I've been loving my 350Z (only had it for 10 months), but its been in the shop and after driving a rental convertible 06 Mustang for a week, i must say that i'm absolutely in love with it. I'm now really considering selling the 350Z next year, and picking up some kind of a convertible. The thing is, i know that this is a bad idea from a financial standpoint (i just bought the car and paid tax, etc), but i really do want one. Can you guys name a few DISADVANTAGES of owning a convertible to perhaps offset the obvious benefits and make me stick with the 350?

 

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[Except in FL]

 

Ummm. You could just buy a 350z convertable.

 

Depends on which convertiable you want to get... Your typical convertiable usally has a back seat still so you only lose some trunk space when the top is down...

If you get a Roadster like the 350zr then you only have a small trunk for space which makes it tough if thats your ony car.

Also if you live in a area where theres lots of lightning, Convertables offer no protection against it... Something to think about if this is your only car and you drive a lot in stormy weather.

 

Rag top costs a lot if it rips. Usually wont be covered under warranty... gets dirty quickly... Z convertible just looks weird..too high of a beltline..ect

 

Don't forget California where it never rains

 

I agree that financially you should wait a few years before you sell your hardtop. I have owned three roadsters: a Capri, a MB SL500 and my current 350ZR. Roadsters tend to be discretionary "extra" cars, not suited to much except fun driving. The top takes up trunk room. The tops eventually break down and need to be replaced, especially soft windows. There is limited security with a fabric top, but these days bad people just bash in the window anyway. Roadster tend to have more cowl shake or are heavier due to the added structural supports needed for rigidity without the hard top. In general, roadsters cost more than the similar hard top, the Boxter being the exception.

As for the 350ZR in particular. It has a glass rear window, but a soft top. You can only put one set of golf clubs in the trunk. It cost way more than the hard top. It is very rigid (a good thing). With an aftermarket hood and supercharger it gets a lot of attention. It is absolutely a blast to drive on a country road with the top down.

Finally, don't buy a convertible unless it has a fast motorized top. I put my top up and down all the time. With a manual top, I would not be driving with the lid off much at all.

 

I test drove a 2004 911 Carrera coupe the other day and did not get the satisfaction I derive from driving my 350Z roadster. Power was marginally better at 320 hp, but I really did not notice a substantial difference from that engine and the VQ. The open air difference made the difference for me. I admit I don't track my Z and use it more as a daily driver.

The open air driving experience is addictive as you are noticing. Living in New Hampshire, where the winters are long/cold and the summers short (as in Toronoto), I've come to appreciate the sunny summer days.

I suggest you look into a 2004.5 or 2005 350Z roadster. You won't be disappointed.

 

Rag top sucks, gets dirty very quickly and costs more than you want to spend to get it repaired. Very cold in the colder months if you are not in cali or fla. Easily broke in to. Looks fugly top-up. Eventualy develops leaks. Heavier body, less performance. Safety issue.

As a general rule, I hate 'verts. However, some people love them despite their annoyances so... it really is up to the person. I would never buy one. You might.

 

sunburns

 

If you're ugly you can't hide behind the tints when the top is down ...

 

Less secure (unless you get a hardtop convertible)
Gets dirty
The top *will* have to be replaced at some point
More parts available to break
More blind spots
Heavier, weaker for track use
Generally don't look as good

 

You're straight up dead if you get in a roll-over accident. Just having more drag and being heavier is enough to turn me off.

 

Not if you have your seatbelt on.

Chris

 

A seatbelt will prevent your head from being crushed like a watermelon?

 

That's funny you have never own one, because you talk like you've owned several...

Funny thing about safety issues, i've yet to see any pictures of a 350z roadster smashed up, but there seems to be lots of coupe pictures... Hmmm

 

The 350z roadster is designed for a roll over, the windshield is reinforced as is the hoops behind the seats. In order for that to fail you would have to be in one horrendous crash, and if that was the case you would probably be dead even if you were in a coupe

 

That's how you gauge safety? I've seen more pontiac sunfire coupe in crashes then pontiac sunfire convertibles(yes, there is such a thing *shudders) in crashes, but I don't gauge it as a safety record on coupe vs. convertibles.

 

My statment was more about how safer convertable owners are compared to coupe owners... Yes the converable is more dangerous in a accident as you are open to any flying parts that might come off, but It's still safer then driving a street bike IMO

To me its a nice compromise between riding a street bike and driving a coupe... Besides if your worried about crashing then you should buy a Hummer.

 

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