Any issues with young children in convertibles?

[Jaroon]

I'm having one of my regular life crisis and this one may need a soft top to alleviate it.

MX-5 is definately on the list but if I can work it out I might be able to go with a Volvo snotter and E46 M£ (lol hit the shift key so M3 became M£, omen?) convertible with a view to having back seats for the occasions when I want the company of the kids. The youngest is 5 so has to use a booster seat plus he is well on the way to being a mini petrol head and obviously would love a spin in the back.

I've never owned a convertible and I've got a kind of random perception that being nearer the elements is more dangerous for the occupants. Now touch wood I'll take a major accident or roll out the equation but how do convertibles compare with solids in a small shunt or are there any other issues with having a young one in the back. This car would be more of a toy for me but if I would never be taking me laddo out I'll be looking at a two seater. Experience or advice please.

[wemorgan]

Like for like convertibles are typically less safe than their coupe equivalent.
But quite a few modern ones have been EuroNCAP tested, so their safety is easy to see.
But I wouldn't worry about it so much - enjoy the car.

[conkerman]

Had both a 306 and have a 2001 C70 (selling soon due to reigniting my bike habit).

Kids love them. Keep speeds to <60 with roof down and its all good.

Access can be a little awkward for child seats. I just bought spare low cost ones. I have a 5 and 1 year old.

Brilliant for days out. Volvo is a nice wafty cruiser too.

[williredale]

Gaz. said:

My main concern would be small fingers getting caught in the roof mechanism, actually in a 4 seater that would be my only concern, in a two seater I'd also be concerned they might yank up the handbrake just to see what it does.

I'd say that if the junior petrol head is five then hr shouldn't have any problems with little fingers mucking around with something they shouldn't. My youngest is well on her way to being a petrol head too. I have explained what things do and what she shouldn't play with. Caveat being that both my cars are coupes (one a C70).

Advice about spare car seats so you don't have to faff is very good.

[miniman]

I like the noisy blue car by binaryimage, on Flickr

[Birdster]

miniman said:

I like the noisy blue car by binaryimage, on Flickr

Nice car. Your album is open to the public by the way.

[miniman]

Yep, I know.

[Migsy]

Have owned convertibles since my son was 3 years old and we've never had any issues. Always check where hands are when you do anything with the roof - no different than you'd do with windows.

He's been in the back of my old faithful 206 CC in a full forward facing car seat (fitted by Mothercare because of tiny bucket seats) and then into the front on a booster seat.

Moving onto a Boxster and now an MX5 MK3. These have been second cars so more about fun/social. Roof down, baseball cap, shades and suncream for him - he loved it! Still does and almost a teenager.

Aren't body structures stronger/more rigid because of the flex of the roof? That was my understanding. It's the rollover scenario that needs consideration, so ensure all heads are below the screen top in the front angled down to rollover hoops in the back.

Only been in one minor shunt - someone rolled backwards downhill at traffic lights into us, bumper/bonnet damage. If anything, I've found other drivers pay more attention to convertible cars and seem to be a bit more careful around them.

Go for it - great fun, never regretted it.

[Dodsy]

The only issue I found is that young children in the back can find it difficult to catch their breath at high speeds - so keep the speed down with them in the back or pop the roof up for motorway speeds.

[Ozzie Osmond]

You don't need a snotter and an M3 convertible.

Just get a lesser 6-pot E46 convertible and use it all the time. You're away and laughing!

[k-ink]

Rent or test drive a convertable with your kids before you buy one! In my experience small kids hate being in a car with the top down. Complaints about noise and wind buffeting causing them to be cold were common (even in peak hot summer). Cruising at 30mph is ok. The idea is better than the reality.

[Spangles]

Being in the back of a convertible with the roof down can be uncomfortable in some cars.

[BliarOut]

Migsy said:

Have owned convertibles since my son was 3 years old and we've never had any issues. Always check where hands are when you do anything with the roof - no different than you'd do with windows.

He's been in the back of my old faithful 206 CC in a full forward facing car seat (fitted by Mothercare because of tiny bucket seats) and then into the front on a booster seat.

Moving onto a Boxster and now an MX5 MK3. These have been second cars so more about fun/social. Roof down, baseball cap, shades and suncream for him - he loved it! Still does and almost a teenager.

Aren't body structures stronger/more rigid because of the flex of the roof? That was my understanding. It's the rollover scenario that needs consideration, so ensure all heads are below the screen top in the front angled down to rollover hoops in the back.

Only been in one minor shunt - someone rolled backwards downhill at traffic lights into us, bumper/bonnet damage. If anything, I've found other drivers pay more attention to convertible cars and seem to be a bit more careful around them.

Go for it - great fun, never regretted it.

That's cos you're a girl

[A900ss]

miniman said:

I like the noisy blue car by binaryimage, on Flickr

I hope to be doing exactly that within the next month once I find the car.

Chim and a 6 year old (your kid looks younger than 6 though)

[henrycrun]

You will need one of those draft excluder thingies for when you go topless.