Are you a big fan of open-sky travel and curious about how much your favorite convertibles cost? Convertibles, also known as cabriolets in Europe, are fancy, flashy cars that you can switch between open-air and closed-roof whenever you want. Convertibles come in different styles and models, but they all have one thing in common.
The cost of a low-budget convertible ranges between $26,000 and $84,000, while the average price of a high-end convertible falls between $105,000 and $500,000. Whichever you choose to go for, you will make a conscious decision to enjoy the best of nature.
When checking out the cost of convertibles, having a general knowledge of what you want to buy is the first and most crucial step. It will go a long way toward determining how helpful the car will be to you and if you will get the total value of your money out of it. For example, the type of convertible that can accommodate a child’s seat differs from those that don’t. Now you don’t want to buy a mini sports car to take your child to school, and you wouldn’t want to run a race with a Fiat 500 either.
Factors that influence the cost of convertibles include functionality, model type, design, and specs. This article will compare the prices of convertibles based on how they are categorized and answer some questions about their safety and the pros and cons of using one.
How Much Do Convertibles Cost?
Before you buy a convertible, it’s important to have an idea of what you’ll use it for in general. It will determine how much the budget will be, the model to buy, and the specs needed to fulfill the general use of the car.
Generally, buying a 2021 model convertible costs about $60,000–$107,000. The Mercedes-Benz 2021 C-Class convertible’s average cost is approximately $70,500.
| Car Type | Minimum Cost | Maximum Cost |
| BMW Z4 | $50,000 | $103,000 |
| Bentley Continental | $218,00 | $218,000 |
| Chevrolet Camaro | $33,999 | $60,000 |
| Ford Mustang | $32,950 | $140,990 |
Based on specs, the cheapest convertibles cost between the ranges of $28,000 to $160,00. Here are a few examples of budget-friendly convertibles:
| Car Type / Model | Specs | Cost |
| Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2.0 L14 Engine | $28,000 – $36,990 |
| 2023 Mini Convertible | 31.5 MPG | $33,250 – $38,000 |
| 2023 Audi A 5 | 27.5 MPG | $45,200 – $59,600 |
| 2023 BMW 4Series | 27 MPG | $46,000 – $69,500 |
The Priciest convertibles range from $110,000 to $600,000, like these examples below:
| Car Type or Model | Cost |
| 2021 Roll Royce Dawn | $369,990 – $402,500 |
| Ferrari 296 GTS | $390,990 – $450,000 |
| Tesla Reader | $250,000 – $500,000 |
Types of Convertibles
Before getting into the costs of a convertible car, you need to understand the different types of convertibles available in the market. They can be classified based on the roof design, seating arrangement, engine specifications, and models.
Below are some types of convertibles available in the market.
1. The Retractable Rooftop
Retractable rooftop vehicles have an automated rooftop. The hard-top protects from both weather conditions and accidents.
The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF is a good example and costs about $35,000. The 2021 Chevrolet Corvette is another example, and it costs $68,500.
2. The Roadsters
Roadsters are two-seater and two-door convertibles that are primarily sports cars. The two-seaters have foldable cotton roofs and are pretty affordable.
The four-seater has both a soft and hard top. Roadsters cost between the range of $34,000 to $160,500.
3. Cruisers
Cruisers are the best choice if you are looking for an open-roof euphoria as you drive through the country. They give the relaxed lay back and enjoy the scenery driving experience. You can get a cruiser starting at the budget cost of $28,600.
How Much Do Old Convertibles Cost?
We also have the table below to calculate the cost of some different vintage convertibles:
| Car / Model | Cost |
| 1959 Lincoln Continental | $68,990 |
| 1978 Mercedes Benz SI-Class | $18,900 |
| 1965 Lincoln Continental | $200,000 |
| 1957 Ford Thunderbird | $81,999 |
| 1966 Chevrolet Corvette | $129,000 |
| 1979 Mercedes Benz SL Class | $23,500 |
How Much Does a Bentley Convertible Cost?
