Convertible drivers - why keep the roof up?

[SWoll]

Flip Martian said:

MarshPhantom said:

Maybe the car is used by more than one person, one likes open top motoring than the other?

Definitely a possible - if I let my wife drive the MX5 the roof would NEVER come off

Assuming it's the 'hair' issue that would stop her I'm surprised. Surely as soon as she gets home you can sort it out for her?

[Flip Martian]

SWoll said:

Assuming it's the 'hair' issue that would stop her I'm surprised. Surely as soon as she gets home you can sort it out for her?

I see what you did there...

[SWoll]

SidewaysSi said:

Jasandjules said:

SidewaysSi said:

I have had my Elise 3 years and not once have I driven it with the rood off.

Whyever not?

No interest in it to be honest and I don't like the sun on my head; I bought it for other reasons. And IMO it looks better with the hardtop on.

Edited by SidewaysSi on Saturday 27th August 08:56

Very nice and obviously more Exige like. At 6.4" I can't imagine it would be much fun regularly posting myself through that door opening though.

Flip Martian said:

SWoll said:

Assuming it's the 'hair' issue that would stop her I'm surprised. Surely as soon as she gets home you can sort it out for her?

I see what you did there...

Sorry, couldn't resist.

[Flip Martian]

SWoll said:

Sorry, couldn't resist.

Quite all right, I do try and have a sense of humour

[SWoll]

Nanook said:

SWoll said:

It's a fact that they are more expensive than the same car in non convertible form, less practical due to decreased bootspace and require more maintenance due to more working parts and in the case of canvas roofs keeping the canvas clean and water proof. Not sure how any of that is an opinion?

Well, my MR2 never had a non convertible counterpart, so the boot argument is moot. The boot on my 350 is actually more practical than the hardtop IMO. The entire back half of the car doesn't have to open to put a bag in it, and you don't have that huge brace running across the back. You don't lose any extra space when you put the roof down.

Neither of the roofs on either of my cars have required any maintenance due to their working parts, and keeping the canvas looking clean and good is less hassle than polishing a metal roof. Neither have ever leaked. Nor, come to think of it, has my sister's MX-5, either of my brother's 2 MX-5s, my other brother's Boxster, or my Mothers Saab 9-3 convertible.

I was being polite when I said it was your opinion, but if you'd rather, I can just tell you you're wrong?

Blimey, back again?

As I've said on numerous occasions (that you seem to choose to ignore), roadsters are a completely different thing as they were designed from the outset to be a convertible ad have nothing to compare to.

The example I gave was of a fairly common car with a convertible model, the BMW 4 Series.

£5K more expensive than the equivalent coupe model.
Considerably reduced boot space
Less rear space apparently.
More motors/sensors that will require additional maintenance over the life of the car.
Heavier.
Thirstier.

All of the above are not my opinions but facts and the same goes for the Audi A5, so that's basically the 2 most popular convertibles bought in the UK.

The 350Z has the strut brace you mention which makes the boot less usable whereas the convertible doesn't, it is still reduced in capacity though so there you go. It's also quite a bit heavier (heavier than a 6 series BMW apparently?), thirstier and was more expensive when new (although not by as much as the 4 series example above). Again, all facts I'm afraid.

Now if I'd stated that convertible models all ride and handle worse than their coupe versions, that would have been an opinion. Even though it is borne out by pretty much every professional review I've ever read.

Edited by SWoll on Saturday 27th August 09:48

[RussH91]

Because....



And



And

[Prof Beard]

End of March to mid-November:

Long runs with luggage - I have a C4S so luggage goes on the back seat so roof is up

Long motorway runs - roof up most of the time but not always

Temperature in high 20s C and slow traffic - roof up and aircon on

Raining or other precipitation - roof up

Otherwise roof down

Mid-November to End of March - Hardtop on - this is a compromise and I miss cold sunny runs with the roof down

[k-ink]

SidewaysSi said:

No interest in it to be honest and I don't like the sun on my head; I bought it for other reasons. And IMO it looks better with the hardtop on.

That does look very good!

Although I have to say my elise never really felt like a convertible. It felt more like a car with a large sunroof panel removed. More like a targa to me.

