Does the Honda Certified Warranty cover the top?

jwa4378 · 04-29-2005, 01:21 PM

Hey all-

Newbie here.... I just bought an '00 S2000 here in Tallahassee, FL. It has only 43,000 miles on it. I just realized that the top has a slight tear just rear of the driver side window. The rear plastic window is also fogged (can hardly see through it at night). Does anyone know if the Honda Certified Extended Bumper to Bumper warranty includes the top? I visited a convertible shop here in town, and they told me that you cannot just replace the rear window, as it is all one piece (like the Z3). He also quoted me $2000 to replace the top!!!! This seems REALLY high. I owned a Miata a few years ago, and that top was only $695 to replace. If someone could kindly point me in the right direction. If there is any chance it is covered under warranty, and somone has had it replaced, could you please give me a dealer name / repair order form number so I can get on my dealer? Also, my mother is an attorney for Honda, so she could use anyone else's experience to apply some pressure on the local dealer.

thanks

john

Halo · 04-29-2005, 04:12 PM

The original factory warranty covers the top. Extended warranties are notorious for being bate and switch, so there you'd have to check with the dealer.

You can order a brand new top from www.hardtopguy.com

Search s2ki.com for how to install a top with a glass window (MY02+) on an older car.

drdre1443 · 04-29-2005, 07:49 PM

I just went through this ordeal. I have the extended warranty too and it does NOT cover the top. Honda DID in fact cover it as a "good faith" warranty claim since my plastic window tore after a week of owning it.

You can replace the plastic window portion only, but it is so time consuming that woever does it for you will end up charging you the same amount of money as if you were to replace the whole thing.

If you're thinking of replacing just the plastic portion, you might have to wait a few days or a week....my honda dealer just ordered the last plastic window in the whole country. Ive been waiting a few days for it. Seems there is not much demand for just the plastic part.

jwa4378 · 04-30-2005, 01:21 PM

Halo-

You said that the top is covered under the original warranty. Do you know where in the warranty it says that? The dealer basically told me that the extended warranty is a 12 month / 12,000 miles extension of the ORIGINAL bumper to bumper warranty. And then a 7 year / 100,000 mile engine and transmission warranty. PLease let me know where in the warranty it states that the top is covered, as my dealer did not provide me with a warranty pamphlet or even an owner's manual. Any help would be appreciated.

thanks

John

drdre1443 · 05-03-2005, 10:18 AM

they dont provide you with much documentation b/c the extended warranty doesn't cover all the stuff like a bumper to bumper warranty does, even though they like to classify their extended warranty as bumper to bumper.

I dropped my car off at the dealer today for my top and I told them about the clutch buzz when I decelerate. Also said there was a TSB for it so it should be easy to figure out if it's just a rattle or something more. She told me she knows all about all the TSB's with the s2000 but pretty much none are covered with the extended hondacare warranty. I laughed b/c I thought to myself..."WTF....maybe I'll just cancel the warranty and get a pro-rated refund for the 1100 bucks.

But since the top woulda cost me over 2 G's I think I would feel bad bitching, since they even gave me a maxima to drive around for free.

and also, that certified warranty thats 12 months/ 12,000 miles covers ver little more than a power train warranty.....in a realistic sense, since most the stuff it covers don't break until after 100K miles.....like a power window motor.

jwa4378 · 05-03-2005, 03:23 PM

I am holding out hope...my dealer told me "we'll get it fixed one way or another." Dunno if that is just dealer double speak. I would be satisfied if they bought the material and I had to pay labor. I have had a few problems with this car, and I bought a $400 part for my trade-in that they needed, so I hope they will help me out. They are always going for good customer service ratings.

Halo · 05-04-2005, 10:12 AM

The orginial bumper-to-bumper warranty on the car (3/36) covers all parts except those subject to normal wear and replacement (brake pads, wiper blades etc). The top is not considered 'normal wear' according to the warranty.

However, I think you guys are talking about extended warranty and if that is the case, all bets are off. Extended warranties are basically a bait and switch and they will try to find a way to NOT cover whatever it is you are claiming.

I would bail on the dealer if I were you (get it fixed 'one way or another' wtf does that mean?) We'll fix it and you pay for it... that's one way

You can search for glass window replacement at www.s2ki.com There is a photo-illustrated thread for step-by-step how to put a glass window top on a car that originally had the plastic window. It takes a weekend, requires drilling a few small holes in the top frame (aluminum, no rust) and some riveting (parts available at Home Depot). The top can be purchased form www.hardtopguy.com for about 700 bucks. Your car will look like new.

jwa4378 · 05-04-2005, 11:45 AM

I hope the dealer will help with the top. On automobiles.honda.com, under the certified warranty section, it does not say anything about the top being covered. I think the dealer may help me out, because I spent the $400 on the part, when I coulda just stuck them with a busted part, and the fact that I am also having other problems....the parking brake is sticking, and burning! it is due for service on thursday, and the car originally came missing a snap for the boot cover.

jwa4378 · 05-05-2005, 06:45 AM

How hard is it to replace the top? I have a friend who is EXTREMELY car savvy. He works at a local welding shop here in town, so he has access to a whole array of tools. He services my sister's 99 Accord, everything from re-packing of bearings to oil changes to suspension modifications. He also had an 02 RSX-S, which I believe has the same engine as the S2000, just detuned a bit. he does not have much experience with fabric, though. How much time would it take to swap it ourselves? Is it difficult to ge the top stretched tight?

