The Risky Side Of Used Convertibles
Convertibles bring the thrill of open-air driving, but buying one secondhand can turn that dream into a nightmare pretty quickly. Many used models come with hidden issues that only reveal themselves after dishing out your hard-earned money, leaving you stuck with costly repairs. Some lose their reliability fast, while others simply don’t age gracefully. To help you avoid buyer’s remorse, here’s a look at twenty convertibles you should skip when shopping for used ones.
1. Ford Mustang II Convertible
When the 1970s oil crisis sent shockwaves through the auto industry, Ford responded by downsizing the Mustang II Convertible, but this adaptation came with significant compromises. The smaller, less powerful design was matched by questionable build quality and disappointing handling, which made the used models particularly risky purchases.
2. Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder
The Eclipse Spyder's convertible top troubles often trigger a chain reaction throughout the vehicle's systems, as structural stress compounds into wheel rim weakness and brake complications. This mechanical domino effect typically culminates in transmission failures and engine reliability issues, especially noticeable in higher-mileage examples.
3. Chrysler Sebring Convertible
A convertible should deliver carefree cruising, but the Chrysler Sebring flips that dream upside down. Behind its sun-loving image lurk serious engine problems from oil sludge buildup, while electrical gremlins turn simple drives into adventures—complete with randomly honking horns and failing electronics.
4. Volkswagen Eos
The Volkswagen Eos showcased brilliant innovation with its unique sunroof-equipped retractable hardtop, and even carried the name of a Greek dawn goddess for that perfect open-air experience. Unfortunately, this ambitious design often left owners dealing with leaks and water damage instead of heavenly drives.
Shkermaker at English Wikipedia on Wikimedia
5. BMW 6 Series Convertible (E64)
After a lengthy break since the 1980s, BMW revived its prestigious 6 Series Convertible with the striking E64, featuring Chris Bangle's distinctive rear styling. However, beneath its innovative design lies a cautionary tale of complex electronics and convertible mechanisms prone to wallet-draining repairs.
6. Cadillac Allanté
Owning an Allanté today means wrestling with finicky digital dashboards and the headache of tracking down pricey parts. These quirks stem from Cadillac's ambitious trans-Atlantic production, with Pininfarina-built bodies flying from Italy to America—all in pursuit of luxury that never quite delivered the reliability buyers expected.
Randy Stern from Minneapolis, MN, USA on Wikimedia
7. Peugeot 306 Cabriolet
The Pininfarina-styled Peugeot 306 Cabriolet exemplifies both the promise and challenges of bringing designer convertibles to mainstream buyers in the 1990s. While its accessible price point democratized open-top European motoring, the design led to persistent electrical issues and problematic air conditioning systems that make used examples a gamble.
8. Toyota Solara Convertible
Many buyers were initially drawn to the Toyota Solara Convertible's smooth Camry-based ride and its unique status among midsize drop-tops in the 2000s. Over time, though, ownership challenges emerged as rainy seasons revealed persistent roof leaks, and prolonged sun exposure led to cracking dashboards.
9. Mercedes-Benz CLK350 Convertible
The sleek Mercedes CLK350 Convertible might tempt you with its luxurious open-air experience, but beneath the glamour lurks a maintenance nightmare. From its leak-prone soft top to failing electronics like the COMAND system, this aging beauty can quickly transform your dream car into a budget-draining problem.
10. Audi A4 Cabriolet (Early 2000s)
In these early 2000s A4 Cabriolets, one maintenance misstep can trigger a domino effect of problems. Oil sludge buildup in neglected 1.8T engines often stresses electrical systems, which in turn can affect the already-problematic soft-top mechanisms, leading to expensive repair bills that pile up quickly.
11. Pontiac Sunfire Convertible
The late 1990s Sunfire Convertible tempted budget-conscious buyers with its wallet-friendly pricing and convenient Cavalier-shared parts network. However, chronic convertible top separations and broader reliability headaches meant this affordable drop-top often cost more in repairs than initial savings suggested.
12. Jaguar XK8 Convertible
Although the XK8’s elegant design paid tribute to the legendary E-Type, owners soon faced more than just cosmetic nostalgia. Electrical quirks in the windows and convertible top raised early concerns. As mechanics looked into these issues, they often uncovered a deeper problem—timing chain tensioner failures in Jaguar’s first AJ-V8 engine.
13. Fiat 500C
For drivers facing the challenge of tight urban spaces, the ultra-compact Fiat 500C presents a clever solution with its space-saving sliding fabric roof. As this sunroof-style design keeps the car small, buyers should consider potential roof leaks and automatic transmission issues, particularly in earlier models.
David Villarreal Fernández on Wikimedia
14. Smart Fortwo Cabrio
The Fortwo Cabrio is tiny and maneuverable, but the jerky automated manual transmission and quickly wearing fabric roof can make driving stressful. Short and cute, it might be fun on paper, yet used models often come with more annoyances than joy.
15. Renault Mégane CC
The affordable retractable hardtop of the Mégane CC might initially catch your eye, but seasoned owners tell a cautionary tale. What seems like a bargain can quickly turn problematic, as these pioneering convertibles often develop stubborn roof mechanisms and frustrating electrical issues in used examples.
16. Ford Thunderbird (2002–2005)
Only gracing showrooms for a brief four-year run, this retro-inspired tribute to the 1950s Thunderbird remains an uncommon sight today, perhaps unsurprisingly, given its reputation for problematic ignition coils and temperamental convertible top mechanisms requiring costly repairs.
Infrogmation of New Orleans on Wikimedia
17. Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet
While the Murano CrossCabriolet broke new ground as the first AWD crossover convertible, potential buyers should carefully weigh its distinctive attributes against significant concerns. The awkward styling and poor rear visibility pose practical challenges, and the complex convertible mechanism's tendency for costly repairs makes ownership particularly risky.
18. Buick Cascada
The Cascada is heavy, which affects both performance and fuel economy. Roof operation and infotainment issues can emerge in older models. Despite its Opel roots and German engineering, this convertible is more trouble than thrill when bought used.
19. Volvo C70 Convertible
Despite its prestigious engineering pedigree through collaboration with British firm TWR, the Volvo C70 Convertible has become known for some frustrating mechanical quirks. The retractable hardtop mechanism tends to be problematic and costly to repair, and the turbocharged engines can be troublesome without rigorous maintenance.
The original uploader was Zouzzou at French Wikipedia. on Wikimedia
20. Chevrolet Cavalier Convertible
While the Chevrolet Cavalier Convertible attracted plenty of budget-conscious drivers in the 1990s with its affordable top-down experience, the reality of ownership often proved less sunny. The basic interior and the tendency for aging convertible tops to leak created ongoing headaches.
