With warmer days and sunny skies, spring is the time of year where people get out side more and start thinking about how great it would be to have a convertible. The ability to fully enjoy the sunshine, have the wind running through your hair, and get fresh air are big draws. However, with regards to new cars, the number of cheap convertibles is limited. Only two convertible models currently start at a price below $20,000 and European manufacturers make both.
The cheapest convertible among new cars is the Smart Fortwo Passion Cabriolet. It is also the smallest convertible and has an MRSP of $17,690 for the 2011 model. The Fortwo Passion Cabriolet comes standard with a 1.0-liter 70 horsepower gas engine that is rated at 33-mpg city and 41-mpg highway. It comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission, air conditioning (in case it gets too hot), power windows, and power door locks. It also offers an optional navigation system. The Fortwo Passion Cabriolet comes with standard safety features that include ABS brakes, traction control, electronic stability controls, and driver, passenger, and side airbags.
The second cheapest convertible in America has just arrived – the 2012 Fiat 500c. This four seat eccentrically styled “mini car” starts at an MSRP of $19,500. The 500c features a dual layer multi-position power-retractable cloth top. This model is designed to deliver all-season driving and has a wide glass backlight to allow for visibility as good as the 500 hatchback. It has the same engine as the hatchback, a 101 horsepower 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine, which gets an EPA rated 30-mpg city and 38-mpg highway.
Chrysler dealers will sell the Fiat. Fiat is an Italian automaker that has recently returned to the American marketplace. The company owns a 30% share in Chrysler. According to Chrysler, the top of the 500c can be retracted to the rear spoiler at speeds of up to 60 mph. Buyers of the 500c can choose from three exterior soft-top colors and 14 exterior colors.
Surprisingly the third cheapest convertible is an SUV. The Jeep Wrangler Sport has an MSRP of $22,065. It has a soft top, which is a lot of fun with its off-road capability and higher vantage point. However, The Wrangler’s fuel economy for 2011 is rated at 15-mpg city and 19-mpg highway.
If you move up in price to the $25,000 price range, consider the Mini Cooper Convertible and the excellent Mazda MX-5 Miata hardtop convertible. The Miata is also offered with a retractable hardtop. In the $30,000 range, the Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang and the Mini Cooper S convertible are all solid choices. In the $35,000 range, buyers have the choices of additional models such as the Volkswagen Eos and Nissan Z.
If you are on a more limited budget, you can find cheap convertibles by buying used models. However, demand is highest for convertibles this time of year. Better deals can be had when demand is lower after the summer season. But if you can’t wait, these cheap convertibles can really help you enjoy the nice weather.
Originally posted 2011-05-05 17:29:44. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
