I read this written by a Mini2 member. I'm sitting with my mouth wide open and I’m not sure what to write. I better leave my thoughts to myself and unwritten for now
............ and have . NO comment or critical discourse.
............ and have . NO comment or critical discourse.
As someone who has owned some sort of convertible constantly for the last 30 years, I have 3 words - Garage the car. Unless you keep the convertible in a garage when not driving it, all hope of keeping it "showroom new looking" is lost. Vinyl and sun do not mix. The top will deteriorate no matter what you put on it or do to it. All replacement tops will be far inferior to the original, and if a rear window needs replacement, it will never fit right again. Just the facts. If you EVER take it out of the garage, all bets are off.
All convertibles are playthings, not real cars. They get wet inside when it rains and you have the top down. They will eventually leak in the rain. Wind will eventually rip fabric or stitching. Improper design of the top mechanism, prevalent in first year models, will rip the top or stretch it out of shape with time. Flexing will discolor and stretch the vinyl. It’s a fact of life.
Convertibles are not cars to be detailed like real cars. Not if you actually drive them. Enjoy the wind in your face, but remember that is also blowing pollution and assorted bugs and slime into your upholstery. Look up and feel the sun in your face, but remember that sunlight is bleaching your interior unevenly and destroying dash and door panels not really designed to be "outside" when originally designed for the hardtop.
Slog through that puddle and see the spray as it dances on your windshield - and back seat. Watch that seagull hovering in the wind as it craps on your console.
Convertibles are lots of fun. But they are not showcase unless you never use them.