When Chrysler launched its revolutionary-looking PT Cruiser in 2000, it inspired devotion and dislike in equal measure.

Some loved its retro American looks, others considered it overstyled and underpowered. Six years later, the company introduced a cabriolet version, and that same debate cranked up again.

With new prices starting at about £16,500, the PT Cruiser Cabriolet was one of the cheapest four-seat convertibles on the market, and with its generous equipment levels it should really have sold well. Unfortunately, chopping its roof off served only to exaggerate its rather distinctive styling, and many buyers found it simply too strange in appearance to want to invest in one.

Poor sales as a new car spells good news for prospective buyers of secondhand examples, as today a budget of £9,000 will get you a three-year-old model with less than 20,000 miles on the clock, and higher-mileage examples can of course be bought for even less.

Importantly, the new PT Cruiser Cabriolets that did find homes, usually found loving ones. As a result, the used examples now appearing on the market tend to be well looked after.

Entry level Touring models come with alloy wheels, air-conditioning, electric driver-seat adjustment and an electric folding soft top. Or you can find a used Limited model for about £500 more, and its higher specification includes attractive heated leather and suede seats, plus useful cruise control.

All versions are powered by the same 2.4 litre four-cylinder petrol engine, Chrysler having sensibly decided that the 2.2 litre diesel unit found in the hatchback probably isn’t best suited to an open-topped car. The lack of a diesel obviously limits fuel economy, and even with the standard five-speed manual gearbox you will do well to top 30mpg, while the optional four-speed automatic transmission knocks a further 5mpg off that figure.

Buyers of the original PT Cruiser hatchback will testify that the car has proven pretty reliable, and it’s the same story for the Cabriolet. Its interior trim is tough and durable, and all of the PT’s major mechanicals have proved to be robust overall. Keep an eye out, though, for scuffed bumpers and scrapes to the alloy wheels, as both can look fairly insignificant but are costly to have put right.

Slip behind the wheel and you will either be delighted or frustrated that the car’s exterior styling theme is carried into the cabin. There’s no denying that the body-coloured panels, retro-style white dials and Bakelite-look gearknob make a welcome change from the black and grey moulded vinyls found in many of today’s cars. Even the slightly cluttered layout of the minor switchgear (such as for the lights and the stereo) works well, and it’s a deliberate nod to the car’s retro roots.

The PT Cruiser Cabriolet provides plenty of front-occupant legroom, and both the passenger and driver will notice the car’s slightly elevated seating position. Accommodation in the rear is a touch less generous than in front, a consequence of the folding top eating up valuable cabin inches.

On the road the Chrysler feels solid and stable thanks to its rigidity-enhancing rollover bar. At normal driving speeds it also soaks up bumps and ruts particularly well when seated on the standard 16in alloy wheels, but be wary of “blinged up” wheel rims, because the larger the wheels, the more compromised the ride comfort becomes.

Less than three years since its introduction, the PT Cruiser Cabriolet has been dropped from the Chrysler range, so new examples of the marque’s topless retro model are increasingly hard to find in dealers’ displays.

With its sad passing, the showrooms will be considerably less exotic and interesting places to be. Among used-car buyers, however, the PT Cruiser Cabriolet’s status as a cult vehicle now looks firmly set to grow.

Roof operation Roof folds down at the touch of a button in less than 20sec once retaining clips are released by hand. Check for damp carpets and water leaks around door seals

Upholstery Leather and suede upholstery standard on Limited model; Touring versions make do with cloth

Alloy wheels Standard on all, but chrome-finish wheels become badly pitted if not regularly cleaned

Boot Cabriolet loses boot space to its hatchback brother, and the boot’s upward-opening lid can make it awkward to load large items

Air-conditioning Standard on all models, it should blow icy cold; if not, suspect a fault

Gearbox Standard five-speed manual with optional four-speed automatic available on Touring and Limited. Expect to pay about £300 more for automatic transmission

Bumpers Check colour-coded bumpers as repair or repainting can be costly

Warranty All new cars came with a three-year/60,000-mile warranty

Rear seat Split/fold rear seat standard, but backrest is more upright than in equivalent hatchback

Servicing Due every six months or 7,500 miles, whichever comes sooner

Vital statistics

Model PT Cruiser Cabriolet 2.4 Limited
Engine 2429cc, four cylinders
Power 141bhp
Transmission Five-speed manual
Fuel 30.1mpg (combined cycle)
Acceleration 0-62mph: 11.3sec
Top speed 121mph
CO2 emissions 223g/km
Road tax band F (£205 for 12 months)

Values

Cost new today
£17,925 (production now ended)

Mileage
(5,000/10,000/20,000)

2006 06
Trade £8,450 £8,200 £7,725
Retail £10,450 £10,195 £9,695

2007 07
Trade £9,500 £9,225 £8,675
Retail £11,495 £11,195 £10,650

2008 08
Trade £10,700 £10,350 £9,750
Retail £12,650 £12,350 £11,750

The one to buy
A 2007 07 PT Cruiser Cabriolet 2.4 Limited with 10,000 miles on the clock.
Pay £11,195 at a dealer, or £10,000 privately

Or for similar money
2003 53 Saab 9-3 Convertible 1.8t Vector
2005 54 Volvo C70 2.0T GT
2005 05 Peugeot 307 S Coupé Cabriolet
2006 06 Vauxhall Astra 1.6 TwinTop
2007 07 Renault Mégane CC 1.6 Dynamique