A Jeep Wrangler is a fun way to ride, whether you use it to get around town or you take it off-roading. When you get a Jeep, you need to decide if you want a soft top or a hard top for when you need cover. Here are some features and benefits to both so you can decide which is best for you.
Soft Top Pros
A soft top is easy to put on and easy to take off. It also folds up making it easier to store away when you are not using it. A soft top also offers more options instead of just on or off. You can choose the bikini top to get some coverage while still having some open air, or you can cover the whole thing. A soft top is also less expensive than a hard top. If you are on a budget, this is a more affordable option.
Soft Top Cons
Before choosing a soft top keep in mind where you are driving your Jeep. If it is a higher crime area, the soft top is not much of a theft deterrent. Even though the fabric is durable and can withstand a lot, a determined thief can still cut through it if they have the right tools. If you are looking for a quieter ride when heading down the highway, a soft top is noisier than the hard top, and they don’t provide much insulation. If you can only have one top and you want to drive your Jeep in the colder weather, you might want to go with the hard top.
Hard Top Pros
The hard top cover will last longer than the soft top since they are made from more durable materials. They are also more secure than the soft top. They provide more of a barrier between your things and a thief than the soft material and they might make someone think twice before they try to break in. A hard top will provide more insulation, keeping you warmer when the weather is cold and this insulation will also keep the noise down when you are driving down the highway.
Hard Top Cons
The expense of a hard top is something to take into consideration. They can cost a few thousand dollars, and while you definitely get your money’s worth, it just might not be in the budget. You also want to make sure you have a place to store a hard top if and when you take it off. If you don’t have a garage, keep in mind that the hard top takes up a lot of space. It doesn’t fold down like the soft top so you’ll need a place to keep it when you are not using it.
Before choosing between a hard top and a soft top, take a test drive with each to see which one you like better. You should also keep your budget in mind and where you live. If you live in the north where it gets cold in the winter a hard top might be a good investment.
Image by Nan Palmero is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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