You want to buy a luxury car, something along the lines of the shapely Lexus SC 430, but your pockets are lined with little but lint. Besides, there’s nowhere for the kids to ride in the SC. If luxury is what moves you, take a look at the 2005 Toyota Camry Solara Convertible. It looks a little bit like the Lexus inside and out, exuding an entry-luxe vibe that escapes the other vehicles on this list, but is far less expensive and much roomier inside than even the cleanest certified-used SC 430.

We test-drove the top-of-the-line SLE V6 model with a stability control system and touch-screen navigation, totaling more than $32,500, but Solara Convertibles start at a price just north of $26,000. Given the refinement and comfort levels, however, there’s tremendous bang-for-the-buck here, as long as it’s not measured in terms of performance.

Driving excitement isn’t on the Camry Solara Convertible’s menu. It’s got a smooth 225-horsepower V6 that gets the car quickly up to speed, but handling is forsaken for a plush ride quality best appreciated during leisurely drives to wine country or along the coastline with good friends. Four adults can fit comfortably, and the trunk has plenty of space for a quartet of weekend duffels.

Just be prepared to arrive at your destination sporting the windblown look, because the Camry Solara Convertible is drafty – even with the windows raised. An optional windblocker resolves the problem, but clips in over the back seat, limiting capacity to two occupants. Raising the roof against the chill takes about the same amount of time as dropping the top – about 20 seconds – and the Camry Solara Convertible includes one-button operation of all four windows.

Emphasizing practicality over performance, the Toyota Camry Solara is an entry-luxury ragtop in all but name.