Ten of the best convertibles for under £10k

Summer’s here – which means a convertible. With a roof you can put up quickly when it starts to rain again

Obviously convertibles aren’t for everyone. To toupee wearers they are the instrument of the devil, for example, but they can make remarkably sensible year-round motoring. But, clearly, the summer is their time to shine, so here are our top ten choices for those who fancy getting the wind in their hair extensions.

10 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Will you look at that – an SL for under ten grand. For that you get one of the slickest convertibles around, very much at home on the Promenade des Anglais or the Corniche. Get the most current model you can as, in the early years of this century, there’s no question that Mercedes let quality suffer a bit. But get a good one and you’ll have one of the most glamorous convertibles on the market.

Typical car: 2006 SL350, 50,000 miles, £9950

9 Audi A3 Cabriolet

All the benefits of the usual A3, but with the ability to shine the sun into all that fabulous cabin. The ride is quite firm and they’re certainly not cheap, but the A3 Cabriolet gives you the sunshine and a premium badge.

Typical car: 2011 1.2 TFSI Sport, 20,000 miles, £10,000​

8 BMW 6 Series Convertible

This is a convertible you’ll be happy to cover long journeys in, whatever the weather. The grand tourer drives beautifully and there’s a whole raft of equipment to go with the power and the poise. Naturally, while it may be relatively cheap to buy, it won’t be that cheap to run.

Typical car: 2006 630i Sport, 63,000 miles, £9950

7 Volkswagen Eos

There are similarities with the Golf Cabriolet, although the Eos cabriolet is slightly smaller in the cabin and slightly more expensive. There’s a reason for the price premium though. The Eos with its folding hard-top is better equipped and has more style and exclusivity than the Golf sibling. It would make a very sensible car all year round, not just in the summer, which is its heyday.

Typical car: 2011 1.4 TSI SE, 35,000 miles, £9390

6 BMW 3 Series Convertible

Another car with a folding metal roof, the 3 Series Convertible makes for a practical and stylish choice. It carries a bit more weight than the standard saloon, so you’ll be aware of it in terms of handling, but performance is still sharp. The engine range, of both petrol and diesels, is top rate, helping to maintain that premium air the car displays.

Typical car: 2009 320i SE, 66,500 miles, £8991

5 BMW Z4

BMW gets a good showing in the used convertible market, helped no end by the fact that you can buy the current model Z4 for our £10k limit. With BMW’s folding hard top, this two-seater adds practicality to a fun driving experience. The cabin is well appointed and really comfy – although it won’t be if you find a version with the M Sport suspension.

Typical car: 2009 sDrive 23i, 57,000 miles, £9995

4 Mini Convertible

In some ways you couldn’t improve on the name. The fabric roof folds quickly away so it’s definitely a convertible, and a very stylish, chic one too. But that roof folding away does mean that the rear seats are quite cramped and the boot is, indeed mini in size. But the car is such fun to drive and is such a cool statement that practical issues probably don’t count for much.

Typical car: 2012 Cooper, 34,000 miles, £9485

3 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet

It’s quite hard to improve on a Golf, but making a Cabriolet version is one of the ways. The resulting car isn’t that sharp to drive as some other drop-tops, but it more than makes up for it with its practicality, ease of use, and family-friendly ways. It’s our top soft-top four seater.

Typical car: 2013 2.0 TDI SE, 24,000 miles, £9998

2 Audi TT

The £10k budget will net you a second-generation TT, and what a fine vehicle that is. The convertible is great fun to drive and handles superbly, even if the ride can be a bit firm. The cabin is glorious and if you get a petrol version then you’re assured of stonking performance and if you go for diesel then you’ll gain great economy. What’s not to like?

Typical car: 2009 2.0T FSI, 59,000 miles, £9491

1 Mazda MX-5

There are far more expensive drop-top sports cars out there that will scare you silly when you put your foot down. Do the same in the MX-5 and you’ll be grinning with enjoyment rather than grimacing in fear of an accident either to you or your licence. The Mazda handles neatly, has sharp steering and ticks all the sensible boxes as well – relatively cheap to buy and run and very reliable. The only question is soft top or hard top, since Mazda gives you the choice.

Typical car: 2011 2.0i Sport Tech, 27,000 miles, £8995

Graham Scott is a writer for WhatCar.