haha i don't know why replica rockers get so defensive. it's your money do what you want--but quality is quality. All it takes is a simple s2ki search to see how many people have had problems with replica tops vs. OEM or authentic tops. it's very black and white. Some people want to save $2k and have a OK fitting top, while others are willing to spend the extra $$ and have an excellent fitting top.

My opinion? yes it's worth the extra cost to save the time and hassle. People buy fake, then get the crappy aftermarket hardware kits, seals, then wonder why it doesn't fit 100%. The spend the extra hours upon hours to try to get the top fit, buy all sorts of extra seals to get the wind noise to go away, to stop the water from coming in, but unfortunately it will never fit 100%. Not to mention replica tops aren't worth anything. They hardly even re-sale for what you put into them. In contrast, OEM tops have actually appreciated in value this year and have held steady in value--and most likely will only go up in price as they become more rare. Not to mention OEM tops fit 100% and just bolt on and go. I bought my OEM top in 08 for $2200, sold it this year for $3200. People are now listing OEM tops for $3500-$4k. While i don't see them selling for $4K right now, i can see them sell for that price within the next 1-2 years easily.

anyway, i go more in depth in this thread, check out my posts:

https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/983...#entry22113522

 

Why has no one on here even bothered to mention that Honda no longer makes the OEM Hardtop ... So unless you find one used for 4k... you are going to have to go with a replica

 

@Chris_Lum: Not defensive, I agree with you. As much as I like my rep, it's not perfect and was a pain to get sealed. If I had to do it again, I'd spend twice the money on a real FRP Mugen. I went with a rep because it was my first time and price difference was too large to ignore.

 

Agreed, big reason why OEM tops are getting more and more expensive.

OEM tops are not perfect...I've helped and seen a few friends (that have C/R's) work on getting rid of wind noise and the infamous loose latch/latch rattle. The headliner is nice, though.

 

You can buy a replica top and then purchase glass window, OEM seals separately along with the hardware and you're really only saving about 5-600 from an authentic top. From my experience its the seals that prevent leaks and most tops, even the replica fit well depending on how well you install and prep the top.

The OEM top is prepped and prepared beforehand so you don't really have a chance to mess that one up. I've owned 3-4 OEM tops, 2 Mugen authentic tops and 2 Mugen replica tops on all of my 9+ S2000's over the years. The only replica I have used however, was a Seibon, and fitment on these tops is pretty much the same as Mugen. Also to note one of my authentic mugen tops would get the air leak at 70mph. It was quite annoying considering what the top cost.

Moral of the story OEM is the best. Mugen, while considered OEM, is not really produced by Honda direct. It is no different from other replica tops other than materials used and hardware it comes with. Obviously there are companies that cut more corners and produce a sub-par product. Don't confuse this for me knocking on Mugen, I am merely stating it is not going to fit as well as the OEM, authentic or not. I hear too many jack-offs write it off as OEM quality when in reality it can be as hit or miss as replica tops.

 

Replica=Garbagio

 

 

So replica tops are a good value if you are not able to find an oem top in the right color with all the hardware. However like it was said above once you get a replica top painted, buy oem hardware, and oem seals you are pretty close to the cost of a used oem top. Further oem tops are holding their value or in some cases gaining value where a rep will only loose value. I have seen plenty of replicas that fit fine and are good quality but in the end you cannot beat the oem top.

 

Yeah if you're going to get OEM hardware and seals you might as well go OEM as you will start getting close to the price of an oem top.

I have a rep from a top seller here with great reputation. I'd say I'm 7 out of 10 in terms of satisfaction. His customer service is outstanding though. If I had to do it again I'd pay the extra 1200-1500 and get an OEM top.

 

i have owned 2 OEM hardtops and 3 Replica Mugen tops and had an Authentic Mugen on my car for a while.

the OEM's/Authentic definitely have better fitment and more plug and play. you dont have to play around with it as much and there is less rattles/squeaks/etc.

Replica's are good for the money if money is an issue but they can not be compared to OEM or authentic. you really have to play around with them for it to fit decently. they will most likely have slight fitment issues but hey you get what you pay for.