6 2025 Convertibles the Middle Class Should Consider Buying
Driving down a sun-filled highway in a convertible with the wind flying through your hair can be exhilarating, stylish and fun. Unfortunately, exhilarating, stylish fun can cost a lot. But there are still many convertibles that are within a middle-class earner’s budget.
First, let’s define the middle class — not the easiest task. According to the Pew Research Center, households with an income of two-thirds to double the nation’s median household income are in the middle class. With the median 2023 household income of $80,610, according to the Census Bureau, that means a household income between approximately $53,000 and $161,000 qualifies as middle class.
Although it ranges from state to state, the monthly take-home income of the middle class would be $3,500 to $9,800, with the average coming in at about $6,700. Now, assuming the common financial advice of spending no more than 10% to 15% of your take-home income on a car payment, that leaves about $670 to $1,000 for the average middle-income family to spend on a car. Assuming a 15% down payment and a 6% five-year loan, that means the average middle-class family can afford a car priced between about $43,300 and $64,600.
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Okay, now that we’re done with the math (you’re welcome), here are some convertibles that a middle-class car buyer could consider.
Mazda MX-5 Miata Club
Starting price: $34,015
15% down: $5,100
Monthly payment: $559
Scoring an impossible-to-beat 10 out of 10 rating by Car and Driver, the Mazda MX-5 Miata embodies the “fun to drive” peppy roadster experience, all for a cost well within a middle-class budget. And the best news is that with income to spare, you could upgrade from the soft-top roadster to the retractable fastback with a power-folding targa top.
The most expensive trim in the Miata family, the Club RF, starts at $41,835.
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Mini Cooper Convertible
Starting price: $39,045
15% down: $5,851
Monthly payment: $642
With a respectable eight out of 10 rating by Car and Driver, the Mini Cooper drove home high marks for its modernized look and feel, agile handling, and more powerful engine. Giving the Mini its zip is a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. And although it’s a small car, it does have an open, airy interior, per Car and Driver editors.
Ford Mustang
Starting price: $41,615
15% down: $6,240
Monthly payment: $684
Receiving a nine out of 10 rating from Car and Driver, the 2025 Mustang convertible is a four seater; however, the kids might outgrow the legroom in the back pretty fast. Still, this American classic scores high points for its V-8 power and its classic muscle car styling. And with a low-$40,000 base price, it leaves plenty of green for some nice options.
Ford Bronco Black Diamond
Starting price: $46,670
15% down: $7,001
Monthly payment: $767
Although it’s likely that you’ll never take the roof off this newly imagined American classic, the Bronco still qualifies as a convertible. And as with the Mustang, Car and Driver was impressed, giving it a 9 1/2 out of 10 for its impressive handling, features and solid off-road qualities. Gone is the previous Bronco’s V-8, but editors said that the V-6 version does the job.
Plus, there are many different trim types, from the under-$40,000 base model to the nearly $92,000 Raptor Edition.
BMW Z4
Starting price: $55,225
15% down: $8,284
Monthly payment: $908
You know it’s a sports car when the stick shift option costs more. Yes, the BMW Z4 is not exactly a family car, but it does score a nine out of 10 from Car and Driver for its luxury and everyday drivability. The Z4 comes standard with a 255-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder, an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. But if you want something a little throatier, and pricier, you can opt for the 382-horsepower turbocharged inline-six and the new optional six-speed manual transmission.
BMW 430i Convertible
Starting price: $59,695
15% down: $8,954
Monthly payment: $981
If you’re ready for an upgrade to the Z4, BMW’s 4 Series is a nice call. Car and Driver didn’t throw it a perfect 10, but it came close with an eight. Of course, according to editors, to really enjoy the BMW driving and luxury experience, you’ll have to bust the budget for the M440i Convertible, which starts at $73,245. Welcome to the upper middle class.
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