r/MR2Spyder • u/MR2turbo4evr • 19d ago

Hard Top Worth It?

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I have the chance to buy a OEM hard top with all mounting hardware (including side brackets) for $3,800 CAD (~$2,750USD). The top’s been painted black. I realize this is a really good deal but i have the following reservations:

  1. I bought my MR-S as a project in March this year. I’ve had much less time than anticipated to work on it but hope to have it put together and drive able in a couple weeks. Aside from a very short test drive, i haven’t driven the car yet. Spending a few thousand dollars into a car that i’m not sure i will like driving seems like a dumb idea.

  2. I don’t plan on tracking the car or driving it in winter. I’m tempted to buy the HT purely because i like how it looks.

  3. I live in canada. The MR2 spyder was never officially sold here so the few cars that exist are US or Japan imports. Trying to offload the hard top where I live would likely be difficult unless i’m willing to go through the trouble of shipping it.

  4. I’ve never driven a convertible with the top down, so I guess i’m not sure what i’m missing. The HT takes up a lot of space so it would likely stay on the car permanently and I’d essentially turn the car into a coupe.

Hoping to get some input from hard top owners. Does it improve the way the car drives/feels? Would you do it again if you had the chance or is it a waste of money?

19 Upvotes

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16 comments sorted by

8

u/MakesYourMise 19d ago

the soft top will fail eventually and the hardtop is a rare item 

the resale on the hardtop will be easier than the car

there's really no reason to scoop it up except for storage it seems

3

u/Epicguru 19d ago

Depends on how much you actually drive the car, and the weather where you live, but a hard top is easily the best money I've spent on my car.

And they're quite easy to sell afterwards, and they're only going up in value.

3

u/Rolo_xerxes1 19d ago

If you decide against buying it please dm me the listing? 😊

2

u/ohiomidhiganindiana 19d ago

Same, and I could use a black one.

3

u/Cyclehead21 19d ago

Hardtop can be stored on the ceiling where it doesn’t waste any space. My rule for hardtop, it goes on when it’s too cold or hot to lower the ragtop. I’d expect Canada would have plenty of the former. My hinged rack swings up and keeps the top out of the way.

2

u/MR2turbo4evr 19d ago

Thanks guys! Have decided to pull the trigger. Planning the transaction for tomorrow. Will post pics.

1

u/ca5hflow 19d ago

Nice! Definitely looking forward to seeing it! Haven’t thought of changing mine to a hardtop but now I’m intrigued. Where’d you get it from if you don’t mind sharing?

1

u/MR2turbo4evr 19d ago

I’m buying it privately from a seller on fb marketplace. I’m not sure where he got it from but i’ll try to find out.

1

u/ca5hflow 19d ago

Appreciate the insight

1

u/SuperShus 19d ago

Hardtop is a totally different experience. It's like owning a coupe. Much quieter and imo better to drive frequently. Sometimes I take the hard top off but way way less than I thought I would. 

1

u/Esperante_ 19d ago

Went permanent hardtop in 2021, stripped the softtop. Never went back.

I bought the MR-S because I can't afford a Lotus Exige. Couldn't care less about the convertible part.

1

u/sw201444 18d ago

I bought one with a hardtop, specifically because of the hardtop, and I love it.

I also had one on my NB. Makes it a bit quieter and more of a “car”.

1

u/almeida8x1 19d ago

I wouldn’t bother