Hello everyone, I have been a long time watcher of the forums but this is my first post. Great news is that I test drove my first S today and I instantly fell in love. I drove a 2002 at a dealership near my home. I have been watching the the car boards for the last two months and I decided I needed to get out and test drive one to see if its something I would be willing to spend my money on. The car had around 57000 miles and was slightly modified ( K&N intake, HKS exhaust). I really would prefer to find a bone stock AP1 but I wasn't going to count this one out. I did notice quite a bit of areas that I had questions about.

1. The shifter had quite a bit of vibration, more than what I have ever experienced. Is this normal?

2. The brakes looked stock. When I was driving 10 mph I yanked the e brake and the car didn't stop.

Aside from that, they were asking around 17k which after my scoff brought it down to 15,900. Needless to say I walked away with little else.

Anyone else have additional advice on buying an S beyond that FAQ that's on the boards or personal experiences in what to look for? Thanks!

 

I think they all vibrate, but not sure to what degree you experienced.

You know what you should do? Go drive another s2k in your area as comparison. Seriously...you may find you like the mods and notice the things you find as quirky to be common.

Good Luck with your purchase, and Welcome!

 

Welcome to the site

The shifters vibrate to an extent, some more than others. As for the e brake, it may just need to be adjusted.

I would suggest driving a few more cars until you find the one that you have to have.

 

The shifter vibrated quite a bit and it seemed unusual. I also noticed that the real tire wells didn't have a plastic fender lining. Plus the previous owner must have been a marine because the car had armed services decals in the engine bay and interior.

Thanks for the responses and the welcome!

 

I've owned a MY06 w/ 19k for about 3mo. No vib in shifter yet. Price and car you described does seem high. I go with the others. Drive a few. I demo'd 4. Each had an issue. Nothing big though. The 06 was exactly what I was looking for. Drives like new and mint. I bought it in January in the midwest (cold/snow). I'm surprised how much the prices have risen around here since then. Everytime I drive it I'm more impressed!

 

My shifter has a touch of vibration, more than some cars I've owned, less than others.

The fender liner missing seems sketchy. Has the car had paint work? Fenders rolled?

The price is way too high IMHO. 17 months ago, I got my '07, excellent condition, one owner, bone stock, 10,800 miles for $19.9K.

 

The paint seemed untouched but with the rear fender liner missing led me to believe that the original owner had different wheels.

I also think the dealer saw me roll up in a new evo and he assumed I was rich. Little does he know that I am not rich, I just save my money and wait for the best times and prices to buy. I just walked away, I didn't even let him sit down with me.

 

Try this for things to look for:

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=590849

Price is high, I paid $16.5 for my MY02 w/35k miles three years ago.

 

Is that american dollars or pesos? Seriously, that is an absurd price for that car.

 

Update - I have been looking at a 2001 silver stone / red with 67,500 miles. The seller is the third owner. The pictures look clean so I am going to make the 2 hour drive to check it out.

He is asking 12,900 (us dollars). The car is also bone stock except for an older after market head unit and ugly window tinting. The car has a stock trunk lid spoiler lip. Here are my questions:

1. Can that spoiler be removed? What does the lid look like after its removed (holes etc.)

2. I am kinda uneasy about the color combination, anyone have this color combo that likes it?

3. Does that price seem fair?

Thanks for all your continual input and feedback!


Thanks!