Just like the absurdity of two-wheeled bicycles, when it comes to convertibles, given the predominantly sunny Israeli weather, it's not really clear why the roads here are not flooded with this appealing option. Just like the surprise that the leading country in convertible car purchases is rainy Britain.
On the other hand, it's not like life with a convertible is really the advertisement for the sunglasses they try to sell us. They demand closeness in terms of noise isolation, their reduced structural strength requires reinforcements and added weight, in most cases, the folding roof cancels the cargo space, they are prone to vandalism by vandals who cannot stand the sight of a separate soft top cover, and there is also the issue of discomfort because let's admit the truth, you need to be very chill when sitting in a convertible in traffic with everyone. And also a hat and a lot of sunscreen are mandatory equipment.
And in addition to all the troubles, manufacturers who abandoned the segment of affordable convertibles and car prices in Israel have led to the fact that most convertibles today are on the happy side of NIS 500,000. So, on the occasion of the onset of Summer Time today, here are 5 convertibles that you can buy without breaking the credit frame.
We limited ourselves to NIS 150,000 , although as you can see, all these cars can be found for almost a tenth of this amount. Keep in mind that the price in the guidebook (Levi Yitzhak in this case) for such cars is a general recommendation. The actual market situation varies from car to car, starting with its popularity and ending with the car's own condition. For some of the cars, we noted the full price range, which even from the upper threshold we defined will give you at least a general direction regarding what to expect in the market.
Fiat 500C
Years: 2009-2021Price range: 16,500-64,000Engine, power: 1.2 liters, 69 hp / 1.4 liters, 100 hpPerformance: 12.9 seconds, 160 km/h / 10.7 seconds, 182 km/hWhy yes: Compact, maintenance costs, retro iconWhy not: Noisy, weak with rear seat, material quality
In short:After the success of the new Fiat 500, its convertible version has arrived. Convertible? Not exactly. Its open roof structure differs from regular open cars in that it leaves the roof arches and removes only the upper part, familiar with sardine cans? So it is. Cheaper to produce and maintain the roof afterwards, and also safer in case of a rollover. Speaking of sardines, don't count on the two rear seats. Other than that, it is the same beloved 500 in appearance from the outside and inside despite a simple passenger compartment in its materials.
When it comes to movement, its 1.2-liter engine is not the material dreams are made of, its 70 horses and if a manual gearbox is not taboo, maybe you will prefer it over the lazy robotic one. The 1.4-liter version improves the situation and also has the option of sporty S-Line versions. And close to the top price range, you can find a 500 electric convertible open for two years, which adds to the open-roof experience also a northern proximity to nature, and a quite short driving range.
Bottom line: a beautiful compact urban car that will make you want to take a stroll in the promenade.
Audi A3 Cabriolet
Years: 2014-2020Price range: 53,000-163,000Engine, power: 1.4 liter, 125 hp/1.8 liter, 180 hp/1.5 liter, 150 hp/2.0 liter, 190 hpPerformance (0-100, top speed): 10.2, 211 (1.4)/7.8, 242 (1.8)/8.9, 222 (1.5)/7.2, 250 (2.0)Why yes: Symbol, material quality, fuel consumption, performance in the strong versionsWhy not: Only 4 seats, tightness at the back, behavior regarding the hatchback
In short:The third generation of the compact car from Audi was also the second generation in which it was offered as a cabriolet. Audi's design conservatism works in favor of the A3, which looks modern even four years after the model's production was discontinued. Over the years, different engine families were used. While you'll get the same look in all versions, the differences in performance are significant.
But not to get confused, this is not an S3 or RS3 and also the speed and power among the versions are not sporty or enjoyable to drive, the price of the weight and structural weakness. In other areas of life, you will get a quality and relatively spacious passenger cell, comfortable ride and even not bad fuel consumption at all. For this reason, if what you mainly want is the wind in your hair, you can go for the 1.4-liter versions.
Bottom line: For those who want to look like they are driving a car that cost much less than it looks.
Mazda MX-5
Years: 2015-2023 (ND), 2006-2012 (NC)Price range: 137,000-253,900 (ND) / 68,000-139,000 (NC)Engine, Power: 2.0 liters, 165 hp (ND), 161 hp (NC)Performance (0-100, top speed): 7.3 sec, 214 km/h (ND) / 7.6 sec, 213 km/h (NC)Pros: Road behavior, road behavior, and road behaviorCons: When there's a reason, we'll add
In Short:With the budget we set, we're looking at the third generation called NC and the fourth generation called ND of the Mazda car. But, and this is an important but - the connection between the list prices of this car and the actual prices sought, especially for those who keep them well, is at best very blurry.
