I dont think leaking is something you need to be concerned with. The roof itself on the C70 is a very well built unit, the problems have come from iffy electrics and people have occasionally been left with a roof which wont go up or down. Just make sure you test it a few times on the day.

even though the cat is 11 years old.

Good age for a cat that.

whats the forums thinking on fabric roofs and outdoor storage (don't have a garage)

a) security - b) long term exposure to the elements

GUY

Have owned a ragtop MX5, which was a few years old when I had it. I always thought the mechanism was so simple and effective, it was a work of art - nothing at all to go wrong compared to the electric metal folding types. Things to check are the obvious ones such as physical damage to the fabric and signs of leakage/smells/stains inside.I treated mine with a proofer called "Renovo" which had the same effect as Nikwax on a waterproof jacket and made the rain "bead" off. It was kept outside and never leaked.

On cold mornings it could feel slightly cold to the touch inside until it warmed through. Also, it's much noisier than a hard top. Other than that, great, i would have another one.

I also would be nervous of a folding metal roof, the bill would be horrendous if it siezes or fails! Keep it simple I say!

The cloth roofed cars are an easy target for vandalism, one knife slash and your roof is done for, its louder at speed, more flimsy, older ones are prone to sagging. A metal tin top one means it can be essentially a normal car for winter but a convertible for summer, a brilliant idea. When they get over some electrical issues, like the SLK appears to have mostly done so, it'll be good.

Most folding roof cars are extremely heavy, with the strengthening beams through the panels and the sheer weight of the mechanisms to power the roof which does blunt performance some what but to me, having an open top car is all about having an open top car, if you want performance get something else. That is more relevant to things like the C70 which really does need a 3.5 or something in the range to make it shift properly. The SLK, purpose built as a convertible roadster handles these issues much better.

But i'd always take a metal roof over a folding one, like the BMW 6 series is hideously over priced considering it comes with cloth for a roof.

I would have thought that the weather in the UK is quite suitable for a convertible; if you live somewhere hot then you'll want the roof up and the aircon on to cool you down if you're driving around town (not so much on the motorway as the wind will buffet you a bit).

Thanks SFD

I still love the XJS, and err between wanting to change it and absolutely NOT! NEVER!

right now it is on EBAY and a couple of other sites tentatively, at top dollar, no rush to sell, and won't do so for anything other than the right price,

A folding tin top would be top of the list, since it would IMMEDIATELY stop the grumbling from some around me and providing it seats 4, and goes well, should still put a smile on my face.

Contact me privately if you want an update on the XJS story, I am not putting much up on forums these days about it.

G