[SD ///M4]

Another tip to extend the life of your ragtop: leave the top up when parked.

I used to have a 2000 S2000 which I bought new. Living in San Diego, I kept the top down all the time unless we got the occasional rainfall. After about 8 years the top started getting small rips or tears at the stress points which kept getting larger and larger. I used black duct tape to cover the holes (I had the top down almost all the time, so I wasn't concerned about the appearance).

I decided to have the top replaced at 10 years and the upholstery shop I took it to told me that leaving the top down most of the time will stress the fabric when you do put it up, eventually causing rips and tears. He suggested always putting the top up when it's parked, even in the garage.