Convertibles: Why not more popular?
#261
Safety Car
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not as safe
let's more dirt in
more easily vandalized
costs more
don't look as good
more complex mechanism to break down
and on and on
I'd add a couple of my own. Trunk space, for example, is much less in the convertible. That is an objective truth that matters to me, but maybe not to you. And living near Seattle that top is not going to be down as much as if I lived in California.
If you don't like convertibles, you don't like them. That's a perfectly reasonable stance to take. But some of the objections we've heard here are really quite minor and sometimes completely untrue. None of them are sufficient to overcome those who believe the joys of a convertible outweigh these inconveniences.
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#262
Le Mans Master
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There are some things about this issue that are objectively true and some that are subjective, but nonetheless valid. If you don't like convertibles, that's subjective, but there's nothing wrong with that. That's what "The customer is always right." means. It doesn't mean the customer gets to be abusive toward the worker. It simply means the customer knows what he wants to buy, so if you don't have it, he will go elsewhere. Fair enough.
Marginally, but objectively true. If you are in a roll over, it would be easier to be hurt, but if you are in a roll over, chances are you were driving in an insane manner, too. It's a matter of acceptable risk.
Objectively probably true, but so does opening a window and it's counterbalanced by the joy of an open top, which is subjective. And frankly, is there that much MORE dirt that's going to infect your car? Won't dirt on your shoes be a lot more prevalent? The excess dirt allowed by a vert is probably not objectively measurable.
Not objectively true, as per testimony here. You can get keyed as easily as someone can go to the considerable trouble of breaking through the top.
Objectively true. So does a 3LT over a 1LT and a Z51 over a non-Z. When you're paying $70K plus for a car is $4K really important to you?
Subjectively true if you say so and completely valid.
Objectively true, however there is only one additional mechanism, the Top Up/Down feature. Given the plethora of "things that can break" it doesn't seem particularly relevant that the convertible has one additional mechanism which is particularly cool to those who like it.
Not responsive. Meaningless.
I'd add a couple of my own. Trunk space, for example, is much less in the convertible. That is an objective truth that matters to me, but maybe not to you. And living near Seattle that top is not going to be down as much as if I lived in California.
If you don't like convertibles, you don't like them. That's a perfectly reasonable stance to take. But some of the objections we've heard here are really quite minor and sometimes completely untrue. None of them are sufficient to overcome those who believe the joys of a convertible outweigh these inconveniences.
Marginally, but objectively true. If you are in a roll over, it would be easier to be hurt, but if you are in a roll over, chances are you were driving in an insane manner, too. It's a matter of acceptable risk.
Objectively probably true, but so does opening a window and it's counterbalanced by the joy of an open top, which is subjective. And frankly, is there that much MORE dirt that's going to infect your car? Won't dirt on your shoes be a lot more prevalent? The excess dirt allowed by a vert is probably not objectively measurable.
Not objectively true, as per testimony here. You can get keyed as easily as someone can go to the considerable trouble of breaking through the top.
Objectively true. So does a 3LT over a 1LT and a Z51 over a non-Z. When you're paying $70K plus for a car is $4K really important to you?
Subjectively true if you say so and completely valid.
Objectively true, however there is only one additional mechanism, the Top Up/Down feature. Given the plethora of "things that can break" it doesn't seem particularly relevant that the convertible has one additional mechanism which is particularly cool to those who like it.
Not responsive. Meaningless.
I'd add a couple of my own. Trunk space, for example, is much less in the convertible. That is an objective truth that matters to me, but maybe not to you. And living near Seattle that top is not going to be down as much as if I lived in California.
If you don't like convertibles, you don't like them. That's a perfectly reasonable stance to take. But some of the objections we've heard here are really quite minor and sometimes completely untrue. None of them are sufficient to overcome those who believe the joys of a convertible outweigh these inconveniences.
#263
Le Mans Master
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Finalist 2020 C7 of the Year -- Unmodified
I bet if we had a poll on what forum members own a coupe or a convertible it would be about even not like the general public that are not on this forum.Corvette Forum members are smart people that's why so many own convertibles!
