Having never owned a convertible, I am a bit apprehensive about purchasing one as a daily driver. I'm thinking of the new MX5, Soltice or Sky. Still a toss-up.

What is the difference between a Vinyl and Cloth top? Over time, does one age better than the other? What about loudness?

Is a hard top worth the extra cash?

Is the insurance much more higher than a comparable coupe? Are they that much more commonly broken into?

Finally, has anyone ever regretted getting a convertible?

Thanks for any helpful info.

 

These days all tops are made of vinyl. Even the ones that look like cloth are actually vinyl because vinyl holds up better over time and cloth tops would get a musty mold smell over time. I had a Mustang GT convertible that was my daily driver. I drove it through the winter as well. The only complaint I had was extra wind noise with the top up that could be annoying. But when the the weather was nice there was nothing better than putting the top down and going for a cruise. I think a hard top would be the best of both worlds.

 

Not true 65, many are still made in cloth



One important thing to think about, is if the rear window of your new top is plastic of glass, try to get a car w/ glass.

 

I love my convertible...I own a 91 miata.....I replaced my vinyl top with a cloth one....cloth is just plain better...vinyl tops are cheap...more likely someone will cut your top before either of them wear out.

If the top is double sided, it'll keep the noise out fairly well....

A hard top is nice if you have room in your garage and/or have real winters...

Insurance is $$$$ compared to a coupe, lots of vandalism claims for new tops and it is usually a 2 door.

Like clpower said, a glass window is better...most of the new ones have glass anyway...

 

One more thing....they might not tell you this at the dealership, but you must buy a top cleaner....dont use your car soap...and if you do get a vinyl window instead of glass...you have to buy special cleaner for that as well, or you'll scratch it or get that yellow window you see on a lot of convertibles...they get brittle and break or get so yellow you cant see out of them.

 

can't wait till more convertible hardtops get out. I LOVE MB's application on the SLK's

 

Damn good thread. I never figured in top maintenance.

 

Hmm...good to know. My gf might be getting her family's 10th anniversary edition Miata when she moves out here next summer so more info about convertible tops is much appreciated.

How do they hold up to winter conditions?

 

hardtop convertible > *

 

I have owned many convertables and you just have to maintain them bi-yearly. Just put waterproofer on it and use a lint roller to clean it regularly. My dad had a SL55 AMG-the hardtop that folds to be a convertable, was the best convertable I have ever seen!!!

 

I dunno how they are for you guys....I'm thinking that you have to be careful with the vinyl windows and tops....as low temps get them stiff...so just make sure you use the heater in the miata....besides the inside is so small that once you turn the heater on...the car gets hot fast.....


If you do need a new top...its not too bad....get an aftermarket one, cloth is preferable and if you arent installing certain roll bars....like mine...you can get a glass window....around $800-1000


Install is another thing, not to bad if you get the complete one with frame, but best to get someone else to install if you just buy a top.