Britons love to go topless, says RAC
Friday, 13 Jun 2008 13:18
People in the UK love going topless in their cars, according to the RAC
According to the RAC, the UK is second only to Germany when it comes to going topless - in convertibles, that is.
Despite a record wet summer in 2007, the demand for soft tops remained significantly high and this summer could see more drivers than ever splashing out on a convertible.
"People love to feel the wind in their hair and spend the summer cruising with the top down, which is why convertibles remain so popular," says Nicola Johnson, manager of RAC Inspections.
"In 2006, convertibles represented 4.3 per cent of all new registrations, compared to 1.5 per cent ten years ago, showing that more and more drivers prefer to go topless.
"However, there are a number of things buyers need to look out for when going for a used soft or hard top, to ensure they're driving the dream and not a nightmare on wheels."
The RAC stresses how important it is to check the integrity of the roof on a convertible, as a rigid roof is what makes most cars so stable.
Check the doors shut properly, as the lack of roof can mean the vehicle is more prone to distortion.
If the car is of a certain age, make sure it wasn't a "convert your own" death trap, which offers no structural integrity or strength.
"The key is to make sure that a convertible, especially an older one, is a genuine manufacturer model or has been done by a reputable conversion dealership or workshop," Ms Johnson advises.
"Buyers of soft tops should pay special attention to the roof, looking for cracks in the plastic screen or signs of degrading rubbers and seals. The last thing you want is a sharp summer shower turning your car into a paddling pool. People must remember to do all the usual checks too, such as bodywork, documentation and general condition of the vehicle.
"It's easy to be taken in by gleaming paintwork, but used car buyers must keep their heads. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Most mechanical problems aren't easy to spot without expert knowledge, and an MOT is not evidence of a car's condition, so it's best to get it checked professionally."