Convertible

[Chinadoll]

Hi guys, I have a quick question, I currently own a 2000 silver bug and am interested in upgrading to a convertible one. I live in ohio so I need to know how these cope in snowy cold weather! Please hit me up with ur experiences and advice..THANKS~~

[quilleau]

I live in PA and have had no issues with my 2003 convertible. Traction is actually a bit better than the hardtop (sturdier frame = more weight)and there's plenty of heat. Get the heated seats if you can...oh sooo comfy. The only thing to watch for is iced-up windows. Every time you open the door the windows actually drop a smidge because they seat in a rubber channel just under the lip of the cloth top. It makes for a nice tight seal, but too much ice can keep the doors from opening because the window isn't able to drop. It's never happened to me, but I've seen it in action (or in-action)on a friend's PT Cruiser. It's a minor inconvenience that may leave you out in a sleet storm for a few minutes more than you like, but it will give some free time to dream of top-down summer cruising with the wind in your hair.

[usa bug 03]

I have a 2007 and live in Colorado it does good but I did change tires to all weather.

[YummeeCookee]

I live in DC - not quite as frigid as OH I suppose.
I have driven my NBC in snow and ice and she seemed to hold up fine. It stays very toasty inside too.

[williamadamsesq]

I haven't had my convertible through the winter, but I can tell that the top seals well and insulates well, so I don't think that you'll have any more or fewer comfort issues. There's more weight lower in the car so it should do as well on snow or ice as a coupe.

The hard part is the windows freezing up in a sleet storm, while you're at work or the car is otherwise parked outside, as the windows should drop when the door is opened. There are threads here that say that a remote starter can be installed at the cost of the remote starter plus a key. Make sure you go to someone with experience with installing the remote starters on vw's. Interestingly, a number of posters urge the people to just 'man up' and drive in the cold. No one seems to consider the importance of defrosting the convertible windows.