Hi guys,
Looking to upgrade my little micra to a Mazda 3.
I really like the idea of having a sunroof as a feature and have been looking at them for a while.
Is there any negative aspect to having a sunroof on your vehicle ? and in your opinion, is it worth the extra $$ ?
I drive with the window down all the time so I think i'll enjoy it.
But trying to book a test drive just to see how it feels !
According to the comments so far, sunroof not looking so flash.
Yeah, it's not everyone's thing. In fact, it seems I am part of a significant minority going by this thread.
A few of my friends from work have a sunroof in their car, and they often use theirs, when I am travelling with them. They also comment on enjoying having a sunroof.
Depends how much extra it costs. For a few hundred dollars it might be tempting, but usually it's a much more expensive option.
I think the negatives outweigh the positives. It can give more 'air' and apparent headroom in the car, but it's never going to make your vehicle as open as a convertible. Extra hole in the roof opens possibility of water leaking in - it's not unheard of in sunroofs. How often would you have the sunroof open, realistically? In Australia most people are trying to stay out of the sun rather than bake in it. I know someone who buys all his vehicles with large sunroofs. I've never seen it open.
From the vehicles I have tested, the sun roof didn't appear to me to have added any value. Headroom didn't appear more, actually less.
The first time this happened to me I checked with the sales man and he said the sunroof actually reduced headroom. Was only a couple of centimeters but made me feel claustrophobic.
As someone who nearly never opens the windows, I would never consider a car with a sunroof on the second hand market.
Had a sunroof in my old Celica, back in the single days, rarely used it.
Also had one in the family RAV4.
Oldish model, 2002, just started leaking as I sold it.
Never used it !
Some people might use them.
Wouldn't turn me off purchasing a car if it already had it, but I would never pay extra for it.
Windows down or air-con is plenty.
I've heard that they weaken the strength of the roof, not ideal if you roll the car.
I've never followed this through, so maybe a old wives tale.
This is correct as they remove or cut some reinforcing steel in the roof. But factory fit sunroofs will have additional bars or some other kind of strengthening to compensate and considering this will probably end up stronger.
Proper after-market fit sunroofs will/should also involve some kind of strengthening.
I never wanted to pay for extras like sunroof in a new car… until I bought my current car (used, but near new) which came with a sunroof anyway.
It depends what type of a person you are. If you've got the aircon on most of the time, then don't bother. I'd rather have some fresh air (rarely use aircon and would rather have the windows open, unless it is unbearably hot). The sunroof (with windows up) allows the air to circulate without having the wind directly in your face, which I find much more comfortable.
If I was to buy another car, I would consider getting a sunroof again and would pay up to about $2000.
Great. so there are people who enjoy it. I can't wait to test it myself.
got it.
Love it
Great in the city to see up at sky and buildings if you don't have a convertible (who does?!) Let's a bit more natural light in.
Get a bit of airflow in without it hitting your face too much.
It's more efficient to run the aircon than to have the windows down when you're going above a certain speed (freeway speeds obviously).
Now MythBusters just need to test a convertible versus a sunroof. Or sunroof vs windows vs aircon.
If your car doesn't have a sunroof you can add them on after. Mod and panel shops do it. If your mate is an auto electrician and handy with electric tools you can always DIY too.
Definitely.
Its more a if you've had it, you'll really miss it. If you don't you don't know what you're missing.
Since my mate had a car with it a while back, when i was looking into buying a new car, it was no.1 must have.
I always hated buffeting in the car, the uneven spread of the air, I never knew how much until I experienced sunroof.
If you're conerned about passengers, ie family, a sunroof is a must. As a fequent passenger, I REALLY REALLY REALLY hated it when the driver or the front passenger wound down their window.
Two of our cars have them installed ( from new)- no problems - just great fresh air blowing through which allieviates the necessity to use the air con. which would then use more fuel. We believe they can prove to be a selling point not a negative one.
Had a sunroof on Dad's previous car. Used it about once. We found it was just a gimmick and stopped using it. Its just another piece of glass to clean too and won't really change the resale value when the time to sell comes.
I have a sunroof and i never use it. It's good at night time and if you're a smoker i guess. Also it depends on what states you're in. I'm in QLD so if it's open during the day i'll get sun burnt even in winter. With sunroofs you usually lose a little bit of head room, so depending on how tall you are, you might need that extra bit.
