5 Bargain Convertibles

Here is a list of the top 5 bargain convertibles under $35000.

 

 

 

As the world´s best selling convertible, the Mazda Miata MX-5 has been the consensus #1 affordability choice pick of numerous car and driver publications for the last several years. Starting at $22000 for the soft top and $27000 for the hard top, this six speed manual and 2.0 liter 167 horsepower machine is easy on the fuel (22 mpg city/28 mpg highway) and comes in three trims: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring. Critics have raved over its steering and speed (0 to 60 in 7.5 seconds). The downsides are its finish and cabin features (users have reported a cramped cockpit) and hard plastic nearly as bad as the Chevrolet Aveos. Interior storage space and headroom could also be improved.

 

 

 

The Nissan 370Z barely squeaks in the below $35,000 price point with its most basic version. An upgrade to the 350Z, the 370Z is a material engineer´s dream; a classic case in aluminum optimization to reduce weight and improve handling. This year´s interior has been upgraded and comes with a better hood, with a 332 horsepower 3.7 liter V6. The cons are its mediocre fuel economy and mixed reviews on its suspension. If you can afford a couple extra thousand dollars, the BMW Z4 is an excellent alternative.

 

 

 

The Mini Cooper S comes with a re-design for 2010 with a turbo-charged 1.6 liter engine and better fuel economy than the Mazda Miata MX-5 with 26 city/34 highway. Upgrades are plentiful, including HD radio, smartphone chargers, iPod USB connectors, and a Harmon Kardon speaker system. One downside is that handling and braking is not on par with top convertibles, and it comes with a stiffer ride. Another downside is its ¨over design¨ and poor usability, with its classic giant MPH odometer dial in the center and a small radio volume dial nearly a foot below the radio.

 

 

 

Starting at a rock-bottom $18000 for the stripped down model and $31000 for the fully loaded version, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is a perfect hybrid between a more nimble two seat roadster and a family sedan of four. Coming in two trims (GS and GT), it offers either a 2.4 liter four cylinder and five speed manual transmission or a 3.8 liter V6 and five speed automatic. Standard features include air conditioner and optional accessories include Bluetooth, rear detection cameras, heated front seats ,and automatic climate control. One of the few knocks is its fuel economy (up to 26 mpg highway) and less than desirable interior quality.

 

 

The legendary Mustang is almost 50 years old. To celebrate, Ford has stepped it up a notch with its latest installment, the 2010 Mustang, which is considered Ford´s best yet. With a revamped design, the Ford Mustang GT costs as little as $25,000 with 315 horsepower, 4.6 liter V8 and an eye popping 330 feet of torque.