From soft-top to hard-top how to buy the right convertible car
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.
Soft-top or hard-top?
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:
Pros and cons: hard top
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.
Pros and cons: soft-top
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
Roof type
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.
Safety
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.
Is it fun to drive?
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.
How practical does it need to be?
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.
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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.