I loved the idea of a sunroof. Finally got a car with one and while it looks cool to have and on a hot day, instead of opening all your windows slightly to vent hot air while away, you just press a button and it opens slightly at the back, job done. (Well mine anyway).
One big negative is no sun protection (apart from tint) + black hair = my head feeling like the surface of the sun. End up having to close the sun shade, which defeats the purpose of having a sun roof in the first place!
my car is 2years old, the sunroof has a cover
I have a factory sunroof in a 2nd hand Honda CRV, Sydney area. I like it, wife doesn't (doesn't like the sun on her). Ours has an integrated shutter underneath so you can block out the light when the sunroof is not in use, however on dark winter days I like to have the shutter open as it makes the cabin lighter. Ours also has 2 settings - just tilted up at the back, and also fully open where it slides back into the roof. Tilted is great if you are parked somewhere relatively safe in the summer as the car stays cooler, or use it tilted only at faster speeds to remain quiet. Only problem tilting when parking is someone could tip a milkshake or something in the sunroof if its a dodgy parking spot.
I've read about issues with the sunroof leaking, however if you check every couple of years that the drain holes are not getting clogged, the factory ones are designed very well so its almost impossible to leak.
A lot of Honda's have a sunroof so no real premium, and I'd struggle to pay more than about $500 premium for one.
If you want a Sunroof, only go for the genuine option. Never go aftermarket. You may have issues if they haven't cut the hole right etc which may cause leaks. They may also dent/damage the roof while installing it. I've seen this happen. At least with genuine, it's done at factory and is part of the warranty on the car.
I get a company car and most have sunroofs. Not my choosing as I am not fussed.
Plus -
In summer, it's great to let the heat out. Start the car, open it right up with aircon on and it just blows the heat right up.
At night or winter, just has a nice view.
If you smoke or people you know who smoke and you let them. Helps get the smell out when open.
Negative -
Can takeaway headroom. I am tall and in some cars, my head is mm from touching the roof with a sunroof but the non sunroof version I would have a inch or two.
Forgetting to close it and it rains or bugs and insects get in.
Outside noise is more clearer.
Outside smells coming in.
I never really have the sunroof completely open unless to initially get the hot air out, otherwise I just have it tilted.
Next car I get with a sunroof, I'm going to get it tinted. I find even when tilted, the sun seems to burn my neck unless I use the cover to block it.
If you want a Sunroof, only go for the genuine option. Never go aftermarket.
agreed
You may have issues if they haven't cut the hole right etc which may cause leaks.
its nothing to do with the hole they cut. factory rooves have "gutters" and drains which remove any water which may get past the seals and dump it back outside. aftermarket rooves dont have this and so any moisture that gets past the seals lands generally on the seats/you.
OP if your a windows down sorta person DEFINITELY get a sunroof. ive had several cars with them and they are awesome. next step? full convertible. they are better than baby unicorn tears
My old car has a sunroof, and I almost didn't buy it for that reason. But it drove so well, I couldn't pass it up.
If you intend keeping the car for a while (like 5+ years) they're a PITA.
They all have drainage tubes which are supposed to channel away water. But they get blocked, or worse yet, leak.
The seals eventually perish and you have water ingress into the roof and inner panels. Sometimes also the interior. It's not unusual to see 10+ year old cars with a rusty sunroof panel.
In my case, I want to either replace my rusty one with a carbon-fibre plug or a roof transplant from a non-sunroof version.
Yeah i'm not planning on changing the car anytime soon.
So you're saying the sunroof is not worth it ?
As someone else wrote, your roof is a bit less rigid with a sunroof. You also have the added weight of motor, tray, rails etc in the worst possible spot (higher C.O.G.).
IMHO, not worth it.
But it's your money, your choice. What's more important to you? More air, more light or both?
If you want "fresh" air?
Open a window. It doesn't have to be the drivers window if that's too buffeting either. Or it could be, if you have wind deflectors fitted.
If you want more light in the car and don't care about the added weight?
A panoramic roof is a good compromise (a full tempered glass roof) with a sliding interior trim panel. Like this one. Not suggesting you buy an old CRX btw.
Some even have LCD dimming.