Halo · 05-05-2005, 09:18 PM

It's not that hard. Does require some riveting though. Takes a few hours to take off the old one and a few hours to put on the new.

The RSX does not have the same engine as the S2000. The F20c is specifically designed for this car and for a F/R drivertrain.

drdre1443 · 05-05-2005, 11:22 PM

yeah the rsx has the K20, not a F20 like the s2000.

there are 3 types of K20's and the detuned rsx engine (160bHP) is in the civic Si

The only other F series I can think of went in the 90's honda accord/acura CL. It was a F22 and later, F23.

I wouldn't bail on the dealer just yet. I have had exceptional service from them so far. I pick up my car tomorrow morning and they showed me the warranty bill which has surpassed 4000 dollars now. and only the driver's side regulator was covered! the pressure plate and top was not. and I dont have to pay anything......just lost time without my 2000

jwa4378 · 05-06-2005, 04:57 PM

The F22 was in the Prelude too right? No word on the dealer yet.... Will call tomorrow.

drdre1443 · 05-06-2005, 07:39 PM

the prelude has the H22a

now........ i've seen some hondas run a h23block/f23(maybe other way around?) head combo and put down some good dyno numbers!

jwa4378 · 05-09-2005, 05:50 PM

Good news...I talked to the Used Car sales manager down at my local Honda dealership. He told me that it looks like they are going to have to replace the top for me!

WOW!!! That is customer service! They are going to make a few calls, and tell me where to go and when, and they will do it all for free!

That is a $2000 repair for FREE! WOW!

04-29-2005, 01:21 PM	#1 (permalink)
jwa4378 Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 31	Does the Honda Certified Warranty cover the top? Hey all- Newbie here.... I just bought an '00 S2000 here in Tallahassee, FL. It has only 43,000 miles on it. I just realized that the top has a slight tear just rear of the driver side window. The rear plastic window is also fogged (can hardly see through it at night). Does anyone know if the Honda Certified Extended Bumper to Bumper warranty includes the top? I visited a convertible shop here in town, and they told me that you cannot just replace the rear window, as it is all one piece (like the Z3). He also quoted me $2000 to replace the top!!!! This seems REALLY high. I owned a Miata a few years ago, and that top was only $695 to replace. If someone could kindly point me in the right direction. If there is any chance it is covered under warranty, and somone has had it replaced, could you please give me a dealer name / repair order form number so I can get on my dealer? Also, my mother is an attorney for Honda, so she could use anyone else's experience to apply some pressure on the local dealer. thanks john

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04-29-2005, 04:12 PM	#2 (permalink)
Halo Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 610	The original factory warranty covers the top. Extended warranties are notorious for being bate and switch, so there you'd have to check with the dealer. You can order a brand new top from www.hardtopguy.com Search s2ki.com for how to install a top with a glass window (MY02+) on an older car.

04-29-2005, 07:49 PM	#3 (permalink)
drdre1443 Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 31	I just went through this ordeal. I have the extended warranty too and it does NOT cover the top. Honda DID in fact cover it as a "good faith" warranty claim since my plastic window tore after a week of owning it. You can replace the plastic window portion only, but it is so time consuming that woever does it for you will end up charging you the same amount of money as if you were to replace the whole thing. If you're thinking of replacing just the plastic portion, you might have to wait a few days or a week....my honda dealer just ordered the last plastic window in the whole country. Ive been waiting a few days for it. Seems there is not much demand for just the plastic part.

