Characteristics of 4-Seater Convertible Cars
There are a lot of 4-seat convertible cars in the USA, ranging in size from compact all the way up to full-size, so the characteristics that define this broad segment can be hard to pin down. Here are just some of the thighs you can expect when browsing a list of four-seat convertibles:
- Style: Convertibles are usually elegant and eye-catching. The type of roof, whether soft- or hardtop affects the type of lines and the rigidity of the body. Since the majority of these cars are from luxury ranges, a handsome and high-quality interior is almost assured.
- Practicality: Convertibles with back seats are naturally roomy, or at least they try to be. Some automakers put extra seats where they shouldn’t, but most of these cars offer a decent amount of passenger space. Larger cars are the most spacious, like the Ford Mustang or Mercedes SLC-Class, which are some convertibles with the most rear legroom. The trunk is almost always small, though there are a few exceptions.
- Price: Though not an incontrovertible truth, most convertibles are not cheap. This gets even more expensive as you tick items on the list of options, as many features are options extras. Combine all this with relatively lower mileage returns, and the cost of ownership is on the high side.
What to Consider When Buying a Four-Seater Convertible
Not everyone has the luxury of being able to own two cars, where one fulfills a purpose that the other can’t. If a four-door convertible is to be your only mode of transport, it’s useful to know the positives and negatives of this type of vehicle:
Pros
- No need to choose between top-down motoring and passengers
- More stylish than a 5-person sedan
- More storage capacity behind the driver
- As comfortable as a coupe with the top up
Cons
- More expensive than a regular hardtop
- Electric roof mechanisms are pricey to repair
- Many cabrios have poor rear legroom
- Construction generally leads to heavier weight
FAQs
What is the best open-air car for four?
The top-rated vehicle of this body style that we’ve tested is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. It’s followed by the high-performance Mercedes-AMG S63 and BMW M8. The Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet and Bentley Continental GT also have spots in our top 10.
What are the cheapest four-seater cabrios in the USA?
If you are buying new, the tiny Mini Cooper is comparatively cheap and starts at under $30,000, but the convertible with the most rear legroom it is not. More practical, yet still well-priced, are the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang drop-tops, which begin at just over $30k.