At least this way, there's no moving parts or drainage issues to worry about. It should be slightly quieter inside and in normal driving situations, have better torsional/bending rigidity than a conventional electric sunroof arrangement. However, it's also much heavier than either a closed steel or sunroof. I'd always be suss in the event of a rollover. In almost thirty years of driving I haven't achieved that.
Maybe I'm just not trying hard enough?
If you want more air and light?
Glass roof with window(s) open.
your roof is a bit less rigid with a sunroof.
ahhh keyboard experts again….. this is bullshit. factory sunroofs have extra bracing etc which more than makes up for any thin flat metal that has been taken out. if you look at one with the hood lining pulled out, or even better ever installed a factory sunroof into a non sunroofed car (like i have) you would know this.
You also have the added weight of motor, tray, rails etc in the worst possible spot (higher C.O.G.).
howdy fangio, your that good a driver that you can actually feel a couple of kg's in extra weight even in this "worst possible spot"? no? didnt think so. i am that good a driver (several awards/trophies/championships etc to show for it) and there is no way i could feel it. even on board telemetry would not show up any noticeable difference.
You're talking rubbish.
If it's not a one-piece panel, it's less rigid. It's that simple.
10-20kg extra weight isn't good for acceleration, braking, fuel economy or handling.
If you have to corner-weight a race car, you do it as low as possible, right?
Even an amateur club racer should know that.
You're talking rubbish.
yet you have not actually pointed out any of this rubbish i said, to scared of being proven incorrect again?
If it's not a one-piece panel, it's less rigid. It's that simple.
no, no its not even close to that simple. take a quick look for example at the "box construction section" for example that makes up any strong part of any car (all window pillars, sil panels for example). they are all multi pieced not one single piece. why? caus multi piece box sections are magnitudes stronger than a flat single piece. simples?
so guess what the reenforcing in a factory sunroof is made from? now your getting it…. its box sectioned.. at this rate you will actually know what we call "facts" beofre the day is out….
10-20kg extra weight isn't good for acceleration, braking, fuel economy or handling.
no it isnt, but the couple of kg's of a sunroof really is not noticeable. in a road car even 20kg is barely noticeable just for the record. 20kg is sbout 1/3 of a tank of fuel and you dont see people not putting petrol in tehre cars because of the "massive difference" that small amount of weight makes do you? no you dont. case and point….
If you have to corner-weight a race car, you do it as low as possible, right?
do you even know what corner weighting is for? it is for getting the weight on each tyre "equal" to ensure amongst other things that the adjustable coilover suspension is set up to its correct heights on each "corner" (wheels)….. it would be a little hard to corner weight the roof of a car to ensure that your suspension heights are correct…..
Even an amateur club racer should know that.
but an "internet expert" should quit using big words he dosnt understand trying to seem smarter than he really is…… else one may come off looking like a dumbarse ;)
the couple of kg's of a sunroof
Well if you can find a factory or aftermarket electric sunroof this light, be sure to let me know. I personally don't want the extra flab especially at the highest point of the car. You know, the roof.
A two piece roof structure more rigid you reckon? That's like saying a brick wall with a window covering 1/3 of it is more solid than a full brick wall.
Funny but I don't see many tin-tops sporting a sunroof. Sometimes a roof scoop, but that's a much smaller hole. As for corner-weighting? Yes I know what it's for. And I'm correct on that too. Adding weight to the roof of a car is never a good idea.
Unless it's for comedic value.
And hey, there's always Google. Here's two examples from just one forum page.
Starion rollover 1
Starion rollover 2
I'm not even trying. There's thousands of hits for "sunroof problems", "sunroof leak", "sunroof rigidity" etc.
So you have a panel that will rattle, loosen, require maintenance to keep running smoothly, most likely be the first panel to rust, present a possible security weakness, is less weatherproof, adds electrical complexity, often reduces headroom, adds more weight (typically 20kg) and is a possible safety hazard.
Yep, so much to love about a sunroof.
You're exaggerating a bit there. I'm sure people have had problems, but then again, problems can occur with any part of the car, and the internet will archive peoples complaints indefinately.
My car has had a sunroof for 18 years, and it has never rattled, loosened, required maintenance, rusted, been broken in through or leaked. And hell, it feels like every other part of that car has broken in some way. Though never any problems with the sunroof.
