Or it might be a babied car and the clutch could be LIKE new but original

 

yeah ask the dealership what has been done. Dont ask "has the clutch been replaced", wait and see if they say they did that as part of the inspection. If they did do any work, they probably replaced the disc maybe the TOB at best. But, If they tore that far into the car, they should have just done the whole clutch setup though IDK....

The clutch could still be fine. If it needs to be replaced there are shops around here that can get you a good upgrade to OEM for a good price.

 

Just remember, you can always have it painted!

Maybe a great color, like say...

Berlina Black!!

 

Since I work at a dealership I can tell you do NOT paint . Any time you have paintwork done it will diminish the trade value if you where to trade . Do not pay attention to the Carfax as they are not accurate either . Went to look at an 06 Civic at the Volvo dealer on Dale Mabry just for the sake of seeing how other dealers are with their customers and the car had definitly been in a good wreck and the salesman took offence to me telling him it was wrecked and proceeded to argue with me at that . The carfax was clean is the point though . Hood , drivers fender , drivers door and front bumper had all been replaced and the paint did not even match .

 

Carfax is only good if the accident/repair is reported. See if they'll let you take it to another mechanic for a unbiased inspection. Get it in the air and use a really good light to inspect the underside. Don't be afraid to pull interior carpet pieces out of the way ... especially in the trunk.

In support of the dealer pricing though ... S2000's are niche cars. Typically, you have to really want JUST an S2000 ... not just any convertible. Difficult car to sell in the time alotted (ie. floor plan). It is a car that a wise sales manager will realize must move at the first good money making opportunity.

Everyone can 'use' a Civic, CRV, Accord ... but an S2000 is one of the least likely 'daily driver' cars for a customer. Don't be afraid to offer less either ... you never know how little the dealership may have given the previous owner on trade value or even a great auction price.

 

Carmax does not negotiat the price they have set

 

Not really worried about the accident, it should be fairly easy to tell with all of the "accessories". IIRC, they all come painted from Honda, so if there is an obvious "non" matching" then it should be easy to tell, and from what I understand this paint is very difficult to match, so it will stand out like a sore thumb. I've been around a lot of wrecks/automobiles in my time, Looking at body panels for accident damage is part of the routine...

I'd definately like to look at the underside, even though it has been a FL car all it's life...

And so someone else says, CarMax doesn't negotiate, so this price is set in stone. The only way the price may flex is if it is reduced for not selling, which this car is newly listed and don't think will last long...

As far as the comment about not being a daily, I think the exact opposite. I think with the mileage and hardtop, this car was probably someones everyday car, getting used in the rain and winter as well.

Anyways to tell when driving if the clutch is wearing? I have never had to replace one, i never keep cars long enough to kill them, though this one will be in the stable for a while. I know the common slipping/resistance symptoms, but don't really know what else to look for..

I set out for a 20K mile GPW/Tan, maybe I'll stick to it, can't make up my mind, love the hard top/yellow.. just needs some window tint.

 

I was only saying that the S2000 is not 'typcially' a car people buy to drive everyday only because it is so limiting in personal storage (also 2 seater). The majority of folks looking to spend $20k on a car are going to buy something with 4 seats (2 or 4 door).

My clutch has 92k HARD miles (i've owned it since 20k miles) and the clutch still feels good. I think wildcardt had over 100k on his and he autocrossed his ALOT last year with some pretty hard clutch-dumps and still using his OE clutch (as far as i know). That's not to say the previous owner couldn't have destroyed this one ... but it is unlikely.

The exceptions are out there ... a couple brought their 2007 Acura TSX into the dealership about 3 months ago with 16k miles on it. The clutch was burned completely up (ground down the rivets on the disc!). They were completely mystified. The lead technician asked 'do you have any new drivers in your home?' the customer said 'yes, our 16 year old son ... why?'

But, good customers ... and the service manager still warrantied the clutch!

 

GPW w/ tan is the sweeetest combo. I have grown women commenting me on my car...

But I would rock the shit out of that yellow s2k...especially at that price. Yeah yellow isnt me either but I saw a buddy on here with a lowered s2k with nice Enkei rims on it and it is PURE SEX.

GET THE YELLOW!! You'll be looking FOREVER....trust me.

 

A good painter can match the paint reguardless . All of the body panels have the White sticker with the VIN number on them , just make sure the VIN on the parts is the same as the one on the windsheild of the car as I have seen some people try to put junkyard parts on a car and pass it of as not wrecked . Under the hood , inside on the lip of the front fenders , on the front bumper cover at the front of the hood area , in the door jambs , there should be VIN stickers everywhere .... one per panel .