Compared to something like the R8, the Audi TT often gets overlooked. Not just from new, but from on the used market, too. However, the TT makes for a fun affordable sporty car. Or, in the case of this week’s Cars and Bids bargain, a 2002 Audi TT Roadster, a fun affordable sporty convertible. …
The original Shelby Cobra still holds a special place in American automotive fandom and history. Little wonder, then, that another American automaker, Dodge, would want to recreate it. That was the original design brief for the first-gen Dodge Viper RT/10. And while some later Vipers are more ‘luxurious,’ in his latest video, Doug DeMuro shows …
Thanks in part to the 718 Boxster, getting behind the wheel of a Porsche sports car doesn’t have to cost a fortune. It helps that it also tops Consumer Reports’ list of new convertibles. And 2021 marks the roadster’s 25th anniversary. So, to celebrate, Porsche is giving the 718 Boxster a major throwback with the …
As many JDM fans know, sometimes famed performance nameplates take a while to make it onto US shores. And even after they arrive here, the early models age into classics, leaving American enthusiasts waiting on that 25-year-import mark. In 2021, the wait is over for one beloved British sports car that, initially, couldn’t be sold …
Question: When is an open-top not a convertible? Answer: When the car has a targa-top. Convertibles may get a lot of attention from sun-seekers, but the targa-top vehicle provides the air-in-your hair experience too! But, to a large degree, many people have forgotten about the fun cars that had them. Interestingly, if a person is …
The Toyota Supra has received a lot of hate and praise. One thing it has not received is a convertible top. So, Toyota wanted to play on that open-air theme a bit for November’s SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Manufacturer Association show. But, that show moved to an online-only format due to current global health concerns. …
The Jaguar E-Type still looms large in the classic car world, especially for fans of British convertible sports cars. True, there are noticeably more affordable options, such as the MG MGB. But they don’t quite have the E-Type’s performance or style. However, there’s at least one car that comes close: the Austin-Healey 3000. The 1959-1967 …
Motorcycles are what usually come to mind when the name ‘Triumph’ is mentioned. But along with bicycles, the British brand also made cars, many of which competed with MG’s sporty roadsters. And if you’re looking for a classic convertible sports car, many of its products are still fairly affordable. This week’s Bring a Trailer bargain …
While convertibles aren’t inherently less safe than conventional cars, cutting the roof off a hypercar usually comes with some drawbacks. Recently, though, some manufacturers have released limited-production cars that aren’t just convertibles but lack a roof entirely. There’s the Aston Martin V12 Speedster, for example, as well as the Ferrari Mona and McLaren Elva. And …
The week I spent in the 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring RF hardtop convertible really opened my eyes. See, I’m a mom. I drive a minivan. In fact, I love my minivan. Practicality is the lens through which I try to see most of the world––especially when I’m reviewing cars. But no matter how …
The Mazda Miata is still one of the most affordable convertible sports cars on the market. But it owes its success to several classic British roadsters, such as the Austin Healey-Sprite. However, there’s one model in particular that the Miata pulls inspiration from. And it’s this week’s Bring a Trailer bargain: an MG MGB. The …
High-dollar car auction sales are nothing new, especially when classics are involved. However, there’s paying a large sum for something like an Alfa Romeo BAT concept, and there’s paying $300k for a Datsun 240Z. Classic BMWs are no stranger to high price tags, as evidenced by E30 M3 values. But you can buy a small …
The tiny metallic red Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring Retractable Fastback (RF) tester I had this week might look like a toy. In fact, this close to the holidays I felt a bit like I was driving around in an ornament fit for a fir tree. However, despite its adorable appearance, the 2020 Mazda Miata …
As winter draws closer, interest in use convertibles and sports cars typically drops significantly. However, given how strange 2020 has been so far, used convertibles seem to be gaining value as the temperatures drop. A new study by iSeeCars shows that, on average, used convertibles are over $10,000 more expensive than they were last year. …
While it’s not exactly cheap, the Porsche 718 Boxster isn’t just the brand’s entry-level model. It’s Consumer Reports’ best-rated sports car and one of the best four-cylinder sports cars on sale today. The earlier versions earned similar praise in their day—only today, they’re priced at more affordable levels. Even, on occasion, some of the special …
Today, the 86 is Toyota’s cheapest sports car. And, as it was in the 80s, 90s, and early 00s, the Supra is one rung above it. However, Toyota once offered another affordable sports car: the MR2. The 3rd-gen MR2 Spyder is something of a bargain Lotus, and the 1st-gen tangoed with the Pontiac Fiero. The …
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is one of the most established and respected midsize luxury models currently available. So much so that the model 2021 was just named MotorTrend’s Car of the Year. One of the E-Class‘s greatest strengths is its versatility. You can have it as a sedan, convertible, coupe, or station wagon with various engines …
Regardless if you’re using Carvana, Carmax, or Craigslist to sell your convertible, you want to get the best price possible. And just like there’s an ideal time to enjoy your drop-top, there’s a recommended time to sell it. Though before you do, there are a few things you need to take care of. Selling a …