What is not blurry at all is the consensus from wall to wall that although in every generation sports cars stand to challenge them - the Miata is always the answer. Faithful to the perception of the British roadster except for the alarming reliability issues, it offers the full dose of fun and then some of driving pleasure. You won't find hair-raising accelerations here, but we haven't evolved from the monkey to drive in a straight line, but rather in a playful line like the smile it brings. The fourth generation is lighter than the third, and even the relatively soft suspension only adds to the enjoyable driving experience it provides, thanks to the ability to drive it through weight transfers. Its prices as a new car in Israel have sinned terribly against a car whose essence was to be a simple and cheap driving car for the masses.
Just keep in mind that as a true roadster, it demands compromises, mostly due to its small cargo space and limited interior storage capacity. "It's not a flaw, it's character!" her fans exclaim, but we couldn't hear because of the moderate noise isolation.
Bottom line: the car that will make you feel alive, it's a shame they killed it with the price.
Mini Cooper
Years: 2007-2015 (second generation)/2016-2023 (third generation)Price range: 24,300-76,000 (second generation)/67,000-190,000 (third generation)Engine, power: 1.6-liter 122-120 hp (second generation)/1.5-liter 136 hp, 2.0-liter 178-192 hp (third generation S), 231 hp (third generation JCW)Performance (0-100, top speed): from 11.2 to 1.6 liter to 6.5 in the powerful JCWWhy yes: Appearance, quality, road behavior, performance in JCW and SWhy not: Heavy and soft to be truly sporty
In short:For the retro sweet of Mini under BMW, there is also the very rare two-seater Roadster version, so we chose to refer to its "regular" Cabriolet version. This did not make life easier, because while the second generation came with one engine, in the second generation the story became more complex with the Cooper, Cooper S, and the extreme JCW before we dove into the confusing levels of finishes that also made sure to change every few years from "Pure", "Pepper", "Chili", "Urban", "Iconic", "Luxury" and more.
But ultimately, in both generations, it has kept everything that made it successful and beloved. Eye-catching design from the outside and inside, a unique travelers' cabin with retro design, fun driving behavior (although not refined for the refined in the open version), the enjoyable karting sensation.
Bottom line: as a new and dear one, it was the perfect accessory for interdisciplinary students, today you can even see it in the center of Tzim in Beit She'an.
Jeep Wrangler
Years: 2007-2017Price range: 43,225-148,330Engine, Power: 3.8 liters, 199 hp/3.6, 284 hpPerformance (0-100, maximum speed): 9.6, 176 (3.8 liters)/8.1, 180 (3.6 liters)Why yes: off-road capabilities, posture, simplicityWhy not: safety, road behavior, quality
In short:In the beginning, there was the Jeep and the earth was formless and void, and that is excellent because only a real Jeep travels in such conditions. And now seriously, the Wrangler is the last remnant of the Willys' original rolls, and as such, it maintains very high off-road capabilities even in the base versions and completely insane off-road capabilities if you opt for the Rubicon. But the reason why it is here is simple. In contrast to the glorious 90s where you could find off-road vehicles with the option to remove the roof like the first Kia Sportage and Mitsubishi Pajero, allowing you to enjoy clean air in off-road (or dust if you are not leading the convoy) - today, within our budget, the selection is more or less narrowed down to the Wrangler, and even then, you will probably have to settle for the "Sport" version.
But not everything is pink (or brown). A short Wrangler is reserved for the driver + three passengers, while a long Wrangler - with an additional 9% to the list price - is reserved for the driver + four passengers. By the way, after taking off the roof, it remains at home because it is not foldable and there is no room to fit it in the car. Just make sure it doesn't rain, and don't leave anything inside when you park it.
Furthermore, the passenger compartment quality is low at the very least, such as the comfort of the ride, and both are really luxurious compared to its passive and active safety features. Besides, it's advisable to sleep inside it, as the Wrangler, almost every Wrangler is one of the most sought-after vehicles by car thieves. Forget it, actually don't sleep inside it, you might also get stolen.
Bottom line: An off-road experience without filters.