Good news, my fellow arrested adolescents. Driving a dreary econo-box isn't the only therapy for the fiscal contusions caused by $4-a-gallon gas.

It is possible to have frugal fun behind the wheel. I mean, what could be more enjoyable and more wealth-conserving than going topless in a lively convertible that gets surprisingly good mileage?

We're going to check out seven frugal-fun ragtops with base prices ranging from the high teens to the mid-50s. All of these 2008 two- and four-seaters are great looking or, at least, cute. They are good values and typically boast smile-eliciting performance and resale values. And even the highest-performing of these probably get better fuel economy than your family wheels. Let's take a look:

Under $20,000

Chrysler PT Cruiser convertible (base price of $18,430, EPA mileage ratings of 21 city and 26 highway). Chrysler has stopped building this convertible version of its retro four-seater, but there are still some 2008s in the pipeline, and your dealer can get you one. Bill Berger, sales manager at Gary Barbera Autoland, a Philadelphia Chrysler dealer, tells me there are five in the metropolitan area, and probably 15 within a 50-mile radius.

The PT ragtop isn't a sports car, but it is a fun-to-drive little machine that derives decent power from its 2.4-liter, 150-horsepower engine, handles competently, and has a backseat.

I think the convertible version of the PT is cute, and those car writers who disagree are constipated twits. How can you dislike a modern car that features a hood from a 1937 Ford?

Under $25,000

Mini Cooper convertible ($21,950, EPAs of 23 and 32). The Mini is the ultimate retro ride. It is BMW's take on the vintage British teeny sporty of the same name, which means it is quite fun, rather civil, and doesn't break every five minutes.

Her Spunkiness is a hoot on a windy road, and, thanks to her light weight, accelerates in decent fashion with only a 115-horse, 1.6-liter engine. (You can raise the ante to a very sprightly 168 horsepower by opting for the turbocharged S model, but then the base price rises to $25,400 and the EPAs drop to 21 and 29.)

Apparently, the Mini was named after its backseat.

Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport ($21,635, EPAs of 22 and 27). Mazda has a stripper model called the SV that bases for $20,635. But the Sport is a better deal, because it tosses in air, cruise control, keyless central locking, and a leather-wrapped wheel for an extra $1,000.

The handsome Miata roadster remains a license to have fun. The 2-liter engine churns up a presentable 168 horsepower, and perfect 50-50 fore-to-aft weight distribution contributes to superb handling.

Volkswagen New Beetle convertible ($23,240, EPAs of 20 and 28). The New Beetle looks like the old Bug, but looks can be deceiving. Its 2.5-liter, 150-horse, five-cylinder engine is about three times as powerful as the original Beetle's, and gets much better fuel economy. That power, coupled with nice handling, also makes it a lot more fun to drive.

Under $30,000

Pontiac Solstice GXP ($28,135, EPAs of 19 and 28). I love this nimble roadster's styling, particularly the race fairings that run back from behind the driver and passengers' heads. I also like the oomph engendered by the Solstice's 260-horsepower engine.

The GXP costs nearly $6,000 more than the base Solstice, but is probably worth it. It's a more deluxe, higher-performing car whose turbocharged, two-liter engine develops 83 more horsepower than the normally aspirated, 2.4-liter mill in the base model. It also gets better gas mileage (19 and 28 vs. 19 and 25).

Under $40,000

BMW Z4 3.0i Roadster ($36,700, EPAs of 18 and 28). Only 161 inches long, the Z4 is handsome in a stubby way, and born to be thrown around in the corners.

The Z4's athletic handling is matched by the brisk acceleration served up by its 215-horse, 3-liter six, an engine as willing as it is easy on gas.

Under $60,000

Chevrolet Corvette convertible ($54,575 base price, EPAs of 16 city and 26 highway). I know, 16 m.p.g. city doesn't sound like a frugality role model. But in relative terms, this car gets spectacular mileage. We are talking about a 430-horsepower super-sports car that will vault from 0 to 60 in four seconds, hurry on up to 180 m.p.h., and then provide 26 m.p.g. on the highway.

With handling as good as its acceleration, this comely, surprisingly comfortable beauty is just a joy to drive.

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Contact Al Haas at BusinessNews@phillynews.com.