The cheapest convertible cars in Australia in 2023

Want to feel the wind through your hair? Here are the cheapest drop-top models – both new and used – available today.

There's no denying convertible cars are cool, often depicted in pop culture as the ultimate embodiment of freedom.

Sometimes referred to as cabriolets or roadsters, convertibles offer a unique driving experience and, despite their often small footprint, can also provide elements of practicality.

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A drop-top offers endless headroom, eliminates blind spots, and can even give you a daily dose of vitamin D – weather permitting, of course.

Unfortunately, with the rise of SUV sales in Australia, the demand for small cars has decreased significantly. Much like manual transmissions, convertibles are swiftly becoming a thing of the past.

Due to the added structural intricacies, convertibles have typically been more expensive than their coupe or sedan equivalents. These days, with a small pool to choose from, prices are only increasing.

Having said that, they still exist. So, we thought we'd compile a list of the cheapest convertibles you can get on the market in Australia in 2023.

However, 'cheapest' doesn't necessarily mean they're affordable, so we've also sourced data from Melbourne-based automotive intelligence company, AutoGrab, to showcase some of the cheapest used convertibles you can buy today.

Please note that the prices for the below vehicles all exclude on-road costs.

There are seven variants to choose from in the Mazda MX-5 line-up. The range kicks off with the G20 ND manual priced at $38,460. All models are powered by a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine developing 135kW and 205Nm. Drive is sent to the rear wheels through a choice of six-speed manual and automatic transmissions in base and GT variants.

There are four trim grades available in the Mini Cooper convertible range. Kicking off at $51,000 is the Classic Plus. This spec packs a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder petrol engine. That's paired to a seven-speed sports automatic dual-clutch transmission, is front-wheel drive, and produces 100kW and 200Nm.

The Ford Mustang convertible range includes two specifications, with the high-performance automatic being the cheapest option. It starts at $61,890, packs a 2.3-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine, and has power outputs of 236kW and 448Nm.

The Audi A5 two-door cabriolet is available in two model grades. The base is the 45 TFSI Quattro S Line, which you can get for $99,600. Under the bonnet of this model lies a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine. This is mated to a seven-speed sports automatic dual-clutch transmission and is all-wheel drive. This vehicle is capable of 183kW and 370Nm and has a 0–100km/h sprint time of 6.5 seconds.

There are two options on the market for the BMW Z4. The base is the 20i M Sport, which will set you back $99,200. This variant is equipped with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo petrol engine paired to an eight-speed sports automatic transmission and is rear-wheel drive. The Z4 spits out 145kW of power and 320Nm of torque.

These cars have been calculated by an average of the estimated retail price for each vehicle. Details have been collated by Melbourne-based automotive intelligence company, AutoGrab, and should only be used as a guide.

The convertible with the most appealing price tag of the bunch is the 2006 Peugeot 206 CC T1. Surely one of the cheapest vehicles you'll find with a retractable hard top, this Peugeot sports a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, is a front-wheel drive, and is capable of 100kW and 190Nm.

The Holden Astra convertible gives the choice of a non-turbo, ideal for cruising, along with a turbo for a twist of performance. The base model manual packs a 2.2-litre, four-cylinder petrol paired to a five-speed manual transmission, and is front-wheel drive. This Astra produces 108kW and 203Nm.

Few cars are as iconic as the Saab convertible. This striking vehicle packs a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine and is available in both manual and automatic. The engine is capable of 151kW and 250Nm and is available solely in front-wheel drive.

The Holden Tigra blends European styling with the accessibility of the Holden badge. Available in one specification, this convertible has a 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission and is front-wheel drive. While its styling is sleek, power outputs won't knock your socks off with just 90kW and 165Nm.

While the Mitsubishi Colt has unusual styling, with the top down it's every bit as fun as the other cars on this list. Packing a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, it's mated to a five-speed manual transmission, is front-wheel drive, and is capable of 110kW and 210Nm.