Hi, all. Name's Jeremy and I've been a Honda guy since the early 90s, and a VTEC guy since the 97 Prelude S I picked up in 2003. Girlfriend and I currently enjoy an 07 Acura TL Type-S (her car!), and I love the V6 VTEC rush! Been on the hunt for my car, an 04+ S2000 in Rio Yellow, since this past July.

If I can (and it doesn't violate this particular forum's rules), I'd like to draw on the wisdom of the S2Ki community on the 2004 S2000 for which I'm currently negotiating. My frame of reference is NADA ($15,100) with a clean Carfax adding $500 to the value ($15,600). This is Retail, what a dealer might start with, but it's a private sale car, which typically goes for less than Retail.

Cons: Owner was originally asking several thousand over NADA, but I've managed to get them down to $16,300 (plan to make another counter-offer soon). Front tires have less than 10k, rears closer to 20k. Brakes were serviced a while back, may need again soon.

Pros: This is the original owner, purchased in Virginia and brought home to North Carolina, where it's been since. The roof has just been professionally replaced. The owner (IMHO) understands the car, its purpose, how it was meant to be driven, and treated. Never been in an accident (per owner and Carfax). Totally stock.

My finance company requires a pre-sale inspection and directed me to Inspectmyride.com (brilliant idea, wish I'd thought of it!), so I'm about to spend $129 for an extremely thorough inspection by a body/mechanical expert.

My question is: Where should I end up in price on this private sale, accident-free, bone-stock, well-cared-for 2004 S2K? The owner is as passionate about the car as I'm guessing most of you folks are, sad to give it up, but happy it may be going to someone who will treat it right (me!). Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated, hoping to be making a final offer in the next 24-48 hours.

Thanks!
Jeremy

 

what's the mileage?

 

Darn it!

82,000.

Thanks!

 

I would check the Master Cylinder and see what the fluid looks like and if it's dirty, also check the clutch pedal where it goes into the firewall and see if it is leaking. If you are able to test drive or at least sit in it, press the clutch and see if it is stiff. I've never owned a Ap2 but this and the soft top are major problems (until they are fixed ofc)

 

Appreciated. Good news is, the soft top is brand new, and hopefully, the inspector will check that. But your suggestions will go into the Additional Comments window!

Assuming all is good, thoughts on fair price?

 

14-16 but don't quote me, that's if everything checks to be okay and the paint is good, with no dents hopefully