Why don't more people drive convertible cars in California?! (Merced: apartment, neighborhoods)

[silverkris]

Originally Posted by Narfcake

Cost, insurance, and security of the soft-top are just some reasons against buying one. Additionally, convertibles are a 'want', not a 'need'.

Also, less cargo carrying capacity is also a tradeoff with a soft-top.

[EscapeCalifornia]

I'd rather have a roof over my head with air conditioning than sweating in the direct sun and getting skin cancer.

[sll3454]

Originally Posted by OneLess

How come not more people drive convertible cars on the streets?

Stuff blows out.
Smog hurts eyes.

[hockfan86]

I would question where you live and hang out. I have lived in LA and Orange County and I see convertibles all the time. Every apartment complex I have looked at has a pool and a lot of homes do as well.

[ryanst530]

Convertibles are great in sparsely populated areas, but in the city it's kind of awkward driving with the top down. You feel like a fish in a fish bowl... where as when you're driving in a sparsely populated area along a two- or one-lane road, you have more privacy and more scenery to look at.

That's my theory anyway. I live in the high desert though, so I prefer the insulative properties of a hard top car.

[TheGreatUnwashed]

Security. Unless it is parked in a garaged you're just asking to have your soft-top broken into.

[jm1982]

Originally Posted by tmblackflag

Security. Unless it is parked in a garaged you're just asking to have your soft-top broken into.

Blame the victim, not the criminal?

"She shouldn't of worn that dress...she was asking for it"

[buzzkillb]

I have had my S2000 for over 3 years now. Parked it in Downtown when we lived there. Even parked on some grimey streets in DTLA before moving there. We generally drive around at night with the top down in even bad areas. Haven't had any issues. No one looks at us funny either. I even go to job sites in some bad areas and leave the top down sometimes when I park. If someone wants the car they will take it with or without the softtop. I had my Porsche stolen out of my driveway before getting this car.

I agree about the weather though, when it gets above 90 I don't like having the top down. Anything cooler and even sprinkling I have the top down. I have even driven in rain on the freeways with no issues, though that can't be done in stop and go traffic.

[nightlysparrow]

1. Convertible tops get faded and eaten by the sun in no time.
2. The wind is too intense while driving on the freeway, and you can't talk or hear music.
3. People have to wear hats if their hair is at any length because the wind tangles it, and people like to show off their hair.
4. Pools are not "green." They use too much water, too much power, and too many chemicals. More people are opting to demolish them.

[quixotic59]

As someone who is follically challenged in my cranial area and tried the convertible on the PCH thing, windburn and sunburn can be a real *****!