Convertibles are just cool. Sure, people can easily use logic to explain why convertibles aren’t practical for virtually any location in the contiguous United States, but they’re still very, very cool. James Bond drove convertibles despite knowing his chances of getting in a car chase or shootout were very high. Greased Lightning was a convertible. Even Nancy Drew drove a convertible.
But we’re always told that convertible sports cars are expensive. This is true, in that cars are really a minor investment. However, it is very possible to get some extremely cool convertible cars under $100k.
Here are nine of our favorite convertible sports cars you can purchase for less than $100,000. We’ve sorted these from least expensive to most expensive based on the MSRP for a base model. We’ve also taken the liberty of only mentioning trims that currently retail under $100,000, using 2025 models wherever possible. Read on to learn how you can score those convertible cool points without sacrificing all of your hard-earned dough.
#1 – The Venerable Two-Seater: The 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda Miata debuted at the 1989 Chicago Auto Show, which means it’s officially in “Classic” territory. That being said, you don’t have to buy an old fixer-upper in order to enjoy everything this zippy little bullet of a car has to offer.
The 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata is offered in both RF and ST versions. The “RF” refers to a power-retractable hard top, while ST models are equipped with a traditional manually operated soft top.
Regardless of which roof option or which of the four available trims is most appealing to you, the MX-5 Miata is equipped with a Skyactiv-G 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that provides a peppy 181 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque. In a two-seat convertible, this is more than enough power to make you grateful for the Miata’s Kinematic Posture Control system, which applies rear suspension and brake tension as needed to smooth out the corners.
#2 – Retro-Modern: The 2025 MINI Cooper Convertible
The MINI Cooper has been around even longer than the Miata, making its debut in 1959. Even after all these years, it has become instantly recognizable with its square shape and large round features.
The 2025 MINI Cooper is a four-seater coupe that comes in three variations: the standard Cooper Convertible, the Cooper S Convertible, and the John Cooper Works Convertible. The most significant difference between the three is how fast they can go.
Despite being equipped with the same 2.0L MINI TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine, the Cooper requires just 7.9 seconds to make the trip from 0 to 60 mph, while the John Cooper Works version only requires 6.2 seconds, thanks to its increased 228 hp.
In addition to a sport-tuned engine, the John Cooper Works edition also includes modern-retro touches, like a 9.4-inch round OLED display screen and sport brakes with red calipers.
#3 – Cool Forever: The 2025 Ford Mustang Convertible
Every American knows about the Ford Mustang convertible. The first generation Mustang convertible is iconic, having maintained supreme cool status since 1964.
What you may not be aware of is that three trims come in under the $100k price tag. The Base, Premium, and GT Premium trims all meet this budget. While the first two are equipped with an impressive 315-hp 2.3L I-4 engine, the GT Premium offers an astounding 480 horsepower or more when properly equipped.
As another four-seat entry on this list, the 2025 Mustang is equipped with plenty of modern technology, including the Ford Co-Pilot360 suite of standard driver assistance features. Ford has also installed a 12.4-inch digital cluster display that can be customized to reflect some of the most legendary Mustang dashboards, including the Heritage view from 1967 and the Fox Body manufactured from 1979–1993.
#4 – The Cool Collaboration: The 2026 BMW Z4
The 2026 BMW Z4 series refers to both the Z4sDrive301i and the Z4 M40i, both of which come in under the $100k mark. Both vehicles are also the result of a collaboration between BMW and Toyota.
The most significant difference between the two lies under the hood, with the sDrive30i model receiving a 2.0L TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine good for 255 hp, while the M40i receives 382 hp via a 3.0L TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder engine.
While the M40i is distinguished with its nearly-psychic handling and suspension, the Dynamic Handling package brings this same sensation to the sDrive30i model. Though both models are well-equipped, a Premium Package allows drivers to add ambient cabin lighting and a self-parking function to this two-seater.
#5 – The Luxury Cabriolet: The 2024 Audi A5
The Audi A5 does not have a 2025 convertible model or, in Audi terms, a cabriolet model. However, the 2024 A5 Cabriolet is still a very much desired model that won’t shame your luxury budget.
