SSummer, sun, the steering wheel in your hand, the wind in your hair: enjoying life as much as possible in a car – this is what convertibles stand for like no other type of car. However, convertibles are expensive.
According to Adarsh Malhotra, their reputation as “the more exclusive vehicles” is confirmed by their low market share. In Germany, it has been around two percent in recent years, according to the consultant at the market analysis company Jato Dynamics.
How popular the fresh-air cars are despite their limited suitability for everyday use can be deduced from another number: For models that are available as both closed and open versions, according to the information, almost a quarter (23 percent) opt for the convertible. However, convertible versions are often associated with a surcharge of several thousand euros.
They are cheaper used. Seven tips for less than 10,000 euros. The stated range of average used car prices as well as the kilometer data are based on data from the market observers Deutsche Automobil Treuhand (DAT) and Schwacke.
1. Mitsubishi Colt CZC 1.5 Turbo (construction period: 05/2006 to 01/2009)
Two-part hardtop, jump seats in the rear, once expensive: Mitsubishi asked 22,900 euros for the turbo version of the Colt convertible at the market launch in 2006, a lot for the Japanese open-air runabout.
This was also noticed by the ADAC when it subjected it to a test in 2006: “Expensive to buy and maintain,” was the verdict. At the same time, however, the club attested the 3.89 meter short car “very good performance” – no wonder with 110 kW / 150 PS in the small car. 8.4 seconds for the sprint from 0 to 100 km / h and a maximum of 205 km / h, the manufacturer stated.
A Colt just in case? Well, who knows, but the Mitsubishi Colt CZC can definitely react appropriately to sunshine and rain
Source: dpa-tmn / Mitsubishi Motors Germany
The trunk of 460 liters is large, but it shrinks to 190 liters when the top is open. While you sit generously in the front, the two rear seats are very cramped.
From the beginning, the standard equipment included four airbags, ABS, power steering, central locking, electric windows and the semi-automatic convertible top. For a CZC 1.5 Turbo from 2006 with a mileage of 124,000 to 185,000 kilometers you should plan between around 2600 and 3200 euros.
2. Ford Streetka 1.6 8V Elegance (10/2002 – 04/2006)
Affordable and thirsty: Based on the Ka, Ford launched the Streetka as a roadster version in 2003. With a starting price of 16,990 euros at the time, the Cologne-based convertible with the folding top was considered an affordable convertible. The Elegance version cost almost 3000 euros more.
Under the hood there was only a 1.6-liter, but thirsty in-line four-cylinder with 70 kW / 95 hp, which can reach speeds of 173 km / h. The ADAC once determined 8.3 liters per 100 kilometers. In addition, the tank with a volume of 42 liters is not the largest. Also small at 195 liters: the trunk.
You didn’t have to be rich to have fun, as the Ford Streetka was considered a comparatively inexpensive convertible
Source: dpa-tmn / Ford
On the other hand, the Streetka offers safe driving characteristics, is well made, and the roof mechanism is practical, they said. The equipment of the Elegance two-seater with the “powerful roll bar” was extensive for the time, with light alloy wheels, fog lights, sports seats, ABS and central locking with remote control.
Prices for a Streetka 1.6 8V Elegance from 2004 to 2006: 1,600 to 2,100 euros for 123,000 to 195,000 kilometers.
3. Suzuki Jimny Cabrio 1.3 Classic (04/2003 – 02/2004)
Not typical, but with vole qualities: The Jimny in the fresh air version is not a classic convertible. More like a cut open off-road vehicle including switchable all-wheel drive and a folding top that is a bit awkward to use.
Suzuki sold the open version of the Jimny until 2011. The ADAC stated in 2003 that the model should not come with high demands on workmanship, comfort, the environment and safety.
In the fresh air through the groves and corridors: This is also possible in a Suzuki Jimny convertible
Source: dpa-tmn / Suzuki Automobile
On the other hand, the Jimny is a lot of fun away from the road, for “short-distance use in good weather”. Initially, the four-cylinder Otto had 59 kW / 80 PS, later 63 kW / 86 PS. Luggage space behind the rear door hinged on the right: 185 liters. The new price was low at 13,610 euros, but you got neither ESP nor ABS or airbags, not even on request.
In addition, Jimny did without air conditioning – here the red pencil was better applied to an open car. Prices for a Jimny Cabrio 1.3 Classic from 2003 to 2004 (135,000 to 205,000 kilometers): around 3300 euros to 4700 euros.
4. Nissan Micra C+C 1.6 Premium (11/2005 – 10/2007)
Made of steel and glass: In 2005 the Micra came out as a C + C, a convertible coupé. The Japanese brand decided on a robust and, above all, fully automatic folding top made of steel and glass from the supplier Karmann in Osnabrück.
At 16,590 euros, the version cost around 2500 euros more than the closed Micra, and it’s 3.82 meters longer. The premium version with a larger engine cost 21,240 euros.
