I get the distinct impression that the fabric roof version is the slower seller off the forecourts. Have noted how they hang about longer and attract greater discounts to offset greater depreciation.
Dealer has a 2011 used 100 miles Copper Red 2.0 Sport Tec discounted to £16999 which seems to be gathering dust. I assume this is the top spec. model with all the toys but have got gut feeling come the time to sell several years down the line everybody will want the folding hard top version & could get stuck with it.
I prefer the traditional and to my eyes more graceful looks of the fabric roof and apparently for reasons I can’t work out a boot rack can be fitted only on this version.
The folding metal roof coupe is more expensive - and looks a bit of a pig when up - the soft top looks better up - both look just about the same when down
the hard top has less storage due to the motors behind the seats
obviously the inside of the coupe roof is harder / slightly better finished / less noise etc
better secruity unsure of insurance difference
the way the roof works means you cant have a rack on the coupe - which I kind of understand - and you cant have a rear lip spoiler ??? I think
The upside of the soft top is the speed of putting it down. You don’t have to stop before operating - you can just release the catch and throw it back whilst moving, as long as speed is not excessive.
You can also raise it whilst moving if you have a strong left arm.
On a continental trip we ran into hailstones on the autobahn. One passenger in a MK3 turned in the seat and raised the roof at 50+ mph! The hailstones were so big a number of us suffered numerous dents in both bonnet and boot requing a visit from the dent man!
Yes, and the line is better on the soft top with the roof raised.
When I was looking to purchase my 3.5 in Sept last year I was so taken with the car itself that I couldn’t decide whether to go for the Soft or folding Hard. When I had cooled down so to speak, I very carefully walked round them both (top up), looking at them from all angles and to be honest they both looked superbly balanced. . There are some some sports cars that look good with the top up or down and some that don’t look good with top up in my experience. In the end I chose the folding hard top for the following reasons.
With it up, it looks like a coupe, the roof being the same colour as the body, and is ideal for bad weather as it’s warm and comfortable like a saloon car.
The added security of a hard top which on balance might deter an opportunist thief or vandal.
If I flipped it, I believe the hard top may give me some added protection.
The slightly reduced accelaration due to the extra weight is of no consequence to me, although the top speed is slightly higher but is also of no consequence.
At the end it’s a personal preference decision you have to make.
Gales 