Dreaming of Summer: 7 Convertibles for Less than $30K
As the seasons change and rain clouds make way for fresh foliage and flowers, it’s easy to start daydreaming about open-air motoring. If you, like us, have been perusing the classifieds for a reasonably priced and fun convertible, these selections might broaden your horizon. Each can be had in #3 (Good) condition for less than $30,000, and offer a mix of performance, cruising capability, classic looks, or a blend of all three. Hopefully, there’s something here that gets your gears turning and conjuring up thoughts of top-down oceanside drives or aimless canyon exploration.
2009 Pontiac Solstice GXP
GM’s Kappa convertibles, sold in the U.S. as the Saturn Sky and Pontiac Solstice, were initially offered with a naturally aspirated, 177hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. It wasn’t long, however, before Red Line and GXP trims, respectively, gave the twins GM’s first direct-injection engine, the 260hp 2.0L turbocharged LNF. GM even offered a tune and a 3-bar MAP sensor to manage more boost and net 290hp. The rare hardtop Solstice is a pricey collectible, but the convertible remains an affordable option. The car’s frequent criticism was its lack of luggage space. However, it does bring a solid chassis, sporty handling, and room for some serious rubber under those curvy fenders.
1998 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS-T
The Eagle Talon, Plymouth Laser, and Mitsubishi Eclipse offered buyers three flavors of stylish, affordable sport compact as part of the partnership known as Diamond Star Motors (DSM), named for the combined brand logos of Mitsubishi and Chrysler. Unfortunately for Plymouth fans, the Laser never made it into the second generation of the cars, which lasted from 1994-1998, and arguably had the best design. In more bad news for fans of Mopar brands, the Eagle, while available with the same powertrains as the Mitsubishi, was not offered as a convertible. The sole DSM drop-top is the Eclipse, and the GS-T is the most potent, packing a 210hp 2.0-liter turbocharged 4G63 engine.
2012 Chevrolet Corvette
C6 Corvettes are a lot of car for the money, especially the later models that ditched the 400hp, cathedral-port LS2 for the bump in displacement and better breathing of the LS3. The Grand Sport trim, with its wider bodywork, dry-sump oiling system, and track-tuned suspension, is barely out of range for this list, unless you’re in the market for an automatic. For those that insist on three pedals, the standard Corvette convertible comes in well under our price cap, and that gets you a Tremec TR-6060 six-speed manual trans, and a 430hp LS3 V-8 for a fabulous top-down soundtrack.
1971 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
Despite sharing its underpinnings and powertrain with the VW Beetle, the Type 14 Karmann Ghia managed to look special thanks to its hand-finished body and concept car styling. Marking the end of an era, the 1971 models were the last to use thinner, more elegant bumpers. Enjoy the simple, easy-to-service Beetle drivetrain and ample aftermarket to keep this curvy cruiser running in tip-top shape for very little money.
1957 Ford Thunderbird
The final year of the first-generation Thunderbird brought exclusive styling with subtle fins that make Ford’s Jet Age taillights seem even more appropriate. Inside, a new dash pod with round gauges gave the ‘Bird a sportier look to reflect its boost in power over the previous year’s offerings. The 292-cubic inch, two-barrel V-8 base engine in 1957 is even more affordable, but we picked the 245hp four-barrel 312 version for our list. Both the dual-quad 312 and the supercharged 312 demand a lot more money, but a resourceful hot-rodder could tune up any of the Y-block V-8s to be plenty of fun, fun, fun.
1969 Mercury Cougar XR-7
In 1967 and 1968, Mercury’s upscale pony car still had obvious Mustang roots. In 1969, things changed. Despite sharing a platform and powertrains with the Mustang, the Cougar looked like a different beast entirely, particularly in convertible form. As opposed to the Mustang’s quad-headlight front end, the Cougar’s hidden headlights were a preview of the 1970 Montego. The Cougar is a rare sight compared to a Mustang and its sweeping lines and muscular haunches make it an underappreciated example of Mercury’s muscle car-era styling. We picked a four-barrel, 351-powered example, which should provide ample power for top-down cruising. Both the 390 and 428 engine options fall outside our price range, but that’s OK, as we’re not drag racing with the top down anyway.
1987 Morgan 4/4
Speaking of drag racing, aside from the air-cooled VW, this Morgan is the least likely to show up at your local NHRA test-and-tune to go heads up against the local hotshots. That’s just not its scene. Packing 96hp, this minimalist machine is hand-built for the kind of top-down motoring exemplified by Pre-War British roadsters. Morgan just kept making them that way. Narrow, close to the road, and with the wind whipping around you and the engine buzzing, normal speeds will feel like race pace. The Ford Kent 1599cc crossflow engine was produced for decades and was used in several forms of motorsport worldwide, so there’s no shortage of knowledge and parts available.
