The best convertible for the money in 2025

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is the best convertible for the money in 2025, thanks to its low entry price, exceptional driving engagement, strong reliability, and outstanding resale value. For shoppers who need four seats or more luxury, close runners-up include the Ford Mustang Convertible, BMW Z4, and Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet—each compelling in its own niche but generally costlier to buy and own.

Why the Mazda MX-5 Miata wins in 2025

Now in its latest refresh with recent steering, differential, and stability-control updates, the Miata remains the benchmark for attainable open-top fun. It’s one of the least expensive new convertibles you can buy, yet it delivers a rare blend of precision handling, daily usability, and low operating costs. Crucially, it also holds its value remarkably well, keeping lifetime cost of ownership in check.

Value snapshot

In the U.S., the soft-top MX-5 typically starts around the low $30,000s before destination and options, with Club and Grand Touring trims adding performance hardware and comfort features. The RF “targa” body style, with its power-folding hard roof, costs more but remains a price-friendly way to get extra refinement and security. Insurance, fuel, and maintenance costs are generally lower than other sports cars, and highway fuel economy sits comfortably in the low-30s mpg range, depending on transmission.

Strengths and trade-offs

Here are the key strengths that make the Miata the best value play among convertibles right now.

• Price-to-fun ratio: Delivers world-class steering feel and balance at a mainstream price.
• Reliability and resale: Historically strong reliability and industry-leading resale values for a sports car.
• Running costs: Light on tires, brakes, and fuel; easy to service; broad aftermarket support.
• Everyday livability: Comfortable enough for commuting, with a simple, quick soft top.
• Driver involvement: Available manual transmission and engaging chassis updates for recent model years.

Taken together, these strengths mean you spend less up front and over time—without sacrificing the quintessential convertible experience.

No car is perfect, and acknowledging the Miata’s limitations helps ensure you pick the right convertible for your needs.

• Space: Two seats only; small trunk limits luggage for long trips.
• Refinement: Road noise and ride firmness can bother some on rough pavement.
• Power: Quick enough, but not a straight-line bruiser compared with turbo or V8 rivals.
• Winter use: Soft-top insulation and rear-drive traction demand quality winter tires in cold climates.

If you need more seats, more luxury, or more straight-line muscle, one of the alternatives below may fit better—albeit often at a higher price.

Best alternatives by need and budget

If the Miata’s two-seat layout or minimalist luxury isn’t a match, these alternatives deliver strong value in their categories. Expect higher purchase prices and potentially higher running costs versus the Miata, but also gains in space, comfort, or speed.

• Ford Mustang Convertible (EcoBoost Premium): The most budget-friendly four-seat drop-top with genuine everyday usability, modern tech, and broad dealer support. The latest generation brings sharper styling and a livelier cabin. Good for road trips; pricier to fuel and insure than a Miata.
• BMW Z4 (sDrive30i): A refined, comfortable two-seat roadster with strong turbo-four performance, an upscale interior, and an easy-to-use soft top. Delivers a luxury experience at a lower price than many European rivals; the M40i variant adds serious pace (with a manual option available on select configurations), but at a premium.
• Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet: A new, elegant four-seat cabrio that replaces the C- and E-Class convertibles. Polished ride, sophisticated tech, and real back-seat space make it an excellent luxury value versus pricier grand tourers.
• MINI Convertible: One of the least expensive four-seat convertibles, with playful dynamics and city-friendly size. A full redesign is imminent, so the current model may offer attractive deals while inventory lasts.
• Porsche 718 Boxster: Not cheap, but unrivaled steering and chassis precision. For those prioritizing performance and feel, it’s the gold standard—just know the purchase price and upkeep are substantially higher.

Each of these cars solves a different shopper problem—more seats, more luxury, or more speed—yet they can’t match the Miata’s overall affordability and ownership calculus.

What to consider when shopping for value

Beyond sticker price, several factors determine which convertible is the best value for your situation. Keep these points in mind before you buy.

1. Total cost of ownership: Consider insurance, fuel, maintenance, tires, and depreciation. Strong resale can save thousands later.
2. Roof type: Soft tops are lighter and cheaper; power hard tops add security and refinement at extra cost and complexity.
3. Seating and cargo: Two-seat roadsters are purist fun; four-seaters offer versatility but weigh more and cost more.
4. Ride and performance balance: Sporty suspensions can be firm; test drive on imperfect roads to gauge long-term comfort.
5. Safety and driver-assist: Check standard active-safety features and crash-test results where available.
6. Warranty and reliability: Longer warranties and proven reliability reduce surprise expenses.
7. Climate readiness: If you’ll drive year-round, budget for quality all-season or winter tires and consider a hard-top variant.

