Used Convertibles

April 8, 2009 · Posted in Used Convertible Checklist

When you get struck with the convertible bug it's tough to be objective about anything but buying one. The first one that you get into, the sales person will say "Let's put down the top". From that point on all of your reasoning and hard fought negotiating powers are gone. You are trapped in an open air vehicle. If this car is a new convertible your problems should be minimal. If it's a used convertible the issues could be bigger.

Think about it from a seller's perspective for a moment. Why would you get rid of a beautiful looking convertible? Some of the possible answers aren't bad for the buyer.
I always trade my car in after 3 years.
My family is too big for this car
I'm moving to Canada.

Basically what I'm telling you is to be careful. Here are some very helpful hints when buying a convertible.

1. Drive it during a rain storm if possible. You will be able to see any leaks in the passenger compartment and you can open the trunk to check for leaks there.
2. Turn the radio off and listen to the wind. If a convertible top isn't attached quite right it will make weird wind sounds between the windows and the top.

3. Check the stitching on the top, especially at stress points.
4. Make sure that the back window is firmly attached and not cloudy. Plastic back windows are especially prone to this issue.

5. Check for convertible top sag. That speaks volumes about how the top is attached.