Craigslist Convertibles (2025)

FAQs

What is the downside of convertibles? ›

Additional maintenance: Convertible tops have more moving parts, which means they may be more prone to wear and tear and will likely require more maintenance than fixed roofs. This may be especially true with soft-top convertibles, as fabric or vinyl have a higher potential to sustain damage than hardtop roofs.

To develop all those '90s convertibles, automakers just tweaked the design of popular sedans at a low cost. Now, according to Tom Libby, associate director of industry analysis and loyalty solutions at S&P Global Mobility, cars aren't popular enough to justify turning into convertibles.

Unwanted water leaks are the worst in any vehicle but in many a convertible, they're somewhat common as the vehicle ages. Water can enter the cabin, the trunk, the foot well and a number of other areas.

Soft-top convertibles require regular maintenance to ensure they remain in optimal condition. This includes cleaning and conditioning the fabric to prevent wear and tear. However, soft-tops are generally more affordable to repair or replace compared to hard-tops, which can be a significant advantage in the long run.

When it comes to soft top convertibles, wear and tear really degrades their lifespan. You can expect to get 3-6 years out of a soft top before it needs to be replaced. This is because holes, mold, sagging, or broken seams are common.

SUVs cannibalise market

The decline in demand for convertibles may be the result of the rising popularity of SUVs and crossovers. In 2023, new SUVs enjoyed growth in Europe, including Germany. The segment also overtook the saloon sector in France to become the most-popular body type for new vehicles.

A convertible has minimal risk when it comes to rollovers due to its centered gravity, but in the instances where rollovers do happen, the risk of injury is higher compared to vehicles with a hardtop.

The insurance rate for a convertible may be higher for physical damage coverage than an equivalent vehicle with a hard top. The cost of insurance for a convertible car may come down to their higher purchase price, as well as convertibles' greater vulnerability to theft.

Sun, rain, snow, and extreme temperatures can take a toll on the materials used in convertible tops. The constant expansion and contraction of the top's fabric can lead to tears or seams coming apart. Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause fading, discoloration, and damage to the fabric, as well as the windows.

Yes, you can put a soft top through a car wash, but remember, not all car washes are made equal. The older nylon brush types are fairly rare these days, but they are safe to use on an infrequent basis. We would have more concern about their effect on your paintwork than your hood.

Are convertibles high maintenance? ›

Owning a convertible typically comes with higher maintenance and repair costs due to the intricate roof mechanisms (and the higher potential for leaks). *Note: The potential for leaks is high with both soft-top and hard-top convertibles.

Storing your convertible with the top down is a bad idea. Your convertible top may stretch, crack, or rip when you put it up after a very long period of time folded.

The insurance rate for a convertible may be higher for physical damage coverage than an equivalent vehicle with a hard top. The cost of insurance for a convertible car may come down to their higher purchase price, as well as convertibles' greater vulnerability to theft.

Sun, rain, snow, and extreme temperatures can take a toll on the materials used in convertible tops. The constant expansion and contraction of the top's fabric can lead to tears or seams coming apart. Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause fading, discoloration, and damage to the fabric, as well as the windows.

The main concern many drivers and passengers have is the lack of a roof. When the top is down, everyone in the car is exposed to all the elements. This may sound hazardous or risky. However, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, convertible cars or no riskier than non-convertibles.