[Jono]

Quotes from CAR magazine long term car test report on Renault Wind (UGLY!) by Sarah-Jayne Harrison.
"But the chances for convertible drivers to actually lower their roofs are so few and far between that you need each experience to be special…"
"As for actually putting the roof down, I've been trying my best but Mother Nature hasn't exactly been on my side."
I intend writing to CAR, a magazine I highly respect, about this. My MX-5 is my daily driver and the roof is down 95% of the time (sorry about the last 5% but when I'm in danger of drowning I have to admit defeat and raise it).
From my unscientific observations I find that we MX-5 drivers are the only convertible owners that are committed enough to have the roof down in less than ideal conditions (or should that be us that are committed?).
The vast majority of convertible divers (not MX-5's) rarely lower the top. Even when the weather is glorious!
Why have they paid over the odds for a feature which compromises their car's handling, luggage space and passenger room for them not to use it at every opportunity?
Perhaps it is that these conversions of shopping trolleys never look right. The MX-5 is a proper sports car and therefore its natural condition is roofless.
My conclusion is that the owners of these alternative convertibles are merely fashion victims without any real desire to experience limitless headroom.
RANT OVER, sorry.

 

[Jot]

LOL!
Whilst i do realise that people own the 5 because it's a fab handling motor and best for the money etc etc and don't want to drop their tops i still would far rather be top-dropping as well. It's all part of the experience
Not one 5 i saw today had it's roof down. Now, the weather was extremely hit n miss today. Glorious sunshine... 2 seconds later, deluge!
However, there i was travelling north of the A49 (in a van) and hey presto! (wait for it) a 206cc with it's top down!
hey... credit where due n all that! :beer:

 

[safaristu]

The changing weather makes no difference how many seconds dose it take to put the roof up or down

 

[Jot]

AND if you keep going it can be left down anyway

 

[safaristu]

keep above 50 and stay dry yes officer thats why was 20mph over the speed limit

 

[Mark]

I drive my MX5 topdown all the time, even when it is raining (provided it is not too heavy) as those who know me will testify.

The MX5 is not my daily driver, however, and I must admit that, MX5 drives apart, I will usually take my other car when it is very wet rather than drive my MX5 with the roof up

 

[Jot]

This isn't necessarily a complaint; why would you have the roof down if you didn't want the wind in your hair?

from same author about same car
Answer ~ don't buy a convertible when there are a few tin tops from which to chose... mega rolley eye moment

 

[Mark]

from same author about same car
Answer ~ don't buy a convertible when there are a few tin tops from which to chose... mega rolley eye moment

"Devil's advocate mode"

As most 4 seater convertibles are also available as a saloon / hatchbook, I totally agree that there is no point in buying the convertible version unless you are going to drive at least some of the time with the top down. Many 2 seater cars such as the MX5, SLK, MR2 (the final version), S2000 etc are, however, only available as a convertible and I can understand that someone may want the driving experience without the wind in their hair.

Having said that, as said earlier in the thread, I would always drive a convertible topdown unless it is raining heavily

 

[Jot]

Mark - you are agreeing what i have said elsewhere
There ARE alternatives where Renaults are concerned
and the only experince re the SLK is that it's a Merc and not a Ford ... imo!
I would not buy a Renault Wind for the 'driving experience'.....
it gives you no more than bog-standard tintops... hence my comments