2013 Convertible Buying Guide: Top Recommended Convertibles

2013 Convertible Buying Guide: Top Recommended Convertibles:

2013 Convertible Buying Guide

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Convertible Buying Guide | What You Should Know Before Buying a Convertible | View Other Buying Guides

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Top Recommended Convertibles

In America, the open road calls to you, and there's no better way to experience the thrill of travel than the convertible. Peel back the roof, feel the wind in your hair and sun on your face. Ironically, the appeal of the modern convertible rests on its ability to deliver practical transportation as well as playful recreation. Convertible hardtops deliver the security of a folding metal top, although at the price of extra weight. Traditional fabric tops now afford multilayer insulation from both weather and road noise. Forget the days of clumsy, manually operated tops and unwieldy tonneau covers. Thanks to the choice between folding hardtops and tight-fitting soft tops, life with a convertible can be just as comfortable as with a coupe.

Convertibles Under $30,000

Our top pick here is the Mazda Miata, which embodies the pure spirit of the roadster: precise handling, superior steering and a rev-loving engine. Its virtues also include a low cost of entry. For example, in the top trim levels you can opt for a power-retractable hardtop and still not bust the budget. Maintenance costs are low, too. This car is snug for average-size drivers, and taller people may find they can't slide the seats back enough. The trunk is small. The sound system disappoints. But if you came for the driving, this is your car.

The Ford Mustang V6 convertible is an iconic American pony car and a marvel at this price. Even better, the 2013 model has updated exterior styling and a new gauge cluster. An automatic transmission with manual shift control is new, but the authentic manual is a better choice. As always, what draws us is the Mustang's ability to be both a daily driver and a weekend romper. There are a few flaws here, including some interior trim executed in cheap plastic, no telescoping steering wheel and less trunk space than the coupe. But don't let these cavils stop you.

Top Recommended

• 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
• 2013 Ford Mustang

Convertibles Under $40,000

There's no trading down with the BMW 1 Series convertible, the scrappy entry-level soft top in the carmaker's line. The inline-6 engine is the one you find in the BMW 3 Series. You get the responsiveness, handling and in-cabin refinement found in higher-math Bimmers. Of course, there's less trunk space here than in the coupe, and the backseats are from Lilliput. Options can bust a budget. But you can choose some things that will enhance the big-sky experience, such as optional leather upholstery that comes with a sun-reflective treatment. Thoughtful convertible-centric things like that make the car a winner.

Top Recommended

• 2013 BMW 1 Series

Convertibles Under $55,000

A complete redesign takes the already popular Porsche Boxster up several notches, making it this segment's top pick. The new base engine is more powerful and achieves better fuel economy. The car looks sharper and handles better, with an interior that accommodates taller drivers and offers more occupant space overall. You'll see Porsche Panamera inspiration in the gauges, dash and center console. The power-operated soft top folds in 10 seconds. But there are some downsides. The Boxster's options are virtually endless, so costs can escalate. There are two trunks, but together they offer just about 10 cubic feet for cargo.

Audi likes to carve its own path, and that's evident in it the Audi A5 Cabriolet. The car is powered by a spirited turbocharged four-cylinder engine, not the six-cylinder you'd expect. There's no retractable hardtop on offer. But there are upsides here. The four-cylinder engine is more fuel-efficient, and powers a car that's taut and crisp on the road. The soft top is light, raises or lowers in 15 seconds and leaves good trunk space when stowed. The A5 has a handsome, feature-rich interior. Although the rear seats are best for shorter passengers, they do fold down, which comes in handy.

The BMW 3 Series hardtop convertible is our third pick. BMW has redesigned the 3 Series sedan and wagon, but not the convertible (yet). It retains the previous-generation body style and naturally aspirated inline-6 engine. The car has excellent ride and handling balance, an upscale cabin and convertible-specific safety, convenience and comfort features. Even with the elegant top stowed, the trunk will hold a standard roller suitcase. Just as with the BMW 1 Series, option packages and à la carte choices are close to overwhelming and can kick up the price. But you'll get plenty of car for the money.

Top Recommended

• 2013 Porsche Boxster
• 2013 Audi A5
• 2013 BMW 3 Series

Convertibles Over $55,000

The Porsche 911 Cabriolet might not seem very flashy when compared to its redesigned coupe sibling, but the convertible is far from being an also-ran, even though it's built on the older 997-model platform. There's a reason why the Porsche 911 remains one of the greatest sports cars of all time; it's just plain good. Like a custom suit, the 911 can be tailored for a variety of tastes. Need something for a daily driver; get the base. Want to make a statement? Go for the Turbo. Thanks to a refined cabin and pure performance potential, you really can't go wrong with the Porsche 911 Cabriolet.

The Audi S5 Cabriolet is a stylish convertible both inside and out, with the performance to match its good looks. The "S" badging means that it has a number of performance enhancements over a traditional A5. It is also one of the few convertibles to offer all-wheel drive. The S5 is unique enough to stand out above the BMW 335i, while remaining a bit more civilized than the BMW M3 convertible.

While the Mercedes-Benz E-Class is traditionally thought of as a sedan, its convertible cousin, theMercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet, should not be overlooked. The E350 or E550 model gives you the choice between V6 and V8 power, both of which provide plenty of go to propel four passengers at a rapid pace. The AirCap system greatly reduces turbulence in the open cockpit at higher speeds, while the stylish, sophisticated interior makes every drive an occasion. Top up or top down, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet manages to keep the harshness of the outside world at bay.

Top Recommended

• 2012 Porsche 911 Cabriolet
• 2013 Audi S5
• 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet