Top 10 Cars for Summer Under $30,000

4. Mazda MX-5 with retractable hard top

Hard top convertibles are rarely affordable, and this car barely squeaks into the list with a starting price of $29,260. Granted, you’re talking big potatoes for a Miata, but think of the alternatives. 

If you want a rear-wheel drive car with the same cap on its head, Mercedes will charge you $44,450 for a base SLK 250. 

2013 Mazda MX-5 VS 2013 MINI Roadster Cooper S

Chrysler can help you out with a convertible 200 if the retractable hard top is all that matters, but it had really better be the only thing you care about because there are few other reasons to recommend the car.

That brings us back to the MX-5. It’s so light, so well balanced, and with traction control turned off, it’s so much fun to let its bum hang out in a corner.