Convertible
cars have become an increasingly reasonable purchase thanks to years of
innovations and improvements. Convertible top mechanisms are more compact and
durable allowing increased storage space, internal noise has all but been
eliminated thanks to higher quality convertible top materials, and the prices are
becoming more economical every year. However, when buying your first
convertible, you’ll need to look at much more than the convertible top itself.
So, we’ve put together some important things to consider so you’ll be informed
when you make this important decision.
Checking for Water Damage
You
should always check for water damage when buying any car, but it’s especially
important when buying a previously-owned convertible. You’ll want to have your
sense of smell intact when investigating a convertible and a flashlight can expose
all sorts of issues. If there is the slightest hint of a mold or mildew smell,
water stains under the floor mats or interior, or any tears in the lining between
the doors, hood, and top, run away immediately. If the car is too fragrant,
that may be an indication that they are hiding an odor likely caused by water
damage. Sit in the car with the doors closed for several minutes slowly shining
the flashlight along every seam and crevasse of the interior – trunk included.
Room to Grow
Many car
manufacturers are making convertibles better suited for young people, as well
as growing families. This means that you don’t have to compromise on space when
it comes to buying a new convertible. As
your life changes, choosing a convertible with more space means you won’t have
to give it up if there’s an addition to the family, and the kids can have a
safe, spacious car to drive when the time comes. More room also means more
friends and more comfort on long trips. So, while you may be considering a
small, sporty convertible, don’t forget about your future self and the needs
you may want to accommodate beyond having the wind in your hair.
Test Everything
When
buying your first convertible, you’ll want to take your time and test drive
every aspect of your potential new ride. This means raising and lowering the
convertible top multiple times watching closely for any kinks or struggling of
the mechanism. Aggressively rev the engine and when stopping push hard on the
brakes repeatedly to test how they perform and whether or not they lose air pressure
prematurely. Check the date of the last oil change and inspect all fluids and
filters. Check under the hood before and after test driving to see if any oil
or fluid leaks are present and look under the car for any drips that aren’t
condensation from the AC.
Maintenance Records
Whenever
you buy any car, always ask for any maintenance records the seller may have
including oil changes, recalls, scheduled maintenance, and any other paperwork
on the vehicle. They may have very little or none at all, but it’s a good idea to
ask. Once you have narrowed down your choices, you’ll want to run a vehicle
history report through one of the several online sites including Carfax and
AutoCheck. They cannot always find everything, but they do provide a wealth of
information and can save you from buying a wrecked or damaged convertible.
If you
are unfamiliar or not confident in your ability to identify issues when buying
a convertible, always take a friend or family member who is familiar with auto
mechanics to help you make the right decision. Your efforts cannot identify
every problem, but you can increase your chances of buying a quality vehicle at
a great price.