[Mave]

SWoll said:

£5K more expensive than the equivalent coupe model.
Considerably reduced boot space
Less rear space apparently.
More motors/sensors that will require additional maintenance over the life of the car.
Heavier.
Thirstier.

But the thing is, the magnitude of those disadvantages is typically less than the differences you get anyway between models. You could spend an extra £5k on tick boxes. You could see the same difference in fuel consumption and weight between a BMW and an Audi. You could see the same difference in rear space between the coupe and saloon versions of the same model. So IMHO, in reality the downsides in choosing a convertible are less than the downsides associated with more fundamental choices like petrol vs diesel, saloon vs coupe, sports suspension vs comfort suspension.

[SWoll]

DELETED: Comment made by a member who's account has been deleted.

Christ, stop being such a big baby.

I like convertibles and have at no point said anything but, I just wouldn't choose to live with one every day as there are 'factual' compromises that need to be made in order to do so that I would prefer not to make in order to give me the option of open top motoring at all times. Tis is why I don't understand why when people do compromise they donlt then use them at every opportunity.

Roadsters I would define as a 2 door, 2 seat sportscar that is designed in convertible form. Elise, Boxster, SLK, MR2, MX5 etc. I think that's pretty much the commonly held opinion anyway. 350Z is arguable but fair enough.

I want a roadster as a weekend toy as for that purpose there won't be any compromises to concern myself with (lack of practicality being the main one)and any additional maintenance will be infrequent and something I will enjoy doing as it'll be something special rather thn a daily hack.

[SWoll]

Mave said:

SWoll said:

£5K more expensive than the equivalent coupe model.
Considerably reduced boot space
Less rear space apparently.
More motors/sensors that will require additional maintenance over the life of the car.
Heavier.
Thirstier.

But the thing is, the magnitude of those disadvantages is typically less than the differences you get anyway between models. You could spend an extra £5k on tick boxes. You could see the same difference in fuel consumption and weight between a BMW and an Audi. You could see the same difference in rear space between the coupe and saloon versions of the same model. So IMHO, in reality the downsides in choosing a convertible are less than the downsides associated with more fundamental choices like petrol vs diesel, saloon vs coupe, sports suspension vs comfort suspension.

That's not what we're discussing though so I fail to see your point?

[SWoll]

Nanook said:

SWoll said:

Christ, stop being such a big baby.

I like convertibles and have at no point said anything but, I just wouldn't choose to live with one every day as there are 'factual' compromises that need to be made in order to do so that I would prefer not to make in order to give me the option of open top motoring at all times. Tis is why I don't understand why when people do compromise they donlt then use them at every opportunity.

Roadsters I would define as a 2 door, 2 seat sportscar that is designed in convertible form. Elise, Boxster, SLK, MR2, MX5 etc. I think that's pretty much the commonly held opinion anyway. 350Z is arguable but fair enough.

I want a roadster as a weekend toy as for that purpose there won't be any compromises to concern myself with (lack of practicality being the main one)and any additional maintenance will be infrequent and something I will enjoy doing as it'll be something special rather thn a daily hack.

Big baby? I'm not the one getting upset because people don't agree with their POV. It's a discussion, with differing opinions, no need to get upset about it.

Every car is a 'factual compromise', but your reasons for disliking convertibles are, no offence, silly. Some cars use more fuel than others, some people use more fuel than others, the trivial difference in economy between a coupe and convertible version of a car is a pretty silly reason to compromise on what you actually want, which to me is the more important aspect of choosing a car.

Your selective definition of Roadster there seem to have been chosen to support your argument, missing 2 of the biggest sellers, the Z4 and the TT.

Your last sentence, I don't get that. I've heard a lot of people saying it, people that driving 2.0d rep-sheds all week, and have something nice that they enjoy for the weekend. It's sad. Why limit yourself to the weekend? I enjoy driving my car every day. This whole 'keeping is special' thing makes no sense to me.

Hope you find something you enjoy though. When you do, perhaps you can tell me what this extra maintenance you speak of is, since I've asked several times not, to no reply?

I've got no personal stake in the discussion so why would I possibly be upset about it?

