Greetings from SoCal!

Hoping to join the S2KI family with a 2006 NFR from a private seller as follows:

Pros:

• 34k miles
• 3/4 rims in perfect condition, one with very minor curb rash (easily sandable)
• Completely stock
• Paint is in good shape and body panels (minus the front bumper) are free of dings, dents, and scratches

Cons:

• Completely bald front and rear tires
• Worn area on soft top behind the passenger area (TSB service has not been performed)
• Bumper lip has been scraped from ramps/tire blocks
• Interior is semi-worn with a crushed bolster, worn center armrest, and scratches on the dash and on many plastic trim pieces

Negotiated price: 16.5k

I've parted out spare interior trim pieces from various online part catalogs and it looks like I can get replacements for most of the scratched items for under $300. I also saw a really good bolster repair tutorial that I'd be willing to attempt on my own.

In some ways, the worn tires may be a blessing. It'll allow me to pick out fresh rubber to my liking. I've heard good things about Sumitomo HRTZ IIIs. Is anyone running them?

The worn top worries me. The car is just over the 3 year warranty period, but the car is still under the 36k mile warranty limit. That said, the soft top replacement TSB mentions the possibility of a goodwill out of warranty repair. I'm willing to take my chances on this, but if worse comes to worst, I suppose I can always file down the arm myself and reinforce the worn section of the top.

I'm also arranging to have the car taken to a mechanic for a compression test before I commit to anything.

Any red flags I should look out for? The car drives great, has a good service history, and generally seems to have been cared for.

What do all of you think? Is 16.5k fair for a car in this shape? Thanks!

 

Miles seem on par, but the condition of the vehicle seems somewhat beat up if you ask me. Good luck with your decision and always make sure you test drive and everything is in good working mechanical condition.

 

Any pics? I'm with Frank though on this one. Sounds like the condition is a little rough for the $$$ and milleage. Perhaps I'm imagining the worst from your description. Compression test is a must!

For the tires, you should consider Dunlop Star Specs...great tire for little $$$...a lot of s2ki members will vouch for these tires.

Good Luck on your decision.

 

I really wish that I'd taken pictures of the car, but I didn't have my camera with me.

Detailing cars is a hobby of mine and I tend to be pretty critical of a car's appearance, so take what I say with a grain of salt. All in all, the car doesn't look as bad as I'm probably making it out to be.

And those Dunlop Star Specs look like a fantastic value on Tire Rack. Thanks!

I've had my eye on the SoCal S2K market for about 3-4 months now. With very few exceptions, I haven't seen many sellers asking for below 19k for 06-07s with 50k or fewer miles. CPO cars will be even higher at 21k+. I've talked many people down to the 16k area, only to be contacted 1-2 days later and notified that they've sold the car to someone else who offered more. Anyone else experience the same thing? Or is this just a stretch of bad luck?

 

I think price sounds about right but consider that tires and top are two of the more expensive repair items on the car. People are always parting out wrecks so if you are patient, you could be able to pick up most of the interior parts over time. If you are a detail freak, NFR will drive you crazy, especially in sunny socal, paint is very soft and swirls like mad.

I've always likedthis 'what to look out for' thread:

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

But someone just started a new one in 200 Talk, should still be on the first page or two, pretty good as well.

 

 

It sounds like the previous owner didn't take care of it too well. All the worn parts are signs of neglect. Most people that love their car would not drive around with bald tires or not take care of the interior. Be careful. I hope you make the right deal. Good luck!