Top Up or Top DOWN
Rennlist Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 9,213
Likes: 1,907
From: Chicago, IL
Full disclosure: I have a 996 and will leave the top down, in my garage, for a number of days if I had previously opened it for a drive. I can always raise it, but by leaving it down, I don’t have to operate it back and forth. This can result in several open/close operations saved (deferred) per day.
I agree, though, in most cases, it’s best to close it. Especially if there’s a chance for rain, if the top is damp even in the slightest, if the car is parked in a public space that is questionable, heck, even unquestionable places are not deterred by bird droppings, if the sun is beating down on the interior for hours, if you want lock any item in the vehicle, etc.
I agree, though, in most cases, it’s best to close it. Especially if there’s a chance for rain, if the top is damp even in the slightest, if the car is parked in a public space that is questionable, heck, even unquestionable places are not deterred by bird droppings, if the sun is beating down on the interior for hours, if you want lock any item in the vehicle, etc.
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Instructor
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 163
Likes: 63
From: Cape Town
I have purchased 2 CPO cabrios. Both were received with very noticeable creases in the top. This is because they were on the showroom floors for a few weeks with the top down. The first one the dealership managed to remove most of the creases (conditioner and steam), but the 2nd still has creases 1 year later.
What can't be avoided (if you want top down driving) is the shiny marks left on the soft top from friction driving with the top down.
What can't be avoided (if you want top down driving) is the shiny marks left on the soft top from friction driving with the top down.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 106
Likes: 54
From: Houston
I also store the car with the top up, though if I know I'll be driving again within the next few hours, I might leave the top down. I bought my 2018 Carrera S cabriolet as a CPO car with 30K miles on it (I bought it in 2022), and it definitely had creases and the shiny sheen in some places. I see a lot of 911 cabriolets where I live, and they all seem to have the creases. I think Porsche soft tops may not be as hearty as soft tops from other manufacturers. I for one think that owners should be able to leave the top down for extended periods (a few days) without worrying about permanent creases, and that we should be able to drive top down without creating shiny parts.