I have always dreamed of having a convertible and I am seriously looking at buying one in 2007. I live in south Texas so cold weather is not an issue. For those of you have convertibles what do you not like about owning one?
2006-10-21 15:50:15 · 12 answers · asked by tac_sa 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Other - Car Makes
First,don't think you'll be doing a whole lot of summer cruisin,unless it's early in the day or later in the evening.The hot sun in a convertible during the summer is terrible.I used mine most in spring and fall,the sunburn's in the summer kept the top up,along with the heat.It was actually fun in the winter though,you can drop the top and leave the window's up and turn on the heat.Convertible's don't leak like everyone say's,just take care of the top.My only problem with leaking was in high pressure car washes,it would spray between the window and top.
Insurance is higher on some convertible's becuase of the safety factor.I didn't wear my seatbelt in mine because I would rather have been thrown out in a rollover situation.
Being in Texas,the only complaint would be the heat I would think.Think about how often you just need the AC because it's just too hot.
2006-10-21 15:59:31 · answer #1 · answered by playtoy_18 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I like you, have always dreamed of having a convertible - but then the practical side jumps in. My husband already has one, and you know, most of the time we keep the top up. If we are going for a short 20 to 30 miles - we might take it down - but even so -- with the top up -- I just enjoy the car. The car is a two seater so it is not expected to do much but have fun!
If you are concerned about cloth tops - I can think of two options immediately - one would be a Porsche targa - with a sliding roof section -- or the Mercedes CLK - with a retractable hard top.
I tend to go for moonroofs -
One of the downsides I found - was it wasn't practible for taking folks around. Even with a back seat - it isn't enough room to be comfortable enough even for a short run to go out to eat... And forget about taking loads of groceries home in it...
Hope that helps you.
P.S. As far as roll overs go - most of the newer convertibles have built in rollbars. Some you won't see - because the brain box tells them to pop up when needed - like in a BMW or Porsche. The new little Miata has a really nice one built in -- don't let them scare you about it! I once had a little Miata and my mechanic advised me to put in a rollbar - it helped the car be a little more sturdy on the road. So if you do want an older model that doesn't have a rollbar - you can always have one installed.
2006-10-22 04:30:18 · answer #2 · answered by Bogie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Our neighbor has one, and even though you don't live in cold weather, the blistering heat of Texas will be murder on the car's fabric roof. And depending on how much you open & close it, no matter how well a convertible is designed and engineered, at some point it will leak. Not to mention those few times you leave the top down, and a freak passing thunderstorm will turn your interior into a swimming pool. Don't laugh, I've seen it happen. And convertibles are sooooooo easy for vandals to break into. Sharp knife anyone? If you want the sun in your hair, pick a model with a nice big power sunroof or if they still make them, T-tops are a blast. Happy motoring! :)
2006-10-21 16:07:11 · answer #3 · answered by seamless1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think only a fellow Texan (or southerner) can give you the true, correct answer.
In Texas, the downside of a convertible is that the months of April, May, June, July, August, September, and October are too damn hot to drive with the top down. You might be able to slice off 1/2 of April & October, but really...top down driving when it is 80+ is not that appealing.
2006-10-21 17:41:05 · answer #4 · answered by duhgbert 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I bought my first convertible 4 years ago. I've never had any leaks from the heavy snow or ice in upper NY. The only bad feature is driving on a highway with all the windows open and the top up.....the wind rushing in causes a slight "flapping" noise as it hits the top. But this is not what I would call a problem or a deterrent for my purchasing another one. Good luck and enjoy!
2006-10-21 16:02:53 · answer #5 · answered by gconnie123 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
having the stereo go out thru the top of the car because the top is cut open with a razor knife ,, or having the top down outside when the rains hit sudden or being on the high way when the rain or the dust storm hits you
2006-10-21 15:55:10 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Over time the top deteriorates (sun is bad). The also develop leaks and they are noisy. In a rollover crash they offer little protection. They are easy to get into for thieves. But they are pretty.
2006-10-21 17:05:55 · answer #7 · answered by Ranger473 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Safety was a concern. They may leak. Easier to break in. The tops don't last forever. Also, I would garage the car...cats loved to lay on the cloth top!
2006-10-21 15:58:31 · answer #8 · answered by B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All it takes to break into one is a knife.
2006-10-21 23:19:54 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you roll the car it could break your neck
2006-10-21 16:00:29 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