Miata Mailing List: May 1993, Message #187
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   From: (none)
Subject: Re: Softtop warranty info - HELP! please
   Date: (none)

> Of course, the velcro straps are disconnected.  Of course the plastic is
> crummy.  But the new twist is that I was having problems with the zipper
> sticking when trying to open/close.
> My question is: Is it worth the worry of having a dealer replace the top
> to fix these annoyances?  I need to decide soon, so any help will be much
> appreciated.

here's my view (although it may not be what you wanted to hear :-)

warranties are meant to save you from things that break or wear out
prematurely.  they aren't intended to save you from paying for things
that experience normal wear and tear and eventually need repair or
replacement.

"everyone knows" that sooner or later, we'll all have to replace our
convertible top - that's just a Fact of Life that comes with owning
the car.  sure, we'll try to make it last as long as possible, but
eventually, it'll wear out.

from your description, it sounds like your top is experiencing
normal wear-and-tear - the kind of things that are expected to
happen with use and age.  since nothing catastrophic has 
happened (barring the zipper handle), i don't think this is a
warranty matter.  (it's worth checking about the zipper handle,
though - they may have a replacement available)
after all, most soft tops are going to be feeling their age
a little after 3 years, but Mazda didn't promise us all
"1 free soft top just before your warranty runs out."


as for replacement in the (hopefully distant) future...
i just got the 'Motorsport' catalog mentioned in the brochure
that the Miata Club sent out a while back; they list replacement
soft tops for a little under $400 (i believe this is for an
OEM "equivalent", not the "official" Mazda part).  they also list
a "sailcloth" version (a la European convertibles) for around $600.
naturally labor would add to the cost, unless you did it yourself.
i don't recall if the $1200 figure i've seen quoted for the Mazda
soft top includes labor, but my guess is that it does.

also, they list Mazda replacement rear windows for $287 (i don't know
how this compares to Honey Mazda's price, but at least it gives you
an idea of what they cost...)