Best Convertibles
Convertibles are built for the enjoyment of the ultimate car enthusiast. Imagine a car made as a true roadster, speeding down the highway, and facing the summer heat top down, making it the only way to enjoy the best convertible out there. On the contrary, convertible cars are not new design inventions; in fact, the first cars ever made were convertibles with all of them normally driven with the top down. It is only when it rains that the roof is used. Today, the best convertible car is a symbol of luxury, a symbol of prestige that is only brought out during the best weather. As much as we find a lot of convertibles in movies, it is rare that you see them on the street. That is why when we see a convertible on the road, we look at them with great interest.
Today, manufacturers are going back to their roots to make sport convertible cars on the budget. However, convertible cars are still a main luxury, and some cars stand out over the others.
Best Convertible Cars Buying Guide
Not all convertible cars are created equal, and the perception of each convertible car is further muddled with branding. If you are planning to buy a convertible car, you must be able to break down the features and judge the elements one by one before selecting the best convertible for you.
The first element in selecting a convertible car is the experience that you expect when you drive one. Convertible cars offer an open-air driving experience, which is different compared to the usual driving. Thus, there is a fun element in driving the best convertible cars. The roster of features of a convertible car should support the brand of fun driving that you desire. The driving experience is attributed to the engine type, features, and the quality of car exterior and interior.
To make sure that you are given the convertible car driving experiences that you desire, compromises have to be made. Some downsides found in convertible cars are cramped seats, limited cargo and storage, and safety concerns like less visibility and minimal road traction. These compromises are necessary to ensure that the car is designed as a true roadster. It is for you to judge if these features justify the compromises.
Some factors heavily considered in buying a convertible car include power, sportiness, and transport space. Some convertibles are true roadsters in a sense that they blaze through roads, but do not provide much transport space. There are sporty convertibles that try to present a medium between speed and space, but the design may fall short from the expectations of sports car enthusiasts. Other traditional factors that one considers in choosing from the best convertible cars include fuel efficiency, overall cost of ownership, taxes, and auto insurance.
Types Of Convertible Cars In The Market
Convertible car types include a wide range of designs and purposes, but there are three main classifications -- roadsters, luxury, and mainstream convertibles. Roadster convertibles are two-seater cars made for small, fast, and fun driving. Luxury convertibles present a balance of sporty and corporate identified designs. Luxury convertibles have a price premium for prestige.
Mainstream convertible cars include the Chrysler Sebring and the Ford Mustang. Aside from the sporty look, these mainstream convertibles provide transport space and other features for general needs. They are also priced compared to roadsters and luxury convertibles.
Best Convertible Cars In The Market
The most popular convertible car today is the Porsche Boxster. This luxurious convertible is top rated by consumer reports and market surveys. The Porsche Boxster has a mid engine design with a 24 valve, 2.7 liter flat 6 engine at 245 HP. Running at $50,000, the Boxster is hardly an affordable car, but the premium for German design and engineering is worth the extra buck. The Boxster's biggest trump card is its safety. For a convertible, the Boxster has exceptional handling and braking on top of the sturdy frame.
If you are looking for compact convertibles, the best convertible car of the mini class is the Mini Cooper. The Cooper has points for its cuteness even though it lacks acceleration and raw power. The Mini Cooper's one obvious downside is fuel economy. For a small and compact car, the Cooper only tops out at 25 MPH. The Cooper is easy to use, easy to own, and easy to drive, making it a hot item for convertible aficionados.
Finally, the BMW Z4 Roadster is the best convertible roadster available. The Z-class cars run at least 215 HP using a 3.0 liter, 6 cylinder engine. For the highway, the Z4 runs at an impressive 30 MPG. The Z4 is heavily designed to be the king of the road, hence the roadster tag. However, what it has on speed is counterweighted by the lack of agility and durability.
The Porsche Boxster, Mini Cooper, and BMW Z4 have carved an identity easily recognized by car consumers. Thus, the combination of name branding and tested reliability, in addition to a large fan base, has made the three the best convertible cars in the market.
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