Spyder Question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 315
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Spyder Question
Hey Folks,
I live in Maryland and came across a fantastic Spyder the other day that I am considering buying. It would be my 3rd car and used maybe 5,000 a year at the most---not a DD. But, it does rain a lot here and I do a fair share of highway driving when I take my sports cars on road trips. It isn't back roads here all the time on the East Coast unfortunately.
My ONLY reserve is the roof. More specifically will it leak in the rain and is the noise while driving with it on unbearable? I plan to take the car out on Saturday. But, I am really wondering what living with the roof is like because there will indeed be times when I have to leave it on--either for safety (malicious people) or rain. So I do have to factor that into the equation.
Thanks in advance for any sound advice (other than move to San Diego:-)
I live in Maryland and came across a fantastic Spyder the other day that I am considering buying. It would be my 3rd car and used maybe 5,000 a year at the most---not a DD. But, it does rain a lot here and I do a fair share of highway driving when I take my sports cars on road trips. It isn't back roads here all the time on the East Coast unfortunately.
My ONLY reserve is the roof. More specifically will it leak in the rain and is the noise while driving with it on unbearable? I plan to take the car out on Saturday. But, I am really wondering what living with the roof is like because there will indeed be times when I have to leave it on--either for safety (malicious people) or rain. So I do have to factor that into the equation.
Thanks in advance for any sound advice (other than move to San Diego:-)
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,801
Likes: 23
From: PA
Hi John,
The Spyder top does not let rainwater in. It's a 2 piece design manual top that takes 2-3 minutes to put up or take down (once you're accustomed to it). With just the large top on, it will let rain in behind the seat but not when both pieces are on.
There will, however, be increased sound compared to "conventional" convertible tops. Definitely not unbearable or anything but it's noticeable when driven back to back. Also, at speeds 80 and above it lets a slight stream or bursts of air into the cabin. No water, just air.
The top works very well but it is manual after all. I suspect that it's the main reason why Spyders change hands so often. So you should take that into consideration. Not a DD for everyone though mine is a semi-DD.
The Spyder top does not let rainwater in. It's a 2 piece design manual top that takes 2-3 minutes to put up or take down (once you're accustomed to it). With just the large top on, it will let rain in behind the seat but not when both pieces are on.
There will, however, be increased sound compared to "conventional" convertible tops. Definitely not unbearable or anything but it's noticeable when driven back to back. Also, at speeds 80 and above it lets a slight stream or bursts of air into the cabin. No water, just air.
The top works very well but it is manual after all. I suspect that it's the main reason why Spyders change hands so often. So you should take that into consideration. Not a DD for everyone though mine is a semi-DD.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,216
Likes: 230
Hi John,
The Spyder top does not let rainwater in. It's a 2 piece design manual top that takes 2-3 minutes to put up or take down (once you're accustomed to it). With just the large top on, it will let rain in behind the seat but not when both pieces are on.
There will, however, be increased sound compared to "conventional" convertible tops. Definitely not unbearable or anything but it's noticeable when driven back to back. Also, at speeds 80 and above it lets a slight stream or bursts of air into the cabin. No water, just air.
The top works very well but it is manual after all. I suspect that it's the main reason why Spyders change hands so often. So you should take that into consideration. Not a DD for everyone though mine is a semi-DD.
The Spyder top does not let rainwater in. It's a 2 piece design manual top that takes 2-3 minutes to put up or take down (once you're accustomed to it). With just the large top on, it will let rain in behind the seat but not when both pieces are on.
There will, however, be increased sound compared to "conventional" convertible tops. Definitely not unbearable or anything but it's noticeable when driven back to back. Also, at speeds 80 and above it lets a slight stream or bursts of air into the cabin. No water, just air.
The top works very well but it is manual after all. I suspect that it's the main reason why Spyders change hands so often. So you should take that into consideration. Not a DD for everyone though mine is a semi-DD.
Banned
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,210
Likes: 2
From: Atlanta Ga
I have driven through some downpours that occurred on a trip I took, the top works great. It is louder but that's a small price to pay for a car that feels perfect. I know none of us would do this anyway but I have to assume the top would leak if someone tried to go through a touchless with it.
PS A huge plus of the design is the unfettered access it provides to the engine bay in contrast to the clam shell design and service mode.
PS A huge plus of the design is the unfettered access it provides to the engine bay in contrast to the clam shell design and service mode.
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Drifting
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,727
Likes: 6
From: Cali
John,
I have noticed some variation in the fit of the roof. Most are spot on perfect, some are slightly off. I got lucky...no noise at any speed, and no leakage at all (at least not in California's light/medium rains).
I have noticed some variation in the fit of the roof. Most are spot on perfect, some are slightly off. I got lucky...no noise at any speed, and no leakage at all (at least not in California's light/medium rains).
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
Thanks for the feedback!
The roof in my car is great. I drove the car home in a very heavy rain yesterday at highway speeds up to 75 MPH with zero leaks and no problems with turbulence or noise (with the windows up). I didn't notice anything different from any other convertible top. Top Gear and Fifth Gear were making it seem it was made of tissue paper. I don't get that impression at all.
But, I can see where one would have to take good care of it and pay close attention not to get it bent out of shape or damaged. As the car ages I'll have to keep a close eye on it.
The roof in my car is great. I drove the car home in a very heavy rain yesterday at highway speeds up to 75 MPH with zero leaks and no problems with turbulence or noise (with the windows up). I didn't notice anything different from any other convertible top. Top Gear and Fifth Gear were making it seem it was made of tissue paper. I don't get that impression at all.
But, I can see where one would have to take good care of it and pay close attention not to get it bent out of shape or damaged. As the car ages I'll have to keep a close eye on it.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 825
Likes: 489
From: Daniel Island, SC
John, it was Alan Jacksons car before I purchased it. You are owner #3. I bought it with 2000 miles. It's a great car and I'm a little sad that it's gone. The car I replaced it with is letting me down in a major way and I will probably sell it very soon. Enjoy the Spyder!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 315
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John, it was Alan Jacksons car before I purchased it. You are owner #3. I bought it with 2000 miles. It's a great car and I'm a little sad that it's gone. The car I replaced it with is letting me down in a major way and I will probably sell it very soon. Enjoy the Spyder!