There's something about dropping the top on a convertible in the middle of summer.

But as average gas prices remain above $4 per gallon, which 2009 convertible is going to be the best for your budget?

According to the Department of Energy Web site, the 2009 Mini John Cooper Works convertible will be the easiest on your wallet.

The Mini has a combined 28 mpg -- 25 mpg in the city and 33 in the highway. Even following the manufacturer's suggestion of using premium gasoline, the car will cost $2,324 per year in fuel.

The calculation is based on 15,000 miles driven per year, with 45 percent of driving on the highway and 55 percent in the city. The premium fuel is based on $4.34 per gallon, with regular gas at $4.11 per gallon.

Following the Mini is the Audi TT Roadster and Volkswagen Eos -- both manual and automatic transmissions -- at $2,604.

The Volkswagen Beetle will cost $2,682 per year in gas, in each automatic and manual transmissions. The Audi TT Roadster with Quattro all-wheel drive is $2,715 per year in gas to drive.

The first American car on the list is the Pontiac Solstice and Saturn Sky, which is tied for 10th on the list with the Volvo C70, at $2,935 per year.