Hard tops still like rocking horse s**t?
Discussion
A hard top is one of those things that everyone wants when they first buy an MX-5. They think it'll be warmer & more comfortable in the winter. To a degree they are right, it is a more cosy place with a hard-top on but it really isn't a necessity unless you have to park on the road in a dodgy area in which case it would be needed all year round so maybe a convertible isn't the best choice of cars.
MX-5s have a small cabin area and a very powerful heater so it warms up very quickly. As long as it's in good condition and fits properly then there is also little wind noise too considering how thin a vinyl top is.
If you aren't sure you need one, my advice would be to go without for the first winter and see how you get on. I've had MX-5s for 10 years and have never really felt the need for one.
MX-5s have a small cabin area and a very powerful heater so it warms up very quickly. As long as it's in good condition and fits properly then there is also little wind noise too considering how thin a vinyl top is.
If you aren't sure you need one, my advice would be to go without for the first winter and see how you get on. I've had MX-5s for 10 years and have never really felt the need for one.
I think to be fair some people want a hard top, not so much to be warmer, but beacuse they like the look of the hardtop. Not everyone likes the look of a vinyl roof when its up. I have seen some mx-5's which look very smart with a hardtop usually dark colours look the best. Persoanlly though, I bought a soft top so I could put the roof down at every opportunity hence I won't be buying a hardtop....... Would it be fair to say that a hardtop when in place offers a little more rigidity? 
i'm driving 80 miles a day on fairly boring roads to and from work, the weather is crap, and i don't do a lot of 'fun' driving on the weekends at the mo.
i prefer having the hardtop on, visibility is better, watertightness is better (tho my vinyl is still very good), wind noise is less, it looks better than having the soft-top up, and it can't get slashed (reading is not all that nice).
i do think they are a ridiculous price for what you get tho.
i prefer having the hardtop on, visibility is better, watertightness is better (tho my vinyl is still very good), wind noise is less, it looks better than having the soft-top up, and it can't get slashed (reading is not all that nice).
i do think they are a ridiculous price for what you get tho.
BigAlinEmbra said:
I'm sort of in the opposite situation and am looking at MX-5s and a lot of the ones I like the look of have hard tops. All very well, but as I don't have space to store one I'd rather go without.
If I could punt the hard top for £500 I'd be far more keen though!
I so would not worry about having a spare hardtop you need to sell on! Easy to transport on the car to any buyer. If I could punt the hard top for £500 I'd be far more keen though!
Hi, I managed to bag my self one on flea bay for £500, there are probably ones going for slightly cheaper but they were all miles away and petrol costs would have put the price up. It also has a stand and cover included in the price. I also have to street park so it will give me greater piece of mind with the longer evenings and little muppets that like breaking things along my road. Plus it will be nice to have the option of 3 different looks for the car!!!
minipower said:
That sounds really good. I've given up after continuously trying to find one without being miles away and far too expensive. Might try my luck again in the spring.
miniman said:
MX-5 Lazza said:
Do you really need one?
No.You can get them cheaper, you just have to be prepared to travel to pick it up. I got mine for £250 - no need for a softop anymore as I prefer the car with the hardtop, both dynamically and aesthetically. Removing the softop saved me 30lbs+ in weight, so its win win - next on my list is a carbon fibre hard top, 12lbs FTW!
maz8062 said:
You can get them cheaper, you just have to be prepared to travel to pick it up. I got mine for £250 - no need for a softop anymore as I prefer the car with the hardtop, both dynamically and aesthetically. Removing the softop saved me 30lbs+ in weight, so its win win - next on my list is a carbon fibre hard top, 12lbs FTW!
Problem with that is. Where to get the glass. I dont think it'll come out of an original hardtop with out turning in to 1000 pieces.Gassing Station | Mazda MX5/Roadster/Miata | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff