Buying my first S2K, What to look out for???

Hiya my name is Rodge. I wonder if any of you chaps out there can give me a hand? I am wanting to Buy an S2000. Its gonna be a 2nd car so I dont want to be spending too much so im looking at an 02-03. I recently almost purchased a mint looking 02 plate but it had done almost 99,000 miles. Is was pretty cheap due to the mileage but was an absolute beaute with hardtop and all. I was hoping for a bit of help and insight as to how well these cars wear at higher mileage and if there are any things to look out when purchasing a second hand S2000? Maybe there are some common faults to look out for with higher mileage examples? I know that with all cars with this kind of mileage wont be perfect but could you give me some advice. Thanks Rodge (ive tried to find the buyer guide but have failed)

I can tell you that so far, the 53k miles 2005 I just purchased is doing very well. There is a good bit of regular maintenance involved, but nothing outside of the ordinary vehicle (oil, filters, tires, etc.).

Sorry I couldn't provide more help, new to all of this myself!

my car is over 100k miles and still runs like a champ. like any other car, as long as the maintenance is performed as required, the car can be flawless.

if you're seriously considering to buy, check compression, oil, spark plugs, and give the car a good test drive to check for any weird noises or symptoms.

after you buy your s, which would more than likely be an AP1 model as you stated, i would proceed in changing the retainers to AP2 retainers.

gl!

I agree w/ compression test and such. Look for one that you like: color/condition/etc. If you ever want to turbo or sc you might consider buying one that already is, since that can save you a good amount of $$$. Other than that, don't rush into it, pick one that you like, since this will be a car you will enjoy a lot and want to keep for a while if not forever.

Thanks guys that really is useful info to know. I guess the next question for a newboy to ask is are there any noises in particular to listen out for that are signs of a problem appearing on the horizon????

I imagine you will want to keep an ear and eye out for vibrations and any sounds that you wouldn't expect. I will tell you that there are certain to be some rattles (especially with these tops, but can also be fixed) at a minimum. If you are unsure of a sound, bring it to the attention of this forum and I am sure someone can give you some good insight as to what it might be.

Good luck!

I wanted to piggy back on this theread. I am also in the market to get a S2000. Would you guys say that one year is preferred over another? Or are they basically the same throughout? Looking at A nice 2003 or 2004.

02s are the best! 9000rpm redline, built next to the NSX, glass rear window central vinyl tunnel instead of ugly carpet, fixed some tranny problems, upgraded ECU and various other little things. Be wary of the valve retainers, timing chain tensioner sounds and BE SURE to check out the tires, cause s2k spec tires are not cheap

Try this link, lots-o-info. Tire inspection is good advise, another major thing to check out is the top (prone to wear spots, not a cheap fix).

http://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=590849

Good luck to all.