I have held the viewpoint for a while that the notion of a cheap and cheerful convertible – even if it’s based on a miserable economy car – represents a totally different value proposition than its hardtop sibling. The Pontiac Sunfire was an unremarkable in every way, but when you combine a car that is dirt-cheap to own and maintain with fun-in-the-sun flexibility, it becomes compelling to own as a summertime commuter. This Sunfire Convertible listed here on craigslist is in surprisingly nice condition for having 91,000 miles and is offered for sale at just $3,200. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Mitchell G. for the tip.

If you just want to have a car with a disappearing roof, a vehicle like this or a six-cylinder Mustang is a dirt-cheap entry point for top-down cruising. I feel like when someone decides they want a second- or third-vehicle to serve as their summertime cruiser, there is a tendency to spend too much on what amounts to a seasonal vehicle. And, given the inevitable shortcomings of convertibles – less structural rigidity, some additional vibrations and harshness over rough roads – why spend a lot to own something that’s not as enjoyable to drive as the fixed-roof version? Now, this Sunfire won’t be a blast to drive, but if you just want the open-air experience, it will check every box.

Let’s also talk about how nice this Sunfire is despite the fact that this was the cheapest car in Pontiac’s lineup at the time. Like its forbear the Sunbird (and Chevy Cavalier corporate twin), the Sunfire was the entry-point to car ownership for many consumers, and as such, it was not a high-end ride. GM also didn’t exactly over-engineer its entry-level offerings, so shortcomings were many. Therefore, once the new car thrill had worn off, these quickly became disposable, and the second owner (and third, if it made it that far), definitely didn’t worry much about preventative maintenance. The interior is immaculate and the same goes for the exterior surfaces; the soft top looks quite tidy, too.

The 2.2L engine that was the base model offering was hardly a performance machine: 115 horsepower and 135 lb.-ft. of torque, in this case channeled through the front wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. The GT was slightly better, and the venerable DOHC Quad 4 made an appearance for a spell. The thing that strikes me about this Sunfire is how clean the engine bay is: sure, someone has detailed it for photos, but look at other details like the clarity of the plastic headlight lenses and the freshness of the engine bay paint: this Sunfire was never sent down the slippery hill of neglect that befalls so many economy vehicles. Would you buy a cheap runner like this for a summertime ride?