HondaFanS2000

I am selling my 100% stock, low mileage S2K. I has PPF and ceramic coating and a perfect interior. The only issue is a small tear in the convertible top caused by the latch tearing through it. It has a patch on the inside and a small 3” waterproof repair on the outside. My questions is; Should I replace the top prior to sale? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

Kyle

Personal opinion: I'm assuming it's the original soft top? Given it being 100% stock, low miles, the original top only having a small tear would serve as testament to how well the car was cared for throughout its life - I just replaced a soft top on my buddys car....and it wasn't the original top and it was torn to hell.

Anyone properly looking for an s2k will understand that this is a common failure point. Here's the deal, spend the $1500-2000 or so prior to the sale to have it replaced, or they'll do it after they buy it, -OR- they'll just leave it if it isn't leaking; it's kinda a wash. If they're trying to haggle you a few grand over the top tell them to take a hike cuz they're not serious about buying anyway.

Car Analogy

If this were a normal car, answer would be 100% replace it.

But buyers here are either buying a toy or an investment. Or a bit of both.

Toy only buyers would likely want to upgrade to cloth top. Robbins, etc.

Investment only buyers would want originality. Either a Honda oem replacement, or possibly want to retain all original parts, even if not perfect.

Since different types of buyers will have different preferences, replacing top yourself risks making a different choice than they'd want. Adding no value while costing you to replace.

I'd leave as is.

Chuck S

We're not gonna be much help here. Roll the dice.

Depends on your price point and target buyer. Some buyers will consider an ignored tear in the roof as evidence of indifferent maintenance and distrust the claimed maintenance and condition of the car. Guy who wants to lower it, change the wheels and exhaust, supercharge, or generally bugger it won't care. Mid-life crisis guy looking for a sports car will likely want a turn key car = new Robbins roof. Someone delusional enough to think it's a collector car (ain't yet) may want it to be "original" although it's neither a first and last year model which usually commanding the highest prices,

GLWS!

-- Chuck

HondaFanS2000

Thanks Kyle! Greatly appreciated.
Be watching for her on BaT. She’ll be the red one with the blemished top. :-)

HondaFanS2000

Thanks Chuck! Excellent points.

HondaFanS2000

Thank you for the help! Wish me luck.

robb

I have the original top on mine and it developed a tear in the usual r.h. side. I think a big part of it is being O.C.D. as I’ve been putting off replacing it and I really don’t have an excuse as one of the best at replacing S2K tops lives within a 2 hour drive from me but the only other part I have replaced on my S is the windshield and that killed me to do I just about had to go into therapy after getting it done. Before the windshield everything was 100 percent original on my car but time takes it’s toll. Getting to your situation selling the car like everything it comes down to money so figure out what you want to get for it and then deduct what a top replacement cost would be and I would say that is your number.

jsenclosure

FWIW ive put a brand new robbins stayfast top on every s i've ever sold and they sell immediately to the first person who comes to look at the car (ive sold over a dozen of these cars). A new top makes the car look brand new. I also must say that i install soft tops, so for me my labor is no additional cost for me, but if you can find someone to install a new top + labor for under 2k i would say it's well worth it and you'll get that easily with increased value of the car. If there isn't a good s2k top guy in your area you're looking at 3500-5500 for an upholstery shop or honda to replace your top i don't think you'll get a return on that investment.

gerry100

My top operates 5-6 times a year max.
Made an appointment for an oil change last year and it turned out to be a 45min drive in a torrential rain. No leaks in a 17 year old top.

If I need the top up, it stays in the garage

I wouldnt spend the money