Sunroof

[Crock]

I want to put a sunroof in my MSP but I'm not sure about the downsides. I've read about structual rigidity issues and stuff but haven't seen anything concrete. What are the real Cons to getting one put in.

Don't say leaking because anything I would get would have a warranty protecting against that. Don't tell me sunroofs are stupid because that won't sway me either. I've wanted one of these forever and I think I'll have this car a long time.

 

[Crock]

Oh yea, one more thing. I didn't post this in Appearance section because this is a MazdaSpeed-specific question.

 

[DaViper]

http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showthread.php?t=33733&highlight=msp+sunroof

 

[tekkie]

The way the front windshields are cracking on these cars I would not think of putting in a sunroof because I am sure that will increase the changes of it happening. Mazda will not cover it under warranty because they will say its related to the sunroof, and they will be right. I am pretty sure thats why they never put one on the car in the first place.

 

[Crock]

thanks DaViper. That thread is actually bookmarked on my browser and the pics in it make me drool!!!

 

[nate0123]

The way the front windshields are cracking on these cars....I am pretty sure thats why they never put one on the car in the first place.

I don't understand what you're saying. It wasn't an option on the MSP, but they did put sunroofs in the very same car. (In case you weren't told, the MSP is a Protege)

 

[unwound]

as long as you get a moonroof (glass portion retreacts into roof) you will be fine. i have had an ASC 840 moonroof on my car for a year now. this moonroof is a cased unit instead of a piece of glass in a frame like an exterior sliding sunroof.

i have no regrets about putting it in and i have it, at least, tilted upward every time i drive in my car(unless it is raining of course). no leaks no problems yet, but who knows what the future holds. my dealer is also covering it with my warranty.

what ever you decide to do, make sure the company who installs your moonroof/sunroof is reputable and has so pics if the work they do for you to see. they will be cutting a hole in your roof no matter what and once it is their there is no turning back.

here are more attachments to make you salivate even more

 

[tekkie]

Really nate(boom04) I did not notice it was a protege(laugh) , in case you have not noticed the regular protege does have a sunroof and the prototype MSP did have one also. I am just saying the reason I think they removed it is because the front window kept cracking, I could be wrong but thats my opinion. There have been many people complaining about their window cracking and in theory with the extra body give from a sunroof the chances will increase of it cracking.

I don't understand what you're saying. It wasn't an option on the MSP, but they did put sunroofs in the very same car. (In case you weren't told, the MSP is a Protege)

 

[nate0123]

Really nate(boom04) I did not notice it was a protege(laugh) , in case you have not noticed the regular protege does have a sunroof and the prototype MSP did have one also. I am just saying the reason I think they removed it is because the front window kept cracking, I could be wrong but thats my opinion. There have been many people complaining about their window cracking and in theory with the extra body give from a sunroof the chances will increase of it cracking.

Yes I did notice Proteges have them, I've had my car w/sunroof for almost 2 years now and no cracks. The reason is probably more likely that they didn't want to have to try to sell a $22k Protege. Now the cruise control... that's a stumper (uhm)

 

[SpicyMSP]

Let me say this. I am dating that guy with the yellow MSP and the sunroof. He got in an accident about 5 months ago in that car. It is taking SOOO Long to get his car finished because of that sunroof. All the parts were on backorder!!

Because of the sunroof you have to cut through the main support and if Dr.Sound had a sunroof installed in his car, he would have NEVER survived his roll over. Richelesro (yellow MSP with a sunroof) was lucky he did not roll in his accident. To me its just not worth it. You sacrifice a bit of handling, and you could be sacrificing your life.

In his accident the sunroof caused his roofline to warp.

 

[SpicyMSP]

MSP Sunroof Before:

MSP Sunroof After:

 

[richelesro]

MSP Sunroof Before:


MSP Sunroof After:

Being the owner of that car, it's probably a good idea if I comment. The sunroof had nothing to do with the accident. However, it has caused a lot of problems during the repair process.

As for structural integrity, yes, the roof crimped a bit, but the car stayed in the shape it was intended to be. As such, I'd say that structural integrity isn't that big of an issue, relatively.

I wouldn't want to have my MSP without a sunroof. Cars without it tend to bug me after awhile. Definitely worth the money.

 

[SpicyMSP]

The sunroof had nothing to do with the accident. However, it has caused a lot of problems during the repair process.

Yea, thats all I was saying. I have to admit I love having the sunroof on his car, especially on nice CA days.

 

[Crock]

Spicy and richelesro.....Thank you both VERY MUCH for the input, it is exactly what I am looking for. Serious issues to weigh in my decision; factual statements rather than opinion. I think the pros still outweigh the cons, especially when the dowside is a "potential risk". When it comes to risks associatted with accidents it's almost like gambling. (I actually consider purchasing auto insurance a form of gambling.)
Oh no, i'm straying off topic.
Anyway... I'm about 90% sure I'll get one. It looks great on a protege and is one of the VERY few things I wish this car had when I bought it.

 

[SpicyMSP]

Yea, as I said Its a GOOD thing he didnt roll over. I dont know if you were on the forum for "Dr.Sounds" accident. But basically he rolled his MSP 12 times down a cliff. The car is toast, and I am confident if he had a sunroof installed on his car, he would not be alive today. Even the support beam that was there, bent alot. Imagine if it wasnt there, and a sunroof was in its place.

Here is a pic after a couple of months of it being down there, but you can see the extensive body damage:

 

[tekkie]

wow that looks scary, he was ok right? that is a sad picture of an MSP

 

[SpicyMSP]

yea he is fine. Thankfully.

 

[shaolin]

He got another MSP...Titanium one. I'm still torn on the sunroof issue. It bugged me that it didn't have it, because every car I've owned has had one. But at the same time, every car I've owned had some very irritating rattles in the sunroof. And those were factory installed. It's all things to consider...but I still think I might get one...just because I miss having the open air and sun on my face on spring days...

 

[SpicyMSP]

His sunroof was not factory installed, the dealerships have to a ship it to a sunroof install shop.

 

[tiwing]

I've got a moonroof too - slides inside and lifts up. Love it. I had the dealer put it in, but they sent it outside to have it done. I haven't noticed any problems with it. But, how tall are you? Having it installed drops the roof liner by about an inch.

I'll gladly give up a small bit of rigidity for having the roof. Maybe that's even why my windshield didn't spider when I had a big rock hit and drove it without being fixed for a month. Hmm. Only guessing on that one. ...