Car buyers' guide: open-air motoring

Mazda MX-5. Photo / Supplied

The dilemma

It happens around this time every year. A bit of sunshine, a bit of sparkle in the air (oh, and this year, a recent rugby victory to feel good about) and all of a sudden convertible sports car sales accelerate.

This year, the first to ask the question are Simeon and Janine, late-20-somethings who have an itch to move from their Volkswagen Polo to a car that can provide a summer's-worth of open-air motoring.

"Can you give us some suggestions," they ask, "and also tell us whether we're likely to have trouble with leaks when it rains?"

It's hard to guarantee a leak-free interior, although, when new, today's suggested trio are among the best.

But even normal wear and tear mean that, a few years later, leaks might be a problem. This can be true even of some convertibles that have a retracting hardtop.

An alternative is to choose a car that comes with a removable hardtop, or go to the aftermarket for such a top.

Trouble is, Murphy's Law states that it will never rain when the hardtop is in place and will always rain as soon as you've taken it off ...

The budget: About $25,000

The shortlist

Honda S2000
Launched in 1999, the S2000 remained in production for a decade, widely appreciated by enthusiasts for its overall performance and handling.

We're looking at the AP2 version introduced in 2003 with an improved suspension and drivetrain.

The high-revving engine took a bit of learning to drive well - peak torque wasn't developed until more than 6000rpm - but, when mastered, provided quite thrilling performance.

A downside is that it's scarce compared to the other two cars; a really good one might take some hunting down.
From $23,000

Mazda MX-5
Japan reinvents the "traditional" British roadster. And what a job they made of it. The MX-5 was a huge international hit when launched. Well over 20 years and three generations on, it's still the one to beat.

We're looking at the third-generation NC that appeared in 2005. With this came the option of a clever retractable hardtop that didn't interfere with luggage space when stowed.

The MX-5 is a hugely appealing and well-priced car. Those with a removable factory hardtop as part of the deal carry a price premium.
From $20,000

Toyota MR2 (MR-S)
We're recommending the third and final version of Toyota's mid-engined sports car, supposedly inspired by Porsche's Boxster.

Some had a six-speed Sequential Manual Transmission that, at a touch of the lever, did amazing "double declutching" downshifts that made even the clumsiest driver seem like an expert.

A feisty, good-handling car, this ultimate version of the MR2 was possibly the best, although each generation has its adherents.
From $21,000

Driven recommends

Just as "nobody ever got sacked for specifying IBM" - as the saying went - Driven's going to take the safe route and go with the MX-5, because it's the "universal" roadster that everyone likes and it's backed by a huge parts and service infrastructure. That's not taking anything away from the other two, though.