Question: When is an open-top not a convertible? Answer: When the car has a targa-top. Convertibles may get a lot of attention from sun-seekers, but the targa-top vehicle provides the air-in-your hair experience too! But, to a large degree, many people have forgotten about the fun cars that had them. Interestingly, if a person is considering a targa-topped car, there are a lot of them that are affordable now.

1992-1998 Honda Del Sol

The Honda Del Sol was made from a modified Civic chassis. The targa-top car is front-wheel drive and was often categorized as an economy car instead of a sports car. Like the Porsche mentioned above, the Del Sol would also have a short lifespan. Bringatrailer has these models regularly valued under $10,000.

1969-1976 Porsche 914

The Porsche 914 is one of the polarizing designs from the automaker. The car was the result of a collaboration with Volkswagen to make an entry-level mid-engine sportscar. Many copies were made, but they are hard to come by. Yet, a four-cylinder model is still very affordable. Hagerty places the value at approximately $15,000 in “Good” condition.

1984-1996 Chevrolet Corvette

The Chevy Corvette has been around since the 1960s. A targa-top model has been around for much of that history. Right now, the fourth generation cars are not getting much love in the market. But, the package that attracted people originally to it has not changed. That, of course, is a big V8 engine. A targa-top model in the market right now can be found for under $10,000.

2017-Present Mazda MX-5 Miata RF

The Miata has been around since 1989. It was always available as a convertible or with a hardtop convertible. It was not until 2017 that a targa-top variant was offered to the public in the RF trim. So, that makes it the newest offering in our list of affordable tara-top vehicles. Even as the newest, it still relatively affordable in the used car market. Samples of the Mazda MX-5 Miata RF can be found easily around $20,000-23,000.

2010 Pontiac Solstice Coupe

The Pontiac Solstice came along at the wrong time. Pontiac was on its way to closing its doors. But, in the last hoorah, the Solstice was given a targa coupe model. But, production volume was not in great amounts. So, finding one will be difficult. Getting a great price on one will also be difficult. So few of them have been offered for sale that it is hard to determine a good value for these cars. Hagerty currently values one “Good” condition at $24,700. But, expect that price to vary greatly from region to region within the country. 

1993-2002 Toyota Supra Sport Roof

This choice does not exactly fall into the affordable category. But, it is a fan favorite. So, it enters this list as a bonus targa-top car. The Supra is a legendary nameplate for Toyota. The iconic car also saw significant screen time in the Fast and the Furious movies. But, you get the idea. The car is the Japanese equivalent of an American muscle car and has a rabid fanbase. So, this one will be the pricier of targa-top vehicles on our list. Hagerty places a value at approximately $55,000. 

Targa-top cars offer the open-air fun of driving in the sun with the wind through the hair. But, targas are often not remembered to the same degree as their convertible cousins. However, for someone looking for open-air excitement, a targa-top vehicle may be just what the doctor ordered. These days, those models are also becoming increasingly more affordable. So, when the urge hits for top-down adventure, one’s wallet doesn’t have to scream. So, maybe targa should become a part of more people’s vocabulary.