Convertible top question

[noz34me]

Looking at an '05 with the hardtop. It was owned by an elderly guy that passed away.

The soft top has never been used; hard top never removed. Do you folks consider that a positive or a negative? Dealership said if I was really "serious" they would get a couple big guys to take the top off so I could see the soft top go up and down.

I'm concerned that the top being stored for 4+ years it may have some problems.

[BADOS]

Re: Convertible top question

The guy that owned my car before me keep it in this garage most of the year. He was a European business man who owns a home here in Florida. He sold it because he needed a larger car to transport his relatives to and from the airport when they visit. Soft top was never up and hard top never off. I removed the top for the first time last winter and the soft top was like brand new. Power motor for the top worked perfectly, too.

[JAB02LHS]

Re: Convertible top question

The soft top has never been used; hard top never removed. Do you folks consider that a positive or a negative? Dealership said if I was really "serious" they would get a couple big guys to take the top off so I could see the soft top go up and down. I'm concerned that the top being stored for 4+ years it may have some problems.

1. Do it, never buy without checking a car out completely.
2. How to tell if a salesman is lying....HIS LIPS ARE MOVING!
3. The top will probably not latch correctly the first time you try
to latch it. It will need to stretch so leave it up & unlatched
in the sun for a couple of hours then latch it.
Next time should be no problem.

[Ski]

Re: Convertible top question

He won't especially need a couple of big guys, two regular people can take the top off. Make sure the roof rack is in the trunk as well at the soft boot.

[RustyFrye]

Re: Convertible top question

It was owned by an elderly guy that passed away.

Do you folks consider that a positive or a negative?

That's a negative. Get the old guy out of the car before you do anything.....

[bronzebird]

Re: Convertible top question

Looking at an '05 with the hardtop. It was owned by an elderly guy that passed away.

The soft top has never been used; hard top never removed. Do you folks consider that a positive or a negative? Dealership said if I was really "serious" they would get a couple big guys to take the top off so I could see the soft top go up and down.

I'm concerned that the top being stored for 4+ years it may have some problems.

I think it is a positive thing.

However, I would use that as a negative in negotiations with the dealer. (mention worries about the mechanism, material, etc.)

Use all the leverage you can get even in this lousy economy.

Do insist that the top be removed so you can see that the convertible top is correct and works.

Bronzebird

[BIRD 42]

Re: Convertible top question

depending on the top color you may have some "black" marks in some areas also check the material close to see if there is wear due to creases in the top. finally check the paint area where the hard top sits on the car for scratches. some have stainless steel strips but doubt that is the case here. supposed to have a tape protection but at 4 years may be stuck. good luck ~ know it is going to be great
mike

[noz34me]

Re: Convertible top question

Thanks for the answers and ideas- - we'll see how it goes.

[noz34me]

Re: Convertible top question

There is a stand in the trunk, but not sure about a soft top "boot". Are you talking about the cover that goes over the soft top when it's down?

[Ski]

Re: Convertible top question

There is a stand in the trunk, but not sure about a soft top "boot". Are you talking about the cover that goes over the soft top when it's down?

Yes.

[EBird]

Re: Convertible top question

agreed...It sounds good..It should work..it might be dirty..no big Deal.

let the top stretch in the sun first before you latch it.I had the same deal..

the top works fine now.

Hope it works out.

[LeoFenderBender]

Re: Convertible top question

That's a negative. Get the old guy out of the car before you do anything.....

Agreed. A corpse makes for a bad driving experience. Get rid of it first, then try the soft top!

[Ski]

Re: Convertible top question

Agreed. A corpse makes for a bad driving experience. Get rid of it first, then try the soft top!

But you get to use the HOV lanes.

[austx]

Re: Convertible top question

Add an under-side (on lift) seal / gasket check after driving. If the car wasn't driven much, or recently, seals and gaskets can and will dry out.

[luvbirdz]

Re: Convertible top question

There should also be the cover for the hardtop when it is on the stand and you will find out soon enough if the tool for the front screws is missing. Check for the wheel nut socket too.