The Bentley Continental GT convertible has a starting cost price of about $239,990 to $500,000.
The basic price for the 2020 Bentley Continental GT is $218,000 for a V8 and $240,000 for the W12.
The 2022 Bentley Continental GT Speed convertible, which is the latest sensation of the Bentley releases, has an average cost of $283,000.
How Much Does a BMW Convertible Cost?
The 2022 BMW Z4 has a MSRP of $50,000 to $64,000. It is classified among the bottom class of luxury sports cars but can definitely pass for one.
The 2021 BMW 2-series has exciting driving dynamics, costing $49,200. The 2021 BMW Z4 costs $50,000 to $63,000, while the 2020 BMW 2-series costs $34,500 to $88,000.
How Much Does a Mini Cooper Convertible Cost?
The starting price of the Mini Cooper classic is $24,500 for the four-door hardtop. The two-door hardtop has a MSRP of $28,600.
The 2023 Mini convertible has an MSRP of $28,500 to $40,990. It is almost as exciting as the mini hardtop convertible and offers a top-fashion interior design.
The recent 2022 sensational Mini Cooper S convertible has a starting cost price of $33,999 to $40,000 with an engine horsepower of 189,000 pounds.
Pros of a Convertible
- Thrilling: People love convertibles because of their speed and fun driving experience. Driving with the top down is great for anyone who enjoys soaking in the sunlight and feeling the warm air on their face.
- Retractable Roofs: Whether you want the sun shining on you or shelter from the rain, convertibles give you maximum satisfaction in both scenarios. You don’t need to manually close or open the roof, which is an added convenience.
- Appearance: Convertibles can pass for both sporty and supercars; one of their pros is how beautiful and compact they are. Plenty of people love the look of a convertible.
- Budget Friendly: Another advantage of convertibles is how budget-friendly they can be. Aside from the Rolls Royce and Ferraris, with convertibles, you can buy a decent ride within a decent budget.
- Safer Driving: The open roof provides a clear view all around the vehicle. This can help you be a better driver when navigating turns or parking.
Cons of Convertibles
With advantages come disadvantages. Let’s discuss some cons of convertibles.
- Lack of Space: Convertibles are compact and small. They are primarily suited for two passengers. So you’ll have to give up some legroom and storage space.
- Soft-Top Fabric: Despite improvements to convertible roof coverings over the years, the soft fabric top still risks leaking. Opening and closing the roof can also cause the fabric to become loose.
- Safety: Convertibles, as mentioned above, are compact vehicles. One of the major cons is the no guarantee of security, with accidents, collisions, and fire. The soft roof can also pose a hazard, as can driving with the top down.
- High Maintenance: Like most sportscars, convertibles can be expensive to own and maintain. Though very affordable convertible cars are available, they might not give you the complete thrill and excitement associated with the pricey ones.
Why Get a Convertible?
One of the frequently asked questions about convertibles is, “why did you buy a convertible?”
They are among the most beautiful cars available in the market. Though the demand for convertibles isn’t as high as it once was, they’re still exciting to drive.
These perks and highlights usually make a convertible an easy buy for people that genuinely want to experience and enjoy nature. Cruising down to the beach in an open-roof car with songs blasting through is an experience everyone needs to have in their lifetime.
If you’re going for a safe, low-budget convertible that can accommodate kids, I suggest you go for the Ford Mustang and the Mini convertibles.
If you want the sun-soaking experience, you can go for the Chevrolet Camaro and BMW 4 series. If you are ready to spend the money and need a fast, flashy, sporty convertible, then the Ferraris, Rolls Royce, and Porsche are your best bet.
How Much Does A Convertible Top Cost to Replace?
As fun as it is to drive with the sun shining down on your face, the average life of a convertible top is six years.
It costs $800 to $1000 to replace a convertible top and up to $1500 to replace the convertible tops of luxury cars.
