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Here’s our list of the best convertible cars that you can buy in 2024.
Out of all the different types of cars you can get, the convertible always turns heads and excites. Convertibles are the perfect blend of style and fun, as the roofless appearance of these cars gives them a luxurious look, while their performance and openness make them exhilarating vehicles to drive.
Designed to put smiles on the faces of those who drive these cars, everything is focused on the experience. This does mean that convertibles may not be the most practical cars, but that’s never been their intention.
With many brands having given convertible cars a crack, it does mean that there are plenty of options to choose from, and not all of them will be good options.
To ensure that you drive home with an awesome convertible, we at Car Adviser have put together a guide to some of the best convertibles you can get in the UK.
These are the top 10 best convertibles and cabriolets you can buy in 2024:
Although all convertibles will come with the iconic look that makes them fairly similar in terms of aesthetics, these types of cars are not created equal to each other, with some drastically outperforming each other in multiple aspects.
Many manufacturers know that convertibles are sought-after and well-admired cars; however, if you’re getting one for yourself, it may be best to stick with the premium brands that are best known for their convertible options. You should look for many things in a convertible to ensure you’re getting one of the best options you can get.
One aspect you need to look for when getting a convertible is the quality of the car, especially with the chassis and suspension. This is because when the roof has been rolled down, poor-quality convertibles can lose a lot of their structural integrity, making the drive a bit bumpier and less stable.
Getting a convertible with a good chassis and suspension will ensure that the vehicle is a dream to drive no matter what configuration you have the car in, ensuring that it’s one of the best convertible cars for you.
Another thing worth considering is the driving performance of the convertible. Most people choose to get these types of cars because they want to enjoy being on the open road. It would be best if you favoured convertibles with good acceleration, handling, and top speed to get the most out of your commutes and road trips.
It would help if you also thought about the driving position of your convertible. If you want an exhilarating ride every time you get behind the wheel, it will be best to get a car that seats the driver closer to the ground. This can enhance the feeling of speed, helping you to have fun. Most convertibles will have a low driving position but test them to compare and find the best convertible car for you.
It’s also worth checking out the safety features included in the convertible, as a better convertible will offer warnings and protection to help keep you safe on the road. As convertibles don’t have a fixed roof, you will naturally be more exposed if you crash.
For your peace of mind, it’s a good idea to look for convertibles that offer additional airbags, lane departure assist, blind-spot collision detection, and other features that can make driving safer. This is especially true as most convertible drivers will want to push the limits of what the car can do.
Finally, convertibles are not cars known for their storage capacity or passenger room. This is because a lot of boot space is comprised as this area is used to store the roof. However, some convertibles still offer a reasonable amount of storage to make them relatively practical and useful when needing to haul some items.
You can also get stylish four-seater convertibles which are great for a family or group of friends who want to cruise together.
With all of these factors in mind, here’s a detailed look at what we consider some of the best convertible cars here at Car Adviser.
All these cars excel in the field and stand out dramatically from the rest, and they should all be options you consider if you’re in the market for a convertible.
Although there can be a bit of snobbery surrounding the 718 Boxer, with a few enthusiasts declaring it as ‘not a proper Porsche’, those accusations are unfounded in our opinion. Listening to them can prevent you from getting one of the best convertible cars ever made.
The Porsche 718 Boxer is an incredible convertible because it drives so well. The engine sits behind the driver, aiding in supreme handling while also giving you a feeling of additional thrust. This car excels on twisty roads, making it brilliant for rural drives in country areas.
The reason the Boxer is so controversial was because this model dropped the typical six-cylinder engine that Porsche was known for in favour of turbocharged four-cylinder options. This does make the car more economical, but it does mean that it lacks that signature Porsche sound. Still, the car is fast, with it able to achieve 300bhp.
It’s only a two-seater, which is common within the convertible range and doesn’t offer much storage capacity. It can also be pricey, with new options starting at £47,000, although you could pick a second-hand one up for under £35,000.
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The MX-5 is an interesting convertible as it doesn’t have the same elegant look that many other brands go for with their convertibles. It’s not an ugly car, but it has an aggressive look to suit the more daring and adventurous.
The Mazda MX-5 is a fantastic option as it remains one of the most lightweight on the market. This allows it to handle well and be nimble in various driving situations, making it fun and reliable.
Driving pleasure is the main goal with this model, and although it’s stripped back in other features, you won’t care that much when you’re revving the engine that loves to put on a show.
The car is also a cheap convertible option, as it can easily be picked up for under £15,000. Granted, you’ll only be able to get the 1.5-litre petrol model at this price, but it’s still punchy enough to have fun in.
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There are not many more luxurious scenes than cruising with the roof down in an S-Class Cabriolet. This option by Mercedes is the epitome of class, with its looks and performance making it one of the big hitters in the convertible category of cars.
