Here's Why Buying a High-Mile S2000 Can Be a Great Idea

Higher-mile Honda S2000 examples can be a good deal if you know what to look for.

By Brett Foote - May 25, 2023
Here's Why Buying a High-Mile S2000 Is a Great Idea
Here's Why Buying a High-Mile S2000 Can Be a Great Idea
Here's Why Buying a High-Mile S2000 Can Be a Great Idea
Here's Why Buying a High-Mile S2000 Can Be a Great Idea
Here's Why Buying a High-Mile S2000 Can Be a Great Idea
Here's Why Buying a High-Mile S2000 Can Be a Great Idea
Here's Why Buying a High-Mile S2000 Can Be a Great Idea

Saving Cash

Thought the course of automotive history, enthusiasts (as well as regular old used car shoppers) tend to shy away from higher-mile examples, as those are typically the cars that need the most upkeep - whether that be in the form of repairs or just routine maintenance. However, with prices soaring, buying a higher-mile S2000 isn't always a terrible idea, especially if you know what to look for.

Photos: S2Ki Forums

Basic Rules

The good news is, the S2000 is an inherently reliable car with few common issues, but for the most part, it can easily rack up considerable mileage without breaking a sweat - or anything major. Much of this depends on how well the car was maintained, of course, so many of the basic rules of used car shopping apply here as well.

Photos: S2Ki Forums

Mechanical Issues

When specifically shopping for an S2000, one should be on the lookout for excessive oil consumption in AP1 models, grinding noises when shifting into second gear, a clutch that makes buzzing noises when decelerating, vibrations while accelerating, and cracked valve retainers, which round out a few mechanical issues.

Photos: S2Ki Forums

Common Wear and Tear

From there, shoppers should look for some common cosmetic problems as well, which include fading or cracked soft tops, as well as cracked or bubbled-up dashboards. Otherwise, it's all about typical wear components such as brakes, tires, suspension bits and pieces, and side bolster wear, particularly on the driver's seat.

Photos: S2Ki Forums

Guilt-Free Experience

Find the right example, and a higher-mile S2000 can provide you with years of guilt-free driving enjoyment for a reasonable price. These cars routinely change hands in the $20k range and can be had for even less, and given how fun they are to drive, you won't feel guilty about wringing it out at the track, either.

Photos: S2Ki Forums

Holding Value

They're also relatively affordable to maintain, which is an important consideration for a high-mile vehicle of any kind. It's also somewhat likely that these cars will continue to appreciate, and at the very least, they hold their value better than most, which means that you likely won't lose the farm if you do decide to sell later on.

Photos: S2Ki Forums

>>Join the conversation about buying a high-mile S2000 right here at S2Ki.com.

Worth It

All of this makes higher-mile S2000s pretty desirable in our book, especially since collectors tend to shy away from them, which helps keep prices in the lower range. There may come a day when that's no longer true, but for now, at least, we can't think of a more satisfying way to spend $20k on an automobile.

Photos: S2Ki Forums

>>Join the conversation about buying a high-mile S2000 right here at S2Ki.com.

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