It’s no secret that convertibles are the most sought-after vehicles for warm-weather cruising. But for many, these luxury vehicles come with an equally luxurious price tag. However, if you’re looking to make a smart purchase and stay under budget, wintertime is one of the best times to find a good deal on a convertible.

A used Mustang convertible is one of the most popular choices for budget-minded car buyers. And the 2010 and 2009 are the best Ford Mustang convertibles that stand out when finding a quality used car under $10,000.

Here’s a breakdown of each model, along with specs and features, recalls/reliability ratings from J.D. Power, and where each model ranks according to U.S. News best-used cars list.

1. 2010 Ford Mustang Convertible

Since the mid-1960s, the Ford Mustang has been considered the epitome of legendary American muscle cars. With its sleek design, powerful engines, and iconic style, the 2010 Mustang convertible is no exception. Its average used price range is between $9,499–14,059, and it ranks second out of 37, according to U.S. News’ best-used cars list. That makes the 2010 Mustang an excellent option for those on a tight budget.

Under the hood, the 2010 Mustang offers two engine options – a base 4.0L V6 that produces 210 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque, while a 4.6L V8 is also available and boosts the power output to 315 hp and 335 lb-ft of torque. Both powertrains channel power to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox or an optional five-speed automatic.

A non-independent rear suspension and limited-slip differential improve the twist and turn capabilities of the Mustang. At the same time, its sporty exterior design and eye-catching chrome rims add to its overall appeal. The convertible top stows in seconds and offers protection from the elements when needed.

The 2010 Mustang can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than five seconds and covers a quarter of a mile in about 13 seconds. Its fuel efficiency is 18 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

The reliability of the 2010 Mustang is at its best after scoring 87 out of 100 on J.D. Power’s quality & reliability rating. It also earns an overall Consumer rating of 84 out of 100. That means very few or no defects, malfunctions, and design flaws were reported to J.D. Power by 2010 Mustang owners, and very few recalls have been issued since its release in 2009.

2. 2009 Ford Mustang Convertible

The 2009 Ford Mustang is the last generation of the classic American muscle car before its facelift in 2010. It features a similar design to the 2010 model, with contemporary styling and up-to-date technologies. The average used price range is between $7,999 – 14,839, ranking fifth out of 37 according to U.S. News best-used cars list. While slightly behind its successor in the ratings, the 2009 Mustang still offers a reliable and robust ride.

The same engines power the 2009 Mustang as before – a 4.0 liter V6 with 210 hp and 240 lb-ft of torque, or an optional GT’s 4.6 liter V8, which pumps out 300 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. The same transmissions are present: a five-speed manual transmission or an optional five-speed automatic – with the same limited slip differential for improved cornering abilities on the road.

The exterior design is similar to the 2010 Mustang convertible, but the 2009 model has a more vintage feel with its chrome grille, chrome rims, and aggressive front end. The interior cabin is comfortable and spacious with plenty of legroom, while the retractable soft-top roof stows in seconds and provides an open-air experience when driving.

The 2009 Mustang can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.4 seconds, slightly slower than its predecessor. It also has slightly lower fuel efficiency ratings, at 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

A great score of 85 out of 100 on J.D. Power’s reliability rating and Consumer rating of 82 out of 100 make the 2009 Mustang an attractive, used car option with few defects, malfunctions, or design flaws reported by owners.

Best Used Convertibles under $10K for 2023

These two Ford Mustang convertibles are great options for those in the market for a reliable, used convertible that won’t break the bank. If these two models don’t quite meet your needs, there are plenty of other options out there as well. U.S. News best-used car list includes the 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata, 2011 Mini Cooper, 2010 Nissan 370Z, 2011 Chevrolet Camaro, and 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata as some top choices in this price range.

Regardless of which convertible you choose, winter is arguably the best time to find a good deal on a used convertible. With dealers eager to move inventory and more cars on the market, you can find the perfect used convertible for your needs at an unbeatable price.