BRIT drivers looking for a cheap but cool convertible ahead during warm, sunny weather are in luck.
A car expert has picked out five drop top modern classics that can be bought right now – all for under £5,000.
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YouTube petrolhead Jonny Brighton, of the channel CarsWithJB, is known for his expert car-buying advice on fun motors for great prices – including a very stylish Audi.
Audi A5
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The good-looking Audi A5 won multiple awards for the design of its standard coupe example in 2010, although Jonny isn’t convinced the convertible version has quite the same charm.
In his video, he said: “Personally, I can’t say the convertible is anywhere near as good looking – as it loses that lovely sloping roof-line.”
However, he does say that with the roof down, the convertible “offers a nice, premium executive experience.”
The TFSI spec iteration is fairly nippy too, capable of hitting 221 bhp and a top speed of around 124 mph.
Jonny also believes this makes a great holiday car, offering a large boot space and four seats.
“It is a much more useful cabriolet,” he added.
These can be found for around £4,000, with one example found for £4,999 with 70,000 miles on the clock from 2009.
MG TF
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Before their rebirth as a maker of affordable EVs, MG were known for their sports cars – with perhaps their best known offering of the last 30 years coming in the form of the F and TF.
Jonny picks out the slightly more recent TF, which has a 1.8-litre motor capable of 157 bhp – but its lightweight body means it can hit 60 mph in 6.9 seconds.
First introduced in 2002 and lasting until 2005 before the demise of MG/Rover, the TF had a handful of heavy modifications over the standard MG F – with the main benefits coming in the form of improved handling.
These are really cheap, as low as £1,000 with £5,000 enough for a low-mileage example.
Jaguar XK8
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Another drop top from a British icon – the XK8 is “rapidly careering towards ckassic car status with its E-Type inspired aesthetics” according to Jonny.
He added: “With the roof down, these are actually a bit of a head-turner.”
The cheapest XK8s start at around £2,500, while double that is enough for a 1997 model that’s done 100,000 miles.
Porsche Boxster 986
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A Porsche for under £5,000? With the Boxster, it’s possible.
The first-generation, entry level Porsche has become a firm favourite among modern classic enthusiasts in recent years.
Despite being over 20 years old, the classy convertible has retained the timeless looks and raw speed of a Porsche roadster.
A quick search through car listing website Car Gurus does confirm the motor can be bought for under £5,000.
Niaan 350Z
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The fifth-generation Nissan 350Z is well known for its coupe iteration, and Jonny believes that gives convertible buyers an advantage as they’re generally cheaper.
With a 3.5-litre engine that produces 276 bhp, this vehicle offers an impressive mid-range acceleration.
What’s motre, the twin exhausts produce a deep, booming roar when you press the throttle.
For your £5,000, Jonny says you can find a 2008 model with 90,000 miles on the odometer.
This comes as an iconic superwagon that’s loved by Wheeler Dealers’ host Mike Brewer can now be bought for an absolute bargain price in 2024.
And a roof deck, super stereo system and a “wine cellar” are just some of the ultra-lux amenities inside the world’s most expensive caravan.