Perhaps a sunroof does add extra weight, or introduces structural weakness. I don't know what the extent of the reinforcements added are, but I'd assume they'd offset the weakness at least somewhat.
Irrespective, 20kg extra weight is negligable, wherever you put it on your car. Don't see how you can argue against that.
Agree with nosdan on a lot of these points.
I think you are making a mountain out of a mole hill. The above images of the Starion are not at all conclusive. You would need to show comparison shots (to non-sunroof roll overs) to demonstrate the difference. The majority of the roof strength (during roll over) is in the pillars and roof rails.
Avoiding purchasing a sunroof based on (marginally - at most) reduced roll-over performance is being a bit paranoid. But that's just my opinion.
Reduced rigidity due to less sheetmetal will be not be significant to any extent, unless it is a dedicated race car, I would not even consider this as a deciding factor. Convertible on the other hand, that's a different story.
Regarding extra weight, in terms of vehicle performance and fuel consumption, again, you will not notice this. As mentioned, fill up your tank to 2/3, and you will offset this. Don't option electric seats, and you will offset this. I could go on…
"If you have to corner-weight a race car, you do it as low as possible, right?
Even an amateur club racer should know that."
This discussion is not centered around a race car. You might as well argue not to option air conditioning.
@she_spools_180:
The principle of lower weight applies to all vehicles. The advantages are universal whether it's a road or race car; whether you notice them or not isn't relevant.
You don't see the combustion process in the cylinders do you? But you still know it happens.
The same principle even applies to people.
If you're overweight, you place more stress on your joints. There's many other complications too.
Point is, the trend toward heavier cars is being addressed once again. Most manufacturers know it's an issue and they're tackling it in different ways.
All airlines know the virtues of less weight.
I still fill my tank with fuel, to the brim. But telling the internets that carrying additional weight isn't a problem is pointless. Regarding fuel economy, most "experts" advise correct tyre pressures, sensible driving habits and cleaning out your car of extra weight if it's not needed. I consider a sunroof to fit the last criteria.
If it doesn't bother you, fine.
But the equivalent of a full bag of cement doesn't appeal to me.
My car has had a sunroof for 18 years, and it has never rattled, loosened, required maintenance, rusted, been broken in through or leaked. And hell, it feels like every other part of that car has broken in some way. Though never any problems with the sunroof.
I'd say you've either been very lucky or you have a manual sunroof.
There's a switch, relay, wiring, plugs, a motor and many other bits that can (and often do) fail or wear out. Introduce water ingress and it soon goes pear-shaped. The rails need lubing every so often and the whole tray needs adjustment to maintain correct alignment and proper seal.
the internet will archive peoples complaints indefinately.
Not necessarily. Forums and blogs shut down every day. If the quantity of problems bother you; if looking the other way is your approach to issues, then you can selectively read much newer (and hence fewer) results.
I'm not here to filter the internet for you.
@mcmonte: i might come back to the other points tomorrow but i just wanted to point out the stupidity in something
And hey, there's always Google. Here's two examples from just one forum page.
Starion rollover 1
Starion rollover 2
LOOOOL in the first one, even tho the roof has had some heavy impact including bending pillars and the windscreen surround (neither effected by the sunroof) the actual sunroof and surrounding metal has somewhat kept its shape better than the surrounding metal (compare how deep the dents just before the sunroof is and how its not been transferred to the sunroof) in that pic the sunroof has actually stood up to the rollover better than any of the surrounding metal. looks like the sunroof wins out on that one…….
now going onto the 2nd one, even tho it is again a rather dramatic pic it has yet again failed to prove your point. the sunroof and the surrounding metal has survived rather beter than the rest of the roof area, the A pillars (the main structure of the roof) have folded and just behind the sunroof you can see where something has impacted there and the reenforcing from the sunroof has actually stopped the rest of the roof from caving in/following along with the impact. and if you look really hard, at the back of the sunroof the body metal where the fold is has stood up so well the metal surrounding it has creased substantially but the actual sunroof surround its self has managed to keep its original shape ecen with so much other massive damage.
if your a wowser both of those pics are dramatic and you may look past the obvious. if you have more than 3 brain cells to rub together and take some time to actually take a critical look and think about it logically you can see that the sunroof is probably the star of the show and the savior in these rollovers.
but hey, keep going brainiac….. surely if you say enough dumb shit eventually even you have to mistakenly stumble across a real fact and claim you do still actually know something relevant even in the face of obvious stupidity….