No matter what engine type you go with, the S-Class is mighty, as you’ll get a turbocharged 4-litre V8 engine in even their entry-level option, which will jet you off nicely on motorway roads.
Despite its grandeur, the S-Class may not be for everyone’s taste. It’s much larger than most convertibles, being over five meters long and weighing more than two tonnes. This can mean that it lacks sharpness in the turns and can feel sluggish despite its huge engine.
It’s not designed to be whipped on windy roads but is a comfortable cruiser to travel in style in. Its weight does mean that it handles bumps and road irregularities well, and its increased size makes it more practical, as it can hold more passengers and also has luggage space.
They’re expensive, starting at £70,000, and are also costly to run, but if you justify that spending, it’s a great convertible that oozes class, style, and comfort.
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The Mustang is a world-famous power car by Ford. Although it wasn’t originally a convertible, this model keeps many elements that made it a brash and intimidating vehicle to come across.
Much like the Mercedez S-Class, it’s a larger convertible with room for two rear passengers and a boot. This makes it stable on bouncy roads; however not great at turning and handling. On the straights, the vehicle comes alive as it accelerates quickly, with engines purring as you move up the gears.
Its 5-litre V8 engine is a must-get, although you can get a small eco-boosted option that pails in comparison. Being in the driver seat of this convertible gives you a sense of great power and is special to drive, even though a luxury manufacturer does not make it.
The Mustang Convertible comes at a mid-range price point, with it being possible to get one for £30,000.
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Suppose you want to disregard practicality completely and instead want a boxy and fun convertible that allows you to enjoy the experience of driving. In that case, the TT Roadster is a supreme option.
With the Audi name, the car feels luxurious, being well-built and adorned with features that enhance the experience of the vehicle. It has better raw power than other convertibles, although it may be less fun to drive when combating corners and turns.
That said, the TT Roadster has sheer pace on its side, as it can get you from a standstill to 60mph in less than four seconds, helping to give the vehicle an exhilarating feel. With it focused on performance, the TT Roadster offers nothing in terms of practicality. There’s very little storage room, making it only suitable as a cruiser.
Early versions of this car can be picked up for around £15,000, making it a budget-friendly option. You may be tempted to get a diesel option at this price, but we’ll advise against this, as the sound of a diesel engine with the roof down isn’t a good experience.
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If a budget does not tie you down, then the Continental GT Convertible is the ultimate choice for those looking for a convertible to cruise in. Unlike many other cars of this type, the Bentley puts a lot of attention on comfort, offering beautiful seats and interiors that can easily fit four individuals.
It has a powerful engine that is awesome to hear with the roof down, and its heavy and robust air suspension means it glides over uneven roads and limits rattles. It can reach 60mph in under 4 seconds, demonstrating this cruiser’s power.
As a heavy and more oversized convertible, it’s got a wide berth when turning, so it will appreciate winding roads less than boxer options will. That said, it still feels incredible to drive and is one of the most elegant options you can get.
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The 911 is a well-known model and is the hipster’s choice when it comes to favourite convertibles. This option from Porsche is much more practical, as it can seat four, making it a convertible for the whole family.
Despite the increased room, the car is one of the best-handling cabriolets on the market, helping to make it a fun car to drive. It also has up to 444bhp, allowing it to zoom away when at top speeds. However, this performance comes at a cost, as the car only has a range of 27 miles per gallon, making it expensive to run.
It also had a nice touch of being able to fold the roof down when travelling at speeds of up to 35mph, which is something not many other convertibles can do. The interior is also luxurious, and the high-quality build means that it experiences very few problems.
It’s a costly car to get, as the entry-level options will cost you over £80,000. It’ll also be in high insurance groups. If that’s in your budget, it’s worth it, as it’s simply one of the best convertible cars available today.
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The Z4 is excellent if you’re looking for a punchy convertible that skirts tradition and expectations to create something a bit different.
Although the brand has reverted to canvas soft-top roofs in recent years, earlier models had a folding metal hardtop, which helped it stand out and create a robust feel to the vehicle.
The BMW Z4 continues to be different by having sharp contemporary stylings and surprisingly efficient engines for convertibles that still provide excellent power to create a fun drive.
It’s not as agile as some of the leading options, but it’s still fun and also boasts practicality that many other alternatives cannot.
With a fairly sizeable rear boot, the Z4 can be used as a lavish city car and also comes with an array of features in the cockpit that give it an up-market feel.
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The Lexus LC is all about style, with its appearance oozing elegance, sophistication, and a touch of mischief. If you want to make an impression, this is the car to go for, however, for more reasons than looks alone.
The LC comes with a thunderous 5-litre V8 engine that roars into life at high speeds, helping to create a fun experience for all passengers and onlookers. On the flip side, the car can also be quiet when it needs to be at a slower pace, so it won’t startle any pedestrians when slowly passing through town centres.
The interior is also very nice, with plush trimmings and comfortable seats making it a lovely car to be in with the roof closed or shut. There are question marks over the infotainment system, which is a shame, but you’ll have so much fun driving the car that it shouldn’t matter.
