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Buying a drop-top but have been put off by negative stories? Don’t be. License to Quill looks at five misconceptions of owning a convertible in 2020.

Ever thought about getting yourself a convertible? Many of us do when our hair thins and our waistlines fatten. That includes me, who willingly took the plunge many moons ago, even though I was told to expect severe depreciation, misery and freezing winters. The reality of owning a convertible, however, is actually not half bad. No, really.

1) Your ears will bleed above a certain speed

The cockpit of a convertible is a noisy place to be, it must be said. Pardon? Thought you said something. Anyway, while a fabric roof will never offer the same sound and vibration insulation as a ‘proper’ roof, it’s really only at motorway speeds you will notice a difference.

Plus a number of hard-top convertibles such as a BMW Z4 offer the best of both worlds if you are happy to pay a higher price.

Tip: Having the windows open can in some cases use more fuel than air-conditioning.

2) You’re not actually flushing money down the toilet

You will lose money on virtually every car if you buy new. Everyone knows that. Buy second hand, however, and much of the depreciation will have happened already.

Cars of a certain age will actually bottom out in terms of value, which means you can make most (if not all) of your money back if you buy a sought-after convertible with all the trimmings. Just don’t expect much appreciation on some models, even in the currently lucrative second-hand market.

Tip: Research prior to purchase so you buy a car that’s easier to sell later on.

3) They are usable more than five days a year

Throw on a hat, turn on the heated seats and you can enjoy the roof down in just about any temperature in the UK – so long as it’s not raining, of course. Fabric soft-tops are surprisingly good at keeping you warm so the winter months should be anything but hardship.

Folding hard tops, meanwhile, are nigh-on as good as a solid roof, giving you the best of both worlds. A button press is all it takes to save you from a wet noggin’.

Tip: Invest in a hat.

4) You need to be exceptionally wealthy to run them

Convertibles look expensive, but they can be cheaper than you think. A used Z4, for instance, can go for as little as £3,000 if you’re happy with a 2.0-litre engine and higher mileage. The mighty Mazda MX-5, meanwhile, which is considered one of the best convertibles around, can cost even less.

Insurance will be higher in most cases but not so much it will mean selling your kidney and stealing from your grandparents. Fuel is also generally cheaper in a small car despite the usual structural beef-up necessary when ditching the roof.

Tip: Use an owner’s forum to pick up a car that has been lovingly cared for.

5) People will think you’re a [censored]

Technically, this is true. But any petrolhead worth his salt should give open-top motoring a go as there’s nothing quite like it. You may get the odd glance, a “nice car mate,” or a whiff of jealously in the form of an expletive. That all comes with owning what is deemed a ‘flash’ motor.

But all is forgotten as you cruise along a winding B-road through glorious British countryside at pace. Just remember to glue your wig on.

Tip: Develop thick skin.