PS, if you read the actual comments on that forum page you pasted most of them go against your "wisdom"….. but dont let that get you down champ..
The point is, there's thousands of forum pages dedicated to this very debate. That particular forum has those that still prefer a normal roof.
If they're so much safer as you suggest, why aren't they mandatory? I know track cars have cages and such, but who wouldn't want "extra" strength? And road cars; don't get me started. The market wants rolling bouncy-castles with infotainment systems.
In the case of OP, they're asking if it's worth paying extra, and as a OzB member and one who dislikes a sunroof for manifold reasons, I say it's not worth it.
In fact, all being equal between two otherwise identical cars, I'd pay more to avoid a sunroof. Then again, my cars are 20 and 25 years old.
The point is, there's thousands of forum pages dedicated to this very debate
and as i have shown, a vast number of people with opinions are morons…. it takes no skill to have a poorly thought out and easily disproved opinion. opinions are like arseholes, everybodys got one.
If they're so much safer as you suggest
where did i say they were safer? i simply disproved your poorly thought out and frankly incorrect "opinions". i simply said they were no less safe.
I know track cars have cages and such, but who wouldn't want "extra" strength?
your an idiot. if all they wanted was strength they would build sherman tanks. there is places for strength and there are placed where its pointless, the middle of the roof where a sunroof is is just one of those places where added strength is unneeded in any sort of race car. if you look at some race cars they even cut holes in places where a street car is strengthened for this very reason.
In the case of OP, they're asking if it's worth paying extra, and as a OzB member and one who dislikes a sunroof for manifold reasons, I say it's not worth it.
if this is all you said this whole thread would be completely different, instead you gave your obviously unqualified opinions in areas you have no clue what you are talking about, and trying to sound as if your some sort of "expert" on the subject and have been clearly proven not to have any clue about what you are talking about.
In fact, all being equal between two otherwise identical cars, I'd pay more to avoid a sunroof.
after all this i think any opinion you hold should be seen as moot as generally your options are unfounded and completely false
have a nice day…..
@nosdan:
You claim they're stronger due to "extra" reinforcement, yet then back down when I ask why they aren't mandatory. Who wouldn't want a "stronger" roof?
Cars still roll, don't they? Trees and other debris occasionally fall on cars; I'd want a stronger roof.
I've had three cars with bad (rusty, non-functional, leaky, lifting) sunroofs. All highly acclaimed, well regarded Japanese cars, all factory-fitted, all shit. To be fair, I didn't have a garage for these cars, just a carport so they copped a fair bit of weather.
1986 Integra - rust around outer panel perimeter, distortion of outer seal due to lumps and metal loss. Slight water ingress to tray/roof cavity.
1986 Celica SX - Much the same, coupled with electrical failure. Not the fuse either.
It no longer opened, but that was a blessing in disguise. Previously when it did open, it would sprinkle rust fragments into the interior, onto my head.
1989 CRX - Same again, but worse. Water ingress would channel down to the drivers side seat belt reel, and down the B-pillar. This one also lost its leading edge fixing points on the underside. When I'd go above 90km/h, the leading edge would lift.
Thankfully it's a black car, some gaffer tape did the trick.
So don't tell me I have no experience on the topic or something to contribute here matey. I'm responding to the OP with consideration to them stating
Yeah i'm not planning on changing the car anytime soon.
And if they buy a used car, it could be up to 10 years old (Maz3 has been around that long).
They're an added complication; a liability. If any of this goes over your head, just shout.
your so deluded its incredible, you do know just being old does not automatically make one wise?
if you are going to claim i said something then quote it otherwise you will simply be dismissed as full of shit.
You claim they're stronger due to "extra" reinforcement
where exactly did i claim that? its you that pasted the rollover pics in the hope it would somehow support your BS claims of sunroofs being "weak" however in those instances the sunroof survived better than the rest of the roof/pillars etc. that isnt something i claimed but simply something i pointed out to you.
you dug your hole, i simply took a well informed dump from above chump…
yet then back down when I ask why they aren't mandatory. Who wouldn't want a "stronger" roof?
altho i never claimed it to be a safety feature, simply disproved your stupid comment about them being "weaker" ill answer this thusly… it would also be safer to have bulletproof safety glass fited to every vehicle. this would stop people being shot through the window of there car. why dosnt this happen in every car even tho it would be safer? because people simply do not get shot through the windows of there cars frequently enough for it to be of value. same as you do not strengthen every single point on a vehicle to its fullest extent because, as i have already said in other comments above, it is simply unneeded in that point because the sunroof is equally strong as the surrounding material. am i still talking to fast for you or did you get it this time? you would have to be a moron to think that they need/should strengthen every single square millimetre of a vehicle to its fullest extent.
