Well I have been searching for like 3-4 months for a decent deal on a S2K, and my local dodge dealership actually has one for sale, it is the manager of the dealership's car. Its a New Formula Red 2001 with 23k, there is a spot on the windsheild frame scratched up, he said he will fix that. The Maint. light is on also, he said its a $35 fix he just hasn't gotten it done, and he will get that done also. Its stock, it has the 6 disc CD changer in it. Has new rear tires w/ 6k miles, the fronts need to be replaced(stock) he said that outright he would pay for that. I drove it, seems to be fine, there is some rattle coming from the convertible top at the top of the windshield(passenger side), theres a lot of windnoise haha, of course. He said he would do alignment, and balance the wheels and everything because it pulled a little to the right. At the lip of the quarter panel right next to the passenger door, there is about a 3 inch spot where the paint has been touched up. Other then that it seemed to be in real good shape. I think he was asking $20.5-21k, but he said the price is definitly negotiable. I would trade in my Nissan, looking to get about $10k, and try to get to him to around $19k. What do you guys think?
BTW: if anybody has a Carfax open, please run the VIN for me-
JHMAP11481T008580

Also, what else should I look for?

 

I was just offered $15k for my 01 with 60k miles on it.This was from a Subaru dealer as I was looking at an 05 STI. $19k for an 01 with 23k miles sounds O.K. but I'd try and find an 02 so you won't have to deal with the plastic rear window.

 

Get a better one for that price, it sounds like a repo or something that hasnt been taken care very well. Like porsche said try to find a newer one with a glass window as well. And if you decide to get it make sure they fix everything b 4 you sign or have it on paper.

 

yeah i would say from 18k to 19k. Anything more than that is gonna be a little much. I have an 01 of which I am about to replace my rear plastic window. A BITCH. So an 02 would really be worth the time to try and find.

 

that car sounds messed up...i'd pass. you should be able to find an '02 for $18-20k now. maint. req'd light...$35 fix? i think you just reset it yourself provided you've done whatever maintenance the thing was reminding you about.

 

I have been searching for awhile, and while I really would like the glass rear window, I can't find a worth a s*** deal on any '02's, esp. from a dealer. I can't afford to buy one from a private seller, I have to trade my car in on it.
The car is not a repo, the guy is the 2nd owner, he bought it with just a few thousand miles on it, and those few things have happened while he has had it.

From what alot of people with the plastic window say, it isn't much of a problem as long as you take care of it....

Also, this car is pretty well taken care of, it just has those few things, which he will fix before I buy the car anyway.....

 

Sounds like you got your mind made up. If you are just a little patient, I am sure an 02 will come on the market for the right price and maybe in a little better shape. Also can you really trust a car salesman trying to sell his own car? Just be patient and you wont regret it, but if you get this car, good luck and enjoy it!

 

Pass it. I paid $20,999 for my certified 01. Came with 27k miles on it and all the stuff is inspected by Honda. Still have some of the original waranty left on it too. So there are def. better deals out there. Try to find an 02 if at all possible. D*mn plastic windows

 

The Maintenance Required light is just a reset, your owners manual shows you how to do it. I agree though, get an 02 or later, 01 and 00 had trans troubles (warrantee fix was to install an 02 spec trans), 02 have the glass window, a much improved stereo with component speakers. Look around, I found my 02 with 21K miles in early 04 for $20K from a Ford dealer, still had 1 1/2 years of warrantee on it.

Good Luck!

 

For what it's worth, I bought my S2K last month.

2001, Spa Yellow, average condition, fender and front end replaced from fender bender, 44K miles, crap tires, $16K. My credit union said they would loan up to $20K for it.

I've owned 3 Miatas, so the plastic rear window doesn't bother me.

Honestly, your deal isn't super-great, but it's not that bad either. In my opinion, rationalizing a red sports car is just something to tell the wife. There are less rewarding ways to spend $19K.

Go ahead, you deserve it.