I'm curious about how long the OEM soft tops have lasted for everyone.

I did vote, although my top is still in use. It is worn out though.

I don't know if my car has the original top or not since I bought it used. I've put 53K miles on my car in the past 2.2 years and haven't changed the top during this time, but mine is getting somewhat worn (and holey) now.

 

Too many variables to come up with valid generalizations...

- number of up/down cycles
- exposure to sun / weather
- fitment of individual top (it varies)
- adjustments and patches

 

Good additions. Those would be tricky to fit into poll questions, so I'll just respond in a post.

Mine probably sees an up-down cycle 6 times per week in April through November.

It's had patches on it for over a year, roughly 30K miles.

No garage, so it's always outdoors. Has seen 2 heavy winters and lots of sunlight.

 

Edited poll to include 60-80K mileage choice. My bad

 

My top is eight years old now and tearing apart from age and drying out, just beginning to go and get little holes. After about 2.5 years it was getting cut from the top assembly and Honda eventually warrantied the patches to stop it, and I think they sanded the assembly down then too. It spent its first four years outside and uncovered as well.

Fwiw I consider 7-10 years normal lifespan for a convertible top. S2000 tops can last as little as 3 years if the top assembly cuts into them - a problem on early S2000s until about 2006 or so when Honda finally admitted to and rectified the problem. They are vinyl and eventually dry out and tear even if the top assembly does not cut them. As well, the elastic straps are usually good for 5-8 years - they last longer if the top is up I believe.

 

At nine years old mine still looks brand new, I've only owned it 2 years now. The previous owner was meticulous about using Raggtop cleaner and protectant on it, and he installed strips of Gorilla tape on the underside of the top in areas where the bars touch. We don't get crazy sun damage up here, and it was stored in winters.

 

My '01 still has its original top. Plastic window is clear, top looks great. I wash the car about every week and use Meguiars PlastX on the rear window every month. I also put the Sunbrella patches in the necessary places inside. Everyone raves about the 303 product, but I actually use my leather wipes, after I have treated the leather. Spray some Meguiars Shine on the clothes and the top look brand new!!

 

My recently purchased ’00 is still original. Plastic window is marked (I think the top was left down for an extended period). I did a small Tear-Aid patch on a small rip and did a few patches on the inside to support some wear points.

Two applications of 303 have shined it up nicely and helped the haze on the plastic window.

I also just replace the elastic straps with the Modifry straps; a fantastic product!

After the maintenance I have done on it, I think I can still get a fair amount of life out of it.

 

My 2003 original top is still like brand new at 115k.

Key factors:

-SUNLIGHT is the number one killer of the top.
-NEVER put your top down when its cold. Use the heat and warm the top till is has no cool feeling at all
-be aware of the mid-bar, and hold it back with your finger every time the top is lowered (modifry straps address this, but be sure they do their job and pull that bar back so the top folds properly)
-check for burrs on the frame that can wear on the top
-be aware of the "triange" portion of the frame where the most common rips start, and keep an eye on them

- I have washed my top with nothing but car wash, and have never put any type of protectant on it...ever.

 

I'm pretty sure my 2000 with 150k still has the original top. I'm replacing it soon though due to wear.