 |
GSTgst
Cruiser Newbie
Posted: Sep 13, 2004, 3:43 PM
Post #1 of 6
(1036 views)
Shortcut
|
|
Should I get a convertible?
|
Can't Post
|
|
I live in a condo in central NJ with open parking (no garage). I luv the idea of gettting a convertible (my first one), even though I'll be driving most of the time with the top up. However, I'm concerned about getting a convertible and it staying outside all the time (in the snow, ice, summer heat, constant rain, etc.) I'm thinking this will cause early failure of the rag top. To replace the rag top will cost about $4,600 incidentially ($4,400 for the full top and an hour or two of labor).
On a related note, is it a given that a rag top will fail (i.e. major leaking) on most convertibles in about five years and need replacement? Thanks.
Greg Trosko
Princeton, NJ
----------
|
|
Posts: 2 | From: N/A
| Registered: Sep 13, 2004, 3:29 PM
|
|
| |
|
SmittysPT
Cruiser Veteran
PT Cruiser Club Member
Posted: Sep 14, 2004, 5:04 PM
Post #2 of 6
(1013 views)
Shortcut
|
|
Re: [GSTgst] Should I get a convertible?
|
Can't Post
|
|
We are going to tell you to go for it, but what do you want to do?? This is going to be your car and you are going to be the one to worry if/when someone will hurt it. I say go for it and make sure to get good insurance..... Then pray a little.... that never hurts.
Good Luck and enjoy what ever you get.... 
----------
Jack Smith (Smittys PT)
Webmaster
Colorado Cruiser Club
|
|
Posts: 2750 | From: Colorado Rockies
| Registered: Mar 22, 2001, 12:00 AM
|
|
| |
|
sfree8321
Cruiser Fan
Posted: Sep 16, 2004, 10:17 AM
Post #3 of 6
(981 views)
Shortcut
|
|
Re: [GSTgst] Should I get a convertible?
|
Can't Post
|
|
I live in Boston, MA and really, really considered getting a convertible too. My vehicle would not have been garaged either. I spoke with other raptop owners (non PTs), for their experiences. They all love the ragtop, but they admitted. The car is colder in the winter, the interior of the windshield can frost over, the exterior noise in a ragtop is louder, and the ragtop will show wear and tear and discolor sooner if it is not garaged.
I ended up getting a 2004 PT Limited w/ Moonroof. Because more storage space, the summer is only 3 months long in New England, hence only 3 months use per year. If the weather is too hot, I will not have the ragtop down, don't have to deal with vandalism or ragtop damage/defects/repairs.
The moonroof is perfect for me, I can get fresh air, look up at the clouds and stars.
However, if I could afford a second car and had a garage, I'd get a convertible.
----------
|
|
Posts: 24 | From: N/A
| Registered: Jul 7, 2004, 7:05 AM
|
|
| |
|
ckgrick
Cruiser Fan
Posted: Sep 25, 2004, 10:38 AM
Post #4 of 6
(966 views)
Shortcut
|
|
Re: [GSTgst] Should I get a convertible?
|
Can't Post
|
|
If not now, when? I've lived all over the country in all kinds of climates (e.g. Idaho, Michigan, Florida, and California) and driven a number of convertibles either owned, family owned, or rentals. If you believe in getting your vitamin D while driving the advantages easily outweigh the disadvantages of a ragtop. The top down season is also longer than you may think. Almost any dry day will work...just crank up the heater and keep the windows up. Get a PT with the heated seats and it doesn't get much better.
Spend the time to use a good top treatment and even sitting outside it should last as long as you own the car. Here are a couple of suggested sources: http://www.properautocare.com/besprodforfa.html
http://www.303products.com/main.php?infopage=home
I've only had my PT convertible since mid May, but so far it's the best made ragtop that I've ever driven. And the quietest. This is especially interesting since I've driven a number of DC's Sebring convertibles (rentals) and they all had terrible wind noise above 45 mph. The PT also has a back seat that full size humans can use and a useable trunk. Sold yet? 
----------
|
|
Posts: 41 | From: Lopez Island, WA
| Registered: May 4, 2004, 7:15 AM
|
|
| |
|
rane13
Cruiser Expert
Posted: Sep 27, 2004, 10:01 PM
Post #5 of 6
(952 views)
Shortcut
|
|
Re: [GSTgst] Should I get a convertible?
|
Can't Post
|
|
Hi, Well I am in Northern Idaho 99 miles from canada. Now that should tell ya something about our weather.
I had a 96 sebring convert for six years. and loved it, Cruised with the top down and the heater on full blast and enjoyed the car for at least 5 months of the year with the top down ( sometimes longer , if the weather god pemitted) Now have a six week old Gt Convert. and gotta tell ya there is nothing like cruisin on a "RAG TOP DAY'". You just have to make those days up here in the Northwest, but I love a convert. The cruiser is quieter than my Sebring by a long shot, and a convertibble is always a head turner. Buy one and ENJOY..
JON
----------
|
|
Posts: 108 | From: HAYDEN,IDAHO
| Registered: Feb 17, 2003, 12:00 AM
|
|
| |
|
nfocusdesign
Cruiser Fan
Posted: Feb 9, 2005, 6:26 AM
Post #6 of 6
(832 views)
Shortcut
|
|
Re: [sfree8321] Should I get a convertible?
|
Can't Post
|
|
Quote:
I live in Boston, MA and really, really considered getting a convertible too. My vehicle would not have been garaged either. I spoke with other raptop owners (non PTs), for their experiences. They all love the ragtop, but they admitted. The car is colder in the winter, the interior of the windshield can frost over, the exterior noise in a ragtop is louder, and the ragtop will show wear and tear and discolor sooner if it is not garaged.
I ended up getting a 2004 PT Limited w/ Moonroof. Because more storage space, the summer is only 3 months long in New England, hence only 3 months use per year. If the weather is too hot, I will not have the ragtop down, don't have to deal with vandalism or ragtop damage/defects/repairs.
The moonroof is perfect for me, I can get fresh air, look up at the clouds and stars.
However, if I could afford a second car and had a garage, I'd get a convertible.
I just got an electric blue convertible and feel that it is insulated pretty well. It has the best heater ever. The car warms up in no time and there is very little wind noise even oon the highway. i do keep it in a garage and never leave the top down while it is parked outside while shopping etc.
|
|
Posts: 44 | From: N/A
| Registered: Jan 25, 2005, 7:37 AM
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
|
Specials |
 |
|
MAIN
SEARCH
WHO'S
LOG 
