Published: May 16, 2018, 9:30 PM
Updated: November 21, 2021, 3:01 PM
Less than 1% of overall market
Mark Toljagic
In the overall market, the convertible automobile is losing ground against the tsunami of sport utilities and crossovers being snapped up by consumers (convertibles make up considerably less than 1% of the market these days). Between 2011 and 2015, annual US sales of convertibles dropped by 7%, while sales of all vehicles ballooned by 37%.
▲
Caught up in SUV/CUV tsunami
Convertibles offer none of the benefits of SUVs; the common perception is they’re less safe, you sit close to the ground, and you wouldn’t take one on an Ikea-run. But there’s one advantage … bugs will get in your teeth because you’re always grinning. So with that in mind, here are nine used drop-tops you can buy for around $12,000. Budget for extra toothpaste and mouthwash.
▲
Unique hardtop with sunroof
When’s the last time you owned a car made in Portugal? That’s just one of the fascinating aspects of owning a Volkswagen Eos, which is loosely based on VW’s front-drive Golf platform. Like a few other contemporary convertibles, the Eos provides a retractable 5-piece hardtop, rather than a traditional fabric top. What makes it unique is that the top incorporates a sliding glass sunroof. Being German-engineered, the top is immensely complex with its own hydraulic control system and numerous rubber seals to keep the rain and wind out.
▲
Fair-weather buy
The Eos was sold in Canada with just one engine: VW’s 200-hp 2.0-litre turbo 4-cylinder gasoline engine, tied to either a 6-speed manual gearbox or dual-clutch automatic. While the design made for a roomy convertible for four and offered decent trunk space with the top down, early examples of the Eos were plagued by leaky roofs that often saw water collect in the tire well in the trunk. The top was re-engineered with better seals in later models, but owners had to deal with failed timing-chain tensioners in the 2.0T engine. Consider the Eos a fair-weather buy.
▲
Return of the Z
Nissan brought back its storied Z-car as the all-new 350Z sport coupe in 2002 and a 2-seater ragtop for 2004, complete with a 1-latch power top and heated rear window. The automaker’s rear-drive FM chassis drives exceedingly well, lending the Z good balance and precise road-carving ability. It uses the all-aluminum DOHC 3.5-litre V-6 out of the Altima, but with slightly hotter camshafts and freer-flowing intake and exhaust systems, resulting in 287 romping horses (the 2006 manual-transmission models gained an upgraded 300-hp engine). In addition to the stick, Nissan offered a reliable 5-speed conventional automatic in the Z – no CVTs for this car.
▲
Not without problems
The Z-roadster is a looker, especially when outfitted in rare Burnt Orange leather. The roadster itself is uncommon around these parts, and that’s a shame. Mechanical complaints? Owners have voiced concerns about camber and toe alignment issues, which can lead to cupped front tires. The 300-hp engine has exhibited excessive oil consumption, owners report. Other deficiencies include bad clutch slave cylinders (a recall item), faulty window regulators, noisy brake pads and short-lived wheel bearings and batteries.
▲
Retro-styled with classic mechanicals
Inspired by its celebrated 1960s-era granddad, the retro-styled 2005 Mustang convertible borrowed the modern rear-drive chassis that underpinned the Lincoln LS and Thunderbird. Unfortunately, Ford’s accountants specified a solid rear axle dating back to the Eisenhower administration, marring an otherwise nice-driving car. Some Mustang styling touches lived on inside, along with enough space for four adults to sit in somewhat reasonable comfort. Unlike many ragtops, the Mustang’s power-assisted roof stores on top of the trunk to preserve cargo space.
▲
Pleasant to those who remember
Initially Ford’s pony car came in two strengths: a serene cruiser using a 210-hp 4.0-litre SOHC V-6, and a bone-shaking GT with a 4.6-litre SOHC V-8 making 300 hp and 320 lb-ft of grunt. Both engines worked with either the Tremec 5-speed manual transmission or optional 5-speed automatic. Among the reported mechanical issues were some leaky poor-fitting tops, faulty manual transmissions and rear differentials, short-lived batteries, bad V-8 throttle-position sensors and plenty of interior rattles. Despite the setbacks, lots of fans are happy to own this American icon.
▲
Near 50/50 weight distribution
The Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky (pictured) twins may be orphaned, but there’s plenty of sports-car goodness inherent in these roadsters, including near-50/50 weight distribution, forged aluminum unequal-length control arms with Bilstein monotube shocks and 18-inch alloy wheels. This rear-drive pair featured a manual-folding soft top with a heated glass rear window. The sole engine at the outset was a 177-hp 2.4-litre DOHC 4-cylinder that employed a sturdy chain turning the twin cams. A close-ratio 5-speed manual transmission was standard and a 5-speed automatic optional.
▲
More oomph from turbo models
Impatient types found motivation in the Pontiac Solstice GXP (pictured)/Saturn Sky Redline models, which featured a 260-hp direct-injected turbo “four,” good for 5.2-second runs. The 2-seat cabin was reasonably spacious, but owners noted the furnishings were too plasticky. In terms of quality glitches, watch for fluid leaks from the rear differential, requiring the original vent cap to be replaced with a vent hose. Other complaints include a noisy air conditioner, clutch chatter and lots o’ squeaks and rattles. Unfortunately, the soft-top may not seal well to the car’s body and leaks can become pronounced. Fortunately, there are still former Pontiac dealers around who can source parts.
