Right, I'm having a bit of a dilemma.

I dont know whether or not to go for:

A) Black CTR, 2002, 48k miles, FHSH, new engine 12k miles ago (fitted by honda), meticulous and conscientious female owner (checks oil regularly, has interim services, no expense spared, keeps all receipts).

B) Black CTR, 2003, 43k miles, FHSH, mid-20's owner, seems to be fastidious about maintenance and upkeep of appearance. swears that i should see his car first because he is a perfectionist and he spent a long time hunting for this one, and it's still immaculate.

A) is about an hour away. B) is 10 minutes away.

I suppose at the very least i should look over both, but which (on face value) appears to be the best deal?

ps - I originally wanted a Silver CTR, but every one i find either doesn't have AC, has been molested, or is out of my price range.

I am also astounded by how some sellers are trying to do business: no responses to calls, voicemails or emails! FFS, my money is burning a hole in my pocket!!

The mind boggles...

 

Would need to know why A) has had the new engine ??

But look at both, then decide.

If you want a Silver one then wiat.

They are not exactly rare so one will come along, perhaps widen your search ??

 

Would have to question exactly how careful the lady owner is on a), if it's had to have the engine replaced??

Personally I think b) sounds like the better option if the guy is meticulous - yes it will have been driven hard but it will also have been looked after..

Agree with Simon though that you need to look at both, and if there's *anything* you're not happy with, walk away - they're not exactly rare..

 

Import a white one.

 

looking on the CTR forums people are having to sell for silly money because the market is saturated. Definately a buyers market for them. Reckon if you hang on for a silver you will be able to do a deal on one easy

 

Was expecting roof or seat banter.

Russ.

 

I would go for B personally, newer, lower miles and original factory engine.

Definitely a buyers market for these at the moment with the new one coming soon - but this also means the prices will probably fall further next year when it comes out.

 

Do you know how many previous owners these cars have had - makes a big difference come resale...

It also depends how long you plan to keep, if a long time then a) starts to become more attractive with its younger engine...dunno if the engine work has it's own warranty, sometimes it does?

I think people *will* be wary of a) come resell time, e.g. clearly you have doubts which I understand. But if you get it cheap enough to be able to take that into account when the time comes to price it to sell, so what, and as it gets older the difference will narrow.

 

Thanks for the replies guys!

I'm going to check if A) has an extended warranty because that then becomes a slightly more attractive proposition than it is currently. My gut instinct, however, says that B) is the right car (pending a viewing!).

A) is FS at