OT: Car Panoramic Sunroofs

[B1GEast]

A lot of the pre-owned cars on my list have this feature and I don't feel comfortable with it.

It's a nice feature, but I'm concerned about long term maintenance and potentially issues like full replacement, leaks or wind noise.

Thoughts? Anyone have a car with this type of sunroof?

 

[imno1]

Ive had a moonroof in all my vehicles since the 90s. My last two have panoramic. Never had a leak in any of them

 

[boog204]

I have a Ford Edge with a "Vista Roof" or whatever they call it. I love it. Truth be told have never done a thing with it in regards to maintenance and have had no issues (knock on wood.)

 

[Deepster]

I feel like leaky sunroofs are a thing of the 80's. I haven't heard of anyone having that type of problem in decades.

 

[B1GEast]

I have a Ford Edge with a "Vista Roof" or whatever they call it. I love it. Truth be told have never done a thing with it in regards to maintenance and have had no issues (knock on wood.)

How long have you had your Edge, that's one that I'm looking at

 

[superjohn]

I feel like leaky sunroofs are a thing of the 80's. I haven't heard of anyone having that type of problem in decades.

I've got it in my Volvo XC60.

 

[uchusky32]

Nissan and Infinity have some issues with drain clogs in some if the vehicles older than 10 years. Murano and G series Infinity's

 

[mussels]

The gutter around the edge has tubes that drain water down through the side exiting underneath the car. Mine got clogged on a 15 year old vehicle, and I fixed it in about 5 minutes by blowing some compressed air in the hole in the gutter with my Ryobi tire inflator.

I don’t like the noise created when its open so I never use it. Like never ever in 15 years. All said I think they are a net minus, but I wouldn’t let one stop you from buying an otherwise desirable car. You won’t use it (trust me) so the motor and controls shouldn‘t become an issue, and if the drains clog its an easy fix.

edit: not entirely sure of the difference but I think my vehicle has a regular sun roof rather than “panoramic”

 

[ConnZag3]

I've got it in my Volvo XC60.

My XC60 pano roof wouldn't fully close for a few weeks last summer, but thanks to Google and Reddit I found a way to reset the mechanism and thankfully it was fine ever since. It was the strangest thing as I have no idea why it just randomly jammed itself one day.

 

[gtcam]

I have a panoramic and it is great. I never close the inner cover and the sun coming through the full length of the SUV is great. Everyone who comes into the car wants one, Never had a problem but as usual, with everything mechanical I am sure there are issues with some but a google search will help with all that ails it!!!

 

[B1GEast]

I've got it in my Volvo XC60.

Also considering this car

 

[boog204]

How long have you had your Edge, that's one that I'm looking at

Think I got it 8/20? It is incredibly important you check the engine before you buy. The ones that were built in the Cleveland plant had a major defect which often results in a coolant infusion and then the need for major, major repairs. Luckily ford covered it for me but others haven’t been as lucky. Google it. It’s a well known problem.

 

[superjohn]

Also considering this car

I have an old one 2012. It's a t6 R-Design with the Polestar. I love it except for this issue. Good looking, fun to drive, fast, safe, and reliable. I hope to drive this one into the ground for many more years and then get another one. You can't go wrong with Volvo, IMO.

 

[dogpause]

I'm curious as to how much people actually use their sunroof. I've had so many cars that had a sunroof, and I rarely use it.

 

[B1GEast]

I'm curious as to how much people actually use their sunroof. I've had so many cars that had a sunroof, and I rarely use it.

I don't think I would open the window of the panoramic, only the shade for the view

 

[Fishy]

A lot of the pre-owned cars on my list have this feature and I don't feel comfortable with it.

It's a nice feature, but I'm concerned about long term maintenance and potentially issues like full replacement, leaks or wind noise.

Thoughts? Anyone have a car with this type of sunroof?

I’ve never had an issue with one of them.

I prefer not to have a sunroof, but it’s nearly impossible these days. It’s a delete option on some cars like BMW and I’d rather have the extra 2-3” of headroom.

 

[NJHusky]

I'm curious as to how much people actually use their sunroof. I've had so many cars that had a sunroof, and I rarely use it.

I use the regular sunroof on nice days and use the panoramic almost never. But I also have a convertible so I like the air.

 

[twiceahusky]

I’d go to forums dedicated to the specific car that you plan to buy. I’ve read that Toyota Venzas have a history of expensive/difficult repairs to the panoramic sunroofs.

 

[JMick]

I'm curious as to how much people actually use their sunroof. I've had so many cars that had a sunroof, and I rarely use it.

I used mine every day in the summer when I had one

 

[BigTenFan]

The gutter around the edge has tubes that drain water down through the side exiting underneath the car. Mine got clogged on a 15 year old vehicle, and I fixed it in about 5 minutes by blowing some compressed air in the hole in the gutter with my Ryobi tire inflator.

I don’t like the noise created when its open so I never use it. Like never ever in 15 years. All said I think they are a net minus, but I wouldn’t let one stop you from buying an otherwise desirable car. You won’t use it (trust me) so the motor and controls shouldn‘t become an issue, and if the drains clog its an easy fix.

edit: not entirely sure of the difference but I think my vehicle has a regular sun roof rather than “panoramic”

Excellent advice- I had an issue with drains on Subaru causing water into dashboard.
Strongly suggest routinely cleaning- especially if you don't garage your vehicle

 

[superjohn]

I'm curious as to how much people actually use their sunroof. I've had so many cars that had a sunroof, and I rarely use it.

Every day when it's above 50 degrees and not raining.

 

[gtcam]

I don't think I would open the window of the panoramic, only the shade for the view

it doesnt open in its entirety - about 3/4

 

[Hoophound]

I’d be far more worried about the make and model than the sunroof.

 

[jibsey]

How many people use the moonroofs on their cars very much?
5% if that and they are on every car I’ve had.

 

[HuskyHawk]

A lot of the pre-owned cars on my list have this feature and I don't feel comfortable with it.

It's a nice feature, but I'm concerned about long term maintenance and potentially issues like full replacement, leaks or wind noise.

Thoughts? Anyone have a car with this type of sunroof?

Wouldn’t really buy a car without one. I love the natural light. Never had any issues.