Key buyers guide for convertible cars
- By Anthony Blascara
- Published 05/27/2011
- Online Shopping
- Unrated
Key buyers guide for convertible cars
Now that spring is in the air, convertible cars are just the ticket for letting your hair down and taking a lovely drive. Ranging in size from two-seater roadsters to four-seat luxury models, these days convertibles are available in a wealth of styles and features.
The following guide will offer some of the top tips to keep in mind when shopping for your dream convertible car.
Roof Options
The main defining feature of different types of convertibles is that they come with either hardtop or fabric roofs.
A hardtop is manufactured from the same material as the car and folds down by motor. The benefits of hardtops are as follows:
However, the downside to this option is that the roof adds a lot of extra weight, which reduces car performance and handling. It also detracts from the storage space when folded down into the boot.
When it comes to soft-top roofs, there are a variety of fabrics to choose from - canvas, vinyl, leather or an acrylic/polyester blend.
As mentioned above, many fabric roofs need special care. If you’re buying a second hand soft-top convertible, be sure to examine the roof thoroughly for tears, rips, and other damage, since replacing a convertible's top can be pricey.
Manual vs. Automatic Tops
Less expensive convertibles generally use soft-top mechanisms where you’ll need to unlatch a buckle or two to open and close them. Others offer a power-folding top as an option.
Luxury models however feature fully automatic tops that raise and lower at the convenient touch of a button. If you’re buying a hardtop, it will always be power-operated.
Wind Deflectors
This is an optional feature but will make your drive more comfortable. A windscreen that fits onto the back seat will cuts down the wind draft dramatically while allowing you to take full advantage of the glorious sun.
Colour Choice
Be aware that black absorbs more heat than other colours, so if you want to avoid scorching hot seats while driving in the sunshine, it’s better to go for a light-coloured interior. Many newer convertibles have heat-reflective coating on their interiors, which lowering the heat absorption rate.
Roll-bar Protection
Some newer convertible models have windshield pillars that are strong enough to prop the car up should it flip over in an accident. Many also have roll-bars that are built into the
frame or are activated when the car is upside-down. It’s advisable to choose a convertible with these safety features as they will protect you and your passengers far more if the unfortunate happens.
Cornering
Since the body of a convertible isn't as structurally rigid as a traditional car, it will twist slightly when taking hard turns. Thus, convertibles won't perform as well as many other cars when cornering at high speeds. For performance-minded drivers, choose front and rear stabiliser bars for added rigidity.
Tires
Some modern tires are specifically made to reduce driving noise. They aren't always standard features, so you may have to buy them separately if this is an important feature to you.
Heating Vents
It’s always a good idea is to check the heating vents of various convertibles while test driving them on the highway. Some convertibles blast hot air efficiently, while others merely whimper.
Fuel Consumption
It must be said that convertibles aren't as fuel-efficient as traditional cars because of the increased wind drag. When the top is down, this is especially true. Luxury convertibles may require premium fuel too, which will further increase your costs.
Music
It’s an obvious little considered fact – if you love your music while driving you’ll want to choose a high-end sound system to complete your convertible experience.
Top Tip for the Best Deal
Sales of convertibles surge during hot, sunny summers, For the best deal, you’ll want to wait until winter to make your purchase – this will afford you much more negotiation leverage as dealers will be eager to boost their winter sales drop.
Insurance for Convertible Cars
Convertibles are often high-performance luxury cars, which will drive up your insurance premiums. That being said, insurers are increasingly realising that convertible owners take extremely good care of their cars and are thus less likely to make a claim.
Vandalism on soft-tops is an issue whether you roof is up or down unfortunately, which is one of the reasons for the rise in popularity of hardtop convertibles. If you do have a fabric top, be sure to check that roof damage is covered by your policy and that the excess is at a level low enough to allow for a replacement roof.
A good place to find the best convertible car insurance is through online comparison sites. It is worthwhile getting several quotes as prices from different providers can vary considerably.
Conclusion
A convertible car is a pure symbol of wind-in-the-hair freedom, luxurious pleasure and outright fun. When comparing different models, be sure to keep the above tips in mind.
