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. 2018 Audi A5 Cabriolet

The 2018 Audi A5 isn’t quite as handsome as the generation that preceded it — the previous A5 Cabrio is one of the all-time greats in aesthetics. Still, it’s stylish, and also an excellent luxury car, with plenty of comfort, available all-wheel drive (AWD), and even a fair bit of pep from the 252-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine you’re likely to find in the 2.0T Premium Plus model that suits our $20,000 budget.

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2. 2017 BMW 2 Series

As sporty as stylish, the 2017 BMW 2 Series Convertible follows a formula similar to the A5 Cabriolet but with a decidedly Bavarian bent. The turbocharged 2.0-liter 230i is the best fit for our budget, rated for 248 hp and available with all-wheel drive, but with rear-wheel drive (RWD) as the default for superior dynamics.

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3. 2015 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible

European cars are great, but sometimes you just want the taste of home cooking, and the 2015 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.

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4. 2019 Fiat 124 Spider 

Although it shares much of its architecture with the Miata, the 2019 Fiat 124 Spider is a substantially different car. It has excellent but different driving dynamics, a unique 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 sporty Abarth (which gets a small bump to 164 hp) or the luxurious Lusso trim on our budget, and you may even find models equipped with the optional Bose audio system.

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5. 2014 Ford Mustang Convertible

Ford’s counterpart to the Camaro, the 2014 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 420 hp in 5.0-liter V8-powered Mustang GT form. Whichever powertrain you choose, you’ll get a sports car ready for fun in the sun.

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6. 2015 Infiniti Q60 Convertible

Rivaling the BMW and the Audi above for style and performance, the 2015 Infiniti Q60 Convertible can be outfitted for performance, luxury, or a blend of both. The limited-edition 343-hp IPL (Infiniti Performance Line) model may be just within reach of our budget, but even so, the standard Q60’s 330-hp 3.7-liter V6 engine and rear-wheel-drive layout — with an available manual transmission — make it plenty of fun to drive.

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7. 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata 

The 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a thoroughly modern take on the classic 2-seat roadster formula, offering incredible driving dynamics and engagement despite its modest 155-hp output. While you can find leather-upholstered Grand Touring models on our budget, the Sport is the most minimalistic — and some might say the purest. The Club strikes a desirable balance.

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8. 2019 Mini Cooper Convertible

Flipping the fun-to-drive convertible formula on its head — or turning it around backward, anyway — is the front-wheel-drive (FWD) 2019 Mini Cooper S Convertible. A high-powered John Cooper Works variant is available if you’re willing to shop for older vehicles. However, for our money, the midlevel 189-hp Cooper S Convertible is a better fit for those seeking a small convertible that’s big on personality.

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9. 2008 Porsche Boxster

The 2008 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, or perhaps more well-worn examples of the Boxster S and its 295-hp flat-6.

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10. 2018 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible

Fun in the sun is the name of the 2018 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible’s game, and it’s an all-star player. Available in several fun visual themes, with retro-themed touches, the 2018 Beetle Convertible is all about personality and laid-back cruising fun. On our budget, you can have just about any Beetle you want around this vintage, so shop around.

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10 Best Used Convertibles on a $20,000 Budget

1. 2018 Audi A5 Cabriolet
2. 2017 BMW 2 Series Convertible
3. 2015 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
4. 2019 Fiat 124 Spider
5. 2014 Ford Mustang Convertible
6. 2015 Infiniti Q60 Convertible
7. 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata
8. 2019 Mini Cooper Convertible
9. 2008 Porsche Boxster
10. 2018 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible