Four Cheap Convertibles for Under 5K

Four Cheap Convertibles under 5K

In many parts of the country, the warm weather is luring us outdoors. For those of us who geek out over cars, it’s time to bust out the hose for a driveway wash and start daydreaming about summer road trips with the top down.

Let’s face it — the sunroof isn’t quite living up to the dream, no matter how cool you thought it was when you bought it. And yeah, the thought of hacking off the roof was cool in High School. (know you’ve thought about it too — I definitely did back in the day).

With cash tight and interest rates on still high, . We’ve got to pull this off on a shoestring budget. We need a car that feels premium without the hefty price tag, moves quick, sips fuel slower than granny at afternoon tea, and has enough street cred to turn heads.

I used Auto Tempest for research, they are not a sponsor, I really like using it. I’m leaving the links in, but keep in mind the cars may sell, or go off line after publication.

Be sure to check Car Verticle or Car Fax to get a comprehensive history on the car you are considering.

Convertible or Roadster?

Convertible and Cabriolet — These terms are essentially synonymous, with Cabriolet simply a french term for Convertible. A roadster, traditionally, was a two-seater without any top options, now however they are more sophisticated and usually come some kind of weather protection for the driver and passenger.

Spyder, That’s the Italian take on a two-seater convertible.

Hard Top Convertible or Soft Top?

In our price range, hard top is a stretch, Hard top convertibles are as the name suggests, A hard top that magically transforms to an open air convertible. The Mercedes SLS 550, or BMW Z4 are examples. There is no way we can even touch one of those for this excercise so its soft top all the way. The New Porsche Targa is simply magical to watch open and close.

Criteria:

• Less that $5K
• Minimal hoopty factor, a reasonably fresh battery, tires and brakes.
• Look more expensive than it is
• Quick
• Not thirsty.

Audi A3 Convertible $4,595.00

The 2007 Audi A3 Convertible is topping our list. Our team spotted a couple of solid picks within the budget one more of an obvious hooptie than the other.

Back in ’07, the A3 came with a $41,000 price tag, It looked right at home cruising through Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket with its slick, preppy style.

Fast forward 16 years and the A3 is still a looker. Audi’s classic design elements still hit the mark. But let’s level: snagging one within our budget means we’re not rolling out a mint condition showpiece. We’re eyeing a fixer-upper that’s got potential.

This A3 resides in Hatboro PA, and for $4,595.00 seems like it’s in pretty good shape. Its an Automatic, so if you are a Save the Manuals person, this may turn you off. If you live in a congested metropolis like I do, flappy paddles are perfect. Alas they don’t show up here either. The shots of the interior show fairly well, the interior leather could use a treatemt of Leatherique, a steam clean and a carpet shampoo.

Check out the A3 here

A Hooptie A3 $3,575.00

Consider this Audi A3 in Gainesville, GA, listed at $3,575, as a potential secondary option. While it’s attractively priced, be aware that it’s not for the faint-hearted or those without significant mechanical skills. This car, which has a clean title but has been in an accident, requires substantial repair and investment:

• Towing required:
• Lost a wheel while driving. $230 eBay
• Replacement of the driver’s side fender, $152 eBay
• wheel, wheel bearing hub assembly, $231 eBay
• resonators $677.00 x 2 from Audi
• Cosmetic damage: Includes a small dent on the driver’s side door. $50
• Battery replacement needed. $224.00 from Interstate

This project could pay off for a seasoned DIY’er, and you could find a motivated seller given its decaying in the driveway. We totaled up $2,261.00 in parts needed to get this back on the road. plus paint and a change of fluids. you will want to get new tires, unless you can find a decent set used. Hey its only for the summer.

Similar models in better shape have been priced as high as $11K. However, if you’re not mechanically inclined, this vehicle might be more of a challenge than it’s worth. Be prepared for a considerable investment in both time and money. If you’re not handy, this might not be the right project for you.

This A3 is available here

The BMW 1 series Cabriolet $4,950.00

in 2008 BMW 1 128 new from factory had 230 horses and 200 Pound Feet of Torque. Considered a bit heavy at the time weighing in at 3571 pounds and a 0–60 in 6.4 seconds. Pretty quick. The starting price $33,875.00. Like the A3 its sporty and practical at the same time. You could jam 4 people in it for a short run to the beach, otherwise its great for two and take it as far as you want.

