Once the weather heats up, drivers tend to roll down their car windows to let the breeze touch their faces, which feels fantastic, especially when driving in the highway.
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While the warm breeze provides a great sense of liberation, some drivers run the extra mile by buying a convertible.
However, the idea of owning a convertible does not make you feel 100% on board, so you start asking the same question over and over again:
“Should I buy a convertible?”
Not only are you worried about the tag price and other costs that build up over the long term, but you are also concerned about your safety.
You’ve probably made enough research to realize that convertibles are slightly pricier than coupe vehicles, but you are still trying to figure things out:
Why convertible cars are more expensive? Do they offer an additional benefit that you cannot find in other type of vehicles?
To help you make a sound decision on your next purchase, find below the pros and cons of owning a convertible car.
Pros of buying a convertible car
Better visibility
Once you drive a convertible, you’ll notice that you can see more things around you than you actually expected.
Just imagine how easy it gets to park your car when you have a wider radius of vision, which can only be experienced once you put the top down.
Enjoy true versatility
You can switching between putting top down and up as many times as you wish, which highly depends upon external road or weather conditions and, of course, your mood by just pressing a button.
Say, for example, you put the top down when driving by the beach in a hot day, or you put the convertible top up if it starts raining out of a sudden.
It works on your style
When it comes to car ownership, most convertible car owners love the classic, modern and sporty look that these vehicles display which makes drivers look more stylish.
It’s all about getting the WOW factor and that could definitely make you look like a boss.
More head room for your own comfort
This advantage applies to tall drivers who have a hard time fitting comfortably behind the wheel owing to the lack of head room in sedans or coupes.
Your comfort matters, mostly if you are planning on commuting or making long trips.
Cons of buying a convertible car
Watch out for “chassis shudder”
Convertibles are exposed to “chassis shudder” since they don’t have a fixed roof which, consequently, causes them to lose a major part of its structural support system.
That’s why many drivers talk about how rough the car feels when driving through bumpy roads.
Price is everything
On average, convertible cars are $5000 to $9000 more expensive than coupes on sedans.
Yet, if you find a convertible that meets or even exceeds your expectations, then forget about the price and go for it.
Too noisy
Drivers usually object that convertibles are noisy, even after pressing the button to put the top up.
If you can’t stand a noisy car, you may end up not enjoying the experience.
Be careful with leaks
Convertibles are coming with better roofs but they still aren’t good enough to stop water leaks from outside when driving through a heavy rain.
Owning a hard top or soft top convertible won’t give you any guarantee.
Your security may be at risk
It will be easier for car thieves to break into a convertible, even when the top is up, than breaking into sedans or coupes.
It gets even more critical if you live in areas where crime/car theft rates are high.
Your car interior ages faster
While specialists warn us about the negative impact that the hot summer sun has on our skin, the same thing applies to car interiors after putting the top down.
Seats, dashboards and other in-car surfaces may be damaged by the continuous exposition to the sun over time. Yet, planned maintenance can slow the process.
Driving a convertible can be exciting but knowing the advantages and disadvantages of these vehicles chips in your final decision.
SEE ALSO: Here’re 5 Fascinating Reasons To Own A Convertible Now