I'm considering it, it will depend on the numbers, but I will prob not get it....I found a black '02 with 14,500 miles on it for $19,000 private seller, if i can sell my car privately soon I might try to get that, or possibly tuderno's car

 

Did you know that you can sell your car to a dealership outright WITHOUT trading it in? I sold my 2001 Toyota Celica GT-S to a Toyota dealership for $12,000. I had it for sale private party for $13,500 obo for about a year with nobody looking at it. I sold it for about a $1,000 less than what I may have got from selling it outright, but I saved FAR MORE than a $1,000 on a purchase of my S2000 by buying from a private party.

Don't let the fact that you have to get rid of your current car first, automatically make you think that you have to buy from a dealer. Take your car around to different dealers to see what they'll give you to buy it outright. As in my case the Toyota dealership didn't have any used Celica GT-S's to sell, so they were happy to add mine to their inventory.

Just my $.02.

 

so what did you drive after you traded your celica in? that's the dilemma i have..

so it looks like an '01 can be had for under 18K if you look hard enough. i'm currently looking at a couple of s2ks at some local dealerships.

 

Well in my situation I already had a beater. I wasn't without a car entirely.

I just paid $15,000 for MY00 from a private party. I think you should be able to find a 2001 for under $18,000.

 

Why did you sell to a dealer, Jessica? Why didn't you sell it yourself?

flomasta, just a couple of things:

1. Most of the early model year S2000s were not aligned properly by the factory. It's always a good idea to get that done.

2. My only concern is how long the guy's been driving with the maint req'd light on. The idea, there, is to get you to change your oil (and do whatever other maintenance is suggested at 7500 mi. intervals.

3. If you really like the car, negotiate. I personally like the 02, but I think a properly maintained 00 or 01 is a gem too. The rear window is bigger than the glass on the 02+, and that's nice. Besides, the top will not last forever anyway.

Just my thoughts. If you go for this car, get the service records and see if proper maintenance was done. Also, get a compression test.

 

Ok guys update: I have decided not to get that car, tomorrow I may get them to evaluate my car, and I maybe will sell it to them outright. Unless he goes down to at least 18k, but other then that no. I found a 2001 w/ 11k for $19k, and its the color combo I really want the most, black with black/red interior...the other one is red/black interior....altho the private seller seems to have taken better care of his, its been garage kept, and looks like new. What do you guys think of that price for an 2001 with 11k, pristine condition.....I may eventually order one of the aftermarket softtops, off of ebay, there was a thread on them awhile ago.....then I could get a glass window.....let me knwo what you think

 

I think the pristine condition is worth paying for, flomasta. That's not a great price, but with 11K miles it is reasonable, I think. I don't much care about mileage, but it does give him the right to charge a little more.

See if he has all the service records and can show you that he's changed his oil(s) at correct intervals. Then, I do suggest a compression test if you know a mechanic who can do it for you (just for peace of mind that the car hasn't -- for example -- been overreved).

Best wishes.

Oh, one thing... Black cars are a lot of work. I don't know how good you are about taking care of your exterior, but black will require your best effort.

 

Yeh I know black is a lot of work, but IMO the best looking when kept clean.........alright heres the 411:
2001 Black w/ black/red interior, 11k, garage kept, stock aside from intake-$19,000
2002 Black w/ all red interior, 14.5k, always covered, stock other then custom stereo-$19,000

I know the 2002 is probably, almost definitly the one to go for, but I just don't know about the all red interior......

 

I'd say, go with the one that you like the best. Either way, you'll be in good shape. The MY02 seems like a sweet deal, but color is very important.

Best wishes! Looks like we'll be welcoming you aboard soon!

 

I think I am going for the MY02, the all red interior is already growing on me.....I think it actually looks pretty nice....