With a variety of excellent convertibles on the market, it’s relatively easy to get behind the wheel of a drop-top. But even if you buy a cheap one like the Miata, saving money during car shopping is rarely a bad idea. And whether you buy new or used, convertible or not, getting the timing right …
Today, the Miata and its Fiat counterpart are your best choices when it comes to lightweight convertible sports cars. However, cut back to a decade ago, and they had some major competition in the form of the Honda S2000. As with other Fast and Furious star cars, S2000 values have been on the rise. But …
Driving in the summer is nice, but there is just something so relaxing about the fall. The crisp fall air, the beauty of leaves changing, the smell of bonfires, there is so much to love about fall. Driving with your windows down is nice, but driving with the top down on your convertible is picturesque. …
Today, the Mazda Miata is arguably the definitive affordable convertible sports car. But it didn’t spring up out of nowhere. The Miata is based on classic British roadsters like the MGB, the Triumph Spitfire, and the Austin-Healey Sprite. But they in turn come from another car: the MG TC. Not only is it an important …
For many, there’s nothing like a convertible. With their timeless style and great flexibility, they provide a unique driving experience. In a convertible, you can enjoy a summer day in the open-air or sight-seeing under starry skies. The best part? Many of the convertibles like the BMW M8 and other models on the market today are …
Today, there are plenty of incredible features to be found on high-end luxury cars. Naturally, classic cars like the Citroen DS don’t exactly offer massaging seats. But then, someone has to be the first. The Jaguar Mk1 and Mk2, for example, helped popularize unibody design. And Lancia’s cars introduced a whole host of innovations. And, …
Since they don’t have a fixed roof, it’s easy to assume that convertibles must be less safe than other cars. Is a convertible more dangerous? A new IIHS study shows that’s not the case. Here’s a look at what the study, written by Eric Teoh, IIHS director of statistical services, found about convertible safety. Sources of the data The study looked at convertible and …
Mention the Porsche name, and many people’s ears perk up. The manufacturer has a long, storied history of producing well-mannered performance cars. As such, two models have given the most success to the manufacturer, the 911 and the 356. Both are iconic models for Porsche. But, it was the 356, in particular, that is more …
The 2021 Lexus LC 500 convertible is a fun option for a luxury convertible. It also happens to offer more value than just about any of its rivals.
While it’s not the only affordable sports car on the market, Mazda’s MX-5 Miata is one of the best. That’s largely been the case over the Miata’s 30-plus years on the market. However, while all 4 generations of Mazda’s convertible sports car enjoy loyal fanbases, there’s one model that tends to get the least amount …
Ford Mustang enthusiasts will often say that the pony car was introduced as a 1964 ½ model. Of that, there is no dispute. But, what many people don’t know is that prior to production, many pre-production Mustang vehicles were built. Between 150 and 200 pre-production units made the light of day. One of those rare, …
Not everybody can do it. But a few can gift a vehicle to another person. Even fewer people have the financial wherewithal to find a specific vehicle another person once owned and then restore it as a surprise. Jason Mamoa is that person. He restored a long lost Ford Mustang GT that once belonged to …
With the new release of the new Ford Bronco and the allure of its topless capability, other designated off-road vehicles might want to start taking notes. Certain 4×4 off-road SUVs like the Toyota 4Runner or the Land Rover Defender probably won’t ever see a convertible model. But the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon has already done it with …
The MX-5 Miata is very fun to drive, but Mazda’s affordable sports car isn’t precisely overwhelmed with power. As a result, engine swaps and aftermarket turbo kits are popular amongst the Mazda Miata fanbase. However, the automaker briefly did offer a version with a bit more juice: the Mazdaspeed Miata. But it’s a model Mazda …
Sedans and coupes are being increasingly squeezed out of the market by SUVs and crossovers, not to mention trucks. Quite a few brands, including Ford and Chevrolet, have all but eliminated their passenger car lineups because of this. Mercedes is already planning to phase out a few of its AMG and large-engine sedans. But recent …
While 60s 2-seat convertible sports cars like the Sprite weren’t the pinnacle of performance, these roadsters were a lot of fun to drive. Enough that the formula lives on today, in cars like the Mazda Miata, Porsche 718 Boxster, and Fiat 124 Spider. And even though the Ferrari F50 was basically an F1 car for …
Lexus is an automaker known for its luxurious accouterments and attention to detail. Over the few years that the brand has been around, it has become respected for both the comfort and the handling capability of its models. For 2021, it is no different for Lexus. In fact, the company has a new LC 500 …
Whether you prefer the S2000 or a Miata, there are plenty of fun-to-drive convertible sports cars, new and used, to choose from. And many owners install modifications to further sharpen their cars. Some focus on handling, installing sway bars, or sticky tires. Others add more power, either with engine swaps or turbocharger kits. However, there’s …
The Jaguar F-Type is a sleek and exciting looking luxury car. But don’t let the looks fool you, you can get a much better car for the price.
