The alternatives
Following on from our overview of the – nowadays shockingly expensive – cheapest new convertibles, we present you a few alternatives for a fraction of the price. We dived into our second-hand offer with a budget of €5,000 and put five not so usual suspects in a row. Which do you prefer?
If you would like to nestle yourself in a convertible with the summer approaching and you think it is important that you are the first owner of a car, then in 2023 you should have pretty deep pockets. The cheapest real convertible that you can currently buy new should already yield just under €40,000 euros, after which the amounts will soon be a lot higher.
Still a second hand? Even with ‘only’ €5,000 in your pocket, there is already a lot to choose from. In a sea of Renaults Mégane Cabrio and Peugeots 206 CC, we looked for some alternatives that allow you to distinguish yourself from the rest. Starting with the cheapest!
Opel Astra Convertible 2.2-16V (2002), €3,450
The black wheels of this Opel Astra G Cabriolet may hurt your eyes, but – especially given the large number of Astras G that have been sold – an alternative can be found without too much effort. Furthermore, this Astra seems to look pretty good. Many other Astras in the used range suffer from quite worn interiors, but this one still looks fresh. In addition, the car is equipped with an automatic transmission, air conditioning and cruise control for better tours on hot days. This is also a version with the 2.2-liter sixteen-valve, making it easy to keep up with today’s traffic. It’s yours for just under 3.5 grand.
Ford StreetKa 1.6 (2003), €4,500
For about €1,000 more we find this once extremely tastefully composed Ford StreetKa, which looks a lot fresher from the outside and inside than the Astra. Although you buy a little ‘less car’ for your money, you can count on the Ford to send a lot better. The StreetKa also seems to be almost 10 years younger than the Astra due to its sleek design, the carriage of which was not drawn by the least. The selling party is aware of the possible rust problems of the Ford, but indicates that this copy is not affected by this; a claim that is supported by photos of the underside. If it drives well, we would dare.
Audi A4 Convertible 3.0 V6 (2003), €4,940
If it’s all a bit more benevolent, then we present this Audi A4 Cabriolet. A creamy V6 with automatic transmission and more than 200 hp provide the momentum, the electrically adjustable seats are undoubtedly more comfortable than those of the Ka or Astra and the chic composition of the exterior also gives the outside world the idea that you had some money to spare. That is also allowed, because the much heavier and thirstier Audi with also a much higher mileage will cost you a lot more on an annual basis, but you will also get something in return. Moreover, don’t hesitate to reserve some extra money, because the fault sensitivity of the stepless Multitronic makes every day a little bit exciting. Don’t you dare? Then go for a manual open A4, or a version with quattro. Then the automatic version has a regular automatic transmission, but of course the car is also heavier.
Toyota Paseo 1.5i GT Convertible (1998), €4,999
If you prefer to make a ‘safer’ choice, take a look at this Toyota Paseo. Toyota technology from the 1990s with a relatively virgin mileage is often still asked for a considerable amount 25 years later, but in this case there is also a bright red convertible. You lack luxuries such as air conditioning or cruise control in the Paseo, but it comes from an era when you could expect an airbag – and it is there. Furthermore, the Toyota seems to be quite tight and in its original condition for its age, so we expect that you will not easily fall into this.
Peugeot 205 1.4i CJ (1988), €4,950
If you like it a bit more characteristic than a 90s Japanese, click here. Then you come across a Peugeot 205 Convertible with just three buttons on the dashboard, a manual choke, original hubcaps, orange indicators and a nice Mediterranean paint: white. In this list, the 205 is the bareest and, after €49, the most expensive. Whoever wants to be beautiful has to suffer pain, let’s just say. Even for just under €5,000 you can no longer buy a very tight 205 Cabrio, but the joie de vivre that splashes off the scene when you drive by with sunglasses on your nose in this Peugeot is difficult to express in euros. For those looking for something different than a big Audi or a perhaps too decent Opel.
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– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl