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The weather in the UK may mean that you’ll rarely have the roof down, but convertible cars are always fairly popular here. Their versatility is appealing to many drivers, and who doesn’t like having the wind in their hair on a warm, breezy day?

However, while you may know what to look for when buying a car, you must consider several different factors when purchasing a convertible. From deciding between a hard top and a soft top to a manual or automatic roof, there are unique decisions a buyer has to make.

People are always full of questions before purchasing a car and this is especially true for a convertible. Are convertibles more expensive to insure? Are they safe? Do they break down more often? These are all questions would-be convertible drivers mull over.

The biggest decision that is unique to a convertible car is its roof. Choosing between a hard-top or a soft-top car may seem small, but it’s a decision you’ll have to make early. It basically decides what options will be available to you.

While one isn’t better than the other, let’s look at the pros and cons of owning a convertible, split between hard and soft tops:

The biggest advantage a hard-top convertible has is its safety and security. This applies more to theft than on-road accidents, with soft-top convertibles being easier to break into by cutting through the roof. While this is unlikely to happen, an extra layer of peace of mind can be a major advantage.

Also (and this is a big deal for UK drivers), hard-top convertibles are more resistant to moisture and wet weather. They fare slightly better in colder weather, too, but you won’t be feeling cold in a soft-top car once the heater is on.

As for cons, hard-tops tend to be more expensive. This applies to both the entry price and maintenance costs, due to the extra mechanisms, sensors and electronics that come with a hard-top roof.

Hard-top cars tend to be larger and heavier, too, which does impact acceleration and boot space.

As mentioned, soft-top cars come with slightly more risk when it comes to theft. However, this isn’t necessarily a massive deal as car owners can take measures to prevent theft from occurring – such as emptying out any valuables when the car is left unattended. Plus, a soft-top roof generally means a lower price point coupled with typically more manageable maintenance costs.

However, soft-top cars get cold in the winter and generally perform worse in troublesome conditions. Before the heater does eventually kick in, soft-top cars tend to get chilly.

That extra insulation that hard-tops have comes at a price, though. Soft-tops are generally faster and more economical to run as they are lightweight, plus their roofs are less likely to run into costly issues.

Another small advantage for some drivers is that a soft-top convertible always looks like one, with the roof down or up. Hard-top cars look like regular cars when the roof is up, but since soft-top convertibles are usually two-tone, drivers can show off a bit even on rainy, cold days.

Factors to consider when purchasing a convertible

Your roof-based decisions don’t end with the decision of hard-tops and soft-tops. Next, you need to choose whether you want a manual or automatic roof.

Thankfully, the decision is rather easy if you have your heart set on a hard-top convertible. All hard-top cars have an automatic roof, so you don’t have much choice there. For soft-tops, most are automatic, but some are manual.

A manual roof, however, does come with some unique challenges. Each manual model has different methods for latching the roof, so be sure to ask about this before purchase. If it feels like a hassle or you struggle to do it, it’s could be best to opt for an automatic roof.

So, are convertibles safe? Are soft top convertibles safe? The short answer is yes. The idea that convertible cars are unsafe isn’t backed up by science. Loads of studies, including one by the International Institute for Highway Safety, have concluded that convertible cars are just as safe as non-convertible models.

The common misconception comes from the belief that when these cars roll over, the adjustable roof becomes dangerous for the driver and passengers. However, automotive technology has improved to the level where convertible models – whether they’re hard-top or soft-top – behave like regular cars in this scenario.

However, you should apply your regular due diligence when buying a convertible car. Always check a car’s safety rating and research its history to stay safe.

Test out the car before you buy. How much pleasure the car is to drive should also rank fairly high on your list of priorities. You can read all the reviews you want, but the only way to know for sure whether a convertible is enjoyable to drive is to actually try it out. If the car fails to accelerate smoothly or makes uncomfortable bends, you won't be able to enjoy that lovely summer breeze in your hair.

Some drivers purchase a convertible as a back-up vehicle. They use their hatchback for daily commuting and reserve their convertible for weekends. In this situation, it makes little difference if the car has a large trunk because you can utilise your weekday vehicle instead.

However, if you can't afford to have two cars and are thinking about getting a convertible to replace your current vehicle, this may restrict the models you can actually buy. If you need to transport more than one person or use your car to help you carry your weekly groceries, you'll need a more practical convertible with more space.

It’s clear that convertibles are all about fun. But remember, there's lots of factors to consider when buying your next set of wheels. Stay up to date with our latest tips here. 

Dreaming of the wind through your hair whilst driving down the motorway? Click here to discover some key factors to consider when buying a convertible.

From soft-top to hard-top how to buy the right convertible car

We all know how to prevent car theft. Drivers know to properly secure their car, set their alarm, lock the doors, etc. After driving for a while, these security measures become second nature. 

These days, it’s easier for thieves to target one part of your car and steal that instead; they don’t always want the whole thing. How do you protect the exterior parts of your vehicle? Answering that is a lot tougher than just parking in a well-lit area and locking your doors.

A crime that’s been on the rise is catalytic converter theft. Why are catalytic converters being stolen? Well, seasoned criminals can swiftly remove these in under 60 seconds, with some selling for up to £400 each. Compared to stealing a car, this carries less risk with a good financial reward.

Below, we discuss how to prevent catalytic converter theft, the most targeted cars, and what the motor industry is doing to protect against it.

We should first discuss what a catalytic converter is before we analyse how and why they’re stolen. A car can, mechanically speaking, function without a catalytic converter. However, without them, it can cause significant knock-on effects on pollution levels.

A catalytic converter breaks down the toxins and pollutants from the exhaust gas to make them less toxic. Namely, a catalytic converter breaks down nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water. The reaction results in lower pollution rates, improving environmental and health standards.

The environmental impact of cars is already pronounced, but without converters, it would be worse. For that reason, you cannot drive a car without a catalytic converter, and you can fail an MOT if yours doesn’t function properly.

Almost all modern petrol and diesel-powered vehicles come with catalytic converters. Catalytic converters are a standard part of a vehicle's exhaust system, and their main purpose is to reduce harmful emissions.

Petrol-powered vehicles, including cars, SUVs, and motorcycles, commonly have catalytic converters. Diesel vehicles, such as vans and some passenger cars, also include catalytic converters to comply with emissions regulations and reduce pollutants in their exhaust gases.

It's important to note that regulations and requirements regarding catalytic converters may change from country to country, and some older or specialised vehicles might not be equipped with them.

Why are catalytic converters being stolen?

Okay, so we’ve cleared what catalytic converters do. However, why do thieves want them? 

The reason is simple. It’s not the catalytic converter itself that thieves are interested in, it’s the materials inside them. So, what’s in a catalytic converter, exactly? Catalytic converters are made up of a few metals:

In some places, these metals are worth more than gold and are more prevalent in older cars which, comparatively, have weaker security.

For older cars, the catalytic converters are stolen within a minute. Each one sells for around £400. Assuming a group of thieves steals 10 in one night, that’s £4000 for 10 minutes of work.

However, it’s not hopeless. There are steps drivers can take to protect themselves. First, we need to discuss what cars are targeted for catalytic converter theft – some models are at much higher risk than others.

What cars are most targeted for catalytic converter theft?

All cars can be targeted for catalytic converter theft, but some are at higher risk than others. Generally, the higher your car’s ground clearance is, the more at risk it is for catalytic converter theft.

According to research by Admiral, Japanese cars are at higher risk, namely:

Outside of this short list, hybrid cars tend to have the most targeted catalytic converters. These types of vehicles have a higher amount of precious metals. Since hybrid cars are newer, too, they are less worn down and corroded, meaning the metals are of higher quality.

If you drive any of these cars, then you should make a special effort to protect your car, and that starts with parking it in the right area.

Where is catalytic converter theft most likely to happen?

Most catalytic converter thefts occur on residential streets and driveways. The crime usually occurs at night, with thieves driving past in a car, stealing the converter, and promptly driving away.

To protect against it, we recommend parking your car in a well-lit area if possible, with any at-home cameras pointed toward it. Thieves are often caught by cameras catching their vehicle’s license plate.  

However, there have been rare cases where thieves have stolen catalytic converters from supermarkets and employee car parks in broad daylight. Since the process is so quick, it carries a relatively low risk for seasoned professionals.

Although a common practice, the process of stealing a catalytic converter is by no means straightforward. It requires heavy machinery, precise timing, and stealth to be done correctly. So, knowing more about the steps can help you take valuable steps to prevent it from happening.

First, a car is jacked up via a small hand-crank trolley. Then, the catalytic converter is located, before being angle grinded away from any supporting material connected to other parts of the car. Fascinatingly, this entire process can be finished in just under a minute, so knowing how to prevent it is key to keeping yours safe and sound.

There are other steps you can make to protect your catalytic converter outside of parking in a garage or well-populated area. Here’s how to stop catalytic converter theft:

For example, catalytic converter anti-theft devices are becoming more popular. These use a mesh of metal or ropes to lock over the convertor, preventing anyone from interfering with it. The device can then be removed once the car is running.

However, prices for these anti-theft devices can be a little high. Top-end options can run for hundreds of pounds, but this is significantly cheaper than buying a replacement converter should yours be stolen.

For a cheaper option, you could paint your catalytic converter in a bright colour. This makes the serial number more obvious and could put off scrap metal buyers from purchasing it. It may also cause a thief to think twice before stealing it.

The best protection, however, is cameras and alarms. We would recommend one or all of the following:

Stealing a catalytic converter requires a thief to use a jack, which instantly sets off tilt-activated car alarms. When used in conjunction with motion-activated cameras and lights, you’ll not only scare off the thief, but you’ll have evidence of them stealing, too.

The power of knowledge is underrated, too. Getting to know neighbours can help protect your car, and an aware community will always trump an aware individual.

Try to also avoid parking up on a curb. This makes cars much easier to jack up!

What is the industry doing to prevent catalytic converter theft?

There have been several awareness campaigns and developments recently from local police and councils. For example, UK police have partnered with a company called Smart Water Group to forensically mark converters.

However, it is ultimately up to car manufacturers to stagger the rate of converter theft. Toyota – the most common car make to have its converters stolen – has taken steps to protect its customers.

The Japanese carmaker has etched better serial numbers onto its catalytic converters so they can be tracked easier, thus putting off theft.

Developments such as these are essential to stamp this crime out.

If you want to get more familiar with your catalytic converter, or even just verify that it hasn’t been stolen in the first place, you can find it sitting somewhere around your car’s exhaust system.

The exact spot will be placed in different areas depending on the car you drive, but they all tend to look the same. They’re similar in appearance to an exhaust silencer, but slightly smaller and found usually around the middle of the exhaust system. 

On our blog, we cover servicing, maintenance, and even finance. Browse them all and get motor ready. 

Catalytic converter theft is on the rise. Discover who is the most targeted, why it’s becoming more common, and how to prevent it from happening.

Catalytic converter theft: why it's on the rise and how to prevent it

Buying a car is a big decision, and, one element of a car is more important than others: its history. 

A go-to method to check a car’s history is an HPI check. Below, we answer “what is an HPI check”, while touching on what it covers, whether it’s worth the money and the importance of car history for all buyers. 

An HPI (Hire Purchase Investigation) check is a private vehicle history check. It’s a popular option for many drivers, dealers and mechanics, offering a complete history of UK cars, vans and motorbikes. 

So, how does this check differ from manual history checks? 

The major USP of an HPI check is its efficiency. Many drivers prefer to pay a small charge and have everything presented to them instead of finding all the information on their own.

It’s so important to check out the history of your car. If you don’t, you leave yourself open to overpaying for a car or not knowing how healthy your purchase is. For example, a vehicle can look new and shiny on the outside but have numerous problems under the bonnet.

Nowadays, people see HPI checks as the industry standard. They provide over 80 points of important information, allowing car buyers to make informed decisions. 

The HPI check reviews over 80 historical touchpoints. The key parts it checks are: 

Outstanding finance – checking if all debts secured against the car have been paid off, as well as checking if the car is currently used as security for any other loans. 

Write-off history – checking if the car has ever been written off as well as the class of write-off.

Theft – monitoring if the car has ever been stolen and if it’s listed on the Police National Computer. 

Mileage – records the car’s existing mileage. 

Owner history – full details of the status of previous owners, including the number of owners and the average length of ownership. 

Number plate history – has the car had its number plate changed recently? 

Car health – checks the car’s health, whether it has been listed for scrap or if it’s a class A or B write-off. Selling cars that aren’t roadworthy is sadly common. 

Road tax – reviews if the current owner has paid road tax. 

MOT history – shares the full history of MOT checks on the car. 

Fuel costs – lists the average fuel costs and whether the car is above average. Higher fuel costs imply there may be an issue with the engine. 

