Hello all,

I'll start by saying I'm a 22 year old engineering student, I definitely still learning how to drive a manual, and I'm in the process of (hopefully) purchasing an AP1 S2000. I was initially drawn to the S2K for the 9000 rev limiter and soon found myself falling in love with everything else it has to offer. I've never driven or ridden in one, I've seen them around a good amount and I adore the looks. I've always wanted a convertible, but most I feel look ugly with the top up and/or down. I love the way the S2K looks, both top up and down. I don't want a huge engine, and i'm not interested in huge horsepower figures. I want something that feels special, hence why I'm here. I didn't really intend to look into buying a car this soon. I graduate with my B.A. in Materials Science and Engineering in May, so for now I might make $400 a month. I wrecked my 98 CRV this past weekend, its got 200,000 miles on it and its not worth fixing at this point.

My ideal S2K would be a stock '01 or '02 white with red interior, or an '02 or '03 grey with red interior. The latter isn't mentioned in the pinned thread on the changes over the years. I've seen a chart that listed the number of cars produced each year with what color combo, but I don't have it at the moment. That color combo is mentioned on the list and I've seen them for sale. It's the full red interior, not the dual tone red/black, nor the black dash/carpets with red seats that I've seen. Not sure if that was stock or someone bought the red seats. I've already read posts here about them being stolen often so it wouldn't surprise me if someone bought secondhand ones that weren't the exact same color.

I had intended to wait and shop around to get the perfect one when I had enough money, but life doesn't work that way sometimes. My dad is going to help me, but it has to be at the right price per month after financing or its not gonna happen. I intend to trade my old car in, even though its all messed up, so private sellers are kind of out of the running. Also, financing is an issue so a dealer is definitely ideal. Trying to keep the overall costs low, I've tried to stick closer to the DFW area that I'm located in.

I found what I hope is a good one. It's an '03 Spa Yellow with Black interior beauty with only 56,000 miles, nicely priced at right around $15,000. I like the color combo, even though its not my favorite. The Carfax checks out and kelly blue book says dealer price is closer to 19k, so it seems like a good deal. I've contacted them over the phone and through email, and I've had to ask for a few more photos before I even bother viewing the car. I want to see the engine bay and the trunk. The closer to stock the happier I'll be. The tonneau (sp?) isn't shown so I also wanted to know if that's included. I'm curious if anyone here has owned this car or knew the owner? It was originally purchased in Oklahoma. The link gives free access to carfax, so if anyone cares enough to look its there. I've already read the entire sticky'd post about buying an S2000, and I will be going over that list in depth while looking it over probably this weekend or early next weekend.

Any tips? Anyone know of good cars for sale for around $15k or less?

 

I wish I had more information for you but it looks to be a solid choice, man. Nice pick and I wish you luck!

 

Welcome. Not sure if this is 100% accurate but...

Might not be the easiest color combo to find. I'm in Oklahoma, BTW. That car doesn't have enough unique characteristics for me to say "oh that was so-and-so's car" lol but I did notice it has smoked sidemarkers and an aftermarket exhaust and looks like the center caps are missing.

With that said, I would keep looking until you find the perfect one, instead of settling for one that's not your favorite, and FWIW, just because you need financing doesn't necessarily mean you can't buy from a private seller. Go to your bank or credit union and see how much you can get pre-approved for. Put your CRV up on Craigslist and/or AutoTrader (it's worth a try!).

 

Thank you for looking, I hadn't noticed the exhaust or the smoked mirrors, but both of those I can live with. I did notice the caps and I'm going to get the dealer to replace those. I'll have to take extra note of the exhaust system. I don't want the engine bay touched much, I've seen the air intake box removed a lot (which I don't like) but even if that's the case I'll buy another one at the price of this car. I'm far more interested in the mechanicals than aesthetics, though that may not have been made clear in my initial post. I know the red interior is harder to find, there were only around 225 produced in each color for each year, so only around maybe 1000-1500 total imported to the US. The problem is to find those specific models usually means giving up on lower mileage or low price. There's an '02 grey or silver with the red interior with only 20k miles, the interior looks mint, but it's 20k and from a private seller in DFW. If I were the one taking out the loan then I would look to banks, but I'm not. My father is taking the loan and I'll buy it off him in the future. He wants to try the dealer first, and given my complete lack of funds I kind of have to do what he wants. I actually really like the yellow/black combination, it's third in my color choice. I probably wouldn't buy a red, black, or blue unless it was an amazing deal. Not that they're bad looking, just not my style. With the low mileage and good price I would never regret getting this one. I'm young, I have time to get the perfect car in the future. Right now I need something and I find this one hard to beat. The low mileage has double incentive as within the next year I'll be going financially independent for the first time, so obviously I won't be that well off and so a car in good nick will really help me later. Thanks for the warm welcome!

 

Edit: sorry, mistakenly posted quote of initial post.

 

Welcome.

When you get one, check out the link in my signature.

 

Welcome to the site.

 

and welcome...