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I’m with the rest of the 70 plus club. Gear jamming is for people who’s bodies work properly. I’ll take my worked over C6 with a Gear Venders in back of it. The only other thing you need is a good ratchet sifter.
How could you miss the 90 and 91 Buick Reatta? Still has timeless styling, an engine that never dies, and a great parts network with a few national and trustworthy suppliers. Get comments all the time. And also the Cadillac Allante. Do not believe the Northstar issues-they came out in 95. I own and owned a number of them and again, three national vendors that are also trustworthy, a club that offers all sorts of support if needed, and again, some great styling (though unlike the Reatta it is dated today. And the Cadillac XLR is one of the most beautiful cars made. Don’t have one yet as I want to keep my Allantes.
I love the T Bird it have very sleek look. well to be honest I am a Ford Guy. I won a 1983 glx 5.0 convertible a 2001 automatic mustang saleen and a 1970 retro mod boss 302. clone. sorry I forgot one 1992 ford f150 lightning
I love how you guys (gals) gravitate to smaller vehicles (or should I say smaller vehicles that are too damn low for older guys to get into & out) that you need a shoehorn to get into the car. My preference are the early 80’s Buick Riviera convertibles. Easy in, easy out plus a great ride with plenty of room for cruising! And you can get one for well under $20K with a lot of the bells & whistles!!
98 cobra conv. supercharged 4.6 4.10 gears 66k 6k 6 years ago
” Hagarty, why do I always get the message that I am posting too quickly. Doesn’t matter how long I wait, I always have to try several times.
Same thing here and it’s extremely frustrating.
(I just tried to post this and got the dreaded message “You are posting comments too quickly. Slow down.” I haven’t posted in 2 days. I am fed up with this site!)
Having owned close to 30 convertibles mostly GM muscle, a mustang, and 5 corvettes… I am enamored with the karmen ghia and the Morgan. Never owned either… I think that is the appeal? Something a bit different.
I’ll be the odd duck and say I enjoy my 1974 FJ40 Toyota Landcruiser. Nothing like driving around with just a bikini top on. I prefer the bikini top over going topless. I remember the first time I ever saw my wife and I remember the first time I ever saw my FJ40. I snagged them both. You can get a reasonable FJ40 for under $20K. It won’t be show quality but it’ll be fun.
BMW E30 convertibles, either in 6 cylinder 325i guise, or the M42 engined twin cam, rev happy four: the 318i. For that matter, the more complicated but still fun E36 and E46 convertibles are a good buy…all stick shifts, of course!
WHAT ARE WE DOING WRITING COMMENTS? LETS GET OUT THERE RUNNING THEM WITH THE TOPS DOWN!!!!
As I sit here with two convertibles and watch snow flakes fall. Adult word!!!!
SAAB 900 and 9-3. Safe, comfortable, fun and mostly turbocharged. Auto or stick, 4 or 6 cylinders, your choice. Beautifully lined folding tops with glass in back. Well below the $30 mark, but nicer classic 900s are creeping up.
I’ve owned a number of convertibles over the years & my current driver is a 95 all-white Camaro Z28. No frills, adequate power, nice handling & relatively simple to maintain (for not a lot of $$).
Being sympathetic, when they say “you’re posting too quickly” it means there’s a local cop up there that spends every morning staring at his radar gun and waiting. I sold a dummie to this a**hole up the street one morning years ago on my way to school. The cop always sat in the same place. Cracked the secondaries but didn’t downshift, hit the brakes and watched him fly past. Then watched the Police Interceptors lights flash ‘bingo’. Gave a polite wave driving past. He never stood a chance anyway, so why not.
’57 T-Bird? A friend brought his newly purchased one over to my house in Detroit in about 1965 or1966. The body was well on its way to reverting to iron oxide at that time. See if you can find one that has spent its life in Arizona.
Of these, my choice would be the Eclipse – IF one in great shape with under 75,000 miles could be found. Second choice would be a C6 Corvette. The C5 might be cheaper, but I far prefer the styling of the C6. Third choice would be the Cougar, although I would prefer a 1970, with the proper vertical grill and taillight styling.
I drove a Karmann Ghia once, and sat in an Eclipse; both were like sitting in a high-sided bathtub. No thanks. And the 1972-1974 Ghia would be my choice, anyway; it does not have those old-fashioned-looking overrider bumpers.