Believe it or not, wintertime is typically the best time to buy a used convertible car. It may sound counterintuitive considering these chilly days make you want to curl up with a blanket inside as opposed to cruising with the top down in a sleek convertible. However, if you look around, you may find there are some great convertible deals to be had right now. Here are five of the best convertible cars that you can currently buy for under $10,000.

The Porsche Boxster is a German sports car bargain

It may be hard to believe that a Porsche would make this list of cheap convertibles to buy, but we’re not talking about the new model. Instead, check out the first-generation Boxsters (1997-2004) in your local classifieds to find some good deals. For less than $10,000, you can find a rear-drive, mid-engine Porsche with a six-cylinder engine that puts out 201 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque.

Of course, the newer you go, the more expensive the Boxster. But if you can afford to stretch your dollar to buy a newer model, then you will have the added luxury of even more power as Porsche revised its entry-level roadster in 2000 and again in 2003.  

The Toyota MR2 Spyder is an unsung hero in the used convertible market

It might not seem like it, but the Toyota MR2 Spyder is actually a better convertible than you think it is. Yes, it only had 138 hp and a unique sense of style, but it also only weighed around 2,000 pounds and had a rear-wheel-drivetrain. That low power and lower weight equation made for a fun car that you can toss around on the weekends and keep forever, thanks to its Toyota reliability.

We wouldn’t recommend it for a weekend trip, though, as Car Scoops points out, it doesn’t have a trunk but it does have a couple of cubbies behind the seats. Just remember to pack extra light, just like the car.

The Chevrolet Corvette C4 is not just a mid-life crisis car

While the Chevy Corvette is often referred to as a car for those undergoing a mid-life crisis, it’s time to let that stigma go. The reason is that the C4 ‘Vette is actually a pretty cool car to cruise around in. It’s hard to beat a 300-hp LT1 engine and a convertible top that you can drop on those warm Summer nights. There’s no feeling like hearing the roar of American muscle while the wind blows through your subtly graying hair. Whether you really are going through a mid-life crisis or not.

The Nissan 350Z Roadster is a great touring car

Admittedly, the Nissan 350Z was never that much of a visceral sports car, thanks to its heavyweight. However, there’s plenty to love about it as this Z car does provide a comfortable and sporty driving experience. That experience is only heightened when you put the top down and become one with the outside world. At that point, you can listen to the sonorous V6 pump out all 270 hp as you take it through its RPM range and handle long trips with ease. It may not be a bonafide drag racer, but the 350Z is a lot of fun to drive on a daily basis.

The first-gen Audi TT Roadster offers handsome styling and good performance

The first-generation Audi TT Roadster presents a great value for less than $10,000. For that kind of money, you should be able to find a clean example with the turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, however, some 3.2-liter V6 models could be available as well. You will be especially lucky if you can find one with a manual transmission and the Quattro drivetrain.

It’s a great time to find a cheap convertible car for less than $10,000

Although it’s currently wintertime and the used car market is rough, there are definitely some gems to be found if you’re in the market for a convertible car. We recommend checking your local classifieds first like Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist to fit within the $10,000 budget. However, you may be able to find some good deals at private dealers as well.