Used Convertible Inspection Checklist: What to Check Before You Buy
Buying a used convertible is exciting, and a little risky if you don't know what to look for. A top that looks fine in the seller's driveway can hide a leak, a tired hydraulic system, or a frame that won't latch. At Don's Auto Interiors & Tops in Alsip, we've worked on convertibles since 1977, and we often see cars right after purchase, when the new owner discovers something they missed. Use this checklist before you buy.
1. Cycle the top. Several times.
Ask the seller to put the top down and up at least two or three times while you watch.
- Does it move smoothly and evenly on both sides?
- Does a power top move at a steady speed, or does it slow down or strain?
- Does it latch easily at the windshield header?
- Do the side windows drop and rise as they should during the cycle?
- Any unusual noises, like grinding, clunking, or a pump running long?
Hesitation or uneven movement can point to hydraulic problems, worn frame pivots, or frame misalignment.
2. Look for hydraulic leaks
On power tops, look in the top well and on the rear seat and package shelf for fluid stains or residue. Check around the lift cylinders if they're visible. Leaks usually get worse, not better.
3. Inspect the top material
- Shrinkage: is the top tight in some places and loose in others? Do latches require force?
- Wear lines across the roof where the top rubs the bows
- Separated seams, especially at the corners and around the rear window
- Tears or cuts, even small ones
- Fading, mildew, or stains that won't clean up
4. Check the rear window
- Plastic: clear, or yellowed and cloudy? Any cracks, especially near the fold lines?
- Glass: is it bonded firmly all the way around, or pulling away at the bottom edge? Does the defroster work?
Rear windows are often the first part to fail, and sometimes they can be replaced or rebonded without a full top.
5. Inspect the frame
With the top halfway up, look at the frame where you can see it:
- Bent linkages or parts that don't line up side to side
- Rust on steel frame parts
- Worn or sloppy pivots
- Broken or missing pads and cables
6. Hunt for water damage
Leaks don't always show up in a dry driveway. Look and feel for:
- Damp or stained carpet, especially in the rear footwells and trunk
- A musty smell inside the car
- Water stains on the headliner (if the top has one) or door panels
- Rust on the floor pan under the carpet, if you can check
If possible, ask whether you can run water over the top with a gentle hose to see where it goes.
7. Check seals and drains
- Weatherstripping at the header and side windows: is it soft, or cracked and flattened?
- Drains around the top well: clear, or clogged with debris? Clogged drains send water into the cabin.
8. Look at the interior
Convertibles get more sun than other cars, and interiors fade and crack faster. Check:
- Seats: cracked leather or vinyl, split seams, collapsed bolsters
- Carpet: faded or water-stained
- Dash and door panels: sun damage
These can all be fixed, but they should be part of your budget. See auto upholstery.
9. Ask the right questions
- When was the top last replaced, and by whom?
- Has the power top ever been repaired?
- Where was the car stored? Garage or outside? Covered?
- Any leaks the seller knows about?
10. Budget for the top
If the top, rear window, or hydraulics need work, factor it into your offer. An estimate from a convertible shop before you buy can help you negotiate.
After you buy
Start good habits right away. See winter convertible top care and vinyl vs. cloth tops. If the top needs work, see convertible top repair and replacement.
Want a second opinion?
Send photos of the top, rear window, top well, and interior, along with the year, make, and model, through our contact page, or call (708) 371-8020. Don's Auto Interiors & Tops, 11937 S. Cicero Ave, Alsip.
Frequently asked questions
What's the most expensive convertible problem to find after buying?
It varies by car, but frame damage and power-top system failures can be costly, and a leaking top can quietly damage carpet, padding, and electronics. That's why it pays to cycle the top and check for water damage before you buy.
Should I have the top inspected by a shop before buying?
If the car is a significant purchase or the top looks questionable, a pre-purchase look from a convertible shop can help you understand what you're getting into.
Is a new top a good sign on a used convertible?
It can be, but check the quality of the installation: even fit, clean seams, latches that close easily, and no leaks.
Related
Request a free estimate or call (708) 371-8020.