So don't tell me I have no experience on the topic
i didnt say you had no experience i simply (and quite easily) explained where and why your wrong with these things i like to call "facts" but you keep come back with mindless rants and i keep slapping you back down in your hole where you belong.
in the immortal words of Apu Nahasapeemapetilon "thank you, please come again"
if you are going to claim i said something then quote it otherwise you will simply be dismissed as full of shit.
Petulant little troll, aren't ya? Not sure if you're on ice or just need more huffs of the 'ol NOS, Dan.
LOOOOL in the first one, even tho the roof has had some heavy impact including bending pillars and the windscreen surround (neither effected by the sunroof) the actual sunroof and surrounding metal has somewhat kept its shape better than the surrounding metal (compare how deep the dents just before the sunroof is and how its not been transferred to the sunroof) in that pic the sunroof has actually stood up to the rollover better than any of the surrounding metal. looks like the sunroof wins out on that one…….
now going onto the 2nd one, even tho it is again a rather dramatic pic it has yet again failed to prove your point. the sunroof and the surrounding metal has survived rather beter than the rest of the roof area, the A pillars (the main structure of the roof) have folded and just behind the sunroof you can see where something has impacted there and the reenforcing from the sunroof has actually stopped the rest of the roof from caving in/following along with the impact. and if you look really hard, at the back of the sunroof the body metal where the fold is has stood up so well the metal surrounding it has creased substantially but the actual sunroof surround its self has managed to keep its original shape ecen with so much other massive damage.
In case your fingers are so gnarled and twisted from over-use and you can't scroll up to your post, I've provided a link.
What I've provided is a reality-check to the OP. Everything has a price, there are no free rides. When I say you have a movable panel that's electrically controlled and requires drainage and maintenance + adds weight, what's your response?
The following is NOT a quote, I'm paraphrasing.
"Don't worry about it. Extra weight? Nah! Extra complexity? Nah! Weaker roof? Hell nah!"
You don't acknowledge the ageing process of ferrous metal. You don't acknowledge electrical gremlins. You don't acknowledge leakage.
Because (and here's a properly obscure Simpsons reference) you have a Hooray for everything attitude to them, sans reality.
Well I hope you enjoy your sunroof and don't encounter the problems I've had with mine.
My advice stands and my position remains unchanged. So that's me done here.
wow, incredible. the quoted text above was to counter your claim that in the pics you posted there was some indication that the sunroof had somehow made the roofs weaker. i was simply, as i have already said previously, pointing out the fact that you were agian full of it and those pics quite clearly showed no more damage because of the sunroof and in my informed opinion seems to show that the roofs stood up better than the surrounds which makes perfect sense when you consider all the box framing as i have already explained also. … you are trying to take one little part, blow it out of all proportion and try and somehow make that "prove" that you somehow know what your talking about and at the same time discredit someone who obviously knows more than you on the subject…. again you have completely failed on all accounts
maybe its time to get checked for dementia?
What I've provided is a reality-check to the OP
all you have provided is bullshit stacked on top of more bullshit. no facts and no valid opinions. that is why you have nothing to come back on with anything i say.
what you should have done is simply bowed out gracefully and said
"sorry nosdan, i was mistaken. you have proven to me that my claims of weakness were incorrect and i will stand corrected in the future"
that is how people learn stuff :)
Ya'll have to calm down this thread is dead.
panoramic is nice! But if you hardly use it, leave it in the sun a lot etc its just extra $$ to maintain in the long term.
I have one on my 96' Honda Accord, and love it!
Use it all the time; unless it's raining or cold outside.
All my cars have had sunroofs - barely use it. I think I'd prefer the extra headspace with a delete option. I like to open them at night but when the suns up they're just too hot to be opened.
