there's always room for negotiation. if you like the way it runs and don't mind fixing things up just offer less. explain the top will cost over 1k alone then other stuff you can add on top.

 

Come on guys, this is an $11,000 car, not a $20,000!

Appears drivable as is. Work on stuff one bit at a time. Needs detailing. And I'd replace the top as the first major expense. And you might/probably need tires. You'll want something like the Bridgestone RE11A tires eventually so don't get cheap all season tires now.

Wrong wheels is a small issue (Come on guys, this is an $11,000 car, not a $20,000! -- or did I say this? ) Should be less than $1000 for a reconditioned set of the right wheels -- sell the "wrong" ones -- it this bothers you! There's a market for them. I finally figured out AP2V1 (spokes get smaller as they radiate from the hub) vs AP2V2 (spokes get bigger) wheels. With so many horrible wheels on cars who's gonna notice. It's all about taste and I'm told there are guys who like Lite beer...

The former owner of my '06 thought these expensive wheels looked good. Or had some reason for them... They went to a good home as winter wheels.



-- Chuck

 

$11,000 for '04 with 50,000 miles is a steal, assuming, per seller, "no mechanical issues." It's almost too cheap, but then again, the overall condition of the car... ...still, seems like a pretty decent car for the money.

Looking at the pictures, exterior is beat up, which leads me to think the interior is not much better, which leads me to think that "no mechanical issues" in this person's mind maybe slightly off than most people. Also, if that person could't figure out what product to use to clean the bumper, so it doesn't "strip" the paint, again, makes me think twice about "no mechanical issues". Anybody, who let's an S2000 get this bad, obviously doesn't care about cars too much and I would be a little scared to buy from someone like that.

Things to consider... think about...

1. Do you know S2000's enough to judge "no mechanical issues", are you able to pretty much check it on the spot?

2. What is cheap up front, gets expensive in a long run.

3. Once you spend the money on the car and the necessary parts to bring it up to an acceptable condition, would you be better off just buying a car that is already in an acceptable condition? (sort of a different spin on #2)

 

Take a look in person. I'm sure the bumpers were painted. A cleaning agent will not single out bumpers to destroy. Look for all the vin stickers. Prob around 8-10 of them. If they're all there do a compression test on the motor. Check those vins too

 

I finally figured out how to post pictures on this forum!!!! YEY!!!

Thank you so much for all your help and input. I had no idea of the different type of wheels for the AP2. When I spoke to the old lady. She mentioned that the car was bought by her and her husband back in 2007 when the car had only 35,000 miles. The car was bought at a Honda dealer and they were the 2nd owners. She stated that she still has the CARFAX of when they bought it. if what is she saying the true, the car has only been driven 15k miles in the last 7 years.
She also mentioned that the tires are about 1 year old, and the registration and smog check were done less than 2 months ago.

I will go see the car on Saturday. I will mention that the top has to be replaced and point out other cosmetic repairs that I will have to spend money on. I will try to offer her obviously less than the asking price. Since there's a little bit of work to be done on the car I will try to keep it at $10,000 or less.

I will keep you guys posted if I decide to go for this car or another.

I can't thank you enough for all the information provided and PLEASE keep writing!

 

The car in my signature cost me $14K with hardtop and Volk CE28s, with about 120K on the clock.


The car the OP is interested in looks like the interior has been as roughed over as the exterior from the new pics. Same goes for the top. I would definitely see if you can talk her down at least another $1K. I know it sounds assholish, but make sure to point out all the flaws and indicate that it's going to cost you money to repair all of those defects.

 

Is it just me or is the rear bumper right behind the left rear wheel pushed in? Me personally I'd try to talk her down a little but as long as the engine and drivetrain is immaculate I'd hit it. Most of the issues seem to be cosmetic, if you know how to work on your own vehicle then restoring it shouldn't cost you as much.

 

The rear bumper definitely looks like it's been tapped in the rear from the side, that gap is too big.

 

Have you checked your local sub-forum to see if there an experienced owner to look at it with you?

 

What part of California are you located in? Just looking at the LA area alone I'm seeing many S2Ks for sale that are in your price range that are much cleaner. As long as the car has been maintained decently, higher mileage isn't something to be afraid of.

Guys in your local sub-forum would probably be willing to go take a look with you and point out any items you need to check on.

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv...794978902.html
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac...798062798.html
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac...807602116.html
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv...805401762.html

Are you specifically after an AP2? If so, is it the looks or mechanical changes that you're most interested in, or both?