Sports cars exist for one reason: to transport you from point A to point B as quickly as possible, and put a grin on your face while doing it. Whether that’s through tire-melting horsepower or the agility to take corners with enthusiasm, those who desire sports cars want to have fun while driving.
Now, take the top off and enjoy exponential increases in driving pleasure. Going 50 mph feels like going 70. You’re assaulted by sights, sounds and smells that you would never notice in a sedan. Most of all you feel the wind, the sun on your face, and the sense that you’re alive, and here at this moment. The following vehicles represent some of the best used convertible sports cars on the market, and make great used car purchases.
Editor’s note: We’ve included general pricing information and links to Vehix Used Car Values to help you determine if a used convertible fits your budget. We’ve chosen 10,000 miles per year as our average. So a 2008 convertible will have 20,000 miles in our used car values calculation. Of course, mileage, condition and local pricing – whether you choose to trade-in your car or buy from a dealer or private party – will determine the cost for one of these attractive used convertibles.
It’s as American as achieving celebrity status for being on a reality show. The Mustang (view photos) remains one of the most popular cars on the road today, and for good reason; with its combination of strong straight-line performance, decent cornering ability, a wide array of trim levels from basic to niche, and its retro yet intimidating looks, it’s always a crowd pleaser.
You’ll note that we specified the GT trim level. We adore the guttural sound of the V8 and the accompanying acceleration. Other Mustangs are equipped with an antiquated, inefficient V6 that is no fun at all.
Average retail base price for a 2008 Ford Mustang GT Convertible: $18,900
The Honda S2000 (view photos) always reminded us of one of those shivering greyhounds. It’s not the poshest looking animal in the world, and its high-strung nature is evident in its very bones. Get it around a racetrack, however, and its hangdog façade melts the first time you successfully enter a corner after executing a deft heel-toe downshift. All of a sudden you have a champion, foaming at the mouth and chomping at the bit and going faster than you thought was possible. The S2000’s high-revving, split-personality, 240-horsepower engine’s 8,200-rpm redline means that getting it up to speed in stop-and-go traffic can serve as an exercise in frustration. Get it revved high enough, however, and its ideal power-to-weight ratio, excellent balance, and perfect steering and shifter make it all worthwhile.
While the S2000 has been around in its current form since the 2000 model year, Honda finally got around to replacing the useless plastic rear window with a glass one in 2002, while 2004 saw the addition of a larger 2.2-liter engine that gave low-end power a little more love and the suspension a massage for more predictable handling.
Average retail base price for a 2007 Honda S2000 Roadster: $23,150
