Buying 350Z Convertible-top doesn't work.
 

Hello everyone. I am new to the forum.
Thinking about purchasing a 2007 350z HR roadster Touring 6 speed manual with 106k miles as a weekend car.
its a 3 owner car, clean title, no accidents.
Went to test drive the car last weekend, it drives well, didn't notice any issues with engine or transmission.
Clutch also feels good.
There is a slight humming after changing gear under 2000 rpm, my guess is that the clutch has been upgraded.
After 2000 rpm the sound goes away.
Overall the car is in good condition paint 8/10 , interior 7/10, convertible top is 6/10 slight tears on the sides are starting to show, prob will have to replace it within the next 6 months before it starts raining.
Only thing is that convertible top didn't work at all!
When i press the switch to open it- nothing happens.
There is no sound from the motor, and windows don't go down as well.(i am able to open/close windows from the door )
Car is running and in neutral, pressing brake all the time.
Sales person said that it worked 3-4 weeks ago and it was raining for a few days and now it doesn't work.
They gave me $1500 off the price if i want to take it As-Is for $8k
Also the car has been siting on the lot for about 10 months.
Just wanted your advice if i should get it for this price?
i read that it could run around $1500-2000 to fix the convertible top.
Want to avoid on spending this much on repair.
Will be happy with any feedback from you guys.
Thanks in advance.

Welcome and I understand your conundrum. Nice car, but with a big problem. The 350ZR top is a complex mechanism. and the requires coordinated action from the seats, windows and several motors to allow the soft top to be properly open or close. If that's not the case, you should expect to spend significant money to properly diagnose the mechanism. Also, since the top already has tears, you may spend upwards on $1K to replace that. Your estimate of $2K sounds low to get a problem-free ZR. Keep looking and good luck.

If this was a Miata or another vert with a manual roof I'd say "All in!"
You can make a change so you can lower and raise the top by hand although there is no way to stow/cover it without the tonneau cover working. At 50 miles/hr the canvas would become a kite, permanently damaging the ribs and integrity of the whole unit.
I changed my canvas at home for about $700 with 0 problems and it wasn't hard just a PITA. Could be as simple as a switch or fuse or as bad as $3-4K to correct and change the canvas.
If you decide to go back, take a friend, press the brake pedal. If the brake lights come on it's not that switch and fuse. If they don't it might actually be a simple fix.
Only you can decide, it's your money.

Thanks for your feedback guys!
Will ask the sales person to check if the brake light is working.
And prob will continue looking for other 350z.

try looking for a coupe instead of a roadster, unless you're set on getting a roadster. It's just less maintenance to worry about plus the roadster in my opinion isn't the best looking car. Try to focus on getting an 07-08 model as well as the engine is more refined and (reliable) good.

Nope. I'd tell them, "Fix the top and I'm a buyer. Otherwise, I walk".

Could you tell me how to do this? Was in the same position 2 years ago the deal was too good to pass. The cover will open

There are 2 short arms/struts (1 on each side) that attach to the frame with a 10mm bolt. IIRC you can move the top freely by hand once unbolted.