#265
I wanted to comment on the security of the vert. If I decide to break into a car, I'm not gonna slice the roof and climb in. I'm going through the side window. If you own a vert , you have probably marveled at how strong the roof feels. I'd wager you can't even get through it in a reasonable amount of time.
There are five or six layers, and heaven knows how many ribs. I'm not even sure you could get a hole big enough to put your arm in before your knife gets dull; I don't think climbing in is even possible.
If I were a thief, I'd just smash a window, so coupe or vert, this is the same.
#266
Le Mans Master
I've never cared for verts...of any make/model. I sunburn easily, so riding around without a top isn't for me. If I do want the feel of a vert for a short drive, I can remove the top on my coupe. The lines of the coupe look a lot better in my opinion.
#267
Le Mans Master
I don't think the issue is being "scared" of anything, but more your belligerent attitude. Why would you accuse anyone of being "scared," for example? And you think coupes are "boring." That's a pretty immature and unnecessary attitude to take. Sounds to me like you have a chip on your shoulder.
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Dollartree (02-29-2016)
#275
#276
IMHO the convertible c7 and convert c6 look a lot alike
I LIKE convertibles but the coupe looks like a European exotic were as the convertible does not. And in white with dark glass and trim its looks are dramatically enhanced. But wdik - what do I know
my first vette was a 76 white L 88 coupe with T-tops,,,, I couldn't afford a convertible vette then.
I LIKE convertibles but the coupe looks like a European exotic were as the convertible does not. And in white with dark glass and trim its looks are dramatically enhanced. But wdik - what do I know
my first vette was a 76 white L 88 coupe with T-tops,,,, I couldn't afford a convertible vette then.
If Corvette had the L88 427 c.i. In 1976 - I'd of bought one......
#277
I'd pay more for the coupe, which makes me wonder why the convertible is a lot more $$! ?
I wonder if the convertibles were more $$$ than the coupes in the C2s, in say 1966/67??
The coupes of the C2 era seem to have less prevalence today. I hardly ever see C2 coupes.
I wonder if the convertibles were more $$$ than the coupes in the C2s, in say 1966/67??
The coupes of the C2 era seem to have less prevalence today. I hardly ever see C2 coupes.
Last edited by Skid Row Joe; 02-26-2016 at 11:25 PM.
#278
#279
I'd pay more for the coupe, which makes me wonder why the convertible is a lot more $$! ?
I wonder if the convertibles were more $$$ than the coupes in the C2s, in say 1966/67??
The coupes of the C2 era seem to have less prevalence today. I hardly ever see C2 coupes.
I wonder if the convertibles were more $$$ than the coupes in the C2s, in say 1966/67??
The coupes of the C2 era seem to have less prevalence today. I hardly ever see C2 coupes.
As to why recent era Verts are more pricey, most likely due to extra mechanisms and parts, which are more complicated and expensive to produce and install.
#280
Instructor
Convertible LOVER!!!!
First off, the guy with the comment including "douchebag", should not be allowed to comment on this forum. Because you don't like something isn't reason for those sorts of comments about those who do. I also would say that to call someone else a douchebag, one most likely is very aware of the attributes of one, if you know what I mean.
Now, I personally will not buy a coupe. I have had convertible 'Vettes forever and I just love them. And I live in Oregon! It really all depends on personal preference. I now have a '15 TR Stingray and it's just an awesome car. Previously had an '11 TR Grand Sport, both convertibles. Granted, you have to have weather cooperation for maximum enjoyment, but man when that you power that top down, it just doesn't get any better. As far as my wife's hair getting mussed up........she wears her Stingray hat!
Why can't we all just voice our opinions and keep the personal snipes out of it. We drive the most beautiful cars on the road, and top or no top, we're the luckiest people around!!!
Now, I personally will not buy a coupe. I have had convertible 'Vettes forever and I just love them. And I live in Oregon! It really all depends on personal preference. I now have a '15 TR Stingray and it's just an awesome car. Previously had an '11 TR Grand Sport, both convertibles. Granted, you have to have weather cooperation for maximum enjoyment, but man when that you power that top down, it just doesn't get any better. As far as my wife's hair getting mussed up........she wears her Stingray hat!
Why can't we all just voice our opinions and keep the personal snipes out of it. We drive the most beautiful cars on the road, and top or no top, we're the luckiest people around!!!
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