Convertibles: Worth it?

Question

For those of you that HAVE a convertible car, I would like to know if you have ever had anything happen to you such as theft, holes on the roof, or have to replace the roof every so often, etc. It would be great if you could tell me wether you think convertible is worth having, and if so, tell what car and year it is, or anything else you would like to share about convertibles. Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi, I have a convertible and I have never had anything happen to it yet, but I can tell you what I know.

First off, this is my first convertible car and I love it - I'll probably always have a convertible from now on. I have a power top so putting the top up and down is a simple matter or a couple latches and a button and it is very convenient. Its great to drop the top on a nice day, or even not so nice days. Convertibles are for people who don't mind their hair getting wind blown.

Some problems with convertibles. If the tops are fabric (canvas or vinyl) they will wear out over time and need to be replaced. This usually takes 5-7 years to wear out and replacement costs are about $1000, but this is different with every car, how often you use the top, sun damage, etc.

The tops are susceptible to being cut by a thief, but this is no more prevalent than a smashed window on a normal car. If you don't leave valuables out in sight, its not an issue for either type of car.

Some tops come with plastic rear windows. I'd stay away from these and look for tops with glass rear windows. The plastic will cloud up and become opaque with time and it has no defroster capability. Plastic windows will also crack over time and if you operate the top when its too cold out (40 F or below). Glass will always stay clear, won't crack, and has rear defrosters.

Although it could happen, I've never heard of a convertible assembly breaking or wearing out. Even convertibles with motorized tops from the 50's still have original functioning motors and the frames seem to hold up forever.

Most convertibles have hard tops you can buy. These are good if you live in the city or where you know you won't be dropping the top for a while like the north. Hard tops help to isolate the road noise and make a convertible more like a normal car, but you can't drop the top with them on.

These days there are a growing number of hard-top convertibles that range in price from the $50k+ Lexus to the $25k Mazda MX-5. The tops of these cars will never have to be replaced, offer you coupe or convertible driving, and are essentially two cars in one.

Soft top convertibles are generally louder than their hard top cousins because they have less insulation and can be less rigid than hard top versions of the same car, but convertible build quality has improved greatly from even ten years ago. These days they do not squeak and rattle like older convertibles.

I think convertibles are definitely worth having but it is a big adjustment from driving a normal car - you have to take that leap the first time I guess. I've never looked back.

Answer 2

I have two convertibles. One is a '96 Saab 900S, the other is a 1978 MGB.

I had always wanted a convertible, and finally around 2000 I ended up buying both (I forget which came first). I have NEVER regretted it. If you think you might love a convertible, then get one, absolutely.

I don't live in a city, so I can't speak to whether or not it might be more easily vandalized, but logic says it could, since the roofs are soft and could be cut by a knife.

Beyond that, the only thing is that you pay more attention to the weather. If it's potentially rainy, you have to put the roof up, or run outside during the workday to put it up.

If you have an automatic roof, like most modern cars, you can just put it up when you park. If you have a manual roof, like my MG, then it's more of a hassle.

Having always wanted one, I am a die-hard convertible fan. I will let my house foreclose before I get rid of my MG. Whether taking your dog in it, or riding with your girlfriend/boyfriend, it's just a blast.

Buy it, buy it, buy it.

I've never had "holes on the roof". I did replace the roof on the MG, but that was only because the original one was vinyl and was stiff as hell in cold weather. The current one is a sun-fast fabric and is just great. The Saab has a fabric roof, so no problems there.

Buy one, dammit. You'll wonder how you ever survived pre-convertible. It'll seem like a former life.

Only caveat - even with the roof up, road noise is much more, and in heavy traffic, is somewhat annoying. That's my only complaint.

Answer 3

I have always wanted the same convertible Ruger you are considering. I've shot a few that belonged to friends and fellow shooters. All were good shooters with both cylinders. I've never been able to scrape up the funds for one, sorry to say. The shorter barrel will cost some velocity, but probably not enough to make a huge difference on game. As others have correctly pointed out, a handgun is a short-range weapon anyway. A .45-caliber bullet even at slightly lower velocity is still a potent hitter. On the plus side, the 5.5-inch gun will be a bit lighter and easier to carry in the woods. The .45 ACP cylinder will be great for range shooting, while the .45 LC will be the right choice for the game field. That's a pretty versatile combination, which is why I've always wanted one. Now excuse me. I have to dump out the piggy bank and see how much more I have to save to get one of these ...

Answer 4

My wife had one and she had problems with the roof. If it is hot or cold you can not use it, so in some areas you never drop the cover.
She was scared, because when he heard sounds of brakes it could be very loud.
Convertibles are ok if you also have a normal car. For everyday use are not practical, but some people like them.