I've looked at three 2003 Ap1's and they all have that unavoidable tear. Once I try and reason with the dealer and tell them it's going to cost around $2000 to fix it, they all laugh and tell me to have a nice day. Anyone have similar experiences on buying the S and talking them down because of the tear? Once the tear starts, it's over and IMO the top needs to be replaced. Some quick fix does not work for me

 

what price are they going for?

 

I'd laugh too. All S2000's have it. If you're too anal retentive to accept it, good luck finding an AP1 that meets your standards. My AP1 required approximately 80 hours of labor to bring the paint up to almost new car standards. You're not going to find a perfect used car. It's worth whatever price you're willing to pay for it, and it's worth to the dealer as much as they can sell it for.

 

it won't cost $2000 to fix.. You can buy a used AP2 softop in good condition w/o a tear for between $600 to $750 here. The install isn't that hard either. Can be done by one person and if you swap the whole frame its MUCH easier.

If you want to just replace the soft top material with an aftermarket replacement it will cost you about $400 but the labor might be more intensive.

 

Keep looking. My '04 top is perfect and original. People who take care of their cars are out there.

 

IMO, just because a car has a tear, especially in the common spot like ours, doesn't mean the car hasn't been taken car of. My 00 AP1 is in nearly mint condtion with one exception, the common tear that you are talking about. Mine is just a small pinhole at the moment, and I plan on fixing it like mentioned about. I came on S2KI before I went to talk price when buying the car. After reading about all of the people with the problem, and the different resolutions, I decided not to worry about it toomuch. I did get them to come down on the price just a little, but not a large amount.

 

I'm looking at 02'-04'. I really want an 03' because I feel it was the best year for the s2000. My price range is from 13k to 17k. A mint 04' GPW 1 owner 28k on the odo just sold for 17,800. I was very interested, but I was too late.

I also understand a used car is not going to be perfect, but that rip will only lead to replacing the top anyway. You can only keep the rip at bay for so long until the top needs to be replaced.

Doing it my self is not an option. Owning 3 businesses takes a toll on my DIY projects, and it's cheaper for me to hire someone to do it in half the time it would take me.

So far Honda quoted me 2,800 for OE top installed and a local guy quoted me $2000. The aftermarket is the way to go, it will be a better material.

I gave my offer on an S tonight that needs a new top badly. It has 2 rips in it and they cannot be repaired, I'll hear an answer tomorrow

 

Who the hell goes to a dealer for anything outside of a warranty anymore?? Look on ebay, they have aftermarket tops, as well as many other places. Second to that find yourself an interior/body shop and get yourself a quote. I hear its about a 6-8 hour job. 6 hours if you chill with a beer and rivet it on with some knowledge, and 8 hours of struggling completely solber if you have never done it before.

 

i bought my s with 53k from a private dealer, everything in there is nearly perfect, no rip whatsoever on my top. interior is a 9/10 exterior 9/10 with small dings here and there. and I got it for 12k, just take your time finding the "right" one since your so picky. but i guess I got lucky! lol

 

What are you expecting? Some magical words that will make them cave in? Move on and try another seller if you're fixated on talking the price down due to top wear/tears.