Roadster Top problems - Nissan Corporate wants you to call in and open case

hjkarten

Follow up on the roof problems with my 370z roadster.
Within a week of the repair and replacement of the bungees and weatherproofing seals, the convertible alarm light turned on even with the top fully open and closed. The Service Manager checked it out and informed me that I could continue to use the top despite the service light as it was due to a defective switch, not likely to cause any problems. They also wanted to completely replace the canvas top as well as the defective switch, and they would call me when the parts arrived. A month later the parts arrived. THe car was in the shop for more than 7 weeks, awaiting various other parts needed for the repair. Fortunately, when I was informed that it was finally ready, and I went to pick it, I tested the function while still at the repair shop. The top totally jammed on the second trial, and was locked in the half open position. I obviously could not use the car. They are once again working to fix the top. All told, I have had the car for slightly more than 4 months. It has been in the shop for at least 3 full months. The Shop Manager suggested that the best course of action would be to completely replace the whole top mechanism. This is a job that normally costs about $18,000! The company Field Rep would not approve this warranty repair, and would only approve additional local adjustments.
Two days later, the Nissan Company headquarters contacted me with an offer to repurchase the car under the California Lemon Law Buyback.
I am considering returning it with some regret, as I really like the way the car drives, and when the top is down, it is really a hoot on a lovely sunny day. It is a perfect California car. It fills a particular niche in the market. Not as hot as a Boxster, but also not as expensive. More comfortable on even medium length trips than the Miata, and much easier to get in and out of the driver's seat than the Miata. A bit more 'kick' than my previous BMW Z4.
The problems with the top have been recurrent, and the likely reason the company terminated manufacture of the roadster. Too bad, as it is a sweet car.
The problem is with the top. The Service Manager was superb, very honorable in dealing with me, and made every effort to try to make it work. I recommend him very highly.
Harvey