So you've decided you want a convertible. Good for you! It's the perfect car for bathing in the sun's warm vibrancy and rinsing with a cool, crisp draft. Each drive will leave you refreshed and reborn.

Owning a convertible automobile comes with a different set of responsibilities, concerns, and features though. For the uninitiated, it's not like a traditional car. To help with your buying decision, here are some tips.

Get Heated Seats
It's so much fun to drive with the top down that you'll invariable hit cold air one day. On that day, you'll thank me for suggesting heated seats. They'll warm your bum with toasty goodness. If you're a guy thinking, "I can take the cold; I don't need no heated seats," consider the ladies who'll be sitting in your passenger seat. Don't their bums need toasty lovin' too?
Check the Heating Vents
Compare the heating vents of various convertibles while test driving on the highway. Some convertibles are able to blast hot air voluptuously. Others release only a wimpy fart. On those cold days, a stream of heat will be endearing. Make sure the convertible you choose can roar heat.
Leave Jackets in the Convertible
Another way to stay warm is to stash a few jackets for you and your passengers. Leave the jackets in the trunk so you don't invite thieves perusing your back seat for easy treasures. If you have a four-seater, your rear passengers can get especially cold since heated seats and vents aren't provided for them (unless manufacturers start offering this feature, hint hint).
Consider a Windscreen
This is optional but very helpful, especially for those with long hair. A windscreen fits onto the back seat and cuts down the wind dramatically. If you're cruising the highway with the top down, raise your windows and set up your windscreen; you'll be able to get the sun and only a little of the wind. Ladies with long hair will be thankful they don't end up with hair whiplash.
Leave Sunscreen in the Glove Compartment
Why improve your chances for skin cancer if you don't have to? Since you'll be exposed to more sun than others drivers, go for a sunscreen with a high SPF rating. It will come in handy on spontaneously sunny days. Also consider sunglasses.
Consider a Light-Colored Interior
The color black absorbs more heat than other colors. Go for a light-colored interior to avoid scorching hot seats while driving under the sun. However, many newer convertibles have heat-reflective coats on their interiors, lowering the heat absorption rate of black interiors a bit.
Consider a Hard-Top vs a Soft-Top
More and more convertibles have hard-tops now. They add to the structural integrity of the car (adding slightly to safety), hold in more heat, reduce driving noise, require less maintenance than soft-tops, and remove the worry of thieves & vandals cutting your soft-top. Unfortunately, they are more expensive (especially in repairs), add to the weight of the car (reducing performance and handling), and decrease the amount of trunk space available.
Ask About the Soft-Top Maintenance
If you go for a soft-top, inquire about the maintenance required. Soft-tops can come in a variety of materials: cloth, vinyl, or even leather. Some will need special shampoos, sealants, and special care instructions. A lint roller for cloth tops can be handy too.
Ask About the Interior Maintenance
Convertibles require more maintenance on their interiors than traditional cars, especially if you drive with the top down often. There may be special sealants and waxes you can purchase for your interior.
Inspect the Soft-Top
If you go for a used soft-top convertible, examine the top thoroughly. Look for tears, rips, and other damage. Replacing a convertible's top can be expensive. Some wear and tear will be inevitable; what you don't want are actual holes, cracks, or extremely worn spots.
Be Aware of Theft & Vandalism
If you go for a soft-top, the chances of theft and vandalism are higher. This means you should be careful where you park; avoid high-crime, poorly-lit streets at night. Consider paying for parking in a garage, if anything, for some peace of mind.
Ask About Roll-bar Protection
Some newer convertibles have strong enough windshield pillars that they'll prop the car up should it flip over. Many also have roll-bars built into the frame or are activated when the car is upside-down. Make sure the convertible you choose has safety features for such accidents.
Be Aware of Cornering Differences
Since the body of a convertible isn't as structurally rigid as a traditional car (due to the lack of a roof), it will twist slightly when taking hard turns. What this means is that convertibles won't perform as well when cornering at high speeds. For performance-minded drivers, you can purchase aftermarket front and rear stabilizer bars for added rigidity.
Check the Trunk Space
Convertibles will never have as much trunk space as regular cars. But some offer more space than others. Most convertible roadsters won't have enough space for traditional luggage, while most convertible coupes can fit maybe two pieces of luggage.
Check the Driving Noise
Convertibles are not quiet cars, even with the top down. Hard-top convertibles will generally be quieter than soft-tops, but all will exhibit some kind of noise (such as interior rattling, wind, engine, and tire noises). Some convertibles are quieter than others, however.
Consider Quiet Tires
Some tires are made to reduce driving noise. They aren't always offered by default however, so you may have to buy them separately. Good quality quiet tires will reduce driving noise considerably.
Check the Music System
If you like listening to music while driving, you'll need a fairly powerful music system when driving with the top down. As you compare convertibles, turn up the volume on the highway. Is it loud enough over the wind noise? Many convertibles also offer premium sound systems for extra money.
Check the Rear Visibility
The rear windows of convertibles generally aren't as large as in regular cars. This means there can be significant blind spots. Watch out for this. Of course, when the top is down, you won't have this problem. But when driving in reverse, you'll have to be more careful.
Check the Rear Window's Material
Many older convertibles have plastic rear windows. These windows cloud up and become opaque over the years, requiring expensive replacements. Avoid plastic rear windows if possible. Most newer convertibles use glass rear windows now, which don't have this problem.
Be Aware of the MPG
Convertibles aren't as fuel-efficient as traditional cars because of the increased wind drag. When the top is down, this is especially true. You'll spend far more on gas with a convertible than with a traditional car. Luxury convertibles may require premium gas too, further increasing your fuel costs.
Buy During the Winter
Sales of convertibles surge during hot, sunny summers, of course. For the best deals, make your purchase during the winter. You'll have more negotiation leverage then, as dealers are eager to get the convertibles off their lots.

And most importantly, have fun! You're going to love owning a convertible!

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Have you ever owned a convertible?