Trying to see what else I can get the mech to check for me while it's in the shop for a maint. I've been hearing things like valve spring adjustments? Suspension? What are common problems that exist for '02 s2ks with ~50k miles?

Danke

 

Did you get the service records from the previous owner? Theirs no need to spend money that has already been spent.

 

nothing and everything, if it's been well taken care of and service records are available, the car should be fine, if it's been abused, anything and everything could develope into an issue in the future. I have an '02 with 78k miles that was running perfectly before my clutch started slipping.

Really for an older car, ur biggest expenses will be replacing an engine or engine work and transmission(clutch,etc), and for the s2000 the top.
So if your mechanic checks those out and gives a thumbs up, you should be good for some time. Valve adjustment, if needed, i think it cost around $100 for that, compression test around $50 for that.

i'm sure someone else will chime in with a list of things to look out for

here try this link...

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=358040

 

Hey thanks a lot for the input guys. I usually only buy cars with strong maint records, and this car just had a 90k/7year maint done on it. There are a few things which made me want to bring it into the mech:

1. slight whirring noise when cornering. Seems like it's coming from the rear..

2. First and second gear choppiness when coming off the throttle. (there's an Service Bulletin for this issue, posted on one of the threads on this forum. Anyone know if dealers will work on this SB for free? If not what's the cost?) Not really a big issue, just kinda have to feather the clutch out when coming off throttle...

Car doesn't seem like it's been abused either.. whee!

 

Here is another thread:

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

Welcome to the club.