So summer is here (apparently) and now could be a tempting time to buy a convertible - when the sun actually manages to say out more half a minute. Is it possible to get al-fresco motoring without breaking the bank?
Mazda MX-5
Kicking off proceedings is the most popular roadster of all-time - the Mazda MX-5. This Japanese two-seater was introduced in 1989 and brought British sportscar performance without the drawbacks of poor reliability. Since then over a million have been produced and it's won more awards than I've had hot dinners. Therefore it seems only natural to offer this as a first choice.
There is a plethora of examples to be found, the cheapest of which can be found under £1,000. If retro is what you are after you can easily get a Mk1 or a Eunos - the model imported from Japan. But if you want something newer you'll easily be able to pick up a 2008 model or even a 2009. Base models are avoided though as you won't even features such as air conditioning.
Engine choices will vary depending on which model and year you choose but if you want the most powerful model look for the 2.0 litre engine in the third generation model that produces 160bhp. The 0-60 time is not the fastest with a time of 7.9 seconds but it will be enough to please the majority, plus this car is all about the handling rather than out-and-out performance. Whichever engine you choose you can guarantee a slick gearchange from the manual transmission which is one of the best I’ve used.
Alfa Romeo Spider
So you fancy some Italian flair? Well look no further than the Alfa Romeo Spider - no, not the original made famous by Dustin Hoffman, the model produced between 1996 and 2004. It's not the best roadster money can buy but it could prove irresistible for those who want the soul, passion and (insert Alfa Romeo cliché here) that this car can offer. Plus Top Gear claim you cannot be a true petrolhead until you have owned an Alfa so that's a good excuse as any.
Sadly you will not be able to get the V6 in this budget but you will still be able to get the 2.0 litre JTS engine which offers 165bhp. Like any car it's best to get a full service history but this is even more important for the Spider as Alfa Romeo is not famed for its reliability. Lusso trim is the one to look for as it provides leather upholstery and wait for it...a CD player.
Audi TT Roadster
Wait, that's a hairdresser's car! Really guys? Ok, so the TT may have a reputation of being the sort of car to be driven to and from the salon but that's not to say it's not a serious car. The TT Coupe has become a very popular car and I'm sure it will be a future classic so the droptop is an easy inclusion on this list. For the budget you'll be looking at the Mk1 model which comes in only one trim so make sure you get a model which has had a few optional extras added.
What's better still, you can get the 3.2 litre model which boasts a V6 engine and quattro four-wheel drive to keep you on the straight and narrow. 60mph is dealt with in 6.6 seconds and the top speed is 155mph. That kind performance puts it a (hair)cut above the rest and makes this a serious contender.
BMW Z4
We stick with the ze Germans in the form of the BMW Z4 Mk1, a car which has looks only a mother can love if you ask me. The majority of models under £5,000 will the base model SE which is not exactly packed with standard kit but even so you'll get climate control, alloy wheels, sports seats, electric windows, CD player and aux port.
You may be able to find a few Sport models which adds features such as bigger alloy wheels, sports suspension as well as M Sports seats and steering wheel. There are a few engines on offer as well although the entry-level 2.2 litre is probably best avoided as it won't offer the same level of performance as the 2.5 litre and 3.0 litre. The 3.0 litre is even quicker than the V6 TT to 60mph with a time of 5.9 seconds.
MG TF
I suppose it’s only fair I include a British roadster as it’s the Brits that pioneered this genre of car in the first place. The MG TF may not be the best option on the list but if you want something home-grown this is probably your best bet. It’s also the newest MG roadster money can buy as the brand has no concrete plans to produce a new one MG’s immediate focus is on SUVs.
Reliability will be a concern so make sure you get a model that has been well looked after and has a full history. The 1.6 litre is best avoided if you are looking for a bit more poke – instead go for the 1.8 litre which produces 160bhp. There is also a 120bhp CVT model but that is also best avoided. If the advert says the head gasket has failed then avoid that as well as the chances are it will go again.
Honda S2000
You will not be able to get many Honda S2000s under £5,000 and you can almost guarantee every example will have covered over 100,000 miles. But it’s still worth considering thanks to a high level of reliability and a strong engine. It’s powered by the same 2.0 litre VTEC engine that can be found in older models of the Civic Type R and has a power output of 240bhp.
It’s an engine that loves to be revved hard and the reward is a 0-60mph of just 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 150mph. Avoid imported models that have been modified as the chances are they’ve had a hard life – and potentially poor styling! Buyers will be able to enjoy features such as leather seats, air conditioning, CD player and a limited slip-diff.
Porsche Boxster
If you happy to get something that's a bit older than you can get your hands on a Porsche Boxster, one of the best convertible sports cars money - £5,000 in this case - can buy. After a quick browse on Auto Trader, the newest example I could find was 13 years old so if you would rather buy something newer you'll need to look at something else.
The Germans are known for their reliability so even a 13 year old model could prove to be a dependable as a loyal dog if it's been maintained properly. You'll have a choice of three engines - a 2.5 litre, 2.7 litre and 3.2 litre, all of which are flat-sixes producing 204bhp, 228bhp and 252bhp respectively. The 3.2 version makes for the fastest car on the list with a 0-60 time of 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 162mph.
Mercedes SLK
The SLK is another capable Bavarian roadster although the manual gearbox is not the best around so if you heart is set on buying one you’re best to stick with the automatic. The base model SLK200 offers modest performance with a 1.8 litre engine that delivers a 0-60 time of 8.3 seconds and a top speed of 136mph.
For those looking for a bit more power, you can opt for either the SLK230 or the SLK320 which are able to boast a 2.3 litre and 3.2 litre engines respectively. The 2.3 litre improves the 0-60 time to 7.0 seconds and provides a top speed of 149mph. The 3.2 litre found in the SLK320 is better still – 0-60 comes in 6.9 seconds and the top speed is marginally improved to 152mph.
Toyota MR2
We started the list with a Japanese model so we’ll end the list with a Japanese model – the Toyota MR2 (Mk3). Its 1.8 engine may only deliver 138bhp but it should be enough to please most people but let’s face it, this car is more about the handling – just like the MX-5. 0-60 comes in 8.0 seconds and the MR2 will hit a respectable top of 130mph.
Like most Japanese cars, the MR2 will be reliable as a day is long but always make sure to get a full service and MOT history for peace of mind. Air conditioning was an optional extra when the car was new so make sure you choose a car which has had it added which should be a piece of cake. It’s not quite as practical as the MX-5 but roadsters aren’t exactly bought for practicality are they?