Import and export status – reviews whether the car has come in from abroad. 

The major thing an HPI check won’t tell you is exact details on the previous owners. Of course, sharing names and passing judgement is a big data issue. 

The HPI won’t share the nature of accidents, or its full service history, so you may have to find these details yourself. 

Getting an HPI check is straightforward these days. 

The service is now fully online, and filling out your details doesn’t take too long. 

So, is it worth the money? Well, if you’re paying thousands for a car, then it’s worth chucking £20 on top for peace of mind. 

For example, let’s say the car is stolen. You won’t get a refund if/when the car is repossessed, meaning you could, potentially, lose thousands. 

For the sake of £20, the peace of mind you get is priceless. 

There’s a lot of unknowns that go into buying a car. With help from the experts at MotoNovo, you can get prepared to venture into the world of car ownership with confidence. Get clued up on our blog.

What is an HPI check, what does it tell you and why is it needed? Find out more. 

What is an HPI check and why could you need one?

Sometimes, it’s impossible to know the full history of a car. With a mixture of questionable receipts, lacking service histories and sometimes missing repair work, getting an accurate look at your car’s condition is difficult.

When it comes to flood damage, drivers have a couple of options: scrap the car or pay a professional to fix it. But, what if there’s a third option?

Fixing a flooded car is tricky, but not impossible. Keep reading to find out how you can determine and fix a flood-damaged car.

Thankfully, there are a few clear indicators of flood damage within cars. Here’s how to spot a flood-damaged car:

An excess of humidity inside a car results in more moisture getting into trim pieces like carpets and mats. If your carpet is unusually damp or wet, it could be a sign of flood damage. 

Not only are damp carpets uncomfortable, but they also have a distinct musty smell that will instantly tell you whether or not the car has been flooded. 

While rust is found on almost every single car, flood-damaged cars will have a higher amount of it due to the increased amount of water exposure. If a car has more rust than usual, it is likely flood-damaged. 

Many electrical faults within a car can be attributed to a loose connection that has happened over thousands of miles. However, in flooded cars, the pins within electrical connections become corroded and suddenly lose their conductivity. 

If your car’s lights or infotainment system is failing, it could be a sign of water damage. 

Your car is full of crevices and hard to reach areas, most of them are found within your climate control system. Turning on your car’s interior fans is another way of checking for water damage. If water comes out of the vents or your windows start steaming up, there might be water trapped within your car’s dashboard. 

After identifying flood damage, it’s time to get it fixed. While some faults are complicated, there are some minor repairs that you can do at home to get your car ready for the road. 

By far the easiest flood-damage repair that you can do is to address the humidity that has been left within your car’s interior.

Open your windows: This will allow fresh air to circulate your car and help remove smells.

Remove seats: Removing your car seats can allow them to air out. It will also make carpets easier to access, as well as those other hard to reach areas.

Dehumidify: Dehumidifiers can speed up flood damage repair. Put one inside your car and let it run overnight to soak up any water left inside.

Some engine faults can only be fixed by professional mechanics. However, there are a few simple things you can do to diagnose engine failure that has been caused by flooding. 

Disclaimer: Do NOT attempt to repair a car that has been flooded in saltwater. Saltwater causes irreversible damage and therefore cannot be repaired. 

 Check the oil: Using your dipstick, check how much oil is left in your car. If the oil is low or watered down, it will need to be changed.

Open the fuel cap: While fuel caps do a great job of locking in petrol and diesel, when they become fully immersed in water, this water will find its way into your fuel tank. To check for this, open your fuel cap and try to see if there’s a pool of water inside the cap. If there is, your fuel tank will need to be drained. 

Replace filters: After flood damage, your pollen, oil and fuel filters will need to be replaced. To do this, consult your car’s service manual to find their location and part numbers.

How much does it cost to fix a flooded engine?

Ultimately, the cost of fixing a flooded engine will depend on your vehicle, its manufacturing year, and the extent of damage it has undergone. For this reason, it is incredibly difficult to provide an average price for a repair.

As a rule of thumb, cars that have experienced interior damage because of a flood are often too expensive to repair and should, therefore, be scrapped. However, minor flood damage could be as simple as draining the engine and replacing filters; at this point, owners can expect to pay upwards of £500 for repairs.