The one we found for sales feels like its in pretty good shape, The asking price $4,950, its right at our limit. It needs a detail and work on the leather seats, a bit of Leatherique may do the job. The car can be found in Ozone Park NY. Dealer says it starts right up, runs great and the tires will need to be replaced in the near future. With this series of BMW you have to worry about carbon build up in the engine and the dreaded Vanos failure. I love this series of BMW over the 3 and 5, even better would be the 135 or an M series but that send it beyond our budget.

Better examples of this car in the US are going for 10–13K on Auto Tempest

Check this 1 series out here

Mercedes-Benz CLK 550 $4,999.00

Landing in third place on our automotive parade is the 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK 550, tucked away in Hermitage, Tennessee. This gem is tagged at a cheeky $4,999.00 — just a dollar shy of the big five thousand — and boasts a robust 161,754 miles on its odometer. This suggests the engine might soon be more suited for leisurely Sunday drives than any high-octane adventures. The dealer’s assurance that it “runs great” might echo the empty promises of every pre-owned vehicle pitch you’ve ever heard. The photographs reveal paint that looks “okay” at best — practically a glowing endorsement in the world of used cars.

Originally dispatched from Germany with an impressive 382 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque, if this seasoned roadster retains even a shadow of its former vigor, it promises to be more than just a pretty (well, presentable) face. The aesthetics, however, do need some tender loving care. The interior, draped in what was once premium leather, now desperately calls for a thorough cleanse with Leatherique to strip years of accumulated grime. The carpets suggest a history of muddy boots and forgotten coffee cups. For those considering a long-term relationship with this aging beauty, a two-stage polish followed by a ceramic coat might just restore its former showroom shine.

Check out the CLK 550 here

2007 Jeep Wrangler X $4,900.00

Rounding out our list is the rugged 2007 Jeep Wrangler X, a true icon of off-road tenacity. Parked with an attitude in the world of four-wheel drives, this Wrangler’s packing a 3.8L V6 gasoline engine under the hood that ensures you have more than enough grunt to tackle tough terrain or cruise city streets. and it won’t be as thirsty as a larger V8. And yes, it comes equipped with the essentials for any road trip or traffic jam — CD player, AUX input, with a Chinese head unit for a couple of hundred bucks you could diy Carplay or Google Android for tunes and Waze.

Maybe Sketchy?

This Jeep has been passed down through three previous owners and wears its adventures proudly. Now, before you get too excited, heed the warning: the Check Engine Light (CEL) is on.

The dealer is not forthcoming about what it could be. Take a code reader and give it a first hand inspection. Even better if your buddy is a Mechanic and can figure this out on the cheap. You may be able to knock this price down

You can find this Jeep here in New Jersey.

Honorable Mentions

Honorable mentions almost made it into our list of top picks. We had our sights set on a Mustang, a Volvo C70, and a Mini Cooper, hoping to add a splash of variety to our convertible lineup. But finding these models for under $5K turned out to be a real wild goose chase. Either the prices were too steep or the conditions were so sketchy they’d send shivers down your spine. So, regretfully, we had to pass them up this time around.

Conclusion: With potential Hoopties, Buyer Beware!

That brings us to the winners of our convertible showdown. These rides mix fun with a hint of class, all without demanding you empty your savings account. They’re the kind of cars that offer a smooth drive with just enough luxury to make your daily commute feel like a breeze. Sure, they might come with a couple of issues to sort out, and thats half the fun of buying a hooptie.

Remember, a good mechanic can be your best friend here; shelling out a few bucks for a thorough pre-purchase inspection is worth its weight in gold.

So, what do you think? Did we miss a hidden gem that should have been on this list? Disagree with our selections? Dive into the links provided (no worries, we’re not making a dime off them) and see for yourself. Be quick though — these deals might be gone faster than you can say “convertible season.” And if you’ve got opinions, we’re all ears — drop us a line and let the debate begin!