I want a Mercedes E Class Coupe next with a panoramic roof with a mesh diffuser to cover the sunroof. I'm hoping that having an entire glass roof is better than a normal sunroof lol.
Got a sunroof, call it a moon roof, the only time you will use it; WOFM and just another thing to go wrong on a car
I hava a sunroof in a 2000 Lexus and use it all the time. With the tinted windows all wound up and all the doors locked, privacy and secuity are improved. Also there is no whining about her hair getting all messed up.
I have a love/hate relationship with my sunroof in our 2002 Subaru outback. Sometimes, it's nice to get the sun on you and look up into the clouds or trees as a passenger. Other times it's annoying and I close the blind flap to block the irritating sun!
Had one in my old Celica, 1994 car and it was still working great. Loved it, miss it. Used to eat a quick meal in my car and spend the rest of the time with the seat down, looking up at the sky and trees.
Pretty sure a sunroof can lower the ANCAP rating
Had cars with and without. Aside from the first 2 months when I enjoyed the 'gimmick' factor I've never really used it. I wouldn't pay more for a 2nd hand car because it had one. I suspect from a $$ perspective you wont enhance your sale price when you sell the car
most of my cars came with factory fitted sunroofs - hardly use it - novelty factor wears off pretty quickly.
If you like the air in your hair - go with a covertible
Pro sunroof - reading some of the claimed problems is scary, until you realise they're talking about old cars, older sunroofs, non factory builds.
My Subaru is 3 years old, factory fitted, I've had a look at it and am impressed with the job.
No doubt it being a moving part, there may be problems down the track, but I doubt it would be any different to having the door of the car breaking down.
I like it. I do admit that I hardly have it open, as my wife hates sunny hot weather. But even closed, the extra light and visibility makes the car feel more open, light and airy.
When I go for a drive by myself, roof open = heaven!
Most BMWs have it fitted as standard.
They work fine. 5 series and 2 x 3 series. One car is close to 10 years old, never had a problem. I never had to maintain anything - maybe the service centre did free magic to keep it serviced.
Wife didn't like sun, always had it closed + sun shade closed whenever she was in the car. She doesn't like windows down either - street dirt and dust…
On very hot days, best to have it and the sun shade closed. On really hot days, you can feel the heat come through the glass and sunshade due to lack of insulation.
Opening it up does help vent the car if it's been parked in the sun.
At high speed - too much wind noise to have it open.
City cruising, it's okay.
For cooler days, it does allow for more light and air into the car.
Don't have a sun-roof on our 4 wheel drive. Have sunroofs on the two cars.
Overall, I probably wouldn't pay a lot extra for it.
I liked my old convertible better if you want to 'hear' the road and car…
she can convert to alah, make her wear a burka and have the roof open.
whats with all of the sun hate, mine is just as stupid!
me: wanna go to the beach (25 deg c)
her: no, I only like to go when its really hot
Me: wanna go to the beach (40+ deg c)
her: its too hot
I shit you not this was less then a month ago and 2 weeks apart.
a few years ago, I grabbed my summernats sombrero before heading up the coast, I wanted the roof open, she didn't, grabbed the hat from the back seat and put it on her head. She took it off cos it looks shit and after a brief argument on how people on the highway don't give a shit or know you so why does it matter…she got sunburnt instead.
women.
i thought it was more like
me: wanna go to the beach (25 deg c)
her: no, I only like to go when its really hotMe: wanna go to the beach (26+ deg c)
her: its too hot
if trees had boobs women would be redundant…..
I love my sunroof, but my car is very hard to find without a sunroof, so there was no perceived premium cost associated with finding a car with with this feature. (I purchased second hand)
I have to say though, I love driving with my windows open, any occasion. So maybe I am biased.
It is nice though, to have fresh air flowing into the car without it buffeting your face, if you don't feel like it at the time (eg, on the freeway at 100kph).
Also, it's nice, on a hot summer's night, driving along, looking up and seeing the sky/stars and the moon, if you have it open.
It does make the interior a bit brighter during the day, but that is something you can easily 'try' just by jumping into one, and see if that is something that you notice or appreciate.
Not sure how much the dealer charges for this option, but if you are buying a 30k Mazda 3, and the sunroof option costs 3.5k, I would question the value of this. If it was up to 1k, then yes, I would say it's worth it.