DEPARTMENTSIX

Six Affordable European Convertibles Worth a Look

From the MINI Cooper S to the Audi TT Roadster, 6 used European convertibles and what to check on each before you buy.

By Department Six Published Buyer's GuideVolkswagenVolvoSaab
Silver 2007 Volvo C70 T5 convertible parked on a street with its hardtop raised, front three-quarter view
Photo: OSX, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

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These 6 convertibles run from a supercharged MINI to an all-wheel-drive Audi. Prices below are individual sold results from Bring a Trailer and Cars and Bids for the year and trim in each heading. We give a range only where we found at least 3 such sales. Use the CarGurus links under each car to see what is for sale now.

2007 MINI Cooper S Convertible

MINI Cooper S Convertible (R52) with the top up
Photo: OSX, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The 2007 Cooper S Convertible uses a supercharged 1.6-liter four, with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic.

Recent sales on Bring a Trailer, 2026: 3 standard cars from $9,100 to $10,750: $9,100 (63k miles, automatic, Apr), $9,400 (51k miles, manual, Apr) and $10,750 (9k miles, automatic, Jul). 5 Sidewalk Edition cars from $8,600 to $17,000: $8,600 (62k miles, manual, Aug), $11,500 (51k miles, manual, Sep), $16,001 (26k miles, manual, Mar), $16,500 (44k miles, automatic, Mar) and $17,000 (53k miles, manual, Mar).

  • Check the coolant expansion tank. Dart Auto, a MINI repair shop, lists cracking expansion tanks on R50, R52 and R53 cars from 2002 to 2008. The plastic tank turns brittle with heat and cracks at the mounting tabs and seams. Ask for cooling system records. Dart Auto MINI cooling guide.

2013 Fiat 500c Abarth

Abarth 500C convertible, rear view with the top up
Photo: Rutger van der Maar, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The 500c Abarth arrived in spring 2013 as a 2013 model. Fiat rated its turbocharged 1.4-liter four at 160 horsepower and 170 lb-ft, with a 5-speed manual and a power cloth top. Fiat's 500c Abarth launch release.

Recent sales on Bring a Trailer, 2026: 5 cars from $7,100 to $19,000: $7,100 (128k miles, May), $9,999 (73k miles, Jul), $10,750 (40k miles, May), $18,000 (customized, 40k miles, Jul) and $19,000 (23k miles, Mar).

  • Run the VIN for the clutch recall. NHTSA recall 16V-302 covers certain 2012 to 2016 Fiat 500s with the manual transaxle sold under sales code DDF. The clutch diaphragm spring can fracture, and the car may then be unable to shift gears. Fiat's report names the C514 manual, and Fiat's Abarth spec sheet lists a C510 five-speed, so don't assume the recall applies to an Abarth. A VIN check settles it. NHTSA recall report.

2008 Volkswagen Eos 2.0T

Volkswagen Eos 2.0T, first version, with the roof up
Photo: DestinationFearFan, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The 2008 Eos 2.0T uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four, with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. Its folding roof has a steel skin and a sliding glass sunroof, and it opens in 25 seconds. Volkswagen's Eos history.

Recent sales, 2025: 3 cars from $3,500 to $6,003: $3,500 (156k miles, manual, Bring a Trailer, Sep), $5,900 (82k miles, manual, Cars and Bids, Jan) and $6,003 (100k miles, automatic, lowered on 20-inch wheels, Bring a Trailer, Jun).

  • Check for water inside. A Volkswagen tech tip covers 2007 to 2015 Eos water leaks at the A-pillar trim and dome light. The fix starts with the sunroof drain hoses, which can leak at the grommet or back up if pinched. Look for damp carpet and stains, and run the roof through a full cycle. Volkswagen tech tip.

2007 Volvo C70 T5

2007 to 2008 Volvo C70 T5 convertible with the roof up, rear view
Photo: OSX, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The C70 has 4 seats and a three-piece retractable hardtop that folds into the trunk. The T5 engine is a turbocharged 2.5-liter five-cylinder with 218 horsepower, with a 6-speed manual or an optional 5-speed automatic. Volvo Car USA's 2007 C70 overview.

Recent sales on Bring a Trailer, 2026: 3 cars from $8,500 to $13,500: $8,500 (35k miles, automatic, Feb), $13,000 (66k miles, manual, Jun) and $13,500 (58k miles, automatic, Apr).

  • Run the roof through a full open and close cycle before you buy, and ask for records of any roof work. A slow or stalled roof needs a specialist's look.

2006 Saab 9-3 Aero Convertible

2006 Saab 9-3 Aero 2.8T convertible with the top down
Photo: order_242 from Chile, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

For 2006 the Aero Convertible got a turbocharged 2.8-liter V6. It came with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic.

Recent sales: 1 standard car sold for $12,000 (38k miles, automatic, Bring a Trailer, Feb 2025). 2 cars in the 20 Years Edition sold on Cars and Bids: $8,100 (61k miles, automatic, Feb 2026) and $3,500 (113k miles, automatic, Sep 2026).

  • Check the airbag recall. NHTSA recall 16V-063 covers 2006 to 2011 Saab 9-3s for a driver airbag inflator that can rupture. NHTSA recall report.

2010 Audi TT 2.0T Roadster

Audi TT 2.0T Roadster (8J) with the top down
Photo: RL GNZLZ from Chile, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The 2010 TT Roadster 2.0T has a turbocharged 2.0-liter four, a 6-speed S tronic automatic and quattro all-wheel drive. It is the only car here without a manual.

Recent sales: we found no 2010 TT Roadster 2.0T sales on Bring a Trailer or Cars and Bids, so we don't list a price.

  • Ask about the timing chain. Audi extended timing chain and tensioner coverage on certain cars with the 2.0-liter EA888 engine, including 2009 to 2012 TT Roadsters. Only VINs flagged by Audi qualified, and the coverage ran 10 years or 100,000 miles from the in-service date, so on a 2010 car it has run out. Ask for records of any chain or tensioner work. Audi warranty bulletin.

How we picked

We picked 6 convertibles from 6 makers, with engines from a 1.4-liter turbo four to a 2.8-liter turbo V6. We checked fueleconomy.gov specs, sold results on Bring a Trailer and Cars and Bids, maker press material, NHTSA recall and bulletin records and a specialist repair guide. Before you buy, run the VIN for open recalls, get an independent inspection, cycle the roof and ask for service records.

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