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How to Buy a Convertible Soft Top Without Getting Soaked

How to · Auto

How to Buy a Convertible Soft Top Without Getting Soaked

Get your ride ready for summer road trips and pay for the new soft top over time without paying interest.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $750 before anything else
Across the 0% window $50.00/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $750 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

Driving a convertible with the top down is one of those simple pleasures that makes keeping an older car on the road totally worth it. But when the fabric starts wearing thin and the plastic window goes cloudy, you are looking at a real repair bill before road trip season hits. Spring is when every shop gets busy, so shopping around for the part before the rush is your best move.

Separating the cost of the hardware from the financing is the smartest way to handle this. You want to negotiate the best price on the top itself and any installation labor before you ever talk about how you are going to pay for it.

Keep in mind that 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers is a deadline, not free money. If you still have a balance left when those 15 months are up, interest charges will kick in on whatever is left over.

The steps

  1. 01

    Shop around for the part early

    Look for a replacement top with tinted glass well before summer weather arrives. Parts suppliers often run off-season sales in late winter or early spring before demand spikes.

  2. 02

    Get installation quotes

    Unless you have a garage, a staple gun, and a weekend to spare, you will need a trimmer or auto body shop to put it on. Call at least three shops to compare labor rates, and ask if they will install a part you bought yourself.

  3. 03

    Line up your payment window

    Use your Discover it® Cash Back card which gives you 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers. This gives you breathing room to pay for the top and the install over time.

  4. 04

    Set your monthly target

    Take the total bill, including parts and labor, and divide it by your timeline. Spreading $750 across the 15-month window works out to about $50.00 per month.

  5. 05

    Book the shop appointment

    Lock in your install date so you are ready to roll the moment the weather turns warm. Make sure the shop guarantees their work against leaks.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

Should I get glass or plastic?

Glass is more expensive and a bit heavier, but it will not yellow or scratch the way plastic does. If you park outside, glass is usually worth the extra cost.

Can I install a soft top myself?

You can if you are patient and have a warm day to let the vinyl stretch into place. Most people prefer a professional shop because getting the tension right stops wind noise and leaks.

What happens if I miss a monthly payment?

Missing a payment can trigger late fees and might cause your promotional rate to end early. Set up automatic payments for at least the minimum so you stay on track.

Do I need to replace the frame too?

Usually no, unless your car was in an accident or the current frame is bent and rusted. Most new tops fit right onto your existing factory frame.