Which Used Convertibles Are Perfect for Summer Driving?

Summer is right around the corner, which means vehicle owners are ready to put away their cold-weather rides and hop behind the wheel of a drop-top.

We’ve compiled a list of the best used convertible cars to stock on your lot to appeal to seasonal shoppers and residents of warm-weather regions. The best part? Each vehicle comes with a sticker price under $30K.

1. 2020 Ford Mustang

The 2020 model year includes EcoBoost and GT Premium trim packages. Let’s start with the EcoBoost. The Convertible 2D, the standard trim, packs a performance punch in the form of 310 horsepower at 5,500 rpm, produced by a four-cylinder, turbocharged, 2.3-liter engine¹.It has 20 city and 28 highway mpg¹.

The EcoBoost premium trim has the same basic specs as the base model². However, there are a few key differences.

As expected, the premium trim kicks it up a notch with power-adjustable, leather seats, an upgraded sound system, and cooled and heated front seats. The premium model also features dual-zone automatic climate control and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration³.

The 2020 Ford Mustang roster also includes the GT Premium Convertible 2D. It features a 5.0-liter V8 engine, delivering more power than the EcoBoost, and boasts 460 horsepower at 7,500 rpm.

However, the EcoBoost outperforms the GT Premium in terms of fuel economy. The GT Premium’s combined 18 mpg⁴ might be a downside to some, so consider targeting this vehicle to customers who place fuel economy lower on their priority list.

The GT Premium’s safety features include cruise control and backup cameras. Tech-savvy motorists will appreciate the Sync 3 infotainment system, AppLink, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integrations, and an eight-inch LCD touchscreen⁵.

2. 2020 Mazda MX5 Miata

This two-seater is compact but mighty, making it an excellent choice for couples and solo drivers. The MX5 features a few trims, including Sport, Club, and Grand Touring. The Sport and Club has a six-speed manual transmission.

The Grand Touring option has a six-speed automatic transmission for those who’d rather avoid a stick shift. For individuals who prefer more engagement, a manual version is also available.

Each trim features a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine with 181.0 horsepower⁶. The MX5 doesn’t slouch in the fuel economy department, with a combined 29/30 mpg. Fast acceleration and seamless handling are key selling points, although the Club model’s firm springs and shocks make it the smoothest ride of the bunch⁷.

What makes the 2020 Mazda MX5 Miata stand out from previous model years is the i-Activsense suite⁷, which comes standard on all trims. The suite features various safety enhancements, including lane departure warning, forward collision warning, automated emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring.

The mid-level and premium trims have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for connectivity while on the go.  

3. 2018 Chevy Camaro

No list of most reliable convertibles would be complete without the Chevy Camaro. It’s hard to beat the Camaro’s performance for the price point. The highest-end version boasts a 455-horsepower V8 engine, which complements a solid chassis. Its interior has an updated look compared to previous years, including a dashboard with multiple gauges and a configurable display.

Space isn’t the Camaro’s strong suit, but what it lacks in comfort, it makes up for in performance. This used convertible comes equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system, Wi-Wi hotspot, smartphone integration, and options for emergency and satellite subscription services⁸.

4. 2019 Audi A3 

The Audi A3 is one of the two luxury vehicles on our list. The A3 is available in Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trims, and achieves a combined fuel economy of 25 to 29 mpg⁹. All trims have plenty of get-up-and-go thanks to the four-cylinder, turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, which produces 184 horsepower at 4,400 rpm¹⁰. Each trim accelerates from 0 to 60 in 6.9 seconds flat¹⁰.

Regarding safety, blind-spot alert isn’t an option with the base trim but comes standard in the mid-level and premium trims¹¹. Traction control is standard across the lineup, increasing safety on slick roadways. 

The 4G LTE-powered WiFi hotspot is a standout feature on the technology front, as it allows drivers to quickly connect to Google Earth and other software applications¹⁰.

5. 2019 BMW 2 Series

The BMW 2 Series is a snug ride. However, what it lacks in space, it makes up for in its responsiveness and handling. This model year includes four trims: 230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, and M240i xDrive. The 230i and 230i xDrive have a four-cylinder, turbocharged 2.0-liter engine that produces 248 horsepower at 5,200 rpm. These vehicles jump from 0 to 60 in 5.6 seconds¹². The 27 mpg isn’t the best, but definitely not the worst, regarding fuel economy.

The M240i and M240i xDrive have more powerful engines. Specifically, a six-cylinder, turbocharged, 3.1-liter engine generating 335 horsepower at 5,500 rpm. Drivers can expect these vehicles to accelerate from 0 to 60 in 4.5 seconds¹².

Collision warning, pedestrian detection system, traction control, and folding rear seats (for increased space) are standard features across all trims, while smartphone interface and internet access are optional add-ons.

On the entertainment front, each trim includes Bluetooth wireless technology.

Stock your lot with used convertibles from ACV Auctions

Trust ACV Auctions as your wholesale source for the best second-hand convertible cars for your dealership. You’ll find comprehensive condition reporting, an easy-to-use auction platform, and inventory from across the country. Sign up today to browse and start building your watch list for upcoming auctions.

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Sources

1. Used 2020 Ford Mustang Ecoboost Convertible 2D. Kelley Blue Book. Retrieved May 12, 2025, from https://www.kbb.com/ford/mustang/2020/ecoboost-convertible-2d/
2. Used 2020 Ford Mustang Ecoboost Premium Convertible 2D. Kelley Blue Book. Retrieved May 12, 2025, from https://www.kbb.com/ford/mustang/2020/ecoboost-premium-convertible-2d/
3. Ryan, C. (8 November 2019). Used 2020 Ford Mustang. Kelley Blue Book. Retrieved May 12, 2025, from https://www.kbb.com/ford/mustang/2020/
4. Used 2020 Ford Mustang GT Premium Convertible 2D. Kelley Blue Book. Retrieved May 12, 2025, from https://www.kbb.com/ford/mustang/2020/gt-premium-convertible-2d/
5. 2020 Ford Mustang GT Premium Convertible Features and Specs. Car and Driver. Retrieved May 12, 2025,  https://www.caranddriver.com/ford/mustang/specs/2020/ford_mustang_ford-mustang-gt-convertible_2020
6. Compare 4 trims on the 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata. Cars.com. Retrieved May 12, 2025, from https://www.cars.com/research/mazda-mx_5_miata-2020/trims/
7. Dorian, D. 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata. Car and Driver. Retrieved May 12, 2025, from https://www.caranddriver.com/mazda/mx-5-miata-2020
8. Siler, S. 2018 Chevrolet Camaro. Car and Driver. Retrieved on May 12, 2025, from https://www.caranddriver.com/chevrolet/camaro-2018
9. Dorian, D. 2019 Audi 3. Car and Driver. Retrieved May 12, 2025, from https://www.caranddriver.com/audi/a3-2019
10. Tralongo, J. (2 December 2019). 2019 Audi A3 Review. Kelley Blue Book. Retrieved May 12, 2025, from https://www.kbb.com/audi/a3/2019/?bodystyle=convertible
11. 2019 Audi A3 Specs, Features & Options. Kelley Blue Book. Retrieved May 12, 2025, from https://www.kbb.com/audi/a3/2019/specs/
12. Ryan, C. (22 April 2019). Used 2019 BMW 2 Series. Kelley Blue Book. Retrieved May 12, 2025, from https://www.kbb.com/bmw/2-series/2019/?bodystyle=convertible