Originally, many high-end automakers had independent coachbuilders design and assemble their cars’ bodies. And Aston Martin was no different. In fact, one of its most iconic cars, James Bond’s DB5, was designed via a licensed version of Italian coachbuilder Superleggera’s construction system. And to pay tribute, the company’s name appears on the British carmaker’s newest …
The Jeep faithful had been longing for a pickup to return to the line-up since the Comanche departed in 1992. So, when the Gladiator was launched, many embraced it right away. Others, however, looked at the awkward proportions of the bed line and said, no thanks. But, that does not mean that it is any …
If you happen to have a car with a convertible top, then it’s a good idea to clean and condition it from time to time. Sure, you can run the whole car through a car wash and get the top clean that way, but over time, the top can fade and even wear out, causing …
The 718 Boxster and Cayman may be some of the cheapest Porsches, but in terms of driving dynamics, they’re by no means de-contented. However, the mid-engine sports cars’ standard engines have been repeatedly criticized for their uninspiring sound. The six-cylinder Cayman GT4 partially rectified this. And now, that same engine has found its way into …
Up until now, the only way to get a Tesla with a convertible top was to buy their old roadster. The new roadster from Tesla is not available yet, and the rest of the Tesla lineup does not have the convertible option. But, in the automotive industry, if you want something bad enough, there is …
BMW hopped on the small roadster bandwagon in 1989, with the Z1 model. It was the first roadster for the company since the model 507. It joined other roadsters that were available in the market such as the Mazda Miata, and the Buick Reatta. However, the BMW Z1 was never officially sold in the United …
Many households have more than one car. Sometimes that additional car or two is for fun weekend driving or events. For those, often, a two-seater fits the “fun” requirement. Inevitably, the search will begin for an affordable one to purchase that is fondly remembered from the recent past. So, what two-seaters are out there from …
Finding a great convertible is harder than ever these days. With fewer and fewer models, what is the best convertible on the market?
Today the exotic car automaker, Lamborghini, launched a new model. But, it is almost like they have run out of ideas since the launch of their Urus SUV. Nothing really new has been coming out lately. Today was no exception. The reveal was just another version of an already existing vehicle. I’m not usually critical …
It is often forgotten that General Motors has made two-seaters for most of its brands. Part of that reason is that the Chevrolet Corvette has been so successful for so many decades. So, now people automatically think of the Corvette and have to stop and think of what other two-seaters they made. But it is true, in …
Mercedes-Benz isn’t just cutting some of its high-performance sedans. The German automaker has already canceled its X-Class pickup truck. And after 2020, one more model will be gone: the 2-seat convertible Mercedes SLC. Formerly known as the SLK, it’s a more compact version of the 4-seat SL. But why has the Mercedes SLC failed, when …
Over the years various automakers have tried to release convertible pickup trucks without much success. Will there ever be another?
The word ‘convertible’ and ‘truck’ seemingly don’t go well together, but that didn’t stop Dodge from testing the market on a convertible pickup truck.
Despite under performing in recent years, there is still a market for convertibles. Here are the best options out there for 2019.
