Soft top vs. hard top

windinmyhair

The only thing keeping me from buying a new 370z is my reservations regarding potential problems with having a soft top versus a hard top. Reliability, security and limited resale appeal of a soft top. Most of the newer convertibles are hard tops. What's your opinion - should I wait for the Z to offer a hard top option, seek another convertible with a hard top or just accept the risks and buy the softtop 370z?

m4a1mustang

Get the rag top.

__________________
- Steve

Zs & Coffee - Saturdays at 10AM in Fairfax, VA and Columbia, MD (Click the banner!)
LIKE us on Facebook!

Hi-Step'n370Z

Didn't know a hard top was going to be offered as an option.

My own feedback is this:
My Roadster has been on the road since April and I have NO signs of any problem at all. No rip, no crease, nothing. ...... (yet)

I don't know if it will eventually hit all of us, but it does seem like it only has hit a few of us, even though one of us is enough. That has to be like having your heart torn out to experience that.

My guess is that it's an assembly glitch that affected some, not all, of the tops. Otherwise it would seem that all of us would have a rip by now.

Buy the Roadster, don't buy the Roadster, the ultimate choice is up to you, but so far, my experience has been nothing but positive.

Trips

what a question for the 1st post.

Welcome to the Forum!

Like Hi-Step'n370Z said, buy what you like. Both are good in their own way.

__________________

370zproject

soft tops will need to replaced in 10 yr hard tops will last longeR?

__________________

Brake Upgrade Package ate blue, hawk hp ceramic pads, and slotted rotors

Crazyc

The roadster is a very enjoyable option...buy it , as we can not live our lives around what if !!!! My dad argued that some one could cut the soft top and was not safe but hell they can smash a side window...if you are marked there is not much u can do..personally i feel even the bad guys have a certain amount of respect for the soft top.Honestly i feel the 370 Z is the best looking roadster by far....go for it.I have had mine for1 month and it is great... freedom I had a BMW 325 back in 94 had it for 11 years and the top was still fair and today the fabric is better

ClemsonWill

I had an S2000 for 4 years and I never had any problems with my soft top. The current owner daily drives it and leaves it outside and the soft top is still fine. I don't think reliability is an issue. You take care of the top and it will last you a long time.

Security with the soft top is the only issue in my opinion. Soft tops are easier to break into. I read numerous horror stories on the S2000 forums. But much of the blame has to be on the owner. If you leave a $300 Ipod sitting in the seat then it's probably going to get stolen out of any car. It's just easier for the thief and cost more to get repaired with a soft top.

Good luck!

__________________

Vegitto-kun

As far I know the roadster only has a soft top.

I would of bought the roadster if it wasn't for that ugly POS piece of cloth as roof.

I personally don't like the soft top anyway.

I went on the track with a roadster and I noticed ALOT of windnoise coming from the top.

me and my parents were happy that we got the normal Z

sonic370

By your post it looks like you live in a part of the country where a roadster

would be fun to have. I had one here in Texas and there is really only about 3 or 4 months you can drive with the top down. If you try between may-sept.
in this heat you will roast,no fun at all

PapoZalsa

Nissan will never offer the Z in a hard top convertible.

__________________
2009 370Z MB Base w/Sport Package 6MT
Modshack's Custom Air Intakes /3M Clear Bra/ Illuminated Kick Plates / F. I CBE w/12" resonators / EVO-R Front Lip / Rear Hatch Wing / Tein S-Tech Springs /Ilegal Tint in the Rep. of VA/4x20mm Z1 Spacers/ Vinyl Roof/Liquid Carbon Designs

Red__Zed

I've generally not been a fan of the looks or maintenance of a rag top. I do think that nissan got it mostly right on the 370...it certainly looks better than the 350 did as a drop top.

Realistically though, I don't think there will ever be a HTC version of the Z. If you wanna drop your top, you either gotta make that sacrifice or pick a different car...

BeachZTT

We love our rag top! Really a matter of personal choice. Would really have bummed me out not to be able to cruise home tonight without the top down. One of the reasons we own a sports car. The only reason I wouldn't have the roadster is if I was going to track it but it's not my fast car anyway. That's what the TT is for. Good news is, there isn't a wrong choice... except not to get a Z.

The SDrive Z4 is probably the only real hard top alternative, but it's gonna cost ya.

__________________
'10 ZR Black Cherry Sport/Touring/Nav, Swift Springs, Stillen G3s, 15mm-F 20mm-R Spacers, SPC, Spoiler Solutions Rear Wing, Stubby Antenna

Sandra Dee

Red__Zed

What year S? Most of the S2K's tore holes in their own tops, just due to use...

ClemsonWill

Mine was a 2006. I think saying most had issues is a stretch. There were a number of people's that tore but most did not. I met a bunch of S2k owners and none replaced their top because of a tear. Those that replaced it either had 00-01s with the plastic window or they they had it slashed.

__________________