We can point you to our Best Bet recommendations for hardtop convertibles, which include the Volvo C70, Volkswagen Eos, BMW 3 Series and Mazda MX-5 Miata. But as far as nailing down one of these as the “best,” that’s a little hard to do because each falls into a different vehicle segment.
The Mazda MX-5 is the least expensive of the four, starting at $24,465 for the retractable-hardtop model. The 2008 was named Best Deal for Sun Lovers in the Cars.com 2008 Lifestyle Awards. It’s one of the sportiest in this group — it’s also the smallest — as a dedicated two-seater with rear-wheel drive.
The Eos and C70 are all-season friendly with front-wheel drive, and start at $28,990 for the Eos and $39,240 for the C70. When you start upping trim levels in the Eos prices begin reaching C70 territory, but the C70 is a larger and has more useable interior and cargo space.
In his review of the 2007 Volvo C70, senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder says:
“There are now more retractable-hardtop models in the market than ever in history. I'm ready to decree that the Volvo C70 is the best four-season convertible you can buy. Starting with the retractable-hardtop category as a baseline, there are only a few that have front-wheel drive (the rest are rear-wheel, not all-wheel). The C70 makes no compromises in terms of comfort, foul-weather ability or safety features. Considering the competition, I think Volvo hit the nail on the head like never before with the C70.”
Lastly, the 3 Series convertible is a few grand more than the C70, priced at $43,200 for a 328i. Like the MX-5, the 3 Series is rear-wheel drive, which may or may not be an issue depending what kind of climate you drive in. The more powerful — and more expensive — 335i version ($49,100) was named Play Car of the Year in our Lifestyle Awards.
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Give me the Mercedes CLK, way more style and performance. (just no back seat)
Lexus SC = all the cushiness you want. just don't expect any excitement right ...
Sebring is about the best bang for the buck. Nice to drive to. The BMW is the best if you're young.
I have an Mercedes SLK and I am truly in love with its style (head turner for sure) performance and the price.
What about the mitsubishi 3000gt spyder? It is a hardtop convertible.
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what about the g6 and sebring convertible?