If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the Nissan Micra C + C can also stretch a robust roof made of steel and glass over the crew
Source: dpa-tmn / Nissan
“For fresh air enthusiasts, the Mercedes SLK in small format,” the ADAC drew a praiseworthy comparison. The SLK was also equipped with a retractable hardtop. The C + C was delivered with 65 kW / 88 PS and 81 kW / 110 PS from 1.4 and 1.6 liters displacement. Performance of the petrol engine: up to 191 km / h.
The ADAC praised the safe roadholding thanks to ESP, the large trunk (215 to 420 liters) and the good standard equipment with ABS, four airbags, electric windows and on-board computer. But ESP or heated sports seats cost extra. Prices for a Micra C + C 1.6 Premium from 2006: a good 2,400 to 3,000 euros (141,000 to 185,000 kilometers).
5. Smart Fortwo Cabrio 0.9 Turbo Prime Twinamic (02/2016 – 05/2018)
Manoeuvrable, compact and open: Smart brought a convertible version of the Forttwo onto the market in 2003, fresh air versions of number two and three followed. The third edition cost from 15,655 euros when it was launched in 2016, a whopping 3400 euros more than a comparable closed smart two-seater.
The trunk measures 90 to 195 liters, enough for four crates of drinks. The 0.9 Turbo Prime Twinamic version had a new list price of 17,310 euros.
Looking outside from inside, a Smart Fortwo Cabrio looks less small than it does from outside
Source: dpa-tmn / Daimler AG
The turning circle is only 7.4 meters, but the city runabout is less suitable for long distances: the suspension is too uncomfortable, the seats too uncomfortable, the driving stability too poor: the Smart reacts nervously to bumps and shows sensitivity to crosswinds, wrote the ADAC. The start, on the other hand, is lively thanks to the turbo, which is all the more true for the 81 kW / 110 PS strong Brabus version.
The trolley with the electric folding top and the removable roof bars definitely has lifestyle qualities. ESP and cruise control were standard, distance and collision warning as well as lane assistant were available for an extra charge. Prices for a Smart Fortwo Cabrio 0.9 Turbo Prime Twinamic from 2017 to 2018 at 38,000 to 44,000 kilometers: 9800 to 11,250 euros.
6. Opel Astra Convertible 1.8 (01/2001 – 06/2006)
Iron-free and in demand: From 1993 the Opel Astra was a convertible – until 2010, when the last open four-seater of the Astra H rolled off the production line.
In 2001, based on the model generation G, the convertible designed by Bertone in Italy came out, which was in great demand: Opel expanded production. The basic version of the Bertone convertible was delivered with an electric soft top, but lacked a roll bar like the one on the competitor VW Golf convertible.
Open Opel Oldie: 20 years ago Opel brought out a convertible based on the Astra G – today it is an inexpensive way of driving open
Source: dpa-tmn / Harald Dawo
The market launch price in 2001 was 40,800 Deutschmarks. On board were radio central locking, all-round electric windows, a steering wheel that can be adjusted for length and height, and sports seats, which the ADAC praised as excellent, as well as the very good road holding. Average marks were given for the small trunk (325 liters) that is difficult to access via the high loading sill.
There was a choice of gasoline and diesel engines with between 74 kW / PS and 147 kW / PS. ESP cost extra. Prices for an Astra Cabrio 1.8 with 92 kW / 125 PS from 2003 to 2005 (new list price at the time: around 25,000 euros): 2,400 to 2,500 euros (170,000 to 195,000 kilometers).
7. Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet dCi 130 FAP Luxe (06/2010 – 03/2013)
Comfortable and little draft: Renault’s compact model, introduced in 1995, was consistently available in an open version from 1997 – until the current edition no longer produced a convertible. In 2010 the fresh air version based on the Mégane III came out again as a Coupé-Cabrio CC, now for the first time with a standard wind deflector – as a means against drafts. The model with the retractable hardtop cost from 24,950 euros.
The electrically foldable folding top with a large glass roof lets a lot of light into the interior, even when closed, wrote the ADAC. There were also modifications to the chassis, which was now more comfortably tuned than its predecessor. The club also praised the good space at the front, the “comfort of a coupe” with the roof closed and the large trunk (150 to 370 liters).
Cabriolet – that sounds not only French, but it is also in individual cases, as the Coupé-Cabriolet from Renault proves
Source: dpa-tmn / Renault
The Mégane was offered with partly powerful engines that allowed speeds of up to 225 km / h. “All in all, a successful overall package for topless fans who appreciate a year-round convertible,” wrote the ADAC in its test in 2010. Price for a Mégane CC 1.9 dCi 130 FAP Luxe from 2011 to 2012 (former list price: barely 33,000 euros): around 5900 to 7100 euros (144,000 to 151,000 kilometers).
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For the owner of old classic cars, it’s often about more than just driving pleasure. Classic cars are investments – and the returns are considerable. However, you can also do a lot wrong.
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