The S2000 is my first convertable, so I am not sure what is best when it is parked.

When parked with the top up, do you lock your car? I have a friend who drives a convertable and he always leaves his car unlocked. His theory is that if someone is determined to get into his car, it is better to leave it unlocked than to have the roof ripped.

When parked with the top down, do you lock your car (with windows up or down)? I've heard parking with windows up and locked will make it quite difficult to get into the car, though not impossible. But on the other hand, if we are going by the same theory that if someone is determined to get in, why stop them and risk damage to the car.

So what do others say?

 

Your friend does have a point...but I always lock the car bud.

I am paranoid enough that I almost always park with the top up!

 

WhiteS2K,

Nice color choice by the way!

There are many options when parking, and a lot depends on whether you have a good alarm or not.

I personally do lock the car when I park it, top up or top down. This is primarily because I have a top of the line Clifford alarm that locks the doors when it arms. It also has the dual proximity detector system where if someone even stands right next to the car for an extended period it warns them with a short buzz tone. If someone reaches in to unlock the car the full alarm will go off.

I too have friends that never locked a convertible with the top up, but with the alarm that I have I think that it is a prudent thing to do. It won't stop someone from slashing the top, but it will stop them from easily gaining entry to the inside of the car. Of course, if they are determined, anything can be stolen or tampered with if I am not around to hear the alarm.

 

I very rarely leave my car with the top down, only if i will have it within sight at all times. And, always locked. As you say someone determined enough will go through the soft top, but why make it easier for those who won't go that far?

 

If it's locked, only real theives get in. If it's unlocked, or windows are down, curious 17-year old punks may decide to suddenly become thieves - simply because it's there.
Much safer to go with the locked option, I don't even consider leaving it unlocked (or even the windows down in my own garage, starting last week).

Wesmaster

 

Always lock the car. Must be force of habit. When the top is down I put up the windows, try to ensure that nothing would entice someone to break in, e.g., cell phone, cd's,sun glasses, etc. out in the open and then lock it. It also helps if I leave my 105 pound Lab in the car.

 

I'm sorry but this seems like a crazy question! Of course you should lock your doors. Do you leave your house unlocked because you don't want a burgular breaking your windows?? By not locking the doors your helping a thief break in to your vehicle. Why don't you just post a sign that says, "come and get me". The fact is if you leave your doors unlocked they may not have to rip your top but when they steal your car who the hell cares! Dude, lock your doors! If you live in East Bum F%(& and drive a beater okay maybe, but you drive a sweet car that I know you must care about. Sorry, I went off a little there this just seems like a non issue in my eyes.

 

I have added the clifford IQ900 with the window mod so when I arm the car the windows go up automatically. Looks really cool Anyway I agree that you should lock the car at all times. The pros will get your car anyway but what does it matter if the roof is ripped if there is no car.

just my $.02

BTW there is now a new "boomerang" tracking system that is "active". There is a little reciever on your key chain. If the distance between your car and keychain reaches a certain lenght the can is presumed stolen and it is tracked and you are notified as well as police. I think it is really worth a look.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by T.O.-S2K
[B]I have added the clifford IQ900 with the window mod so when I arm the car the windows go up automatically.

 

I agree with Wesmaster. Locks keep honest people honest. That's all you can hope for. I always lock in addition to the other usual steps to minimize risk.