And how many of you guys leave the top open when you park somewhere...Myself being a first time covertible owner...I don't feel too comfortable with this. What are your experiences with this? Thanks.

 

I leave the boot on and seldom put the top up. I raise the windows, which isn't much of a deterent. So far, no problems with the 3 convertibles I have owned since '99. Several people in Houston have had problems with the top up, so I may just be lucky so far or the thieves think it is too easy and suspect something. And no, I do not have an alarm.

 

Depends where you are parking. If I am going to a restaurant where I can see it I will leave down but that is about it. With a little practice you can put the boot on or take it off in about a minute so if I hvae room in the trunk I use the boot cover while driving and pop it in the trunk when done. the vast majority of owners throw the cover in the closet and forget about it.

 

Ahhh... the anxieties of a first-time ragtop owner

We've all been there at one point or another with your same concerns. Definitely previous replies have necessitated both a consideration of where one is parking (can I *SEE* my car when I go inside?) as well as general "status" if you will of the location you're parking in.

Crazy thing is, if someone wants to be an a$$, then what choice do you have... If the top is down, well, they could spit in your seat or flick a cigarette butt etc. . But then again, if the top is up, a quick twist-o-tha-wrist and they could knife your cloth top mucho-pronto

Truth is...an answer to this lies in how secure you are with your insurance company. Because if someone wants to vandalize your car...they'll do it one way or the other.

A better concern that some of us have learned over the years is, "Don't leave your top down if they're forecasting rain"

As far as the boot cover goes...again this is preference. But many a daily driver does not leave the boot taking up 3/4s of their trunk. Often folks will utilize them for meets when the weather is forecast to be gorgeous, etc. however.

- Dave

 

Most of the time I will leave the top down when parking the car, if I know I'm not going to be long in the store. I park away from all other cars and have never had a problem. If I am going to be a long time or when I leave the car at work I put the top up.

When I owned the MY2000 S2K, I used the tonneau cover all the time but with this one it's still in it's plastic bag from the factory

 

Thanks for your input guys. I think I'll feel more comfortable leaving the top up when I'm not around the car.

 

The top cover was not included when I bought my car used and I have not purchased another one...but I never leave the top down unless I'm dashing in and out of somewhere. And I always lock it and activate the alarm. Just my preference.

 

I rarely leave the top down (edit) WHEN PARKED except in areas that I "know", my parents' house mainly If they want to get it, they're going to get in, but I'm not going to make it easier for them. I put the boot cover on if (a) I know it's going to be on for at least a couple hours and (b) i don't have much in the trunk so i can store it. It folds up pretty small, but it's still a pain if you've got a lot of stuff in the trunk

 

Had the top down today, but no cover on. I only took my daughter for a cruise. I use the cover most times as I think it looks alot better. This is my 1st convertible, also. I find that I leave the top down most times. If you do, be sure to condition your seats regularly!

 

Top stays down, with the molded cover installed. I purchased a "cockpit cover" and install that if I'll be away for more than an hour or so. It keeps debris out, keeps it cool from the sun, and adds a "degree" of "security". What's nice about it is it rolls up to the size of a bath towel and takes up very little space. Like w1ngman said, if some lowlife wants to vandalize your ride, they'll do it regardless of top up or down, locked or unlocked. Choose your parking places wisely.w1ngman