If looking for a used car, you’ll want to consider things like the make, model, and trim. There are some good deals to be had in the used vehicle market. But no matter how enticing the asking price and how good a condition a car is, be mindful of one with a sunroof.
The First Sunroof Came Arrived in 1937
The first sunroof debuted in 1937 courtesy of Nash Motors. Many people love them — and for good reason. For example, they can add more natural light and fresh air to the interior. But while they have their benefits, they also have 15 drawbacks you should know about.
Water Leaks
Water leaks are a possibility if you have a vehicle with a sunroof. So, it’s not just the sunshine that can come in — water can leak into the interior, too. Many touchless automatic car washes have disclaimers since the high intensity and volume of water can “get past the seals and into the tray that surrounds the glass,” according to Driving.ca.
Lack of Use
If you don’t use it, you might lose it. That’s the way it is with most things. Buying a car with a sunroof while never opening and closing it might cause the mechanisms to seize. Paying a premium for a vehicle with a sunroof you don’t plan to use is like throwing money away.
UV Damage to You and Passengers
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, glass blocks UVB rays fairly well. But it doesn’t safeguard against UVA rays. On the one hand, UVA rays are ultraviolet rays that penetrate more deeply into the skin. On the other hand, UVB rays — which account for a mere 5% of UV rays — don’t penetrate as far as UVA rays but can damage the top skin layers.
Car makers treat windshields to protect motorists from some UVA rays. But sunroofs, back windows, and side windows typically aren’t. That’s one reason to get all the windows tinted. Otherwise, you’ll increase health risks to you and your passengers with a sunroof.
UV Damage to Your Vehicle’s Interior
UV rays won’t only endanger the health of humans — they can also damage your car’s interior. They can “weaken the molecular structure of plastics, rubber, and vinyl used in car interiors, leading to cracking, fading, and brittleness,” according to Quality Auto Glass.
Considering how much it costs to buy, maintain, and repair vehicles, you don’t want yours to age prematurely. But that’s exactly what could happen if you buy a car with a sunroof.
Possible Security Hazard
The FBI reports that the car theft rate per 100,000 people was 282.7 in 2022. Meanwhile, almost half of car theft victims were in the 20-to-39-year-old demographic, and 12% of perpetrators were teenagers. Consider, too, that nearly one in four vehicle thefts were committed by people known to the victims. Determined car thieves will focus on vehicles that are the easiest targets. A wipe-open sunroof is all an opportunistic thief needs to act.
Possibility of Rust
It’s common for rust to form on the roof around the sunroof portion. Rust spreads. So, unless you stay on top of things, you can experience costly rust issues on your roof.
Glare Problems
Sun glare is no joke. It contributes to 9,000+ car accidents annually on U.S. roads and highways. Consider, too, that the risk of collisions being life-threatening is 16% more if there are bright sunlight conditions over regular weather conditions.
While you can pull a cover over your sunroof, glare is the sort of issue that can occur suddenly. So, it can disorient you before you can pull the shade cover over the sunroof.
Higher Maintenance Expenses
If your sunroof starts to leak, the damage can cost more than you think. You might have to dig deep into your pocket to foot the bill — especially if there’s interior water damage. It’ll also cost you a pretty penny if the mechanism to open or close the sunroof fails and must be replaced.
Lack of Temperature Control
If your vehicle has a sunroof, it might be difficult to regulate the temperature. When it’s hot outside, you might have trouble keeping the interior cool—even with the air conditioning on the highest setting. Keeping your car warm during the winter may be just as challenging.
More Road Noise
Do you hate road noise? People want quiet cabins when driving on the road. Some vehicles offer a quieter interior than others. But a sunroof can make the interior of your vehicle unbearable if you want to hold a conversation or listen to your favorite podcast.
Higher Cost
It’ll often cost a premium to buy a vehicle with a sunroof. Considering some of the disadvantages on this list thus far, you’ll have to wonder whether the higher cost is worth it.
Increase the Weight of the Car
One source notes that a sunroof can add 30 to 40 pounds to a car. That can have an impact, likely minimal, on fuel efficiency. But even a slight decrease in fuel efficiency will add up over time and wind up costing you a lot more in gas than would otherwise be the case.
Possible Safety Hazard
Unfortunately, people sometimes do things they shouldn’t. It’s not unheard of for hooligans to throw objects from highway overpasses. This can result in horrible accidents if these objects break sunroofs, windshields, or other windows. It might seem like paranoia, but the reality is that a roof with a glass window is less safe than one with a solid roof.
Could Get Stuck in the Open Position
You might regret having a sunroof if it gets stuck in the open position. Imagine living somewhere without a garage or carport and scrambling to find a way to protect the vehicle’s interior during a rain storm. It might be a nightmare if the sunroof malfunctions at the worst of times.
Problems if Accidentally Left Open
If you buy a used car with a sunroof and accidentally leave it open, the consequences may be grave. It could allow someone to reach into your vehicle and steal stuff or steal your car. It’s easier than you may think to forget to close the sunroof after an afternoon of cruising.
It’s Best to Get a Vehicle Without a Sunroof
These are 15 reasons to think twice if you want to buy a vehicle with a sunroof. It’s not worth the risk or the hassle when contemplating the drawbacks.
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