Buying used cars can feel like a gamble, but thankfully, there are ways to get prepared.

On the MotoNovo blog, we cover the whole process of buying, maintaining and financing a car. Read through our articles to get a headstart on the process, while being mindful of any potential roadblocks on the way.

Water is incredibly unforgiving, especially in cars. Keep your beloved car safe from water damage with our guide on how to repair a flooded car.

How to fix a flood damaged car

There are many options when it comes to funding your next car, van or bike and we want to make sure you can choose one with confidence. If you’re looking to spread the cost of your payments over a a set period of time , finance could be a good option for you.

Below, we explain the types of car finance available, the ins and outs of car finance checks and insight into how MotoNovo handles the whole process.

Firstly, let’s explain the underlying concept of this article: car finance itself.

Put simply, car finance refers to the process of borrowing money to fund the purchase (or loan) of a vehicle over a set period of time. This money can be borrowed from places such as banks or building societies, with the money owed being repaid every month until the sum reaches zero. 

A HP agreement* lets you spread the cost of your vehicle, plus any interest and the ‘option to purchase’ fee at the end, by paying fixed monthly repayments, usually over 12 to 60 months. Once you have paid all the monthly repayments, the vehicle is yours.

You want to choose the length of your finance agreement to suit your budget

You don’t want any mileage restrictions

Similar to a HP agreement, a PCP agreement* lets you spread the cost of your vehicle by paying fixed monthly repayments, usually over 36 to 48 months. At the end of your agreement, you pay a final balloon payment so you benefit from lower monthly repayments compared to HP.

At the end of your agreement, you have 3 options: retain, return or replace the vehicle.

Retain: you keep the vehicle by paying the balloon payment and option to purchase fee.

Return: you hand the vehicle back to the finance lender, so you don’t pay the final balloon payment.

Replace: you part exchange the vehicle at a dealership and get a new one.

You want flexibility when it comes to your end of agreement options

You want lower monthly repayments compared to a HP

You want to choose the length of your finance agreement

You’re happy to pay the larger balloon payment at the end of the agreement if you decide to keep the vehicle

So, what checks are done for car finance?  When applying for finance, lenders need to make sure that the agreement is not only manageable for you, but that you also meet their lending criteria.

In total, a lender will typically undertake the following checks:

This is a basic part of all credit checks. It ensures lenders know who the borrower is and eliminates the possibility of identity theft or fraud.

Sometimes, a lender may ask for you proof of your address. This may be a simple step, but you should always ensure you get it right. Having incorrect address details can impact a car finance application significantly.

Building Society or Credit Union statement

You’ll need to provide information on how much you earn. That way, the lender can see if the finance agreement is manageable for you.

There are two types of credit checks a lender will carry out:

A soft credit check is a brief overview of your credit. It scans your history and has a top-level look at it, giving the lender a general idea of your credit health. This doesn’t impact your credit file.

A hard credit check is a little different. It's more detailed and leaves a mark on your credit rating. If you have too many hard credit checks in a short time, it may paint you as a frequent, unreliable borrower to lenders.

A soft credit check gets an agreement in principle with the lender. Once an agreement in principle is made, then a hard credit check is performed.

During a credit check, it’s important to remember that lenders will be able to see if there are any CCJs (county court judgement) in place, defaults, if you’ve filed for bankruptcy etc. Responsible lenders need to ensure that when entering a new agreement that not only is it manageable for you, but that you also meet the lending criteria. 

Finance is subject to affordability checks and is only available to UK residents aged 18 and over.

If you don't keep up with your repayments, the vehicle may be repossessed. 

With a HP agreement, you don’t own the vehicle until you’ve fully repaid the finance and the option to purchase fee at the end.

With a PCP agreement, you don’t own the vehicle until you’ve fully repaid the finance including the balloon payment and option to purchase fee at the end. Additional charges may also apply if you exceed your agreed annual mileage and don’t keep the vehicle in good condition. 



Get clued up on all the latest news from by sticking to our blog. There, you can find guides, advice and tips and tricks on finding a car, keeping it running, and financing it in the best way for you. 


Take a look for all you need to know on choosing the right finance product to suit you. 

News - December 2023

From soft-top to hard-top how to buy the right convertible car

Catalytic converter theft: why it's on the rise and how to prevent it

What is an HPI check and why could you need one?

How to fix a flood damaged car

Car finance explained

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