Hi EVERYONE!

i'm looking to buy a used s2000 soon within the couple months,

i'm not in a hurry because i do want to buy the right one rather than regret after the purchase.

i was wondering what are some of the things i should look for when i go for the test drive?

i heard the noises is really loud when you go on the highway due to the soft top, is it really hard to bear?

As honda have their name for reliability and quality, what are the maintenance fees like? what do you got to do besides the regular oil changes.

Are the soft top just clip ons? or there's a button for adjusting the softtop?
( my friend has a 2001 s2000, it was a clip on)


I only have about 20k to buy it thats why i'm getting a used one, is it a reasonable offer for a s2000 thats under 30,000 miles?

looking for a black/white/gunmetal gray s2000 thats under 30k miles in the BAY AREA, let me know if you got one for sale.


THANKS ALL!

 

1. Look for the normal things you should be looking to go wrong in a used car. Check that the air and radio work, check the tires, check the wheels, and check the bumpers, fenders and doors for any dings or dents. Remember, anything can bring someone down in price.

2. No, it isn't that bad. I had 3 sedans before I bought my S2000, and I didn't really find it that loud compared to them. There is a lot of interior noise from the engine, too. But it's all something you get used to...and it's nothing a nice audio system can't fix.

3. I've had my car for about 4 months and I haven't paid a dime for maintenance fees, except for an oil filter. If you're buying a car with under 30,000 miles and it was well-maintained, you shouldn't have much going on besides oil changes and possibly new tires and fluids...but again you should check all that before you buy the car. ALWAYS check your oil level and tire pressure...frequently. And don't pay Honda $30 to change your oil. It's very easy, and you can get a filter for like $8 on-line. There are DIY's on changing your oil all over the place on this site.

4. The soft top attaches to the car with clips or latches. Very simple...and I don't know anyone that's had problems with them.

5. $20,000 is more than enough for a decent S2000. Mine is a 2002, I bought it with 15,000 miles and a hardtop for $21,000. My friend just bought a 2001 black one with 20,000 miles and a hardtop for $19,500. Make sure you get a good deal, and seriously try to find one with a hardtop cause they're useful and they hold their value very well.

 

with everything mpg2675 said. And remember not to settle for anything you don't want. It may take a little while to find exactly what you are looking for but it is well worth it.

BTW- Welcome to the boards and good luck with your search for an S2000.

 

If I was ever to buy a used s2k, I would definitely get a compression test from a dealer (I think that's what it is) to make sure the engine's good. Someone else can much better explain what this is.

And I think the car's loud on the freeway. The car has very little sound deadening...and has a soft-top...and you'll probably cruise at 4k rpm. Drive the S2000 and then drive a regular sedan. I think it's a big sound difference. If I go on a long 4+ hour drive, I'll wear earplugs. But do I think the loudness is a problem? Not at all. I'd be very unhappy if Honda put an extra 40lbs of soundproofing to make the car more civil.

 

Oh...also forgot to mention that you're going to do yourself well by holding out for the perfect S2000. Going into the winter, you'll score a great deal, too.

 

oh WOW thanks everyone for the warm welcome,

i defintely hope that i find the right one like i said, i'm not in a hurry at all!

but sooner is better hahaha

 

If you know of a good independent garage, do business with them and try to avoid dealerships. You'll save on hourly charges and probably a little on parts not to mention a mechanic that you call by name and also calls you by your first name..
Hopefully the garage scene in in the distant future because I'm sure your going to get a great S2K.

 

I forgot to mention that I would always go with a private seller if getting approved at a bank isn't a problem. They are usually cheaper, much easier to work with, and know a lot more about the car. You can also take down their number and e-mail and keep in touch with them if something were to happen to the car. Just my two cents...