Have just picked up my 500c, and hoorah - the sun was shining so I could I have the roof back.

Now - I knew the visibility was bad with the roof all the way down, but I hadn't realised just how bad, I can't see a single thing out of the mirror with it fully down. I'm only 5'1", maybe if I was taller I'd be able to see more.

Now that in itself is not really a problem as I can have it open to the back of the roof, but I have I just spent £2,500 on a fabric sun roof? Is the opening on the cabrio bigger than the sunroof opening? I'd go back to the dealership to have a look, but daren't. They didn't have any in when I went originally to look.

I love driving with all the sky above my head, but would I have got this with the sunroof?

Just so I know for next time!

I bought a fixed glass roof model. Most of the benefit, none of the weather and visibility hassles. Admittedly I can ping the girly's MX5 on days when the weather is good. But what's the cost diff between a 500 and a 500c? A couple of grand? A mk1 mx5 is only a grand

The sun roof robs a lot of headroom, which may not matter if you are short
It is also only a glass covered hole above your head.

And you can drive with your fabric roof back easily, really; all you have to do is use the door mirrors instead of the rear view one. If you drove a van or an estate full of stuff you would have to learn how to use the mirrors, and this is no different.

The feeling of space is far greater with the fabric roof, and for pootling about in summer it has to be the most pleasant option.

500c one goes all the way back as you well know


500 sunroof is just the glass bit that opens of course


Tbh I think the sunroof is a better option but that's just me

Thanks you two.

I'm sure once I get over being terrified that someone is going to drive into me, I'll try with the roof all the way down. In the meantime, I'd forgotten how much fun driving round topless is!

The best thing about driving in a real convertible is to be completely "outside" with no posts (pardon my lack of vocabulary, is that how it's called in english?) when the C is imho just a glorified sunroof. Put it this way, when you drive with a sunroof open, you get the light/sun directly to your face as much as a C would, the difference is more for any back passenger that can share that light/sun so in that respect a driver wouldn't notice that a difference.
Plus driving it with also the windows down the regular 500 with suroof really feels quite "cabriolety" somehow.

Having said that if it wasn't for my wife (who doesn't trust fabric, wanted a "proper roof" as she calls it, and likes the rear wiper) I'd have chosen a C as it looks cool beyond belief, I am in awe (and jealous) when I see one, I find them just superb.
Dunno, there's something about the colours of that roof fabric (red in particular imo), all combinations really suit the little one, phwoar......


So technically I don't think that is that superior to a sunroof but hey you sure have the X factor!

I've never actually driven a 500C, so I have yet to experience the visibility issues. I'm not too worried though - the 500C comes with rear parking sensors as standard for maneuvering. The side mirrors should be enough when driving... I think.

And I agree with Cucciolotto on the sunroof vs soft top subject. The C is just a lot more charming than a regular 500 with a sun roof in my opinion, even if it doesn't feel more like a convertible.

Go the C... Cannot wait till mine hits the shore here in the colonies some time in May (hopefully). Had to buy without trying... thank you internet

Matt

The 500c is not really a full convertable as the pillars remain up. More of a rag top.

I really hate sunroofs - and never like using them. One of the down sides of having no hair is that exposing my head to direct sunlight is never a good thing - think sunburn on your head!

first rule of Italian driving

"watsa behind isa not important"

RobW said:

first rule of Italian driving

"watsa behind isa not important"

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Second rule is ......

Have had mine since October so not too many opportunities yet to drive with roof down. I quite like the 'halfway down' option where you can still see out back window but the noise is unbearable so can't do it really. It is a bit disconcerting not being able to see out the rear window but at least the wing mirrors provide good visibility and, as another poster pointed out, if you drove a transit or similar you would have to use the mirrors instead so it is not unheard of.

Admit that when reversing to park anywhere with roof fully down I push up the roof to that halfway position just before making the maneouvre. I just feel happier being able to see out the rear window as well as wing mirrors (which I do use for parking) incase someone is walking past back of car etc. It is a bit of a hassle but in grand scheme of things I am not bothered as the car is such fun. Enjoy yours!

YouKnowWho said:

The 500c is not really a full convertable as the pillars remain up. More of a rag top.

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That's the word I was looking for in my previous post, thanks for that. Learnt something today!

YouKnowWho said:

I really hate sunroofs - and never like using them. One of the down sides of having no hair is that exposing my head to direct sunlight is never a good thing - think sunburn on your head!

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Well it all depends of the use you make of it. I see other drivers who wait for the ultimate sun shining and 25C outside to open it, when I use it all year round. No need for mega sunshine, just needs not to rain, I love the light inside so I open it at every opportunity.
As for the sun burning on your head, one it is not that often in Britain D), two since the sun is always on the move (well from our perspective ) and you in the car are moving too, the chances that it stands right on top of your car/head and for too long are not that massive, it could well be on the sides, front or behind. And if it is the case just close it for a little while, simples! After years of "sunroof bathing" I've yet to experience a single burn.
As far as I'm concerned I will not ever buy a car without a sunroof unless..... it is a convertible.

I once had a bird poo on my head through an open sunroof whilst travelling at about 30 mph! Probably not a common problem though as I've driven 1000s of miles with the convertible roof open in my Triumph and never had it happen in that, I always carry a cap in that to avoid burnt head.

I'm with the bald bloke who hates sunroofs. I want to be inside when I am driving, in the shade with no light distractions or sudden blasts of sunlight. And I hate the sun on my head. Cool and shady with the A/C on please, and sweet music coming from the radio.

I would never buy a car with one.

Ulpian said:

I'm with the bald bloke who hates sunroofs. I want to be inside when I am driving, in the shade with no light distractions or sudden blasts of sunlight. And I hate the sun on my head. Cool and shady with the A/C on please, and sweet music coming from the radio.

I would never buy a car with one.

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Good man ... fair point you have there too .. you lose alot of sound quality with the roof open.

My first car (a rover) had a sunroof and no A/C - which I thought was ok, as I would be travelling and hence have cool air coming into the car.

I was stuck at the back of a 13 mile tailback on M4 corridor, in 30 degree heat .... that was not fun ... I swore then that I will never buy a car without A/C

YouKnowWho said:

Good man ... fair point you have there too .. you lose alot of sound quality with the roof open.

My first car (a rover) had a sunroof and no A/C - which I thought was ok, as I would be travelling and hence have cool air coming into the car.

I was stuck at the back of a 13 mile tailback on M4 corridor, in 30 degree heat .... that was not fun ... I swore then that I will never buy a car without A/C

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Bah! You want to try it in 40 degree heat Sometimes my 504 would run very hot and I'd have to turn the heater up to cool it down, all in the middle of summer in Australia!

Love my 500c and will defend it to the ends of the earth.

Yes, it takes a wee bit of getting used and like midlife, if I have to do any reversing then I pop the ragtop up to reveal the rear windscreen.

The wing mirrors, IMO, are fab and big enough to keep an eye on what's behind you.

You'll have so much fun in it and again, IMO, it's far more stylish than the glass sunroof

Either would be great as far as I'm concerned, but unfortunately for me neither were an option. I really wanted the opening sunroof but it robbed too much headroom and him indoors wouldn't fit in the passenger seat without bashing his head on the roof.

And the 500c was too much money

But I love my car anyway as it is with the solid roof.

I love my 500C and can't wait to get the roof down for once. This damn cold weather just doesn't seem to be shifting.

Like everyone has said don't worry about using the rear view mirror. Just use the side mirrors like a van driver would. You'll get used to it after a few goes.