Things to look for when buying a used convertible

Buy a convertible, why not?

In recent years, the offer of convertibles on the market has offered a substantial choice for (almost) all budgets and models have multiplied, according to various concepts! Today the offer in the used market is very large and buying a second hand retractable top car is accessible and easy. Reputed to be impractical and often wrongly considered to be cars only intended for pleasure, know that convertibles have many other tricks in their trunk!

Indeed, the convertible, depending on its configuration, is isn't always much less practical than a coupe. This is particularly the case with versions with a soft top that do not encroach on the boot space (such as the Fiat 500 C or the DS DS3 Cabriolet). The CCs (hard-cut convertibles) have the advantage of looking like a coupe once the roof is closed, and of offering benefits (sound insulation and solidity) also similar to a coupe. P >

In terms of maintenance and complexity, soft tops are simpler in design, and the failures that can occur are generally electrical. However, it will all depend on the maintenance and care that has been taken with the model you covet. Here is an overview of the different types of models available on the market:

- City convertibles: these are cars derived from city cars, which retain their roominess and most often have soft tops. Some have a soft top that covers the entire car, while others have a soft top that covers part of the roof, still retaining a coupe-like structure (like the Fiat 500 C). Here is an example of a city car with a soft top: the Mini Cooper.

In this category, you can find different models: Smart convertible; Peugeot 206/207 CC, 108; Citroën C1, DS3 Cabriolet; Fiat 500 C / Abarth 500 C; Mini Cooper Cabriolet,…

- Canvas convertibles: these are generally cars derived from coupes or which are specially created to be convertibles (eg the BMW Z4). The premium brands (Audi, BMW, Mercedes in the lead) continue to prefer the canvas top, whose insulation levels are now close to those of hard-roof cars. It is also a stylistic choice because the canvas soft top, due to a smaller footprint, keeps a very pure line.

Some models have a soft top that covers the entire car , while others have a soft top that covers part of the roof, still retaining a structure similar to that of the coupe (like the Fiat 500 C). The photo shows two examples: a city car with a soft top, the Mini Cooper convertible and a 4-seater coupe, the BMW Serie 1 convertible.

This is one of the categories with the most models, for all budgets and all needs: Audi A3, A5, TT; BMW Serie 1, Serie 2, Serie 6; Mercedes Class C, Class E; Mini Cooper ; Fiat 500 C; DS3; Porsche Boxster, 911; Volkswagen Golf convertible; …

- Hard-roof convertibles: these are cars derived from compact sedans or coupes, which generally have 4 seats, including 2 often narrow rear seats. Many compact convertibles have hard tops, especially among generalist brands for ten years or so. They are also found on certain 2-seater roadsters such as the BMW Z4 or the Mercedes SLK.

Hard-roof convertibles are practical and comfortable like coupes when the roof is closed, however the latter takes a fairly large place in the trunk when folded. So you have to go lighter when the weather is nice, or fill the back seat if you have one!

You will also find many models in hard-roof convertibles: BMW Serie 3, Serie 4, Z4; Mercedes SL, SLK; Peugeot 206/207/307/308; Renault Megane CC; Volvo C70; Volkswagen Eos…

Take advantage of our inventory to find a used Peugeot 308.

Buy a used convertible

The risks to check before buying a convertible

Be careful before taking the plunge, because buying a convertible is not without risks! These vehicles are desirable but require increased maintenance compared to conventional cars and must have been treated with care. A poorly maintained convertible is an accumulation of expense to refurbish it. Here are the main things you need to check before owning the car of your dreams.

Convertibles are desirable cars and many buyers want to make their dreams come true by purchasing one. But these vehicles are sometimes quickly resold by their owners (weariness, lack of practicality ...) and we quickly end up with a car that has had at least 5 to 10 owners! So you have to be careful when buying, try to collect as many documents as possible proving the maintenance and the life of the car in order to try to understand the life of the car. If you find its history too sketchy, go your way and focus on a newer car.