About the Author:Anthony Blascara is a vehicle repair business owner and convertible car enthusiast.
The following guide will offer some of the top tips to keep in mind when shopping for your dream convertible car.
Roof Options
The main defining feature of different types of convertibles is that they come with either hardtop or fabric roofs.
A hardtop is manufactured from the same material as the car and folds down by motor. The benefits of hardtops are as follows:
- Added safety and security.
- Improved sound (fabric roofs can be noisy).
- Less maintenance (many soft-tops need chemical treatment to prevent cracks).
- Better heat retention.
However, the downside to this option is that the roof adds a lot of extra weight, which reduces car performance and handling. It also detracts from the storage space when folded down into the boot.
When it comes to soft-top roofs, there are a variety of fabrics to choose from - canvas, vinyl, leather or an acrylic/polyester blend.
As mentioned above, many fabric roofs need special care. If you’re buying a second hand soft-top convertible, be sure to examine the roof thoroughly for tears, rips, and other damage, since replacing a convertible's top can be pricey.
Manual vs. Automatic Tops
Less expensive convertibles generally use soft-top mechanisms where you’ll need to unlatch a buckle or two to open and close them. Others offer a power-folding top as an option.
Luxury models however feature fully automatic tops that raise and lower at the convenient touch of a button. If you’re buying a hardtop, it will always be power-operated.
Wind Deflectors
This is an optional feature but will make your drive more comfortable. A windscreen that fits onto the back seat will cuts down the wind draft dramatically while allowing you to take full advantage of the glorious sun.
Colour Choice
Be aware that black absorbs more heat than other colours, so if you want to avoid scorching hot seats while driving in the sunshine, it’s better to go for a light-coloured interior. Many newer convertibles have heat-reflective coating on their interiors, which lowering the heat absorption rate.
Roll-bar Protection
Some newer convertible models have windshield pillars that are strong enough to prop the car up should it flip over in an accident. Many also have roll-bars that are built into the
Cornering
Since the body of a convertible isn't as structurally rigid as a traditional car, it will twist slightly when taking hard turns. Thus, convertibles won't perform as well as many other cars when cornering at high speeds. For performance-minded drivers, choose front and rear stabiliser bars for added rigidity.
Tires
Some modern tires are specifically made to reduce driving noise. They aren't always standard features, so you may have to buy them separately if this is an important feature to you.
Heating Vents
It’s always a good idea is to check the heating vents of various convertibles while test driving them on the highway. Some convertibles blast hot air efficiently, while others merely whimper.
Fuel Consumption
It must be said that convertibles aren't as fuel-efficient as traditional cars because of the increased wind drag. When the top is down, this is especially true. Luxury convertibles may require premium fuel too, which will further increase your costs.
Music
It’s an obvious little considered fact – if you love your music while driving you’ll want to choose a high-end sound system to complete your convertible experience.
Top Tip for the Best Deal
Sales of convertibles surge during hot, sunny summers, For the best deal, you’ll want to wait until winter to make your purchase – this will afford you much more negotiation leverage as dealers will be eager to boost their winter sales drop.
Insurance for Convertible Cars
Convertibles are often high-performance luxury cars, which will drive up your insurance premiums. That being said, insurers are increasingly realising that convertible owners take extremely good care of their cars and are thus less likely to make a claim.
Vandalism on soft-tops is an issue whether you roof is up or down unfortunately, which is one of the reasons for the rise in popularity of hardtop convertibles. If you do have a fabric top, be sure to check that roof damage is covered by your policy and that the excess is at a level low enough to allow for a replacement roof.
A good place to find the best convertible car insurance is through online comparison sites. It is worthwhile getting several quotes as prices from different providers can vary considerably.
Conclusion
A convertible car is a pure symbol of wind-in-the-hair freedom, luxurious pleasure and outright fun. When comparing different models, be sure to keep the above tips in mind.
About the Author:Anthony Blascara is a vehicle repair business owner and convertible car enthusiast.