My reasons for not choosing a convertible version, rather than disliking, are fairly clear. Less practicality, not as good to drive, more expensive. I think they're probably the reason why most don't choose them TBH.

I thought my definition of a roadster was pretty much the standard TBH, please let me know yours if it differs significantly. Oh, and the etc. at the end of my short list was there so you could add further models I may have missed.

I spend 30,000 miles a year in my daily car and have 2 (tall) teenage kids so want something economical, spacious, practical, quiet and gadget laden. That's why my current car is a 5 series and I have a new XF on order as we speak.

In order to fulfil all of my requirements any car would have to be compromised in some way or another so I'd rather have what I've got for the daily grind, dad taxi services and trips out with the family and have a properly focussed sportscar as a toy I can enjoy when I have the opportunity. No fun to be had going up and down the UK motorway network during rush hour in the week anyway.

Roof mechanisms and canvas roofs require more maintenance than a standard painted steel roof. Not sure why you feel the need to argue that as anything that has additional moving parts and is made of a material that needs to be kept waterproof will of course need more care. I know it did when I owned one anyway.

Reading your post again you do seem to have an issue understanding that anyone else's circumstances differ to your own, which seem to be a common issue on here. Also, your little 'rep-shed' dig is both a bit childish and I feel goes to prove who is getting a little upset here.

Edited by SWoll on Saturday 27th August 11:08

[SWoll]

DELETED: Comment made by a member who's account has been deleted.

Both 2 seaters, Z4 made as a roadster first and then as a coupe so definitely falls within the remit, TT I didn't think of as to me it doesn't even register as a sportscar in my head.

Plenty of products on the market specifically for cleaning, protecting and waterproofing canvas roofs such as those below. You may choose not to use them but then I can't comment on the state of your roof. They wouldn't need to be used on a standard car so that's more maintenance. Lots of talk of faulty motors, nosiy mechanisms, broken latches and knackered rear screens on the forums as well as tears in the fabric requiring repairs or replacement roofs. Again, non of that would be an issue on a non convertible car so more maintenance and cost.




I appreciate you love your car, and I'm a big fan of the 350Z in both forms, all I'm trying to put across is that for me and I'm sure many others there are obvious downsides to owning a convertible as a daily driver that I feel aren't outweighed by the limited amount of opportunities I would have to actually use the option.

[Mave]

SWoll said:

That's not what we're discussing though so I fail to see your point?

Your whole premise seems to be that owning a convertible represents a significant penalty in all aspects other than being able to have the roof down.

My point is that when you chose a car, you make these compromises anyway, irrespective of whether it's a convertible. Case in point is roof cleaning - if you're spending £1000s on a car, £1000s more a year to drive it; then £20 on cleaning product doesn't come into the decision process.

Edited by Mave on Saturday 27th August 12:06

[monamimate]

SWoll said:

Tis is why I don't understand why when people do compromise they donlt then use them at every opportunity.

I want a roadster as a weekend toy as for that purpose there won't be any compromises to concern myself with (lack of practicality being the main one)and any additional maintenance will be infrequent and something I will enjoy doing as it'll be something special rather thn a daily hack.

Blimey, what is this obsession with having to drive with your roof open all the time?

If you install a swimming pool at home, it is also full of what you call compromises: more costs, more maintenance, etc. But according to you, "because of the compromises" you can't understand why the owners wouldn't swim in it every day...

As for this "lack of practicality" nonsense... How often per year is the small boot really an issue? Just for the annual family holiday? (And even then chances are the family has another bigger car). The costs? Buying a convertible is an em otional decision, for one's pleasure. So who cares if it means some higher costs, most things that We do for pleasure do (restaurants, holidays, etc)

I can't believe this thread is still going when the simple answer to the OP's question is simply because people are different and we have a choice.

[DoubleD]

I had a Z4 as a daily(35 miles each way if your wondering)a few years back, i had the roof down for at least 1/3 of the time. Its amazing how often you can drop the roof, it doesnt need to be sunny or even warm.

[SWoll]

monamimate said:

SWoll said:

Tis is why I don't understand why when people do compromise they donlt then use them at every opportunity.

