Convertible Top Problems?

[SuperWTF]

Hey y'all!

I'm looking to buy a '93 convertible for about $3k @ 150k miles. I'm concerned about the soft top, first time buying a convertible or a car this old (but, I mean... it's a Celica).

How likely is there that the top has mechanical problems or leaks in the rain? Is it ridiculous for me to go see the car and spray it down with a hose to check for leaks? Are there any other big bad signs I should be checking for?

Texas has really heavy, short, random rainstorms, so hiding my car from the rain is really not possible. I know that getting a hard top is an alternative, but I'm a puny girl and I travel a lot, so it might not be feasible for me to change it when needed.

p.s. What's the noise like while driving in the rain with the top up?

Thanks so much

[chadb]

Originally Posted by SuperWTF

Hey y'all!

I'm looking to buy a '93 convertible for about $3k @ 150k miles. I'm concerned about the soft top, first time buying a convertible or a car this old (but, I mean... it's a Celica).

How likely is there that the top has mechanical problems or leaks in the rain? Is it ridiculous for me to go see the car and spray it down with a hose to check for leaks? Are there any other big bad signs I should be checking for?

Texas has really heavy, short, random rainstorms, so hiding my car from the rain is really not possible. I know that getting a hard top is an alternative, but I'm a puny girl and I travel a lot, so it might not be feasible for me to change it when needed.

p.s. What's the noise like while driving in the rain with the top up?

Thanks so much

there is a good chance the top has mechanical problems. I would definately use the button and take it up/down a few times and see how smooth it goes down. Check the back window as well those tend to be missing/fogged out from the sun. I bought my 92 convertible at 130k last summer. I was a little bit worried about rain, but it doesn't really leak at all, only a small drip on the drivers seat if i leave it outside in the rain all day. The noise from the rain isn't too bad, however the sound from the wind can be quite obnoxious at times, hope you like to blast your music lol. Make sure its already smogged, and current on registration, and check the basics.. make sure the fluids are good, that theres no oil in the spark plugs, no major leaks etc

[Cyberpyr8]

It rains hard here in Florida at times and the noise is really low compared to other convertibles I have owned. Mine has some holes/splits at the back seam but the rest of the top is solid. I have bigger issues with my driver's side window not closing tight enough. The previous owner of mine took it apart to have the car painted and did a terrible job putting it all back together.

[SuperWTF]

Thanks y'all! I'm gonna go for it.