The Audi A5 stands out among sporty convertibles thanks to its standard quattro all-wheel drive system. Outfitted with a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that provides a zesty 268 hp, Audi’s renowned all-wheel drive system keeps this four-seat, two-door convertible snug to the road.
Another fun feature is Audi’s optional Warm Weather Package, which adds a neck-level heating system to prevent chillier breezes from ruining your open-air driving experience. A Bang & Olufsen 20-speaker sound system is also available, which is sure to be a great feature for any audiophile.
#6 – 0 to 60 mph in Six Seconds or Less: The 2025 BMW 4 Series
The 2025 BMW 4 Series includes the 430i Convertible, the 430i xDrive Convertible, the M440i Convertible, the M440i xDrive Convertible, and the BMW M4 Competition xDrive Convertible, which just squeaks in under the $100k price tag for the most basic version, which is, of course, not very basic. These are BMW convertibles we’re talking about.
The 430i and 430i xDrive models are powered by a potent 2.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo inline-4 engine. The M440i and M440i xDrive models are equipped with an even more commanding 3.0L BMW M TwinPower Turbo inline-6 engine that drops the 0 to 60 mph time below five seconds.
The xDrive designation is for models that are equipped with BMW’s intelligent all-wheel drive technology. The M4 Competition includes M xDrive, an interactive performance-type all-wheel drive system, ensuring you experience the performance only this iconic manufacturer can offer.
#7 – A Standard Automatic Transmission: The 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE
It is a common trait among sporty convertibles to include a standard manual transmission. But while there are compelling reasons to continue this tradition, all 2025 Mercedes-Benz CLE models include a nine-speed automatic transmission. The CLE 300 4MATIC Cabriolet and CLE 450 4MATIC Cabriolet include a wickedly responsive 9G-TRONIC nine-speed automatic transmission, while the AMG CLE 53 Cabriolet is outfitted with a AMG Speedshift TCT nine-speed automatic transmission.
The CLE family of convertibles also includes features that make driving with the top down even more enjoyable. Not only does the AIRSCARF neck heating system keep your temperature even despite changes in speed and airflow, but the standard AIRCAP technology automatically deploys an airfoil and mesh screen to reduce distracting drafts, even when all four seats are occupied.
#8 – The Dream Car: The 2025 Porsche Boxster
There’s just something about the Porsche Boxster that has attracted generations of drivers craving speed. With its recognizable aerodynamic shape and reputation for unfathomable coolness, it is with great joy that you can get a 718 Boxter, 718 Boxter Style Edition, or 718 Boxster S convertible for less than $100,000. Each is equipped with at least 300 hp, though the Boxter S steps up with 350 hp. Each is capable of going from 0 to 60 mph in under five seconds.
The 718 Boxter models include an engine situated in the middle of the vehicle body. The result is a fully balanced vehicle that responds to mere suggestions about speed and direction. Furthermore, it’s possible to equip your Boxster with Porsche Active Suspension Management, which lowers the Convertible’s overall suspension and improves receptiveness to acceleration and steering.
#9 – The Iconic 2025 Corvette Stingray Convertible
Corvette’s convertibles are significantly more expensive than the Stingray coupes, but the 1LT, 2LT, and 3LT levels each can be had for less than $100k. Each is equipped with the famous Chevy 6.2L V8 engine, which in this case provides 490 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. In fact, this engine is so well-known that Chevy offers a Convertible Engine Appearance Package, which places a clear window under the tonneau with a specs plaque so those interested can properly admire this beast.
While we don’t typically think of convertibles dominating the track, the Stingray Convertible is willing to give it a try. A Performance Data Recorder comes standard on the 2LT and 3LT trims, allowing you to document and download not just your track times, but what the valet is up to when the keys leave your hands.
The Dream Is Closer Than You Think
There are few drivers who would not feel incredibly blessed if a convertible sports car appeared in their driveway by magic. However, the majority of us have to pay for the honor of calling this much power and excitement our own.
While $100,000 is still a huge sum of money to anyone but the top one percent, it is the kind of money that we can dream about. Knowing that there are many thrilling convertibles that cost even less than that keeps that dream alive. Who knows? Maybe one day, a convertible will be more than just a dream.
