Hello Everyone,

Need some help here! First of all I am excited to be part of this forum where I can learn a lot of knowledge from owners about this awesome car. I have always been interested in having an s2000 but thought it would never happen. Well, this week I test drove one at a local dealership and loved it. Now, I’m in a little bit of a bind because I have some concerns with the car, and just don’t want to make the wrong decision being a full time student, this is where I come to you for your help.
The car at the dealership is a 2003 AP1 that looks to me to be in good shape. The car has 88k miles on it and has some minor cosmetic blemishes, such as scratches, minor scuffs, one chip on the door, and curb rash on one wheel. (I will post pictures below) The dealer is asking 12.8k on the car currently. When reviewing the car facts it shows that it has had 6 owners (which threw a little red flag for me), but other than that it is clean no crashes or accidents.
When driving the car I tried to pick out any imperfection I could see of hear. From my 45min. test drive yesterday I really couldn’t pick anything out, other than I was having a little difficulty get smooth upshifts but downshifts were smooth as butter. I’m sure that’s just me not being used to the car and how it wants to be driven. Other than that everything worked inside the car, radio, climate control, exc. Also, the soft-top looks to be in pretty good shape couldn’t find any rips or tears inside or out.
Now, my first potential problem could be that I’m not sure if I will be trading my current car in/or privately selling it. Or if I will be keeping it as a winter car. I live in Upstate New York so we get snow throughout the winter usually not to bad but every once in a while we will get a bad storm. Now I have read on the forum that owners will put Blizzak tires on I believe and say they are fine throughout the winter, is this true? My main concern is that if it has to be a daily driver and I am not winter storing it will it be okay throughout the winter driving wise as well as cosmetically, such as the soft top being damaged. If I drive it in the winter I’m not as worried about the soft top being damaged due to the fact that I will park it in the garage over night, I’m more concerned with drivability and getting to my destination. Basically I would love to own the car but I’m concerned with having it during winter.
I am on the fence if this car in practical for me in my situation even though I would love to own the car. Hopefully with your guy’s help and opinions on my situation I can make an informed decision. Thanks everyone! Sorry about the longer post!

Here's the link of pictures of the car:

http://www.matthewsplanetpreowned.co...c8a7ee40ce.htm

 

I live near Albany and know the climate.

Sorry but IMHO the S2000 is not a year round car here, blizzaks or not.

When I went to school in Troy many moons ago I had a Sunbeam Alpine, so I understand the passion of young men for sportscars, but to this day I wonder what I was thinking.

Having the Sunbeam got me more sympathy than women

 

You may want to post in the Upstate NY forum for opinions:
https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/forum/67-...-s2000-owners/
Levi

 

Welcome to the Forums!

 

I wouldn't recommend winter driving the S. Get a cheap beater for that. Also the salt will eat the car alive being so low to the ground. Its best used as a summer car, even in the rain you have to be careful if you're not used to RWD.

Welcome!

 

 

Welcome.

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