The Traits You Should Look for When Shopping for a Convertible Car
By in
Owning and driving a convertible is something that is a real ambition for many people. Let’s face it; these cars are icons of cool and sophistication. It’s always been the case, and it probably always will be. There is something about the image of a convertible gliding down the open road with the wind blowing through your hair that drivers love. It’s something they all want to experience for themselves.
Although the experience of owning a convertible car might not be as carefree and cool as all that, they’re still good to own. In the summer, you will be very grateful for yours. And, if you buy a good model, there is nothing stopping them from performing well all year round for you. There are some traits and capabilities that you will have to make sure you look for when you’re buying one, however. If you don’t buy the right kind of convertible, you will regret your purchase later on. So, learn more about what you need to look for by reading the information below.
The Right Style of Roof for You
When it comes to buying a convertible car, there are two types for you to consider. First of all, there is the hard top, and then there is the soft top. The benefits of hard top models are pretty impressive, but they won’t be suited to every driver. They look like ordinary cars when the roof is up, and they offer the same protection as ordinary cars. When the roof is down, however, they look like convertibles, so you can get the best of both. Soft tops are more trendy, and these are what immediately leap to mind when we imagine what a convertible should look like.
Strong Safety Features
Safety can be a problem for some convertible cars. Not having a solid roof in place over your head can put you in danger. It doesn’t have to be something that puts you off buying a convertible car. But it should make you think about what other important safety features the convertible you buy has to offer. Side airbags should be found in most convertibles. So, if the one you’re thinking of buying doesn’t have these, you might want to think again. Think about the rear window when the roof is up too. Does it create a large blind spot that makes driving riskier for you? It’s important to ask yourself questions like that.
Quality Engineering Beneath the Convertible Roof
It’s vital that you don’t become so fixated on the convertible aspect of the car that you become blind to the other important things. How you drive your car matters a lot. And the roof won’t have much of an impact on how the car drives. If you really want to get the most out of it, you should look at the engine specifications, the handling, and all the other important factors. What’s going on underneath that convertible roof is what’s most important of all. If you’re not paying attention to that, then you will have problems later on because the car might not perform how you want it to. Do some research so that you know what to look for.
The Best Upholstery
You need to get the very best interior upholstery from your car if it’s going to do a job for you. The condition of the upholstery is so important because it will be exposed to the elements. Only the best leather with the very best finish will stay in strong condition for many years to come. So, try to keep this in mind when you are looking to buy a convertible. If you buy a new convertible from a place like Inchcape Audi, this won’t be such an issue. But if you’re buying a used car, be very careful. The older the upholstery is, the more risks you’ll be taking by buying the car.
Suitable Cargo Space
This is a problem in many convertibles. Because the roof needs to be stored in the back when it’s down, it takes up space. This means that you have less cargo space to take advantage of. It might not be such a big deal for you. But it is something that is worth keeping in mind when you are shopping for this kind of car. There are plenty of variations in the car market, so some convertibles do have impressive amounts of space in the back. But it’s not something that is going to be the standout feature of your convertible, so it’s important to know that now. Think about how much cargo space you realistically need before buying.
Uncompromised Running Costs
Many people assume that convertibles and sports cars are less efficient than regular cars. But that’s not necessarily the case. There is no reason why having a retractable roof means that the car has to burn more fuel. If anything, they tend to be designed in a more aerodynamic and fuel efficient kind of way. So, if a dealer or private seller tries to tell you that the lack of fuel efficiency is a sacrifice you have to make, ask more questions. It might be the case that they are trying to sell you a car that’s not as impressive as you might like it to be. Don’t just accept what they tell you.
Good Condition
The final point is also a very basic one. It might seem like a common sense move to make sure that the car is in good condition, but many people ignore this when buying a convertible. They get dazzled by the sporty designs and the impressive engine specs. But those things don’t matter at all if the car isn’t going to be roadworthy and ready to perform for you. So, don’t get ahead of yourself. When you are shopping for your convertible, make sure that it does all the simple and basic things right. If the car is in poor condition and has seen better days, it might be best to steer clear of it.
