Hard tops increase smiles per gallon by at least 30
Guess it also depends on where you live. I would never have a hard top but I live in Florida and dont need the warmth a hard top can bring. I prefer being able to take off my windows when ever I want
I live in Ohio and sold the hard tops we had for both our Jeeps...
Top technology and fitment has gotten WAY better. Especially on the twill fabric. (It is actually a bit quieter than the hard top).
For our uses, a hard top is not desired. This said, $500 is a fair price.
I say buy it!
Even if you don't end up liking it, at that price, you can resell and make a couple dollars.
Hard tops are worth more money than $500. If that's really what he's willing to sell his for and it's in good shape, it's a deal.
If you don't run topless much, hard tops can be nice to have as they are a lot quieter, offer more security and are a hell of a lot more convenient to open the back glass.