Convertible Car

[Gusta]

I am in the process of changing my car and seriously thinking about getting a convertible (soft top).
I have never had one before so would appreciate it if someone would be kind enough to give me some advice. I don't have a garage and the car will be parked on the drive in all weathers.........how will it wear?.......... thank you x

[tonyav]

Will it have a canvas or a folding steel roof ?.
Canvas roof, seeing as you don't have a garage try not to park under any trees, tree sap and bird poop is an absolute pain to remove. Also give it a clean with a canvas roof cleaner and rewaterproof it approx once a year.

[TWR]

As Tony regards Tree's etc, If it's Electric make sure the Electrics are right, keep trying the Movement, Get someone to check the mechanism when opening / lowering within boot, listen for unusual sounds " Clinks etc" this may indicate Linkage wear, if you gret trouble with these you are talking about money, what car is it? would it be a E36? If so, beware.

[Gusta]

Thank you both xxx - It's a Renault Megan 1.6 VVT Dynamique Tom Tom

[TWR]

Gusta, take a tip, it's worth it to pay someone £20 to check the car out for you, heed the advise as a lot that don't, pay the price x

[joggerjayne]

I've had a couple of MGFs.

When they've been standing out in the winter, I've put a plastic groundsheet (like for a small tent) over the canvas roof, and then a cheap car cover (it was about £20) to hold it in place.

That seemed to keep the soft roof in pretty good condition.

Also, when the car was cleaned, spray the roof with (1) soft roof cleaner, and (2) the reproofing stuff. They have it in Halfords, in white bottles with coloured square labels on the front. Some company who do loads of car cleaning stuff.

But, go for it. Once you've had a soft top, you will never again want to be without one. They are soooooo much fun.

[boxtops]

I wouldn't ever buy one, I hate being a passenger in a car with the roof down. It makes me feel really vulnerable.

[tonyav]

The car Gust is thinking of having is a steel roof.

[tonyav]

Gusta Gust!, and she ain't even got the roof down yet.

[Baldric]

We've had a few over the years, never bothered to garage them, never had a problem, they're great Fun with a Capital F.

[joggerjayne]

// The car Gust is thinking of having is a steel roof //

:o/

(JJ tears up application for job as motoring correspondent)

[joggerjayne]

So not technically a "soft" top, then.

[Baldric]

I know they do or did a Fabric Roof on the Megane, can't rember if it was powered or not

Google "renault megane 1.6 vvt dynamique tomtom soft top"

[askyourgran]

Were you thinking of becoming the next Clarkson JJ?

[Baldric]

http://www.gumtree.com/renault/west-sussex/renault+megane+convertible

[Gusta]

You have all been so kind thank you - I am going to test drive one on Saturday and see what I think.......... it will be my last "ME" car so want something a bit special as when we retire we will only be able to afford to run the one. For years I have always had my own car and even had a Jensen Healey convertible in the 70's LOL...... such fun but then I was a lot younger then and didn't notice the draughts LOL............... I am stressed getting a new car - how daft is that!!!

[Baldric]

///convertible (soft top). I have never had one before /// OP @ 1903

/// and even had a Jensen Healey convertible in the 70's /// @2039

and now I'm confused!!!

[Prudie]

I have a hard top convertible and it's very temperamental. When it was half way up and half way down and wouldn't budge either way when in Tesco car park I nearly did a John Cleese.

[Gusta]

Baldric - apologies!!!!......... it was my dads so I just drove it .........petrol. maintenance, insurance and tax was his department - hence I have never had one LOL

[Baldric]

Ah, ok, no probs!

[douglas9401]

A good way to ensure that your soft top doesn't fade or discolour is to leave it in the down position.