R-A-G-G-T-O-P-P
Yes, spring is just around the corner and the air beginning to warm up around much of the country. For some of us, this time of year always brings thoughts of buying a ragtop (otherwise known as a convertible) to plant in our driveway and impress our friends.
There is something about a convertible, no matter the make or model, that conveys style, coolness and, yes, sexiness. Some folks seem to transform themselves when they get behind the wheel of an open car. Going "topless," they sit a little taller and exude more confidence -- "Hey, look at me!" they seem to say.
You might not have thought of them that way, but convertibles are great equalizers. Sure, it would be nice to own a $200,000 Maserati and tool all over town just like Ferris Bueller and his friends. But you wouldn't mind being seen sitting at a stoplight in a $5000 Chrysler LeBaron convertible of late '80s or early '90s vintage, given a wash and a good coat of wax. Or how about an old Volkswagon Rabbit? Or that thing VW called "The Thing?"
We know, we know. They're not practical. They're noisy, tend to leak and are basically unsafe -- most have no rollbars and their frames are inherently weaker than sedans. They're also a cinch to break into. But none of those reasons seems to matter to people who love them.
It's more like the line Tom Hanks delivered in the 1986 movie, "Nothing in Common," when he picked up his dad -- played by Jackie Gleason -- in an open-air jeep and dad asked him why the heck he's driving such an impractical vehicle. "Because I look good in it," he replied.
Yeah, spring brings thoughts of rolling down the road with the top down, the wind in your hair, the sun bathing your face. But here are two tips:
First, take all the negative arguments seriously. Unless you're planning to spend big bucks, avoid ragtops because they're less safe.
Second, you can still enjoy the thrill of a joy ride by renting one. Take one for even a week and get the urge out of your system -- until next year.
(Comments? Questions? Don't retract them. Roll them over to [email protected])
