Another car question - convertibles and kids seats

[Rantor]

I was on the lookout for a coupe, but the chance has come up to buy a rather nice 1991 Saab 900 convertible.

I've rationalised away the turbo->scuttle shake stuff but my girlie is of the opinion that it ain't practical to put mini-rantor in the back seat as it is way too windy.

Anyone else have experience of whether kids will tolerate or get used to this in return for the joys of getting rained on when the hood jams etc?

[gingerjedi]

Just ask yourself 'have you ever seen anyone look good in a convertible?'

Then buy something with a proper roof as this model was intended, I' have never understood why you pay more for something that has less? Also IIRC the UK buys more convertibles than any other country in Europe, is our weather better than southern Europe? Or are we a bunch of shallow gits??!!

[Rantor]

Or are we a bunch of shallow gits??!!

Oh definitely

I've no blanket opinion on the realtive twatishness of convertibles (though there are some I wouldn't touch) but I am a sucker for this particular model.

[Bagpuss]

I've never seen anyone look cool in a 91 saab convertable, IMHO it looks like it's shaped out of Lego

[Vito]

Dreadful car...

First time I drove a Saab I was running late for a meeting, parked up, and couldn't get the damn key out of the ignition...10 minutes later I was late for my meeting, getting very p!ssed off, hot and very sweaty,,,luckily a fella saw my frustration and kindly came over and informed me that the car had to be in reverse in order to remove the ignition key...what the f**k is that all about!

And no...no-one looks cool in a convertible...

However, answer to question, my kids love going in my Sisters Boxster no matter how cold it is they always insist on having the roof down, much to her dismay!

[PRC1964]

Just ask yourself 'have you ever seen anyone look good in a convertible?'

Then buy something with a proper roof as this model was intended, I' have never understood why you pay more for something that has less? Also IIRC the UK buys more convertibles than any other country in Europe, is our weather better than southern Europe? Or are we a bunch of shallow gits??!!

In Southern Europe it's too fecking hot to have the roof down. You'd get fried like a tortilla.

[BoredBloke]

"First time I drove a Saab I was running late for a meeting, parked up, and couldn't get the damn key out of the ignition...10 minutes later I was late for my meeting, getting very p!ssed off, hot and very sweaty,,,luckily a fella saw my frustration and kindly came over and informed me that the car had to be in reverse in order to remove the ignition key...what the f**k is that all about!"

I looked at one of these and was caught out by that and almost stuffed it into a wall. I tried turning the key thinking it would free it - it didn't but the car lurched forward as I'd left it in 1st. Missed the wall by about a cm.

[Rantor]

Dreadful car...

First time I drove a Saab I was running late for a meeting, parked up, and couldn't get the damn key out of the ignition...10 minutes later I was late for my meeting, getting very p!ssed off, hot and very sweaty,,,luckily a fella saw my frustration and kindly came over and informed me that the car had to be in reverse in order to remove the ignition key...what the f**k is that all about!

And no...no-one looks cool in a convertible...

However, answer to question, my kids love going in my Sisters Boxster no matter how cold it is they always insist on having the roof down, much to her dismay!

Thanks for the answer re the roof.

Fortunately I've driven a few versions of this car so I know its quirks. I had a similar ragemaker trying to open the petrol cap for a hired laguna a while ago.

I know it looks odd, as does the coupe, but I have always liked it and I definitely ain't too bothered about looking cool either.

Just as well I didn't mention the Hillman Imp Sport option.....

[wc2]

I was on the lookout for a coupe, but the chance has come up to buy a rather nice 1991 Saab 900 convertible.

I've rationalised away the turbo->scuttle shake stuff but my girlie is of the opinion that it ain't practical to put mini-rantor in the back seat as it is way too windy.

Anyone else have experience of whether kids will tolerate or get used to this in return for the joys of getting rained on when the hood jams etc?

Mrs WC2 has a Custard 93

Kids are fine in the back - If they start to moan she turns the music up.

Unless it's black or silver they look like a hairdressers car.

I DO NOT DRIVE IT

[Red 7]

I had a '97 900Conv which handled like a pig (serious understeer) and had pretty bad scuttle-shake with the roof down. On the plus side it was very quiet with the roof up at speed. I wouldn't have another, but I hear the ealier models are better.