EmailConvertibles start in the low-$20,000s and spiral up past $200,000 for super-luxury models, though critics say the most expensive drop-tops are not necessarily the best. Experts offer these tips for choosing a convertible:
- Convertibles are not designed for rear-seat comfort. While many of the convertibles in this report are designed to seat four, none are designed to seat adults comfortably in the rear seats for extended traveling.
- Check visibility. Rear visibility in convertibles (with the top up) is something that's in general need of improvement. While technology has allowed plastic rear windows to be replaced with glass, the windows themselves are often very small and the roof pillars extra thick. This is an aspect of the convertible that should be checked during a test drive.
- The top may affect trunk space. Take a good look at the vehicle with the top down, as well as with the top up. While the trunk may seem large enough when the top is up, it may be far too small for your needs when the top has been stowed. Different convertible tops work in different ways. If you golf, for example, you might want to bring your clubs to the dealer to see if they fit before you make your decision.
- Test drive on highways. When test-driving a convertible, make sure that you drive somewhere where you can get up to speed in order to appreciate the amount of road noise you'll experience with the top up and down. Most convertibles are not known for being quiet, and it's nice to see where your prospective vehicle stands. Some offer rear windblocks to reduce cabin turbulence with the roof stowed, although they usually make the rear seat unusable.
- Think about safety. Buying a convertible does not mean having to buy an unsafe vehicle. Today, many convertibles offer pop-up roll bars to protect occupants, as well as side airbags and a number of other safety features. In addition to checking safety features built into the car, check to see how it performs in federal and independent crash tests.
- Retractable hardtops make the car both a coupe and convertible. An increasing number of convertibles utilize power-folding metal roofs for better security and a quieter ride when the top is up. The main drawback is that they generally consume more trunk space when down.
- Convertibles are susceptible to theft. If you live or work in an area with a high crime rate, you may want to think twice about buying a car with a fabric roof. While soft tops offer more traditional convertible styling, they are also easier targets for thieves. Hardtops offer more security.
Upcoming convertibles from Nissan, Lexus
A soft-top roadster version of the well-regarded Nissan 370Z sports car is set to go on sale in fall 2009. Car and Driver reports it will cost from $37,690 to $38,990. That's cheaper than the BMW Z4, Audi TTS and Porsche Boxster S convertibles: "all cars the Nissan trumps in the power department" according to Car and Driver.
Nissan sources say a convertible version of the Murano crossover "will arrive at dealers before the summer of 2010," Edmunds.com's Inside Line reports. It will reportedly have two doors, a soft top and a basket-handle rollbar between the front and back seats. Nissan says the low-production vehicle will be aimed at empty-nesters who want a fun vehicle, but still need to be able to haul the grandkids. Critics are already calling the concept ugly and ill-conceived.
Lexus is working on a convertible version of the Lexus IS F super sedan for early 2011, Car and Driver reports. With a 5.0-liter V-8 engine, the IS F convertible should be quicker than Lexus's new-for-2009 convertible, the V-6-powered Lexus IS C.