04-30-2005, 01:21 PM	#4 (permalink)
jwa4378 Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 31	Halo- You said that the top is covered under the original warranty. Do you know where in the warranty it says that? The dealer basically told me that the extended warranty is a 12 month / 12,000 miles extension of the ORIGINAL bumper to bumper warranty. And then a 7 year / 100,000 mile engine and transmission warranty. PLease let me know where in the warranty it states that the top is covered, as my dealer did not provide me with a warranty pamphlet or even an owner's manual. Any help would be appreciated. thanks John

05-03-2005, 10:18 AM	#5 (permalink)
drdre1443 Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 31	they dont provide you with much documentation b/c the extended warranty doesn't cover all the stuff like a bumper to bumper warranty does, even though they like to classify their extended warranty as bumper to bumper. I dropped my car off at the dealer today for my top and I told them about the clutch buzz when I decelerate. Also said there was a TSB for it so it should be easy to figure out if it's just a rattle or something more. She told me she knows all about all the TSB's with the s2000 but pretty much none are covered with the extended hondacare warranty. I laughed b/c I thought to myself..."WTF....maybe I'll just cancel the warranty and get a pro-rated refund for the 1100 bucks. But since the top woulda cost me over 2 G's I think I would feel bad bitching, since they even gave me a maxima to drive around for free. and also, that certified warranty thats 12 months/ 12,000 miles covers ver little more than a power train warranty.....in a realistic sense, since most the stuff it covers don't break until after 100K miles.....like a power window motor.

05-03-2005, 03:23 PM	#6 (permalink)
jwa4378 Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 31	I am holding out hope...my dealer told me "we'll get it fixed one way or another." Dunno if that is just dealer double speak. I would be satisfied if they bought the material and I had to pay labor. I have had a few problems with this car, and I bought a $400 part for my trade-in that they needed, so I hope they will help me out. They are always going for good customer service ratings.

05-04-2005, 10:12 AM	#7 (permalink)
Halo Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 610	The orginial bumper-to-bumper warranty on the car (3/36) covers all parts except those subject to normal wear and replacement (brake pads, wiper blades etc). The top is not considered 'normal wear' according to the warranty. However, I think you guys are talking about extended warranty and if that is the case, all bets are off. Extended warranties are basically a bait and switch and they will try to find a way to NOT cover whatever it is you are claiming. I would bail on the dealer if I were you (get it fixed 'one way or another' wtf does that mean?) We'll fix it and you pay for it... that's one way You can search for glass window replacement at www.s2ki.com There is a photo-illustrated thread for step-by-step how to put a glass window top on a car that originally had the plastic window. It takes a weekend, requires drilling a few small holes in the top frame (aluminum, no rust) and some riveting (parts available at Home Depot). The top can be purchased form www.hardtopguy.com for about 700 bucks. Your car will look like new.

05-04-2005, 11:45 AM	#8 (permalink)
jwa4378 Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 31	I hope the dealer will help with the top. On automobiles.honda.com, under the certified warranty section, it does not say anything about the top being covered. I think the dealer may help me out, because I spent the $400 on the part, when I coulda just stuck them with a busted part, and the fact that I am also having other problems....the parking brake is sticking, and burning! it is due for service on thursday, and the car originally came missing a snap for the boot cover.

05-05-2005, 06:45 AM	#9 (permalink)
jwa4378 Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 31	How hard is it to replace the top? I have a friend who is EXTREMELY car savvy. He works at a local welding shop here in town, so he has access to a whole array of tools. He services my sister's 99 Accord, everything from re-packing of bearings to oil changes to suspension modifications. He also had an 02 RSX-S, which I believe has the same engine as the S2000, just detuned a bit. he does not have much experience with fabric, though. How much time would it take to swap it ourselves? Is it difficult to ge the top stretched tight?

05-05-2005, 09:18 PM	#10 (permalink)
Halo Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 610	It's not that hard. Does require some riveting though. Takes a few hours to take off the old one and a few hours to put on the new. The RSX does not have the same engine as the S2000. The F20c is specifically designed for this car and for a F/R drivertrain.

05-05-2005, 11:22 PM	#11 (permalink)
drdre1443 Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 31	yeah the rsx has the K20, not a F20 like the s2000. there are 3 types of K20's and the detuned rsx engine (160bHP) is in the civic Si The only other F series I can think of went in the 90's honda accord/acura CL. It was a F22 and later, F23. I wouldn't bail on the dealer just yet. I have had exceptional service from them so far. I pick up my car tomorrow morning and they showed me the warranty bill which has surpassed 4000 dollars now. and only the driver's side regulator was covered! the pressure plate and top was not. and I dont have to pay anything......just lost time without my 2000

05-06-2005, 04:57 PM	#12 (permalink)
jwa4378 Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 31	The F22 was in the Prelude too right? No word on the dealer yet.... Will call tomorrow.

05-06-2005, 07:39 PM	#13 (permalink)
drdre1443 Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 31	the prelude has the H22a now........ i've seen some hondas run a h23block/f23(maybe other way around?) head combo and put down some good dyno numbers!

05-09-2005, 05:50 PM	#14 (permalink)
jwa4378 Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 31	Good news...I talked to the Used Car sales manager down at my local Honda dealership. He told me that it looks like they are going to have to replace the top for me! WOW!!! That is customer service! They are going to make a few calls, and tell me where to go and when, and they will do it all for free! That is a $2000 repair for FREE! WOW!