Being exposed

[Dre]

I still haven't got my mx5 and I was curious about something..

I notice a few convertibles around and more often than not I see them with the hood up. It's summer right now so it makes me wonder why they're covering up. Is it to be in the shade and leave the aircon running?

Or do they really not enjoy getting attention as convertible drivers?

As for drivers with the hood down - I'm interested to hear how people deal with the attention they get (or think they get) on the street at the lights, do they like it? Is it confronting? Do people stare? We're all different, I'm sure some ppl love the attention but others might feel insecure..

[hks_kansei]

I leave the top up on mine in summer, and in fact, most sunny days.
The top comes off mine only on cool days or at night.
A convertible seems like a good idea in summer, but in real life it's pretty crap. sunburn, cancer, etc.

as for looks, most people don't even notice it, convertibles are a fairly common thing these days so it doesn't really stand out. Kids still get a kick out of it and will usually point and be excited.

[davekmoore]

Hood on mine is down as long as temps are better than 12 degrees. Why have a convertible otherwise? Suitable clothing is needed in colder weather, and that is the only time I get strange looks (when in the car!). Sunscreen goes on before leaving home when the forecast is for sun. Some people do give the car a second glance but only that, except for kids who will sometimes point and stare, maybe because they think it's a more expensive car.

Never felt conspicuous or insecure but then I'm obviously of mature years and drive as such on the road unless really goaded by a bunch of yoofs in a V8 at traffic lights. I just let them set off first and, where safe to do so, go past them before reaching the speed limit. The same guys don't take the car on again.

Maybe the Yorkshireman's flat cap and the Noddy doll cable tied to the roll bar calm other drivers down too?

[Mr Morlock]

some of us run our MX5s most of the time with roof down. There is no doubt there is a orientation process i.e. the noise level is much higher and you are more conscious of driving in the land of giants. Drive in a tunnel on a tollway and be surprised just how noisy it is. Personally I am not at all conscious of other people looking at the car and driver/ passenger but "we" are no longer cool and good looking! Most people will work out what ambient temp they are comfortable with- I reckon anything over 30 is pushing it so if one is feeling like being on a rotisserie and skin is changing colour then top should go up and long sleeves and hats is the usual default. Some people burn really easily and others not quite so readily but sunscreen is a must do. Cold weather is not much of problem unless its really down in the single digits but you can wear warm gear esp the right hat and scarf and gloves and the heater is a great help. Try the same thing in an old British sports cars and its not nearly as gale proof

Open top driving is a real experience- it really is not the same as any coupe / tin top and its more liberating than motorcycles ( personal view) because you don't have to dress in armour plate or walk around in the clobber. You are far more in touch with the surroundings in a convertible car i.e. not cut off but its definitely not for everyone and only "you" can decide. You can always drive top up and only put it down when everything is perfect. PS driving on a pleasant night is a great experience.

[KevGoat]

I don't bother putting the roof down on short trips to shops etc, but anything else the roof usually goes down. Even been down a couple of times in the rain. As long as keep going at reasonable speed, the rain just goes over the top. Hottest time so far - Halls Gap to Port Fairy in 37-38 degrees (aircon on, actually does a good job roof down!) Coldest so far - coincidentally another journey from Halls Gap, this time to home south of Adelaide in 6-8 degrees all the way (heater on, beanies, jackets ... very cozy & toastie)!

I use my wife's skin cream that has a very effective sun block in it and isn't greasy like normal sun block.

Only issue so far - must find myself some good driving gloves .......

Just as the two previous posts, I'm also of more mature age and am not concerned about negative comments or looks. Not the car to own if can't deal with "being different" ...

[bruce]

UV, skin cancer. If it's too bright/hot the roof stays up.
Early morning or evenings are best for roof down.

[davekmoore]

Putting the roof up or down is more convenient, and therefore more likely to be done, if the sun visors are removed and if there's a strap fitted to the centre of the front rail of the roof.

[rossburns]

top is down on mine year round unless its raining, if its really hot I just wear a hat and good quality sunnies, sometimes even run air con with the top down--- still makes a difference, winter rug up and put the heater on

[PeterB]

Sitting at the traffic lights roof down with a large cranky dog on a builders ute beside you gets your attention. Lucky it is compulsary to chain them in.

For me the roof is up in full sunshine and down when cool or cloudy. My wife drives roof down always, even at -5 in a Canberra winter.

My theory is if you won't sit out in the full sun for an extended period then those days the roof should be up for UV protection.

[Nevyn72]

My car has a roof?

Well you learn something new every day........

I never even considered a convertible seriously, looked sideways at an MX5 one day, owned one two weeks later, now will only put the roof up under extreme duress!

[greenltd]

I'm with Nevyn72, its topless all the way. My top is only up when there's heavy rain or a short trip.

[Vat]

Topless unless raining here - the convertible aspect is a big part of the MX-5 appeal for me. Broad brim hat and long sleeves for sunny days.

It certainly makes motoring a much more 'social' experience. There a few times I feel a bit exposed, mostly with big trucks around - the climb up Hale Street to the Inner City Bypass comes to mind, and I take Birdwood Terrace rather than Milton Road in the mornings.

I reckon the cold (for Brisbane) mornings when it's around 5 to 10 degrees are brilliant, and warm nights are fantastic. My wife will often ask to head out for a drive on weekend evenings, she loves it.

[stilletto_rebel]

Top down as much as I can! Even for short trips.

I've never had any negative comments, but I've received a few compliments whilst waiting at the lights.

[Odd]

I'm top down...always (except heavy rain)

Having owned Austin Healey Sprites.....I had been looking for a full tonneau cover....for when it's parked, but the soft top is so easy and quick
I don't think I'll bother

Plenty of sun screen, hat,sunnies and long sleeve white shirt...standard Summer attire
My wife hates hats..but she now has 3 for driving in only!

On club runs 99% have the roof down....but I have seen a few put roof up on Hot days (NC drivers with Folding hard tops)

Haven't had any comments whilst driving....but have had a few check out the car when parked(with top down)

I must say thought the MX5 is a toy....for my amusement and joy
We have for many years got by with one car....I bought the mx5 to enjoy driving an open roadster
If is very Hot or Heavy rain and if afternoon storms are possible....I leave the "toy" in the garage and revert to one car option...;)
others may not have this option so roof up+ AC works for them on occasion

[Rolley]

From about 10am till about 3-4 in the arvo the roof goes up.
I've spent too many years working in the sun and don't need to accelerate the inevitable. To be honest if I'm not heading out for a "drive" during that time of day I take the X-trail.
Tell you what though, I'm getting tired of my sexuality being questioned by cars and especially 4X4's full of blokes. the last 2 weeks its been ridiculous. I'm going to start blowing kisses!