Hey everyone,

I've been considering an S2000 for a few years now, and I think the time has come to make a move. Everything I've read suggests it's got the right recipe to have some (relatively responsible) fun on the road. My question is this: What's the right price for a low-mile AP2? Before I get lampooned for such an open-ended and subjective question, let me say that I realize that's exactly what it is. I'm seeing low-mile (<15k miles) examples hovering right around $35k and I'm wondering what the right number should be. Of course there are a plethora of things to add to and subtract from the price, but if you found a factory-fresh AP2 (let's say MY05) with no gremlins, what would you pay?

I'm coming from two late-model STIs and a 997.1 turbo cab... the S2000 always seemed like the right mix of fun and (relative) affordability. It seems to make more sense than the other "fun" cars I've had before... I just don't want to get raked over the coals too much.

Thanks in advance for your guidance, and I appreciate all the info I've already gained reading thru the "new owner must-do list" posts, etc. Thanks, everybody!

- Bill in Ohio

 

You can get a good idea of what to expect by looking at a site like bringatrailer.com. That seems to be a good barometer to gauge what you will be paying for a pristine example. If you search for the S2000 you can see many past examples of auctions. That way you can see what people are actually getting for their cars. If nothing else, it is fun to read the comments section because there are a lot of persnickety people on that site. Then you have the "that's a nice car but let me tell you about my cars" people.

 

That's a great idea. Thanks!

 

My experience in the Southeast is that S2000s have quit depreciating, at least the good ones. I just bought my second AP-1 after the first one got totaled while I was sitting at a stoplight. Put 130,000 miles on it in 9 years and got $1100 less than I paid for it from GEICO (OP's insurance). Right now the prices are down because nobody can get out to kick tires. Don't be afraid to travel for a good one. My first one came from Atlanta, second from Raleigh. I live in Charleston SC.

 

I'd not buy it since only '06 and later can be FlashPro tuned for significant mid range power (and acceleration). '05 cars are particularly disappointing as they were months away from easy tuneability, traction control, stability assist, etc.

(Please note I don't claim this is a majority opinion here. You know what they say about opinions... )

-- Chuck

 

To counter the argument above, some might consider the '05 the "best" model year since they had all the refinements of the AP2 with a year to work out any issues with the changeover (there weren't any that I'm aware of) and yet still had the raw-ness of the AP1. 2.2L "upgrade", the more aggressive looks, no rear bumpsteer issues and still no nannies.

Plus, if you are considering ITBs at all, MY06+ are the models to actively avoid.

 

Nannies? Were does one draw the line? Anti-lock brakes, I assume. I hate those. (Button the panel disables Stability Assist when I want to play.)

Point being the S2000 is not one car, there are several variations. Pay close attention before buying as many of the choices are there for the life of the car.

-- Chuck

 

Poe-tay-toe, Poe-tah-toe. Simply presenting a counter argument.

And besides, EVERYBODY KNOWS the '03 is the BEST model year.

 

Here we go! OP - you will find there are devotees to all the different model years. Personally, I like 02 and 03. Second? 04 and 05. Last? 06 and later. I have my reasons - but the point is they are all great cars. You won't be disappointed. The price seems very high to me. But, I don't watch ap2s that much, so I really don't know. Is it at a dealer? You will generally pay a substantial premium if you buy from a dealer.

 

I’ve got a 911 Turbo in my garage and I’m excited to drive my 2003 S2000 to work tomorrow.