It’s time to buy a convertible
Open air driving with the top down, tunes up, and sunglasses on—if you’ve done it, you know there’s nothing like it. Life seems sweeter, you feel younger, and the world comes alive when you’re zipping around in a convertible. You experience a heightened sense of freedom and the “wind rush” is exhilarating—kind of like when you were a kid and rode your bike really fast down a big hill. Each turn, twist, roadway, tunnel, and bridge is an adventure waiting to happen. And those quiet moonlit nights? They are made for taking a spin under the stars! Sound good?
Weekends are made for joyrides and road trips. Hop in your convertible and explore new destinations where you are apt to find hidden gems and secret places. You never know when you will happen upon a festival, sidewalk art exhibit, or a historic spot. Some of the most special discoveries are back road hills that produce stomach “butterflies” as you bound over the top.
Remove the Roadblocks
Even when you simply need to get from point A to point B, it’s better in a convertible. Isn’t it time you experience the thrill of owning one yourself? Just thinking about a fun little ride sitting quietly in your garage, waiting to take you on your next journey, is a feel good moment. So what’s holding you back? Most people place the blame on that pesky killjoy called practicality. Of course, not all car purchases are made for pragmatic reasons. If they were, Ferraris and Lamborghinis might not exist. Still, concerns about road noise and cold weather protection are valid. And for Texans, this question is common: “Is a soft-topped convertible safe to drive in lightning?”
Luckily, the answer is easy. Look into a powered retractable hardtop.
Nowadays, the number of retractable hardtop convertibles available on the market has blossomed to the point where the selection of all-season drop tops is stronger than ever. Plus, it’s entertaining to watch the look on children’s faces when your car morphs from a hard top to its top-down state.
What are You Waiting For?
The world truly is your oyster in a convertible. The open road beckons and then wraps you in a blanket of nature, humanity, machines, and joie de vivre. Go ahead and take one for a test drive. You know you want to!
What Convertible Speaks to You?
Auto manufacturers excel at catering to different types of drivers. Which convertible best reflects your personality?
The Cruiser. Think of the Sunday drive, redefined! A low rumbling or throaty cruiser, such as the Ford Mustang convertible or Lexus IS C, is perfect for a casual ride through the country or down the coast.
Elegant Status Symbol. All heads pivot from the road to these sleek, stylish drop-tops as they whoosh by. Examples include the Aston Martin V8 Roadster and the Jaguar XKR-S convertible.
The Roadster. The BMW Z4, Porsche Boxster, and Mazda MX-5 Miata fall into this category. Technically, roadsters are two-seaters built specifically for enjoyment. They don’t leave much between you and the highway, as intended.
Cute and Compact. If an affordable, fuel efficient ride is more your speed, check out the Mini Cooper convertible or the Fiat 500c. The Fiat has an accordion-style fabric top that looks as though someone has taken a large can opener to the roof.
Money is no Object. These brand names say it all—Ferrari 458 Spider, McLaren 650S, Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe, and the Lamborghini Aventador LP750-4 SuperVeloce Roadster—to name a few. And then there’s the $929,000 Porsche 918 Spyder.
Business and Pleasure. Want a convertible that caters to your business side as well as your fun-loving nature? Check out the executive-worthy Mercedes Benz E550 cabriolet, the Audi A5 cabriolet, and the Infiniti G7 convertible. They are all about style and comfort.
5 Tips for Convertible Drivers
- Roll up the side windows to reduce turbulence, noise, and wind. You will be able to hear the stereo better, too.
- Pack for the elements. Keep sunscreen, sunglasses with a strap, a well-fitting cap, and a hair band for long hair in your car.
- Don’t hesitate to use your seat heaters when the sun goes under a cloud, and to extend your driving season. When it’s hot outside, blast the AC.
- Stash your belongings. Don’t leave things out when the top is down and your car is unattended.
- Keep bottled water on hand. You can lose hydration when you’re exposed to the elements.
By Annette Brooks
