Is a moonroof/sunroof a deal breaker for you?
04-18-23, 02:39 PM
#151
Lexus Champion
The panoramic sunroof in our Highlander has been fantastic. It's huge, the front panel can tilt or slide back, and it has a great powered shade (that we never use). Granted I don't live in the hottest climate, but we have certainly been in 100 plus degree days with it and it's been fine. I can just close the shade while we're parked, then open it and fire up the AC and it's very comfortable. I only ever use our shades when we're parked, but otherwise have them open as I LOVE having the sun come in above me.
04-18-23, 02:56 PM
#153
Lexus Fanatic
04-18-23, 03:57 PM
#155
Lexus Fanatic
04-18-23, 05:13 PM
#156
Lexus Fanatic
In most cases, a power-folding-hardtop, IMO, actually makes more sense than a ragtop.....better weather protection, better noise-isolation, better security against break-ins and vandalism, and slightly better frame-solidity (although not much). One ragtop exception, though, is the Miata and the recent Fiat 124 Spyder, with their ingeniously quick and simple manual top-actuation.
04-18-23, 05:24 PM
#157
Lexus Fanatic
In most cases, a power-folding-hardtop, IMO, actually makes more sense than a ragtop.....better weather protection, better noise-isolation, better security against break-ins and vandalism, and slightly better frame-solidity (although not much). One ragtop exception, though, is the Miata and the recent Fiat 124 Spyder, with their ingeniously quick and simple manual top-actuation.
04-18-23, 06:00 PM
#158
Lexus Fanatic
To be honest, I don't know which exact vehicle was the first to do a power-folding hardtop....the famous 1957-1959 Ford Skyliners lifted the entire roof in and out of the trunk in one piece, but the 1990s-vintage Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 was the first vehicle I can remember where the roof actually power-folded in sections.
04-18-23, 06:05 PM
#159
Lexus Fanatic
Oh, ragtops are definitely better than they used to be.....that goes without saying. I did not say or imply anything different. But they still do not provide several of the advantages I mentioned with folding hardtops. And the tops have to be replaced probably more than once in a convertible's lifetime
04-18-23, 06:26 PM
#160
Racer
In most cases, a power-folding-hardtop, IMO, actually makes more sense than a ragtop.....better weather protection, better noise-isolation, better security against break-ins and vandalism, and slightly better frame-solidity (although not much). One ragtop exception, though, is the Miata and the recent Fiat 124 Spyder, with their ingeniously quick and simple manual top-actuation.
04-18-23, 08:40 PM
#161
Lexus Champion
Issue with any soft-top, no matter how good/improved it may be is that it makes the car look absolutely stupid when it's up. Has that old "landau top" look and cheap unfinished soft materials, I would never pick one over a hard top.
04-18-23, 08:42 PM
#162
Lexus Fanatic
I personally think the right soft top in the right contrasting color looks great.
One of my agents has a charcoal colored 911 with a burgundy top and a burgundy interior and it’s gorgeous.
Theres a reason why basically every convertible manufacturer has gone back to soft tops from hard tops.
One of my agents has a charcoal colored 911 with a burgundy top and a burgundy interior and it’s gorgeous.
Theres a reason why basically every convertible manufacturer has gone back to soft tops from hard tops.
04-19-23, 04:39 AM
#163
Super Moderator
The soft top on the BMW 4-series (and I assume also the 8-series) is amazing. There are rigid plastic/foam panels sandwiched between the fabric, so the roof is stiff when up, and it's pretty much as quiet inside as the coupe.
04-19-23, 04:53 AM
#164
Lexus Champion
04-19-23, 06:21 AM
#165
Lexus Fanatic
Its because they are all around better, they are lighter and they offer the same insulation, etc. They take up less space when they are folded so they get to offer more trunk space, less robust and less strain on power top components...