Cabrio , Targa , sunroof , How many times do you use ?

[Southbay356]

I was talking with my buddy the other day and we were trying to remember the last time we saw a Porsche Cabrio with the top down , Targa with Top off or even a sunroof open ,

Same would go for Miatas , BMWs etc ,

So is having an "Open" car really what you want your buddy to have , like a sailboat or a swimming pool ?

Discuss or argue .....up to you

[NYNick]

I have a modern Cabrio in FLA and an air cooled with a sunroof in NY. I put the top down ALL THE TIME and rarely travel with the sunroof closed.

So there.

[Matt Monson]

When I used to daily drive my 914 I think I once went a whole summer without putting the targa top back on.

I open my sunroof all the time and just bought a convertible that will be top down any chance I get. All my Miata and Boxster owning buddies drive top down too. It may just be a local to you thing.

[CountD]

When I had my BMW Z3 in Ocean Beach (San Diego) CA the top was down all the time (and it was a manual top). I even left it down overnight. I don't think I ever drove the car when it was up and that was for six years, even when I got 'tennis elbow' on my right arm from pulling it up every day when I parked it and had stuff in it.

Then again, that was Ocean Beach. Now since I'm up north it's different as it's a different lifestyle in California and a lifestyle choice in California to always have it down. It would be a sin not to. Every convertible I see here (Chicago area) has the top up year-round, even in summer. Seriously what's the point of having it?

If you buy a cab or Targa drop it down or take it off.

[word]

If its over 70F then the top is stored in the garage. I don't even have it in the car with me unless I know its going to rain.

[dienstuhr]

Aircooled with sunroof in Canada. Sunroof is almost always open unless it's raining or parked.

Cheers

d.

[pmax]

Targa top is off all the time and most other targas I have seen has it off as well.

Feeling the wind swirl around you at highway speeds is priceless.

[kc911s]

My targa top for my 75 lives in the basement. Car is never driven with it on- it's a toy- what's the point of having the top on? If it's going to rain or weather forecast is iffy she stays in the garage.

[BK911]

I put the top on my 914 probably twice in the 8+ years I've owner her.
Drove 35 miles to work this morning with top off in 25F temps.
Real men drive topless.

[Grimm]

I have a '90 Cab and live in WI. I drive the car nearly every day from April through mid-November and NEVER drive it with the top up unless it's raining. I wait for 4+ very long months every year for the snow to melt and there is no way I'm going to pass up a chance to drive it the way it was meant.

[Southbay356]

its been 80 degrees here the last 2 weeks and I have not seen a "top down" ???

Maybe I am asking the wrong group here ,

but I think if you were to just look at a traffic cam you would see very few "top down" cars ,

I guess I will need to look harder

[Matt Monson]

Where are you?
My cousin in Daytona Beach has been complaining that it is cold and in the 60s. It's 55 here today and I had both windows down and sunroof open because it's warm out.

[shaunmbenson]

I use my targa top exactly as it's designed to be used. Off and folded in my bonnet wherever I go. Then rain or snow or sleet I may consider unfolding it and putting it on. The top off on a cold day with the heaters on 1 and a toque (beanie cap for you Yanks) is heaven. Especially at night

And while some advertise "top never folded" when selling a targa I say screw that - my car will never be in the museum at Stuttgart so the top will be folded and rebuilt as needed

I lent a few die-hard coupe buddies my car in LA. They are both shopping for targas as I type

[Ronnie's.930]

Sunroof always open in cool or cold weather, but closed in hot since I run my T-Rex a/c then. So, closed most of the time from April-November . . . wish I could have it open more often, as I really like it (the sounds, up-sweep of air, etc.), but the humidity here sux so much azz, that the a/c rules in warm/hot temps.

[Ayles]

Originally Posted by kc911s

My targa top for my 75 lives in the basement. Car is never driven with it on- it's a toy- what's the point of having the top on? If it's going to rain or weather forecast is iffy she stays in the garage.

This, the heater blows enough warm air for me even on the couple sunny winter days i took it out.

[War584]

Originally Posted by kc911s

My targa top for my 75 lives in the basement. Car is never driven with it on- it's a toy- what's the point of having the top on? If it's going to rain or weather forecast is iffy she stays in the garage.

Ditto! Targas are much maligned...but there is nothing better than easy access to a...cool breeze, great rear view without wind buffeting...and a unique look.

[LakeCleElum]

Targa owner for more than 25 yrs.......Top never on unless caught in rainstorm, maybe once every 5 yrs??

Have come over the Mtn pass at night with temps below freezing....Dress for it, fur hat and watch the moon/stars.

[CountD]

Originally Posted by LakeCleElum

Targa owner for more than 25 yrs.......Top never on unless caught in rainstorm, maybe once every 5 yrs??

Have come over the Mtn pass at night with temps below freezing....Dress for it, fur hat and watch the moon/stars.

Right on. This is the way a Targa should be enjoyed.

[Christien]

We've had several convertibles over the last few years, and the top is always down, even when we're wearing jackets with the heat on, or blasting the a/c because it's super hot. The whole family loves top-down driving. I just bought an 87 911 cabrio for that exact reason!

[ficke]

Rarely do I drive with the sun roof open, but it is real nice when I do.
I had a 63 MG midget for a few years and never had a top for it, winter, summer, night, day. Jump in and go.
Now I like the privacy of a top and the sun off my head.