As we have just said, the history of a car is very important when it comes to buying a car. But in the case of a convertible, the history is all the more important. You have to find out where the car comes from, who were the previous owners and their number, the costs and the maintenance that were carried out on the car… You have to know everything, or at least the maximum! P >

Convertibles are passenger cars and bad treatment will never be good in the long run. Make sure that the maintenance invoices and the maintenance log are present, as well as any other interesting documents!

After checking the history of the car, check the condition of the car. We recommend that you do the following because if you look at the car first without looking at the history, your judgment may be biased if the car appears to be in excellent condition. And this is sometimes where the problems appear, because the vehicle may not be as flawless as advertised.

Take into account all the specifics of a convertible to achieve a complete control of the car and minimize your risks! Some controls are common to all convertibles, some specific to hard-top cars, others to canvas tops. Here are the things to check!

- For canvas convertible tops:

1. check the condition of the fabric. It needs to be in good condition, with no marks or chafing, and good tension and stitching, both inside and out. Check the condition of the fabric at the folds of the convertible top, as these are the places that weaken the most quickly, just like the seams. The best way to observe any faults is to have the possibility of passing water over the car (washing, bucket of water ...).

2. Check the condition of the gaskets around the convertible top and the tightness with the hood closed. This point joins point n ° 1 but tends to confirm that the joints between the bodywork and the top are completely hermetic. Even a tiny passage of water is a risk to the car and the insurance of costs to be incurred.

3. Check the condition of the rear window. Some convertible tops have a glass rear window, check its tightness and condition. For those with a plastic bezel, check that it is translucent, not yellowed, and that it is waterproof. Any crack, crack or tear is synonymous with replacement.

4. Check the condition of the soft top frame. Some soft tops have a visible frame, check it to check the alignment of the soft top and the condition of the metal frame. There must be no rust, synonymous with poor condition and recurring humidity, and the opening and closing of the soft top must be done without hard point and in a constant manner.

1. Check the roof and rear window for leaks. Although they are generally less prone to leaks, check the roof for leaks, especially at the joints. Any seepage or leakage should alert you as it is a potentially serious failure with this system.

2. Check the correct opening and closing of the roof. It must open and close smoothly, without hitching or slowing down too much, and docking correctly to the windshield.

- Other checks to be carried out for all convertibles:

1. The absence of electronic malfunction in the convertible top mechanism.

2. The condition of the interior fabrics, carpets and leather. Fabrics and carpets must be dry and free of stains. Track out moisture and mold and stains. The interior must be fresh, the leathers and plastics of the dashboard must not be cracked or discolored, signs of overexposure to the sun.

If you want to acquire a quality convertible, choose the right intermediary

If you are looking for the best price, the private market is provided. But given the extra vigilance involved in buying a used convertible, we can only advise you to limit the private track to very clean cars with a full history. But you will not have any guarantees on the car and you will be the sole judge of its qualities and its faults, because no expert will have been able to verify it and take it in hand. Finally, you will have no security with regard to payment.

If you want to make a more secure purchase, you can choose to go through a professional. For some recent vehicles, you can use the manufacturer's network for a second-hand vehicle, with the assurance of a verified car and a warranty. But you will certainly pay around 10% to 15% more for it than with a private individual.

Finally, if you want to buy a convertible at the best price and with all the seriousness of a professional, you can consult the cars for sale at CapCar. All our cars are guaranteed for a minimum of 6 months (extendable) and we take care of securing all phases of the purchase! If you want to check out our convertibles for sale, click the button below and enjoy a cheap and quality convertible, having passed our inspection!

Buy a used convertible p > Quality discoverables, inspected and guaranteed

CapCar's technical advice: Buying a used convertible is not easy. To be as insured as possible during the sale, it is better to know yourself or to call upon a trusted intermediary like CapCar!