mpg on the highway with the V6, or for those who crave speed, rated for 412 hp in 5.0-liter V8-powered Mustang GT form. Whichever powertrain you choose, you’ll get a muscle car that’s ready for fun in the sun. See 2012 Ford Mustang Convertible models for sale

6. 2014 Infiniti Q60 Convertible

Rivaling the BMW and the Audi above for style and performance, the 2014 Infiniti Q60 Convertible can be outfitted for performance, luxury, or a blend of both. While the limited-edition IPL (Infiniti Performance Line) model is likely out of reach of our budget, the standard Q60’s 330-hp 3.7-liter V6 engine and RWD layout — with an available manual transmission — make it plenty of fun to drive. See 2014 Infiniti Q60 Convertible models for sale 

7. 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

The 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a thoroughly modern take on the classic 2-seat roadster formula, offering incredible driving dynamics and engagement despite its 155-hp output. While you can find leather-upholstered Grand Touring models on our budget, the Sport is the most minimalist — and some might say the purest. See 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata models for sale

8. 2018 Mini Cooper Convertible

Flipping the fun-to-drive convertible formula on its head — or turning it around backward, anyway — is the front-wheel-drive 2018 Mini Cooper Convertible. A high-powered John Cooper Works variant is available if you’re willing to shop for older vehicles. However, for our money, the base 134-hp Cooper Convertible is a better fit for those seeking a small convertible that’s big on personality. See 2018 Mini Cooper Convertible models for sale

9. 2007 Porsche Boxster

The 2007 Porsche Boxster is the oldest car on this list, but in many ways, it’s also the most desirable, at least as a sporty convertible. The Boxster’s RWD mid-engine chassis is perfect for handling balance and dynamics, and Porsche’s skillful setup has maximized that layout. On our budget, look for well-preserved examples of the base trim powered by a 245-hp 2.7-liter boxer 6-cylinder engine. See 2007 Porsche Boxster models for sale

10. 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible

Fun in the sun is the name of the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible’s game, and it’s an all-star player. Available in several fun visual themes, with retro-themed touches, the 2016 Beetle Convertible is all about personality and laid-back cruising fun — although the R-Line model’s 210-hp output is also plenty of fun. On our budget, you can have just about any Beetle you want around this vintage, so shop around. See 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible models for sale

10 Best Used Convertibles on a $20,000 Budget

1. 2014 Audi A5 Cabriolet
2. 2015 BMW 2 Series Convertible
3. 2014 Chevrolet Camaro SS Convertible
4. 2017 Fiat 124 Spider
5. 2012 Ford Mustang GT Convertible
6. 2014 Infiniti Q60
7. 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata
8. 2018 Mini Cooper Convertible
9. 2007 Porsche Boxster
10. 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible