Spring is Almost Here, Be Ready with 1 of These 3 Affordable Used Convertible Sports Cars
As we continue to endure what feels like the longest winter of all time, it may be hard to imagine that convertible season is right around the corner. And while affordable sports cars and convertibles aren’t always easy to find, these three will deliver the goods.
1. Nissan 370Z – Affordable as both a sports car or convertible
While the news has turned toward the updated Nissan Z, its predecessor can still be great fun. Sporting a 3.7-liter V6 powerplant, the 370Z is good for 332 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. It sends that power through a six-speed manual transmission and to the rear wheels, making the Z a classic take on convertible sports car fun. It’s affordable these days, with early models fetching between $20,000 and $24,000.
Even going back to 2012 versions of the previous Z, a used 370 comes with Bluetooth connectivity, bolstered seats, and is available with navigation. For the tuners out there, the old Nissan Z makes a great autocross or drift build. plus, a few bolt-ons can take it to nigh-on 400 horsepower.
2. 2009-2014 BMW Z4 – European luxury in an affordable convertible sports car
The current BMW Z4 may live in the shadow of the Toyota Supra, but the previous model enjoyed its own territory. Available with a naturally-aspirated inline-six, base models of the Z4 deliver 255 horsepower and 220 pound-feet of torque. Even better, twin-turbo six-pot versions make 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque, and both engines come with rear-wheel drive only.
The Z4 isn’t just an affordable convertible sports car, either. It has a comfortable ride as well. Leather upholstery and contoured seats add plenty of support, and the driving position is well-suited to long road trips. Plus, the Z4 looks incredible, whether the top is up or down. Today, a used Z4 will go for between $20,000 and $25,000 for examples with fewer than 70,000 miles.
3. C6 Corvette – American muscle with a practical side
American muscle is always a good time, and the C6 Corvette is one of the best examples in recent memory. These days, this generation ‘Vette goes for between $27,000 and $30,000, though Grand Sport and Z06 variants cost quite a bit more.
Still, the base kit is worth the price of admission. A 6.0-liter V8 powerplant sends 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque through a pair of wide rear wheels. The LS2 engine makes some of the best V8 sounds one can imagine and more than makes up for the ‘Vette’s unrefined handling.
However, the Corvette’s party piece might be its trunk space. At 22 cubic feet, it’s more than twice that of the Nissan or the Z4.
Enjoy a summer of fun with these affordable convertible sports cars
For open-air driving and canyon road carving on a budget, these three affordable convertibles are sports cars worth checking out. For $30,000 or less, it’s hard to beat the engagement and excitement on offer within this lineup.
