You looked at AutoTrader? There are usually dozens of S2000's posted there.

Under-hood looks normal for the mileage assuming it's just dirt on the shock towers and leafs on the cowl. VTEC solenoid, left side of the engine at the front, several small bolts, and the coilover top bolts show what seems to be typical rust from seaside locations. A bling cover for the VTEC solenoid is a common dress-up part as these attract rust.

At your price point it may not get much better as far as body condition is concerned. The engine and drive train is a roll of the dice, I'd still like to see the suspension but there's only so much you can ask of the seller that they'll be willing to do. I doubt they're bother with a compression check.

-- Chuck

 

Hi Chuck S. Yes I looked at AutoTrader and every car was much higher. The one even close to my price range was over 5 hours away Thanks for your suggestions.

 

Craigslist is sometimes is a good source. Dealer sales can be fine, but not sight unseen. You can't have the single most important characteristic of a sight unseen purchase which is trust in the seller. If there is an internet listing for a car post a link and we can take a look and comment. You will find one. Be patient.

Is this the one you are looking at: https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing. There is something funky about that rear bumper cover - the exhaust tips should have a half moon affair surrounding them but it seem missing. Ask about that. The top is not going all the way down, but that is usually an easy and cheap fix. If I were seriously considering buying that car sight unseen I would want a compression test, a car fax report, and confirmation that all the body panel vins are intact and if not an explanation re why not.

Edit: One thing to keep in mind about the s2k is that the bottom end of the engine generally cannot be successfully rebuilt. The head can be redone often - but that can present troubles as well. This is another reason you really have to do your due diligence.

 

Yes Sir, that's the one I'm looking at.

 

Any car you find in that price range will have certain issues. Just try to avoid the really bad and expensive things - like burned valves, worn out cylinders and rings, worn out crank and piston bearings, that sort of thing. As I said, the engine is superb, it will last 300K miles easy if well cared for. But if it goes bad, its usually tough to rebuild. Much tougher that most engines.

 

The bottom 1/4 of the rear bumper has been cut off. Helps get air out from under the rear of the car and avoid rear end lift at high speeds typical of a track car.

But I'm feeling better now that ran the VIN on a partial CarFax check that shows service. Car has had regular service by Honda in Hawaii and Georgia and passed emissions in Maryland and Georgia and shows current registration. A real CarFax can provide more information. Ask the selling dealer to provide one. Otherwise do some due diligence and spend $25 on the "AutoCheck." And share with us. Last service was (non-Honda):

 

Chuck S how do I attached the autocheck. It's a pdf. Thanks

 

Manage attachments box at the bottom will allow PDF attachments. Helps it it's on your desktop where you can find it.

-- Chuck

 

Thanks

 

02/07/2011 RIGHT FRONT IMPACT WITH A TREE(Case #:11788513). There's the place to look for damage and rust. Some maintenance records show an alignment check. Not seeing stuff like an airbag activation or other more serious notes. The VIN tag on the right front fender is not visible in the photo. Not there or painted over I can't tell from the photo angle. Replacement OEM fenders were easy to source in 2011 and these just bolt on.

Appears to be three owners. First registered the car in HI, MD, and GA based on what I'm guessing was a naval or military change in duty station.

Lots of missing badges but debadging is common.

-- Chuck