[Walkurie]

See that you live in PA so the best approach would be to first find a car that has at least been garaged. Ideal would be find a car with a removable hardtop that has been actually used or better yet a car from a state with low rainfall. In any case get a hardtop and use it as much as possible.

The good part of the hardtop is it blocks the crud from getting into the wells that then plug the drains and flood the motors, causing corrosion. If using a hardtop, the ideal way to do it is to use a lift rather than placing it in place by hand. It is very possible to scratch the finish unless absolute care is used during installation and removal.

It is a matter of opinion, but many (including yours truly) appreciate the look of the removable hardtop. Some prefer the same color, some prefer a contrasting color. Installed properly (they are adjustable) noise is mostly eliminated. Do the math of the cost of a hardtop to top and / or motor replacement. Makes a compelling case.