As summer approaches, visions of top-down Sunday drives in a convertible become more appealing. Imagine the warm sun on your face, the wind in your hair, and the smell of the countryside as you take on the open road. Owning a convertible sounds like a luxury, but a 2010 Nissan 370Z proves it doesn’t have to break the bank.

The 2010 Nissan 370Z is a top pick for an affordable convertible

In a recent roundup, U.S. News ranked the 2010 Nissan 370Z the top used convertible priced between $10,000 and $15,000. The base-model 2010 370Z convertible’s 3.7-liter V6 engine produces 332 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. This model also comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel-drive, and seating for two.

Optional equipment in the 2010 Nissan 370Z includes an automatic transmission, sport suspension, and a Nismo-tuned engine harnessing 350 hp. 

The 370Z’s cabin has a spacious interior compared to other affordable two-seat sports cars. The base model’s seats offer eight-way manual driver’s seat adjustment, but they lack lumbar support. Also, there’s a concerning amount of hard plastic, and the trunk has a tiny 4.2 cubic feet of cargo space.

Some used Nissan 370Z models include optional seat upgrades, a Bose stereo with a six-disc CD system, and navigation. 

U.S. News scores and driving impressions

U.S. News‘ “Best Used Convertibles $10K to $15K for 2022” compares 25 used 2010 to 2017 convertibles with average prices between $10,000 and $15,000. Reviewers based the vehicle ratings on an overall score, achieved by combining scores from a standard set of criteria, including a critics’ rating, performance, interior, the total cost of ownership, safety, and reliability. 

The 2010 Nissan 370Z topped the list with an 8.9/10 overall score. The 8.8 Critics’ Rating reflects automotive industry critics’ impressions and ratings on other platforms, while the 332 hp V6 provides enough power for an 8.7 performance rating. 

However, the small trunk, uncomfortable seats, and cheap plastic bits drop the interior score to 7.6. The 2010 Nissan 370Z scored well in cost of ownership with an 8.6. And it earned a perfect 5/5 on J.D. Power’s reliability scale. But the convertible didn’t get a safety score from U.S. News because it debuted in 2010. 

Is the 2010 Nissan 370Z convertible a good buy?

Based on U.S. News reviews, the 2010 Nissan 370Z convertible is the best option for buyers looking for a sporty used convertible priced between $10,000 and $15,000. In addition, it tied for third with the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro in U.S. News’ “Used Sports Cars Under $20K.” The 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata and the 2010 Ford Mustang placed first and second on that list with scores of 9.1 and 9.0, respectively. 

This data indicates the 2010 Nissan 370Z is a good choice for an affordable two-seat convertible sports car that’s fun to drive. But it isn’t the best choice for buying groceries or long road trips requiring luggage.