hi guys. i am looking to buy a 2000-2003 s2000 for less then $15k. just wondering what stuff to look out for when looking at some? what would u consider too high mileage? should i be taking it to honda and getting an inspection? do compression tests? thanks for the help in advance

 

I think 10-12k miles a year is about average for most vehicles.

 

get service records...miles are not as important as proper maintenance....
can't hurt to get it inspected and a compression test...a little money up front might save you thousands later...

 

Check for tire wear, including the inside edge of the front tires. Check the clutch for noise and/or wear. It would be nice to check the valve spring retainers, but most owners would hesitate to let you pull the valve cover.

Most importantly, check the insurance rates. The biggest surprise I had buying the S2000 is how much it bumped my insurance cost. That and VTEC.

 

Make sure the top is not torn or worn down where the top folds down.
I am also in the market for an ap1 s for under 15k : )
I personally am not considering anything over 60k miles. And would like to buy the S from old folks that have treated their car well.
Good luck with your search!

 

One of my buddies has an uncle who is about to sell his 04. It's the colour combo I like too

 

Few suggestions
- drive or at least ride in another S, the car is loud in some ways, you need to know what passes for normal
- check the top inside and out for wear
- check every body panel for a VIN sticker, make sure they match (no replaced parts), the engine may have a different VIN, this is not unusual
- check under front and rear for curb rash, one I looked at actually had rear sub-frame damage from someone backing it onto a curb
- check A-arm brackets https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showt...0&#entry1446324
- check oil level and condition and for any leaks
- listen on startup, ticking and light clatter is usually valvetrain or injectors-normal, knocking could be a scuffed bore-not normal
- make sure clutch holds strong and grabs early
- shifts without grinds, particularly 1-2
- goes into 5-6 easily when warm, transmission can be a little stiff for first 15-30 min.
- do gentle figure eights in open lot to check diff for clunking
- getting a compression and leakdown check is a very good idea, if the owner will allow for it
The big three $$ are engine, trans, diff. These are some things you can do to check them.

little things that can tell you what kind of owner
- matching set of tires front and rear, appropriate size
- casually ask them how long the OEM tires lasted, I got about 18k out of the fronts,12k out of the rear
- do they do their own maintenance, what intervals, what fluids (most common: trans- Honda MTF or GM Synchromesh, diff - LE607,Mobil 1 Gear), is the oil filter Honda OEM
- condition of brake and clutch fluid (dark is bad, light or almost clear is good)
- condition of top seals (lightly greased)
- ask them about the power steering fluid (little joke, the S has electric assist, their answer might tell you a few things)

things I would do as soon as I bring it home
- pull valve cover and inspect retainers
- maybe send an oil sample off to Blackstone for an oil analysis
- have that compression test if you have not yet
- get a good alignment on it
- change all fluids and filters unless you have no doubt on their condition
- check oil often, some years drink a bit
- autocross!!

Good luck.

 

Very good advice Clag

 

I agree get an insurance quote first but my insurance went down almost $50 a month I came from a 94 civic

 

good advice clag!
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