What should you look out for when shopping for a used soft-top car? We have some tips — courtesy of the UK's HPI — to help you through the process.
"It's easy to be swept up in the romance of driving along country lanes with the roof down, but used car buyers need to make sure their cash isn't wasted on a vehicle with something to hide," warns Neil Hodson, Managing Director for HPI.
Here are eight tips to keep in mind...
1. Check the seal: Any type of convertible roof can be liable to leak after a time – even retractable hard-tops. Test by spraying water over the roof, looking for any leaks. Aim at the points where the roof hits the windscreen and where glass hits the roof along the sides.
2. Look for tears in the canvas: If the roof is fabric, you should inspect it closely for tears on the canvas.
3. Speak to a local dealer: Do this to ascertain how much a new roof would cost you so that you know what you are facing should it need replacing.
4. Check carpets and upholstery: Look for signs of mould or dampness on carpets and the upholstery as this could indicate flooding from a leaking roof.
5. Give it a go: Although it may seem obvious, make sure you test how the retractable roof operates. Test the switch and check that the motor opens and closes the roof smoothly and quietly.
6. Boot space: Some convertible roofs, particularly retractable hard-tops that split into two or three pieces in the boot, can take up significant space. Make sure you open the boot when the roof is down and be realistic - will it suffice?
7. Garage or street parking: Convertibles today are well insulated and most come with a glass rear window instead of a flimsy, scratch-prone plastic window. But they still remain more susceptible to break-ins than hardtops, so think about where you are going to park the car.
8. Mechanical maladies: A retractable roof can stop working and, as the car is generally more exposed to the elements, the operation of interior parts can be affected. If in any doubt, get it checked professionally.
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