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Right from the bat, the T-Roc Cabriolet may be different from what everyone is looking for when searching for a convertible. However, it’s a unique option and is worth mentioning due to its quirkiness and charming appeal.
The T-Roc is an open-top SUV, meaning that it has a much less sleek and elegant appearance than the standard convertibles you’ll find. The benefit of being shaped like an SUV means that this type of car has a lot more space, as it can fit passengers and luggage well with little compromises.
It also offers a higher ride height, making for an exciting and fun driving experience. It also makes the car more comfortable, which is nice if you just want to get from A to B in comfort. It has enough punch in the engine to be fun to drive, although it won’t wow you as some of the other options will.
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There's not much difference between a convertible and a cabriolet, as they both refer to vehicles where the roof can fold down. These words are often used interchangeably when referring to this car type.
A roadster is a convertible with only two seats, one for the driver and one for the passenger. Knowing this will allow you to search through your options quicker, as you'll easily identify what cars provide enough space for you.
Roadsters can also be known as Spiders or Spyders.
When deciding which engine type you should get, you may be tempted to get diesel-powered convertibles. This fuel type gives you a more extensive range when completing more frequent long-distance journeys, but it's still considered a fuel type you should avoid with this car.
The reason is that the sound diesel engines make is not as nice as petrol engines. Although that may appear as a superficial reason, when driving the roof down, you'll find that the roar of a diesel engine can become unpleasant.
As the engine noise adds to the experience of driving a convertible, it's best to get a petrol option to help you get the most out of these car types.
There is a massive difference between the cheapest and most expensive line of convertibles. This means that there is an option available for any budget; however, it also means that there is temptation than may lead to overspending.
You can get good-quality convertibles from the second-hand car market for around £15,000. These won't be options made by some premier manufacturers, but they're still fun to drive and stylish options.
For top-of-the-range convertibles with high speeds and performance, you'll easily pay over six figures when buying them new.
Many people think convertibles are showy cars that don't offer much practicality and have little benefits beyond being fast and fun to drive. That isn't necessarily true, and there are, in fact, plenty of advantages to getting a convertible.
One of the biggest plus points of a convertible is that it offers excellent road visibility when the roof is off. As there are no door frames or pillars in the way, you'll be able to see more of the road around you, and nothing can easily creep into your blind spot.
These cars are also an excellent option for taller people, as they offer better headroom, especially as you can take the roof off.
Convertibles also perform well in different driving environments, making them versatile. They can handle the high speeds of motorways well but are also great for city driving due to their compact nature.
Convertibles aren't the perfect car, and there are a few drawbacks you'll have to consider before getting one to ensure it's the right car for you.
To start with, most convertibles come at a higher price when compared to other types of cars. This can make them tough to afford, and they also become a significant financial commitment once you own one. Things like road tax and the cost of frequent refuelling can add up, meaning they're not very economical cars in general.
These cars are also very susceptible to leaks. As the roof is not fixed, water can find a way through the edges, which can damage the interiors over time. Plus, as most tops are not made from metal, these can become damp and even let water in if exposed to heavy rain.
As most convertibles do not have a metal roof and instead use a canvas that can be folded, they require more attention and care than other cars. These roofs can become damaged if exposed to extreme conditions like heavy rain, snow, or wind.
As a result, you cannot leave a convertible on a driveway as you would a normal car. Instead, it's best to store it in a garage if you have one so that it can be protected from the elements.
If you don't have a garage, you can also use a car cover to protect you from wet and rainy conditions.
A convertible won't work as a practical family car, as it lacks some of the key characteristics that make a good one.
To start, most convertibles will only have enough room for a single passenger. This means that if you have a family of four, it won't work well for the school run. Storage space is also at a premium, and you'll need help finding much room to store luggage, school bags, or even shopping.
Convertibles can be a good second car for nipping about and driving for the sack of driving, but it's best also to have a vehicle that can handle the demands of family life to work alongside it.
Most modern convertibles are well-made and are not prone to failure as they once were. That said, because there are moving parts that aren't present in other types of cars, they can suffer from damage due to wear and tear.
The main issue is the convertible top. As most are made from canvas, they require more care and maintenance. Otherwise, they can become damaged. Things like dampness can cause mould and a musty smell, which can mean that you need to replace the roof, which can be costly.
As they're roofless, convertibles may also lack structural integrity. Things like the chassis and suspension can also break more regularly than other cars.
There are a couple of reasons why convertibles typically fall into high insurance categories. The first reason is that most convertibles come with high-performance engines and high top speeds. The faster the car can go, the more dangerous it is to drive in the eyes of an insurance provider.
In addition to that, because the roofs are not fixed, convertible cars are much easier to break into and are an attractive option to thieves. As theft is more likely with a convertible, it does mean that insurance premiums for these vehicles are more than average.