I have had rag tops since 1968 and have never found it to be a good idea to store them down for any period of time.

If you are storing the car with the top down, it can set creases in vinyl or canvass that sometimes will never come out. It also bends the fibres so that they will weaken and break when straightened. Constant friction of the folded fabric will cause wear patterns that can show up when you raise the top.

That said, you should be sure to operate the top from time to time. This will keep the hyraulics from settling and seals won't dry out. It also coats the piston rods so they don't corrode or collect dust which can mess up the seals.

I have looked at two XFire roadsters, fairly new, with the same two obvious wear points on the top. Required replacement. In both cases the previous owners said they almost never had the tops up. CA cars.

Finally, the mechanism on the XFire top is somewhat complicated. While I don't miss the old tonneau top cover will all those rivet/snaps, I wonder how reliable the computer operated systems will be. I like checking mine out. I do so at least once a month. Even in winter.

roadster with a stick