I want a roadster as a weekend toy as for that purpose there won't be any compromises to concern myself with (lack of practicality being the main one)and any additional maintenance will be infrequent and something I will enjoy doing as it'll be something special rather thn a daily hack.

Blimey, what is this obsession with having to drive with your roof open all the time?

If you install a swimming pool at home, it is also full of what you call compromises: more costs, more maintenance, etc. But according to you, "because of the compromises" you can't understand why the owners wouldn't swim in it every day...

As for this "lack of practicality" nonsense... How often per year is the small boot really an issue? Just for the annual family holiday? (And even then chances are the family has another bigger car). The costs? Buying a convertible is an em otional decision, for one's pleasure. So who cares if it means some higher costs, most things that We do for pleasure do (restaurants, holidays, etc)

I can't believe this thread is still going when the simple answer to the OP's question is simply because people are different and we have a choice.

I can't understand why he wouldn't want to swim in at every opportunity no, otherwise it just seems lazy, wasteful and more likely it's only there so he can tell people he has a swimming pool. Also, the question would need to include wht else could he have had instead of a swimming pool.

With a family of 4, regular weekends away, hobbies and both myself and my wife having jobs that require us to take kit with us wherever we go a small boot in our daily (which is what we are discussing here) would be a PITA pretty much every day of the year. My wife regularly uses my 5 series as the boot in her C-Class isn't quite big enough for her needs some days. Again, you need to appreciate that other people's lifestyles are different to your own.

I've not argued that it isn't a personal/emotional decision, just stating that it is more expensive and less practical. It's your choice as to whether the pleasure you derive is worth it or not, but for me it very much isn't so that's my view. I've not asked you to agree.

The thread is still going on because we are having a discussion and have moved away a little from the original topic as these things often do. If you want to stop replying that is again your choice and I'm sure it'll die like all other threads.

[SWoll]

DELETED: Comment made by a member who's account has been deleted.

Indeed, and you would already have those products for all of the other panels so wouldn't need to buy anything specific for the job. I like cleaning mine thoroughly on occasion as I find it therapeutic TBH, and it's a company car rather than something I have a personal bond with.

Your evidence seems to be anecdotal based purely on your own and limited other owners experiences. I'm basing mine on the number of treads I've seen over the years about these type of issues. Just google 'Boxster roof motor' as a single example for one part on one model and have a look, and for every person who posts on the internet about an issue I'm sure there are 100's who just go to the dealers and pay to get it fixed.

Anyway, enjoy the big old beast and if I do manage to fund an Elise etc. soon I'll be sure to post about it so we can compare notes.

[SWoll]

Nanook said:

SWoll said:

I can't understand why he wouldn't want to swim in at every opportunity no, otherwise it just seems lazy, wasteful and more likely it's only there so he can tell people he has a swimming pool. Also, the question would need to include wht else could he have had instead of a swimming pool.

With a family of 4, regular weekends away, hobbies and both myself and my wife having jobs that require us to take kit with us wherever we go a small boot in our daily (which is what we are discussing here) would be a PITA pretty much every day of the year. My wife regularly uses my 5 series as the boot in her C-Class isn't quite big enough for her needs some days. Again, you need to appreciate that other people's lifestyles are different to your own.

I've not argued that it isn't a personal/emotional decision, just stating that it is more expensive and less practical. It's your choice as to whether the pleasure you derive is worth it or not, but for me it very much isn't so that's my view. I've not asked you to agree.

The thread is still going on because we are having a discussion and have moved away a little from the original topic as these things often do. If you want to stop replying that is again your choice and I'm sure it'll die like all other threads.

Your car has a big boot yeah? And 5 seats?

So you always go out with the boot full and 4 passengers?

Otherwise, it's just wasteful, lazy. Why do you have it? Is it just so you can tell people?

You see the point?

No, as it makes no sense.

I have 5 seats and a big boot because they are an absolute necessity in order to fulfil my regular transportation requirements in my circumstances. Under what circumstances is top down motoring or having your own swimming pool an absolute necessity for daily life? (quoting the piss poor analogy from the poster above)

Edited by SWoll on Saturday 27th August 12:25

[DoubleD]

The internet arguments get rather daft at times.