The Convertible Car: Why are they sexy?

If you think about it, convertible cars have always been the most impractical cars. The logic to own one is illogical. When the top is up, many cars look lame because the car designers designed as a convertible first, a car with a roof, second. When the top is up, the sun's UV rays are hitting the vinyl and over a few years, it begins to rip or tear. The plastic rear window seams open. Soon, you'll be installing a new top for $500+. When the top is down, the car is sleek, sexy and cool as you drive with the wind blowing your hair. Now, for some, that is NOT a plus, because long hair tends to become tangled. When the top is down, the whole inside of the interior is bombarded with the same UV rays of the sun causing leather or vinyl to fade, crack and tear. It is just a matter of time.

Owning a convertible is somehow suppose to be more cool. They do cost more than hardtops. But safety and security wise, they are weak. Nothing is ever safe in a convertible even with the top up. Anyone who wants to enter your car can, just take a knife to the vinyl and cut it like butter. Safety wise, you are DOA should you roll your car over.

Geographically, convertibles need a place to too hot or cold. The ideal place is San Diego. LA is fine, but it is no fun sitting in a traffic jam or a long light when it is 90F outside and the sun is beating down. People who own these cars like to leave the top down when it comes down. The reason is constant raising and lowering a vinyl top will create creases and weak spots in the vinyl from constant bending. Over time, damage occurs until a new top is needed. Hawaii and Florida would seem to be ideal places but for the rain showers that come and go with little warning. No fun in taking a shower unannounced. Texas is a horrible place for a convertible. People who have them raise the top in the summer for shade and air conditioning that defeats the purpose of having the top down. Finding a place where the temp does not drop below 65F at night and not more than 80F in the day (ideal convertible weather) is more difficult than you might think.

Convertibles are meant to be driven at speeds not more than 50 mph. The ideal speeds are between 20-40 mph, or in town driving. Driving them on the highway at 55 mph or more is quite an experience. It simulates a hurricane quite well, literally, in fact, it becomes funny. There you are not more than 3 ft. from a passenger, hair blowing in all directions, yelling loudly trying to communicate over the wind noise and music blaring. This scenario occurs even if there is no music. Wind noise is fine for a little while, but at some point, you want the radio or music.

So, with so many negatives, what is there purpose? I have no clue except they are sexy. Go figure.