Based on several online estimates, you can budget an average of $499 to replace a soft top fabric convertible top.
Low-budget cars like mini convertibles might cost $300 to $500, while high-budget cars will likely cost over $800 or more. And those figures don’t include labor or tax.
Aftermarket Convertible Tops
There are good aftermarket convertible replacement stores with budget-friendly prices.
But, the thing about the aftermarket is that most times, it doesn’t come with guarantees.
A fairly good aftermarket convertible top costs $500 – $1000 or more for luxury cars.
Whenever you buy aftermarket products, it’s always best to go with reputable retailers. That way, your purchase will be backed by a warranty or guarantee in case it’s defective or doesn’t fit.
Still, it should be noted however that convertible cars are more like babies. They have car parts that should be handled carefully.
Whether you purchase a brand new or gently used replacement top, be sure a guarantee backs it.
How to Care For Your Convertible Top
Proper care and maintenance are needed to ensure you get the most out of your convertible. Find some dos and don’ts on how to care for your convertible top.
- Avoid cleansers that contain petroleum or silicone products.
- Do not leave your convertible top down through the night.
- Wash cleaners immediately after use to avoid fading.
- Clear all debris and fallouts before bringing the top down.
- Manual washing preserves the top more than an automatic car wash.
- Never wash your convertible top under the sun.
Tips on How to Replace A Convertible Top
- Always ensure you do your background checks on different convertible tops available.
- You can try other fabrics for your top. Canvas and rubber are great rain-proof tops.
- When working with low-budget, shop around to get the best deal.
- Fix minor damage right away before the problem gets worse.
FAQs On the Convertible Cost
Are Convertibles more Expensive?
Convertibles, on average, are $6,000 to -$10,000 more expensive than regular hard-top cars. But if driving is a hobby, and you love summer, convertibles are a good investment.
How Much Do Convertibles Cars Cost?
Convertibles will cost an average of $60,000 to $130,000. Based on the model and specs, you can get a lower or higher end of this budget. The supercars and flashy cars classified under top luxury cars cost an average of $340,000 to $500,000.
Do Convertibles Cost More to Insure?
Yes, convertibles cost a bit more to insure than regular hard-top vehicles. It is because of the high purchase rate and expensive auto parts. Because of its fanciness, it is also more vulnerable to theft.
Can You Take a Convertible Through a Car Wash?
Yes, you can. But it is advisable to do a manual hand wash instead of an automatic car wash. It is to ensure the longevity of the convertible top and other parts as well—most features of a convertible need to be treated with care.
Are Convertibles High Maintenance?
For the high-end models, yes. The low-budget cost doesn’t cost much, as long as you take proper care of it. The most influencing factors of the high maintenance costs of convertibles are its many parts that can quickly go bad if handled carelessly.
What Do Convertibles Say About You?
For the high-budget cost models, I’d say it projects wealth, youthful exuberance, carefree life, and a dash of arrogance. It’d still be the same for a low-budget model, except for launching wealth.
Can I Use My Convertible During Winter?
Yes, you can. But you will need a hard-convertible top for better insulation from the rain, snow, and cold.
How Much Does It Cost to Turn a Car into a Convertible?
Making your car a convertible can cost an average of $2500 to $60,000. This cost is liable to vary depending on the type of retractable roof you want to get and the kind of fabric you want if you decide to go for a soft top convertible.
Convertible Cost: Conclusion
Convertibles are great cars that take the thrills and excitement of driving to another level. They are cars with great personalities and create lots of fun experiences for the owner.
The cost of a convertible can vary widely depending on factors such as the make and model of the vehicle, its condition and mileage, and any additional features or options it may have. On average, a new convertible can cost anywhere from around $30,000 to over $100,000, while used convertibles can be found for significantly less. It’s best to research specific models and compare prices to better understand the cost.
From feeling the euphoria winds on your face to the sophisticated leather, speed, and overall designs on the sporty and supercars, convertibles are always one hell of a ride in the perfect way.