Convertibles are cool, we all agree, but when buying a used convertible in Ontario there’s plenty of things that could go wrong. The last thing you want is to spend lots of money on a car that’s going to cause lots of problems, so here’s our list of things to look out for when buying a used convertible.
Dampness
One of the biggest concerns of buying a used convertible in Ontario is water damage, especially here in Canada where rain and snow are common. Check around all the seats and carpets, especially underneath to look for any dampness, water stains or even more serious: mold.
Any or all of these could be a sign of a water leak in the convertible roof, or that the previous owner has left the roof off when it was raining, a serious concern. Water damage is very serious, especially to the car’s interior and mold if unchecked can be hazardous to your health, an immediate red flag when shopping for a convertible.
The Mechanism
Whether it’s a hard top or a soft top, try taking the roof up and down, repeatedly if you can get away with it. The last thing you want when buying a convertible is a roof that doesn’t actually convert, especially a soft top.
The mechanism for taking the roof down is a very common break point, look for any signs of things going wrong, if the mechanism is straining, or sticking or just generally making things harder than it should, it’s at least a yellow flag that you’ll need to have it looked at if you end up buying.
Water Seals
Even if you don’t find any water damage, another key area to check is the water seals. The seals will be around the roof and other important sections of the car as a rubbery rim. You want these to be looking puffy and fresh so keep an eye out for roughness, stiffness or cracks. These may not be a problem now, but they could become one later.
Electronics
If there’s one thing that waters worse than the interior, it’s electronics. Make sure you check all the electronics are running smoothly, and take a look behind if possible to make sure there’s no signs of rust. Rusty electronics are a serious health hazard and you really don’t want to be zapped as you’re trying to switch the radio.
Convertibles are primarily summer cars, so it’s also worth checking that the car battery itself is still in working order, since it’s probably gone long periods without being used. A battery issue is another yellow flag, as it’s something you may need to replace if you buy.