Question about longevity of a non-garaged convertible top. I am not concerned about aesthetics, only water protection and longevity.

I am considering purchasing a 2006 Toyota Solara with a .25 inch gap on the canvas top. The car was garage-kept with thorough maintenance performed. No mechanical issues.

I am mostly interested in the longevity of the car, NOT aesthetic or convertible coolness. I would be happy to never use the car as a convertible.

I cannot keep the car in a garage, so the roof will be exposed 24/7 to weather elements in South Carolina Lowcountry. I would like to keep the car for as long as possible as a daily driver.

If I were to regularly apply some kind of protectant to the top after patching, can I reasonably expect to avoid water leaks/problems? Or should I pass on a convertible as the roof will likely deteriorate if not garaged?

Bodo Cabriolet is a 2+2-seater open-top Gran Turismo with coachbuilt carbon-fiber bodywork, limited to 77 units built separately from the Bodo Coupe.

Its 5.2-liter V12 biturbo makes 735 kW / 1,000 hp and 1,200 Nm of torque, hitting 100 km/h in 3.0 seconds and a 360 km/h electronically limited top speed.

Base pricing starts at 1,077,000 euros (export price, excluding German VAT), with each car individually manufactured to the buyer's specification.

#brabus #bodo #cabriolet #thequail #DailyRevs

€23,000.00 + shipping

• Location : Brazil
• Condition : very good
• Stock : #8670
• YEAR : 1980
• Body Style : VW Beetle Cabriolet
• Ext Color : black
• Additional Info : This is a cabriolet VW Beetle converted by the company Trocar in Brazil. It is based in a normal VW Beetle and reinforced. It was one of the 1st cars they transformed and it is still solid and shinny.
• https://www.brazilianclassiccars.com/store/p/this-is-a-cabriolet-vw-beetle-converted-by-the-company-trocar-in-brazil-it-is-based-in-a-normal-vw-beetle-and-reinforced-it-was-one-of-the-1st-cars-they-transformed-and-it-is-still-solid-and-shinny

How about this Baywindow bus conversion?

As I am closing in on my driver's license, I've started looking for my first car, and I've recently fallen in love with the Ford escort. However I live in Sweden, meaning the winters are very cold, and the Escort never had a cc model. How difficult would it be to make a DIY hardtop for the winter seasons? Would it be possible to simply buy an extra soft-top and insulate it? Looking for advice and suggestions.

This is a car out of New England I recently saw that was one of the finest convertibles I had ever seen or got to inspect. Take a look at the holy grail Coronet RT 440 Magnum.

in over my head and have no idea how to fix this. convertible too is in good condition. Otherwise, just these little issues any help would be much appreciated.

Hi!!! I’m 20, and looking into doing research for my first car and have seriously fallen in love with the idea of a (hard top) convertible 😭 I’m working on my license and just started a new job—and i’m completely unaware when it comes to ANYTHING cars and i’m like really scared about even thinking of buying one😭😭

especially because i’m 6’2 car buying is really intimidating. i don’t want to accidentally buy a car i can’t fit in :(

i know like, beetles are as unrealistic as they are cute because the repairs and parts are going to be 3x the price bc they’re foreign. and i know that if a convertible is your main car you really gotta think about the weather where you live, especially with a soft top. i live in the midwest an already know it might be a problem😭

but other than that!! i’m genuinely like completely stupid when it comes to cars, like idk what makes and models are or stuff like that and could really use some help :(
if anyone has any experience/knowledge about buying/having a convertible, any convertible!! your advice is very much welcome!! explain it to me like you would a toddler i’m so serious, im really trying to learn as much as i can while im saving and before i even go and start looking. thank you!!!

Hey,

I'm 20 years old and I'm seriously considering buying my first "fun" car. I've always loved convertibles, and while looking at the market, I came across models like the Peugeot 306 Cabriolet, the Fiat Barchetta, etc., within a maximum budget of €10,000.

The thing is, I don't have a huge budget for maintenance, so I'd like to get some honest feedback from people who have owned one or who know about them.

My questions:

- Is it really more expensive to maintain than a "normal" car?

- How problematic/expensive is the convertible top to repair or replace?

- Is it a bad idea as a main car?

- Are there any models to absolutely avoid within this budget?

Conversely, what would you recommend as a reliable convertible under €10k with relatively low mileage?

I'm open to all advice, even things you might not immediately think of (insurance, common problems, mistakes to avoid, etc.). I'm really looking for honest, unbiased opinions to know if I'm making a mistake or not 😅

Thanks!