Evaluating these factors alongside pricing will quickly clarify which model delivers the most value for you—not just at purchase, but over years of ownership.

Verdict

For most buyers seeking maximum smiles per dollar, the Mazda MX-5 Miata remains the best convertible for the money in 2025. It’s affordable to buy, cheap to run, brilliant to drive, and it holds its value. If you need more seats, comfort, or luxury, the Ford Mustang Convertible, BMW Z4, and Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet are excellent alternatives—just be prepared for higher costs in exchange for their strengths.

Summary

The Miata tops the value list because it pairs a low price with exceptional driving engagement, strong reliability, and class-leading resale. Alternatives can better serve specific needs—practicality (Mustang), luxury (Z4, CLE), or peak performance (718 Boxster)—but none match the Miata’s total value proposition for most shoppers.

When’s the best time to buy a convertible?

By the time September comes around after summer ends, more examples become available and less buyers are in the market, therefore causing prices to reduce. This inevitably gives buyers in winter months more choice and lower prices.

What is the best selling convertible?

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is the best-selling convertible of all time, known for its affordable fun and engaging driving experience. For 2025, other highly-rated and popular convertibles include the Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Mustang, Porsche 911, and the luxurious Mercedes-Benz SL. 
Best-Selling Convertible of All Time 

• Mazda MX-5 Miata: This iconic roadster holds the Guinness World Record for the best-selling convertible, with over one million units sold worldwide. Its appeal lies in its affordable price, compact size, traditional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout, and agile handling, offering an “affordable driving fun” experience.

Popular and Highly-Rated Convertibles for 2025

• Chevrolet Corvette: Opens in new tabThe 2025 Chevrolet Corvette is considered one of the top convertibles available, receiving high ratings from automotive experts like Kelley Blue Book. 
• Ford Mustang: Opens in new tabThe 2025 Ford Mustang convertible continues its legacy with a proven formula of a big engine, rear-wheel drive, and an attainable price tag. 
• Porsche 911: Opens in new tabA top-tier choice for performance and luxury, the 2025 Porsche 911 Convertible offers a blend of high-end engineering and driving excitement. 
• Mercedes-Benz SL: Opens in new tabKnown for its style, performance, and advanced features, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is a popular choice in the luxury convertible segment. 
• Jeep Wrangler: Opens in new tabThe Jeep Wrangler is a popular convertible known for its robust build and off-road capability. 
• BMW Z4: Opens in new tabThis roadster is praised for its powerful engine and classic BMW driving dynamics. 

What convertible holds its value best?

What is the convertible with the best resale value?

• Mazda MX-5 Miata.
• FIAT 124 Spider.
• Mazda MX-5 Miata RF.
• MINI Convertible.
• Chevrolet Camaro (convertible)
• Ford Mustang (convertible)

What is the most reliable used convertible?

The most reliable used convertibles include the Mazda MX-5 Miata, consistently praised for its durability and low running costs, and luxury options like the BMW 2 Series convertible and Audi A5 cabriolet, which offer modern technology and performance with strong reliability ratings. Other dependable choices are the Ford Mustang and Toyota Solara, which blend classic style with proven engineering. 
Top Picks for Reliability

• Mazda MX-5 Miata: Opens in new tabA legendary sports car, the MX-5 is known for its compact size, nimble handling, and overall reliability, whether equipped with a manual or automatic top. 
• BMW 2 Series (convertible): Opens in new tabAccording to iSeeCars.com, the 2021 BMW 2 Series convertible stands out as a highly reliable option in the luxury segment. 
• Audi A5 Cabriolet: Opens in new tabOffering a premium feel with advanced technology, the A5 cabriolet features a quick-folding electric fabric roof and a spacious interior, all while maintaining high reliability. 

Other Reliable Options

• Ford Mustang Convertible: Opens in new tabThe iconic Mustang is a reliable choice, providing strong engine performance and classic design. 
• Toyota Solara: Opens in new tabWhile older, the Toyota Solara convertible is another model recommended for its reliability and availability. 
• Porsche 718 Boxster: Opens in new tabA less expensive entry into Porsche ownership, the 718 Boxster offers sporty performance and high-end features with a generally reliable engine. 

Tips for Buying a Reliable Used Convertible

• Consider Certified Pre-Owned (CPO): Look for CPO vehicles, as they often come with extended warranties and have undergone rigorous inspections. 
• Check Reliability Scores: Use resources like iSeeCars.com and Kelley Blue Book for data-driven reliability ratings. 
• Inspect the Roof Mechanism: Convertibles have more components that can fail. Pay close attention to the roof’s condition and functionality, looking for leaks or damage.