Convertibles are a blast, but know what you are buying.

Who doesn’t love a convertible? There’s no car more iconic, or more closely tied to happy times and sunny skies. But as is the case with any car, buying a convertible is a big financial decision, and those California dreams need to be weighed against some fiscal realities before you place that down payment.

They Drive Differently

First of all, driving a convertible is different from hitting the road with your typical hardtop. Ignore people telling you convertibles get in more accidents. That is just a myth not even insurance companies think is true. Most convertibles are designed to feel a little sportier and a little more dynamic to control, which is all part of their marketing appeal. High-end convertibles will have stronger V6 engines or even full-bore V8s under the hood. In other words, you have a lot of power to handle with a convertible.

The presence of the removable roof makes the basics of driving a bit different, too. For example, when the top is up, you will have a smaller back window and thus will rely more on the side mirrors to look behind you. That makes blind-spot detectors and the like a must. When you have the top down, of course, it is a whole different experience, as you will encounter increased wind resistance. So before you buy, extensively test-drive to be sure you are comfortable with how to handle the ride.

They Wear Differently

Convertibles also require a lot more care that your average car. The interior is a good example; most cars do not experience the elements the way a convertible’s interior does. Normally the inside of a car only experiences the elements when you open and close the door. Convertible interiors can feel the beating sunshine, the roaring wind and, almost inevitably, the rushing water much more. It is a sad truth that convertibles, while way better than they once were, are still leakier than a hardtop.

There is also the issue of the roof. Even the simplest convertible will have more moving parts with which to deal, especially with fancier mechanized roof systems that lift away or bring down the roof for you. You will need to keep in mind the cost of repairing those systems as you budget for maintenance.

Everyone should drive a convertible once, but should they be your go-to car?

They Are Potentially Impractical

Another factor to consider is the practicality. For example, most convertibles have limited trunk space to give the roof system room to tuck away. If you are not hauling a lot of groceries or do not need to keep anything in your trunk, this is no problem. If you need trunk space, though, filling the backseat is not going to compensate for the lack of trunk space. Convertibles are full of these little compromises that make them a bit more niche than some cars.

On a financial level, you will probably pay a bit more for a convertible than you would with another type of vehicle. Convertibles are just naturally a bit more expensive, so if you need to save a buck, buying a convertible might not be the best idea.

That said, everybody should take one on the road at least once and experience why convertibles have such lasting appeal. Before buying a convertible for everyday driving, make sure you know all the pros and cons of convertible ownership. To start looking for the convertible of your dreams, read more research from CarFoundMe.