▲
Desire for constant improvement
Mazda launched its third-generation MX-5 Miata for 2006 to give its growing fans (literally) a roomier sports car with a wider body and a 6-cm-longer wheelbase for better legroom. The chassis was 47% more resistant to twisting, yet the curb weight upticked by just 25 kg. The Mazda3’s 2.0-litre DOHC 4-cylinder provided 167 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque in the MX-5, thanks to a 2-stage intake manifold. The snickity 5-speed and 6-speed manual gearboxes remained among the best shifters in the world, while the optional 6-speed automatic came with shift paddles.
▲
Coupe-ifying a classic roadster
In addition to the soft top, Mazda introduced an optional power-retractable polycarbonate hardtop to make the Miata more winter-friendly. It added just 36 kg of mass to the car and did not compromise trunk space. Problems? Premature clutch wear and clutch chatter are not unknown. Some newer models came with run-flat tires, which transmitted a punishing ride (solved by switching to regular tires and carrying tire sealant). Cabin water leaks may be traced to blocked drainage holes located on both sides of the rear parcel shelf, requiring a poke with a stiff wire.
▲
Beetlemania goes topless
Remember the excitement when Volkswagen re-introduced the New Beetle in 1998? Some lost their minds. The paint colours! Beetlemania subsided soon enough, though some are still taken by the nostalgia-steeped design. The droptop finally arrived for 2003, featuring a power-folding cloth top, a rollover protection system and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Recommended are the 2006 to 2010 models, however, and for good reason: the car got a styling refresh inside and out, and VW migrated the Jetta’s 150-hp 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine to the New Beetle, replacing all the other engines that were offered previously.
▲
Open-air nostalgia
The Volkswagen New Beelte’s torque-rich engine is a natural partner for the automatic tranny, which most people bought, though it shows little enthusiasm when mated with the manual 5-speed stick. Regardless, we like it because the engine generally doesn’t break – a big plus when you’re contemplating a used Vee Dub. Beyond that, the front-drive New Beetle did display some persistent electrical issues with the power windows, trunk release, door locks and short-lived headlamps. Some convertible owners had their roof liners fall down, making driving difficult.
▲
Refreshing design
Have to give Mitsubishi credit for calling its Eclipse ragtop Spyder. Normally, you’d have to spend $250 large to get that handle – replete with the Italian workmanship. Built on the Galant sedan’s widebody front-drive platform, the all-new-for-2007 Eclipse Spyder was a sight for sore eyes with its swoopy profile. The insulated 3-layer convertible top folds down in just 19 seconds at the touch of a button. Unfortunately, the small rear window hampers the view out back. While the low-slung front seats are capacious, the 2-place rear bench is suitable for children only.
▲
The choice between sheep or wolf
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS model is way underpowered with its 162-hp 2.4-litre 4-cylinder tied to a 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic transmission, while the GT harnesses a 260-hp 3.8-litre V-6 with a 6-speed manual or optional 5-speed autobox. Reported mechanical issues include a truculent air conditioner, creaks and rattles in the dashboard and paintwork that may chip and scratch too easily. Be sure the engine’s timing belt has been changed as per the service schedule. This Mitsubishi gives buyers the choice of having a sheep in wolf’s clothing with the somnolent 4-cylinder or a proper sporty car with the V-6.
▲
Still perhaps the best looking convertible
Lucky for us, Saabs age gracefully, because there will likely never be any more new ones to enjoy – unless you count the all-electric NEVS models being assembled in China based on the familiar Saab 9-3. The old, wedgy Swedish convertible was underpinned by GM’s front-drive Epsilon platform, shared with the Opel Vectra (and, er, Pontiac G6). The standard turbocharged 2.0-litre Ecotec 4-cylinder churned out 210 hp, tied to a 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. Aero models used a 255-hp 2.8-litre turbo V-6, which was available with a 6-speed automatic or manual transmission.
▲
Good looking with top up or down
For the first time, Saab offered an optional Haldex all-wheel-drive system with the V-6 in 2008, and with the 4-cylinder the following year. The 9-3 cabin is reasonably roomy and the trunk remains spacious even when the soft top folds down. Saabs hail from Europe, so the electrical issues – failed door locks, headlamps, computers, alarms and ignition systems – may crop up regularly. The lack of dealer support is made up by enthusiastic third-party garages and parts galore on the internet.
▲
Built Camry solid
With a name like Solara, a ragtop was a foregone conclusion when the Toyota Camry coupe was unveiled. But unlike the first-generation model that required a roof-o-dectomy during assembly, the second-gen Solara was designed as a convertible from the ground up with enough inbuilt rigidity to make it a solid ride. Unlike most of our esteemed vehicles listed here, the Solara’s rear-seat room is generous as is the car’s capacity to coddle its passengers. The soft top was fully lined, power-operated and featured a large heated glass rear window.
▲
Creampuff of the first order
The Solara used Toyota’s 210-hp 3.3-litre V-6 tied to a standard 5-speed automatic transmission. In terms of owner complaints, there are few. Warped brake rotors are a common lament, along with poor audio reproduction, Bluetooth issues and some errant rattles. The Solara is the most capacious ragtop of this bunch. It can whisk four adults over long distances in perfect comfort, which makes this an inoffensive boulevardier. What you shouldn’t do is mistake the Solara for a sports car. Enjoy it for what it is: a creampuff of the first order.
▲
Convertibles hard to find on Canadian streets
Convertibles are hard to find on Canadian streets and if you do spot one, chances are the top is buttoned up tight against the sun, and the air conditioner is blasting. Not that Canada is a lucrative convertible market anyway. When Buick introduced its swoopy Cascada convertible for 2016, the company figured we in the north would collectively shrug, so they declined to sell it here.
▲