Sunroof or Aircon?

[Kinster]

Which one would you choose if you had only one choice? Giving explanation why? i.e. reselling value etc.

Regards.

[BillK]

Let me start by saying I have both; however, if I could only have one, it would be the air conditioner. Running at speed with the sunroof open is too noisy for me. On a hot, humid day, the sunroof is not going to make the car any more comfortable than the miserable outdoors other than moving the air around, which will help, but . . . air conditioning also helps control humidity on cold days, running the compressor with the heater/defroster.

There is a start.

[monsta]

If I was getting a black roof I'd have both.

Since mine is white, I only have air con

[BruceK]

Choice: Air conditioning.
Reason: I live in Texas and it sometimes gets warm here.

I guess it really boils down to personal preference. In the US, the two options are definitely not seen as interchangeable in any way. About 99% of new cars sold here have air conditioning and it is viewed as necessary as a heater in a car. But, sunroofs are much more of a frivolous option.

But in the UK, the “a/c or sunroof” question seems to pop up often. To me, this is strange as I imagine you really don’t get full use out of either in the UK. But a/c does have an advantage. Even in cooler weather, air conditioned air when mixed with heated air reduces humidity and is very useful in keeping the interior windows from misting up, providing a safety benefit as well as making the car's occupants more comfortable.

[GoMiniGo]

Depends where you live...

Anywhere but the UK and the Pacific NW, Aircon hands down winner. However, it rarely gets THAT hot here. I probably turn on the AC two or three times a year, but the sunroof screen is open all year around to see the clouds!

GMG

[tip]

I would go with both. A/C is standard in canada so the question for us would be to add sunroof or not. I was unable to have it on my car when I ordered it. I would of really liked it. Have the roof open warm summer days and the A/C on when you get stuck in a jam on the highway at 90deg plus days. My next mini will have both for sure.


Charles

[Kinster]

I've currently got standard A/C on my Cooper, but was wondering what to get for my next car?

When you're talking about stopping internal windows misting up, doesn't the de-mister system of a car do that anyway?

[Kinster]

please, I only want one choice. I'm a peasant you see

[Martin L]

Finally this country has got around to fitting a/c in their cars. I remember not even 5 years ago it wasn't available on all but the most expensive cars
Aircon is far more practicle IMO. Not only is it good at maintaining a good cabin temperature it also demists the car very quickly in the winter

[MiniMan7]

I must say aircon. What if its raining or other sorts of bad weather where you can have any windows open? Then you'd be screwed with out aircon. However the sunroof is rather nice. But its gotta be the airconditioning!

[craigb]

I had the same dilemma myself and eventually opted for the sunroof. Not had chance to open it much lately but I do like the extra light that it lets in. I'm happy with my choice as I don't believe we really get the weather extremes to make aircon a necessity. If I had the money I'd get both but that's an expensive option!
Plus there's the pose factor, loads of people have commented on how big it is, ooer! but all you see with aircon is an extra button.
There is another option though, have neither and save 5 or 6 hundred quid.
Happy choosing!

[Humourl3ss]

Definitely A/C. Besides all the reasons that have already been mentioned, I'll add one more: when A/C breaks, you can still drive the car in inclement weather. Try doing that when the seal, motor or glass breaks on a sunroof.

-CW

[Bilbo Baggins]

Sunroof or A/C?

If you get the sunroof you will NEED the A/C. The added glass area will heat up the interior to uncomfortable levels, even in chilly and damp England.

Besides, don't forget about global warming, it is just going to get worse.


Go for the A/C, forget the sunroof!

[chunky]

i'm going for the sunroof because i live in england and the sun shine's more out my a** then the sky. which means it dosn't get too hot and any heat is a god send so why spoil it. one goes on holiday for some heat don't they? and it is great to have the windows down, fab sounds and cruise in the open air. a/c is for snobs in suits.
also a/c uses more petrol and drains power from the car.
another also is that a sunroof is good for star gazing if you know what i mean

definately sunroof

[BruceK]

Quote:

Originally posted by Kinster
....
When you're talking about stopping internal windows misting up, doesn't the de-mister system of a car do that anyway?

There's no comparison in both speed of clearing and thoroughness. Using heated air and dry a/c air blended together means the windscreen is cleared in just seconds and all the windows of the car remain crystal clear.