After picking up a brand new standard soft top off CL for $500, I am seriously considering selling my JKU hard top. It has been only a couple of days since I switched tops, but I really love the soft top. The only time I would prob miss the hard top is in the winter, where we do get some cold temps from time to time. However, the Jeep is in the garage when I'm home.
Anyone regret selling their hardtop after making the move to a soft top?
I was on the fence about selling mine. But I paid 1K for my soft top, and MA winters can be unforgiving.
It would probably shorten the lifespan of the top, and especially the windows.
So, I may end up keeping the hard top.
The JK hard top used can net about 1K plus, depending upon condition.
Sold my hard top here in CA, got caught in high winds with my trektop nx nearly snapped my tailgate bar supports regretted it. Rather than trying to find a reasonable used one I just oped to get a new one since it carries the factory warranty of my vehicle, it also made sure I am now 3 of 3 with leak free JK hard tops.
I will be going through winter with my trektop nx, if all goes well, my hard top is getting sold this Spring. I don't like the look nor the inconvenience of having it
The hard top option was one of the primary options during my JK search. Soft tops were easier and cheaper to add later on. IMO hard tops have better resale value than any soft top. The Best top sunrider makes a lot of sense for hard top owners but the cost is way too close to a soft top kit. If the price drops a bit I may consider one sooner than later
I bought my 2013 with the hard top, but really wanted a soft top. When I went to pick it up, the dealer surprised me with a free soft top (used) they had in the shop. It wasn't even a month (Feb) and I changed them out. I wrapped the hard top and stored it to install next winter.
Then I found out that the hard top could be sold for $1,100. No brainer - hello lift kit! I love being able to take the sides off and top down. This past weekend I purchased soft doors. Now the hard doors are sitting there in my living room. Humm.......$$.........
I have both tops and I have never considered selling my hard top. I run the hard top about 3-4 months in the winter and run soft top the rest of the time. Even though the winters here in Eastern NC are not as bad as other places, it still gets cold and we get some ice and snow. I'm a little more comfortable with a hard top during those times. And if you have somewhere to store the hard top it's not bothering anything and you have a second top if something happens to you soft top. Just my 2 cents worth.
Swapped out my 2014 hardtop and bought premium soft top after 6 months of buying jeep. Thought I'd hold onto hard top for winters. Never put it back on and its going on 2.5 years. Love the premium soft top and convenience of spur of the moment top removal. No regrets.
Thought I needed a hard top when I bought my Jeep so I picked one up on Craigslist probably used it for a total of a couple of weeks ended up trading it to regear my Jeep , love the gears hated the hardtop.
I just bought my first hardtop after owning nothing but soft tops. I can't say that I will/won't be selling it as of yet b/c I like the idea of having it available for future options like roof racks and security... At least so far, I guess.
Consideration...In the past I tried to rent a trailer from U-Haul and they refused me b/c I had a soft top. They said that they could only rent to hard top Jeeps. So there's always that.
I just purchased a Trektop NX and really look forward to opening up my Jeep on a whim. I can't do that with the hard top aside from the panels which kinda sucks when you're used to throwing the top off at any given moment. Once it comes the hardtop will be taking up garage space and if it sits for too long it will either go on my wife's Jeep or on craigslist. Speaking of the wife, she always bugged me about getting her a hardtop but now that I have one she's like "Meh".
I have sold my HT many times since I have had 3 JK's. I have regretted it every time. I like the look much better especially on the JKU. On my current 2 door, I will get a soft top but will only use in spring and part of summer. I like the quiet, convenience and looks of a HT.
I have thought many times about selling my hard top and using the money for mods. However, I drive through the car wash atleast four times a week (unlimited washes) in the winter since it is on the way home from work. A couple of my buddies suggested not taking it through the wash with the soft top for various reason so I am going to hold onto it at this point.
It's strange because I have always been a hard top guy. My TJ that I drove from 98-2007 was a hard top. When searching for my JKUR earlier this year, I never would have considered a soft top version. But now, I just think the soft top is more fun.
I live in N Arkansas so we get all 4 seasons. Winter can be mild or extreme cold. My only worry is extreme cold, which may be 1-2 months a year tops, and vehicle security if I had to park somewhere sketchy or overnight. That is extremely rare, but still.
I'd never sell mine. I run it for about 7 months of the year for various reasons:
1, hunting season Oct-Dec-Try getting stuff in and out of the back with the soft top multiple times, in the dark and you'll understand this one Also, lots of trail riding which, after several new plastic window purchases due to limb punctures, convinced me to put the hardtop on.
2. winter Jan-Mar-I like the extra insulation the hardtop provides and the ability to use the wiper/washer on the rear window for salt, road grime.
3, I even ran it from the end of july-end of aug this year. I absolutely do not enjoy 100+ degrees and 100% humidity with the softtop
During any of those times I can always remove the Freedom panels if the weather is nice and enjoy a semi-open experience. But I do enjoy those perfect days with the soft top, so i'll keep it also.
This is Jeep #7 and it is my second Hard Top... First thing I did with both is take em off and put the softie on. However, I did keep the hard top. Just in case. Who knows what is going to happen. If you have a place to store it, keep it. If not sell it. Whatever you do, don't rush into it. Put the soft top on and enjoy it. You never know it may not be for you.
I would regret it I sold my black top beginning of summer (a black one) luckily found a white one to match since living in Denver and long car drives insulating and installing a hoist for it and now makes it way easier to store and also its so quiet compared to the soft top along with being warmer in winter.
I'll probably hang onto it for a while just to be sure. Having to find/buy another one would be a PITA. Also, I agree on the tailgate bar...that has already gotten in my way on day one when I had to ship a large box.
The only financial reason to sell would be to buy a winch, which is a good reason TO sell
I wouldn't ever get the factory standard soft top. Sold my hard top and got a Bestrop Trektop Pro -- happy with it, wouldn't trade back. Would've also liked a premium soft top too, though (the Pro doesn't fold down, the glass liftgate is always on).
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