Nowadays, SUVs are all the rage. They have replaced most segments in the hearts of the buyers, except for convertibles. Even though not everyone can afford premium convertibles, it's worth trying and experiencing them. They offer a great driving experience, the latest technology, and many creature comforts.
The used market is the best place to try and experience most convertibles. Here, you can find a great selection of used cars that still perform well. If you're on a budget, here are some blisteringly fast convertibles you can get for under $15,000.
10 1999 Mercedes-Benz 600 SL – $10,000 – 0-60 MPH In 4.7 Seconds
While the 600 SL launched with a huge price tag, it was one car that would easily offer supercar performance. Like most Mercedes-Benz models of its time, the 600 SL had an understated design. However, it also had many over-engineered qualities.
Like its predecessor, the 500 SL, the 600 SL offered a smooth, swift, and quiet ride. Under its hood was a Mercedes top drawer 48-valve 6.0-liter V12 engine. The powerplant produced 389 ponies and 420 lb-ft of torque, enabling this majestic convertible to achieve a 4.7 second 0 to 60 mph sprint.
9 2011 Audi TTS – $11,995 – 0-60 MPH In 4.7 Seconds
The Audi TT has always been a great sports car. It's small, unique, and luxurious in both coupe and convertible models. The TT has always been light, with a cockpit that screams sports car styling. The only main drawback with most enthusiasts is the lackluster engine choices.
However, for the 2011 model year, Audi used a more powerful base engine producing 211 ponies and 258 lb-ft of torque. Audi also gave the TT a DCT, making it noticeably faster. As for the TTS, the engine was unchanged, producing 265 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
8 2005 Porsche Boxster S – $12,995 – 0-60 MPH In 5.1 Seconds
Porsche is the go-to company when you're looking for the best-driving sports cars. The Boxster lineup has been around since the '90s. The 2005 Boxster was part of the second generation and went by the name 987. It offered a better design language than its predecessor, including powerful sweeping contours, larger wheels, and a new headlight design.
It had a mid-engine layout, helping it deliver better handling and great sounds on acceleration. The powerplant produced 280 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. This was enough power to propel the Boxster S from 0 to 62 mph in 5.5 seconds.
7 2011 Mercedes-Benz E550 – $12,999 – 0-60 MPH In 4.6 Seconds
Mercedes has had a showy line of sporty cabriolets with slick folding tops, including the SL and SLK. The 2011 E Class was no different, with its giggle-making 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of 4.6 seconds. The E550 was a great open-air Mercedes with a top speed of 130 mph.
For a convertible, its performance figures were on the verge of perfection. It had excellent road manners, a thick top, and great style. Like most legendary Mercedes models, the E550 had a V8 motor capable of producing 382 hp.
6 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive30i – $13,791 – 0-60 MPH In 5.6 Seconds
For the 2011 model year, BMW offered the Z4 roadster with several changes, including the M Sport package option. The Z4 also had a responsive powerplant with instantaneous response, free-revving spirit, and fantastic sounds.
The sDrive30i was a reasonably powerful base model. However, BMW also offered a punchier sDrive35i model with 335 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. Both models had enhanced engine management systems with an electronically controlled overboost function.
5 2015 BMW 428i – $13,995 – 0-60 MPH In 5.5 Seconds
Like its coupe sibling, the 2015 4 Series convertible offered excellent dynamics and aesthetic appeal. Its standout design made it more unique than its 3 Series cousins. Unlike most convertibles, the 2015 4 Series had a three-piece retractable hardtop roof with new functionality and features.
The 428i was the base level 4 Series with BMW's award-winning twin-turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. BMW also offered a more powerful 435i with the multi-award winning twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 engine.
4 2011 Chevrolet Camaro 2SS – $13,995 – 0-60 MPH In 5.0 Seconds
The Camaro has been a segment-leading muscle car with great power and iconic looks. For the 2011 model year, Chevrolet offered the Camaro convertible with a well-tailored top mechanism and an enhanced body structure.
The SS models had a punchy 6.2-liter V8 motor producing 426 ponies and 420 lb-ft of torque. Chevrolet also offered a 6-speed manual as standard and an optional 6-speed auto. With such performance, the Camaro 2SS would quickly sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds.
3 2014 Ford Mustang GT – $14,600 – 0-60 MPH In 4.8 Seconds
The 2014 Mustang offered an all-new sophisticated design inspired by 50 years of Mustang heritage. It was also the first Mustang to have 4-, 6- and 8-cylinder engines – all with at least 300 hp. That's 315 hp for the 4-cylinder, 300 hp for the V6, and 435 hp for the V8.
The engine options helped the Mustang set new dynamics and performance benchmarks. With such upgrades, the Mustang could offer enhanced ride comfort, more precise steering control, and world-class handling.
2 2004 Chevrolet Corvette – $14,899 – 0-60 MPH In 4.7 Seconds
2004 was one of the best model years for the Corvette. It was the last year for the C5 generation, and to celebrate this, Chevrolet offered a Commemorative Edition package on all models, even the Z06. These 'Vettes got a Le Mans Blue exterior paint, polished aluminum wheels, and special badging.
Under its long hood was a punchy 5.7-liter V8 motor producing 350 ponies and 360 lb-ft of torque. The more powerful Z06 produced 405 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque. These performance figures made driving the C5 Corvette a visceral experience.
1 2013 Audi S5 – $14,995 – 0-60 MPH In 4.8 Seconds
The A5 and S5 models are among the most beautiful vehicles on the market. The S5 is the more potent variant of the A5 and comes standard with a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 333 ponies and 325 lb-ft of torque. For the 2013 model year, Audi dropped the naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V8.
While the swap might have angered some enthusiasts, it made the S5 more fuel efficient. Additional updates that Audi made on the S5 included Quattro all-wheel drive with a center differential that allowed variable torque splits.