Practical convertible no longer an oxymoron

I bought my 1997 Toyota Celica convertible brand new in Sept. 1996 and has been my only vehicle since. I have about 101,000 miles and I haven't had any major problems on it except for the convertible top motors but that may be more my fault which I explain below.

During my first year of ownership, I've had to replace the convertible motor three times. The first two were still under warranty but the third one I had to pay for myself. I complained to Toyota about how often these motors are going bad on me and at least they offered to sell me the third motor at cost (still had to pay labor). Anyway, I noticed the motors broke in the spring - when I first try to open the top after the winter. Since then, I open the top at least once a month all year long and I haven't had a motor go bad again. Like with any motor, I think you need to keep them "lubed" by not letting them sit there too long before using them.

Toyotas are known for their reliability and they have lived up to it in my experience. Even after a small fender bender, I haven't had any problems. Anything wrong with my car has been my fault. For example, my radio antenna doesn't fully retract because I accidentally went to a car wash with it up. I also have a couple of rips in my leather because I end up using it for transporting items with metal on them. Actually, I do have an in-dash 3-CD player and the cartridge has gone bad. If I use the topmost slot, sometimes my CD will get stuck in the radio. I eventually get it out. I only use the bottom two slots on the cartridge. Most likely, a new cartridge would fix this problem. I just remembered the round plastic knob that adjusts the lumbar support for the driver seat has broken off. I can still use pliers though and I don't adjust it often anyway.

I really wanted a convertible and in 1996, there weren't as many choices as there are today. I'm glad the Celica came in convertible as I didn't like the other choices I had in my price range at the time (Ford Mustang, Mitsubishi Eclipse, VW Cabrio, Chrysler Sebring). Having the open top during a brisk, sunny spring or fall day is heaven. But a convertible top actually has very practical uses as well. I've been able to transport bulky items in my car with the top down and even with the top up (but putting the top down to be able to get it in the car). With the passenger seat reclined all the way back and the top down, I've also been able to carry some pretty long items. I suggest putting blankets to protect the nice leather tough.

Besides the convertible top, I also really like its handling. The sports suspension gives you a good feel of the road. I've found that you can hear the wheel screech before you actually lose road grip which gives me a good sign I'm pushing it without losing control. I can take turns pretty fast where my friends get a little worried but I know the car is well under my control.

I also like the feel of the manual shift. The travel isn't too long and you feel a satisfying soft "click" when it's in gear. The clutch I felt was neither too high nor too low. The brakes have been stable and the ABS works well, though if you've never felt one kick in before, it may startle you.

The gas mileage is respectable especially for the weight of the car. You would think it's lighter since the top is cloth (double Cambria(?) cloth), but the two motors more than make up the difference. The engine is very responsive and can get you enough acceleration for merging into the highway and even for passing cars. Just don't expect to blow away too many sporty cars off a red light.

The bucket-style seats are pretty comfortable but won't hug you like real bucket seats. The rear seats are comfy but leg room is pretty tight but is more usable with the top down (rear passengers can sit up straighter needing less leg room).

I actually consider the trunk to be a pretty good size for a convertible. You won't be able to store a wheelchair, but you should be able to put a fairly large suitcase in it. I'm in a band and I easily store my amp (one 12" speaker), a duffel bag, and my guitar in its hard case in the trunk.

All in all, I've been very happy with this car.

UPDATE:
So after nine years of trouble-free operation, I finally experienced a non-minor (though I would not call it major either) problem of no fault of my own. The rear windshield has somehow slipped down maybe a half inch from the cloth top "mount" so there is a half inch opening. Unfortunately, this is enough to prevent the top from going down all the way. The windshield has to be replaced (though the windshield itself is in good condition) - they can't just "sew" it back in. The Toyota dealership gave me a shop's name who could fix it (Toyota themselves do not convert their Celicas) and they quoted me $595 including parts and labor. Interestingly, I just bought a second vehicle, a used 2000 Xterra, about a month before this happened. Maybe the Celica got jealous. :) I will repair the Celica as I still want a convertible.