Skip advert
Advertisement

Car hunter: Two-seater convertibles

Reader has £5,000 to spend on a reliable roadster, so what should he buy?

Dear Chris,I’m after a two-seater convertible for a bit of weekend fun – but it has to be reliable. I’ve got a £5,000 budget. What do you suggest?David Nicholas, E-mail 

If you'd like help choosing your next car, contact chris_ebbs@dennis.co.uk.

The best buys:

Superb reliability: Toyota MR2

Toyota MR2

For: Sharp steering, low driving positionAgainst: Questionable styling, tiny boot

Advertisement - Article continues below

The MR2 is a back-to-basics sports car with a low-slung driving position and agile handling. The free-revving nature of the 138bhp 1.8-litre engine fits the model perfectly, but it does need to be worked hard.

Reliability should be assured, with the small Toyota enjoying an excellent reputation for being mechanically sound. There are plenty of cars available for your budget, too. We found a 53-plate model, with only 18,000 miles on the clock, for £4,995. It’s not the most stylish roadster, though, and is starting to feel a little dated, too.

The Mazda MX-5 is still the benchmark for driving fun among small soft-tops, and the Toyota can’t quite match it in that department. It’s easier to handle than the Honda S2000, though, no matter your ability behind the wheel.

Brilliant to drive: Mazda MX-5

Mazda MX-5

For: Stylish looks, excellent reliabilityAgainst: Cramped and dated cabin

Ever since its debut in 1989, the MX-5 has been the world’s favourite affordable roadster. Rear-wheel drive, plus sharp and responsive handling, mean it’s incredibly enjoyable to drive. Again, it’s not the most powerful car – the 1.8-litre engine delivers 126bhp – but it makes up for this with pure driving pleasure.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

A1 Sportback

2026 Audi

A1 Sportback

39,242 milesAutomaticPetrol1.0L

Cash £17,800
View A1 Sportback
Sandero

2022 Dacia

Sandero

15,571 milesAutomaticPetrol1.0L

Cash £12,000
View Sandero
Zoe

2020 Renault

Zoe

15,349 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £10,000
View Zoe
C40 Recharge

2023 Volvo

C40 Recharge

18,773 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £24,800
View C40 Recharge

Your budget will get you a 56-plate car with 70,000 miles, although if you’re happy to go for the previous- generation model, then you’ll even come away with a bit of change – we found a 52-plate car for just £3,995.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The Mazda is arguably better looking than the MR2, and similarly bulletproof when it comes to reliability. One thing to watch out for, though, is the state of the fabric roof. If it hasn’t been looked after properly, don’t be surprised to find rips or some damage.

Hardcore thriller: Honda S2000

Honda S2000

For: Mechanically sound, good looksAgainst: Unpredictable, noisy at speed

Like the MX-5, the Honda S2000 manages to blend style, driving enjoyment and reliability into one exciting package. It’s not quite as accessible as the Mazda, however, as it needs to be worked extremely hard to get the best out of it, and can be a little unpredictable in the wet. It offers the most power, though, with the 240bhp 2.0-litre engine allowing a sprint from 0-60mph in 6.2 seconds.

Prices seem more stable than for the other two cars, and you’re likely to have to pay a higher price for a good one. Excellent reliability means that many have been used as daily drives, so mileages have been high, too.

You’ll have to use up your whole budget for a good one. Spend £5,000 and you can get a 56-plate car with 83,500 miles on it. As with the other two cars here, though, things are beginning to look a little dated inside.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,499 off RRP*Used from £10,695
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,361 off RRP*Used from £11,990
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,763 off RRP*Used from £11,595
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,295
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month
MG ZS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month

The MG ZS is an easy car to like and live with. It’s our Deal of the Day for 3 July
News
3 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025