Convertibles for less than $20,000
The new 2012 Fiat 500 features an all-new air bag system to offer unique protection for its passengers to meet all U.S. regulatory requirements. Credit: Newsday/Arnold Miller
Q. Which convertibles cost less than $20,000? I want to buy a new car for my daughter as a graduation gift. She would like a convertible, preferably all-wheel drive (safety first), but any convertible as long as it's new. However, I would like to stay under $20,000. Is this possible? If so, which cars, and what car is the closest to this price?
A. The under-$20,000 convertible club has two members: the Smart ForTwo and the 2012 Fiat 500c. The latter will exceed $20,000 once all is said and done. The 500c Pop's base price is $19,500, and the destination charge is $500, so you're at your desired limit before adding options, such as the $1,000 automatic transmission, taxes and registration and title fees. The more lavishly equipped 500c Lounge starts at $23,500 and includes the automatic transmission.
The ForTwo Cabriolet comes only in a Passion trim level with a base price of $17,690, plus a $750 destination charge. The ForTwo, as the name suggests, is a two-seater, while the 500c holds up to four (though backseat room is scant). The ForTwo has rear-wheel drive, and the 500c has front drive.
You mentioned safety as a concern. Although both have multiple airbags, antilock brakes and stability control, the 500c is quite small at 140 inches long overall, and the ForTwo is tiny at just 106 inches, so they are likely to fare worse in a collision with a larger vehicle, such as a pickup or SUV. In addition, both perform best on premium gas.
Cars.com editors have used harsh words for the ForTwo and would recommend the Fiat if it is a strict one-to-one comparison.
Still want a convertible for your daughter? You could move up in price and a little in size to the two-seat Mazda MX-5 Miata (base price $23,110) or the four-seat Mini Cooper ($24,850). As an alternative, why not consider a hardtop with a sunroof? You'll have dozens to choose from under $20,000, including the Ford Fiesta, Hyundai Elantra, Mazda3 and Scion tC to name a few, and they're more practical than the ForTwo or 500c.
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