Cost To Replace A Soft Top On A Miata
Soft tops, regardless of make or model, are infamous for having a limited lifespan. Soft tops can fail for a variety of causes, including being folded for too long, being harmed by harsh weather, and age-related difficulties. In all of these circumstances, the soft top will begin to leak and cause additional problems in the inside of your Miata, causing damage that you don’t want to have to fix.
The typical cost of replacing the soft top on a Miata is $800-$1,000. If there is substantial damage to the frame and other pieces that support the soft top, the labor portion of the operation might cost an extra $500. If the problem has been going on for a while, there may be inner damage that has to be addressed.
Continue reading to find more about how much it costs to replace a Miata soft top.
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How much does it cost to replace a soft top on a Miata?
Due to complications that may emerge with wiring and the materials that are included in the top that you need to replace, the cost of the repair varies. You’ll have to decide if you want to switch from a glass to a plastic window, or whether you want to keep your top closed for good once it’s changed to avoid paying for electrical repairs.
The location of your repairs may have a significant impact on the whole cost, and you may discover that some clients are ready to go to another state to reduce the overall cost. It will be considerably more difficult to find a fair price on the Miata soft top replacement repair work in areas that aren’t typically convertible driving destinations, such as those that get a lot of snow or rain each year.
Many repair shops that aren’t located in areas where convertible owners get enough sun won’t be able to do this type of replacement.
| State | Total Cost Average | Replacement Parts |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 1200 | 400 |
| Virginia | 600 | 400 |
| Louisiana | 500 | 300 |
| California | 600 | 350 |
| North Carolina | 800 | 400 |
Why Is It So Expensive To Replace A Convertible Top?
The problem with replacing a convertible top is that you will almost always have to replace both the top and the motor.
It’s also possible that the cabling connecting the canopy to the button that regulates the top’s up and down movement has to be replaced.
Trying to track out wiring problems in any element of a car’s system may be highly costly, and it can result in a lot of extra labor expenditures during the diagnosis process.
You’ll discover that this isn’t always a procedure you can do on your own, since it requires much too many diverse mechanical talents to accomplish the entire process.
Some Miata owners claim that they can just buy the complete top assembly off of a destroyed car and replace it that way, but this is not always the case.
This is a more cost-effective choice, with prices ranging from $300 to $400 in many places.
Due to the extent of damage to the supports that keep the top on the car, you may not be able to utilize this option, but if you have not had substantial water damage beneath the top, you may be able to spend this much money on your repairs.
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What if I want to replace the top of my Miata on my own?
You will save a lot of money on labor if you believe you can handle the replacement process yourself. A new soft top assembly costs between $400 and $600 in most parts of the nation.
There are a few alternatives when it comes to choosing the correct type of top for your needs, and if you want to save money, you may pick for a less expensive top.
Always keep in mind that some dealers will charge you $150-$200 in freight to get the new top to you, which might eat into the savings you’ll earn by doing the repair yourself.
In certain circumstances, this may outweigh the advantages of saving money by having a technician or a dealership conduct the repair for you.
Overall, this is not a difficult project, but it is time-consuming, and you will need to be able to park your Miata indoors throughout the installation, especially if you are not planning on doing it in one day.
Before you begin this repair process, you should constantly think about logistics.
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What Are Some Symptoms That Your Soft Top Is Failing?
You may believe that you would notice that your soft top is deteriorating long before the situation becomes serious, but many people overlook these early warning indications. This is especially true if you close your soft top more often than you open it.
The switch takes a long time to respond.
A non-responsive or slow reaction from the button that controls the top’s up and down movement is one of the most prominent early warning indicators of soft top degradation. This might indicate that moisture has entered the motor and is causing damage to the wiring.
Parts that are rusted.
If you notice rust on any of the metal pieces associated to the mechanism and the top itself, this might suggest that water is leaking around the canopy or through the top’s hinges.
Top is stuck.
If the top will not fully open or shut, one or more mechanical pieces may have broken, or you may have a wiring issue that has caused the motor to fail to perform as it should.
There is water in the inside.
You might not notice water pouring down the side of the car, but you might discover it accumulated in unusual places like your glove compartment or the rear floor mats. This is because the water that seeps into the vehicle through leaks may be subtle, and the moisture collects within the automobile as condensation in these collection sites. Leaks can also travel down the frame and into unexpected places.
On the Windshield, there is moisture.
If you see unusually thick condensation on your windshield, it might be a sign of a leaking top. This might be an early indicator that your Miata’s top is deteriorating, and you should investigate any concerns with the top before they worsen.
What Miata years can I get new soft tops for?
Some Miatas are too old to receive a replacement soft top. For earlier vehicles, you might have to go to a junkyard to find a soft top. New soft tops for Miatas from the 2006 model year and later are still available. Despite the higher expense, you may find that buying fresh is the most convenient option.
There are just too many ways a used or junkyard soft top may be damaged, and you should consider this a huge risk that might wind up costing you considerably more than buying a new top in the long run.
Purchasing a new soft top eliminates the risk of future damage to your interior and electrical system from this new soft top, which comes with its own set of problems.
When picking between new and used for your repair, always consider the drawbacks of saving a few hundred dollars on a used top.
If your soft top isn’t operating well, there are a lot of other parts that might be harmed, so be sure you consider the hazards to your car’s general health against the savings.
Miata Soft Top Repairs Can Become Expensive.
There are a variety of reasons why some individuals avoid purchasing any type of soft-top car. For some automobile owners, the expense of changing the soft top on their Miata is exorbitant, and this may be a reason to avoid purchasing a soft-top vehicle.
If you have a soft-top Miata and are attempting to figure out how much it will cost to replace your sun-damaged soft top, remember to shop around for the best value.
If you’re willing to drive your Miata to another state, you’ll discover that regions with year-round sunshine are far more equipped to offer you with components and mechanics who can assist you with your soft top replacement needs.
Soft top replacements are an inevitable aspect of owning this type of vehicle, and you should always budget for them far ahead of when you really need to replace your soft top.
Often Asked Questions on miata soft top Replacement
Q) How much does it cost to replace a soft top?
A convertible top replacement is projected to cost between $900 and $1500. The price of a convertible top replacement is mostly dictated by the vehicle’s make and model. In most cases, however, the following costs are incurred: one top replacement (including pop rivets, staples, hold-down cables, and adhesive).
Q) How much does it cost to repair a soft top convertible?
How much does it cost to replace the soft top on a Mazda Miata? How much does it cost to replace a miata soft top? Image result for how much does it cost to replace a miata soft top
The price of replacing the soft top on your convertible car varies depending on the situation. According to JD Power, the total cost of the surgery will range between $900 and $1,500.
Q) What is the time it takes to install a soft top on a Miata?
An upholstery shop with Matias’ skill might be able to finish it in 2 hours, but if you do it yourself, plan on spending 4-6 hours. I’ve never changed a shirt before, but I’ve worn mine a lot. There’s no reason to rivet the rain rail to the top, and I believe it only adds to the confusion.
Q) What is the average lifespan of a convertible top?
On average, a well-maintained convertible top will last for 5-7 years. 2. Never close a convertible top when the temperature outdoors is below 60 degrees.
Q) Is it common for individuals to break into convertibles?
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, convertibles aren’t more likely to be involved in accidents as a group (IIHS). Some models, on the other hand, are more prone to crashes than others.
Q) Do people get into soft-top convertibles?
You are concerned about its safety. Because they are easier to break into, soft top convertibles are more vulnerable to theft. Before you buy a convertible, think about where you’ll keep it, especially if it’s a soft top, and what security features are incorporated.
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