Open driving pleasure for little money? Nothing easier than that. Autoscout24 has around 1,400 convertibles for less than 10,000 francs. Because: When the big manufacturers were not really into SUVs, there were also numerous open models from Fiat, Ford, Mini, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, Peugeot or Renault in the smaller segments.
But larger convertibles such as Saab 900 SE and 9-3, Volvo C70 as well as Chrysler Stratus, Sebring and Le Baron can be found for less than CHF 10,000. There are also Audis, BMWs and Mercedes up to the middle class with A4 convertibles, CLK and open 3 Series. Even fans of sportier convertibles don’t have to dig deep into their pockets.
From Mazda MX-5 to MG TF, Alfa Romeo Spider or Toyota MR2 and Supra Targa you can find everything right up to used Porsche Boxsters. And which convertible should you choose now? How about a few models that you don’t see on every corner for a long time?
Less than 1000 francs
From 1990 to 1995 Nissan built the 100 NX sports coupe. Its roof could be removed in parts like it was on the Porsche 911 Targa. So you felt as free in the 100 NX as in a convertible, although the roll bar remained connected to the windshield by a central bar. The used Nissans can be found by sun providers for as little as 500 francs. Better to get around 9,000 francs are due.
1000 to 2500 francs
With Toyota Paseo, Renault R19 Cabrio, Opel Kadett Cabriolet and Ford Mercury Xr2, there are four rarities in this price range. The latter in particular is very rare – because it is never officially offered in Europe. Built in Australia as a Ford Capri, Ford subsidiary Mercury placed it in the USA as a competitor for the Mazda MX-5. From there, some specimens even made it to Europe. Nobody else drives it here.
2500 to 5000 francs
From 1992 to 1995, the small car and four-wheel drive specialist Suzuki offered the second generation of its Swift as a convertible. One is currently for sale. An open Rover 216 comes from the same time – today the traditional British brand lives on in China. And from the USA there are two further rarities with the 1999 Pontiac Sunfire Cabrio and the 1988 Chevrolet Cavalier.
5000 to 7500 francs
This is a real one-off production: How about a Land Rover Range Rover from 1999 as a convertible? The luxury SUV lost its roof, which was replaced by a roll cage similar to the Jeep Wrangler. The Opel Corsa Spider Irmscher from 1987 and the Fiat Ritmo 85 Bertone from 1989 are a rarity. Insider tip: The cool Japanese convertible Daihatsu Copen, which rolled off the assembly line until 2010 – at first even as a right-hand drive like on the home market. Or maybe something to do handicrafts too? Simply buy two Opel Olympia Rekord from 1956 for 6900 francs and rebuild the convertible with the spare parts from the sedan.
Up to CHF 10,000
Very British: the Sunbeam Alpine for 9,500 francs. The British Rootes Group built the open sports car from 1959 to 1968 as a competitor to the Austin Healy 100. Another trouvaille comes from Italy: Among all the newer – and not so much loved – Alfa Romeo Spiders (1994-2010) there is also one Kassiker from 1985 with just 85,000 kilometers on the counter. Another rarity is the VW buggy with a Mauron body from 1965. Only three of these are said to be available in Switzerland.