Posted this on honda-tech, but I'd like to see what the s2k experts think.

Long story short, I am an Integra owner who recently was hit and the car is more than likely going to be totaled out.

Coincidentally, the Acura dealership my car is at just got a 2000 S2000 trade in w/ 18k miles on it. They want $19,900, it is white with red interior.

What are the things I should be looking at here with a 6 year old S with only 18k miles on it? It seems all fluids should be changed by now, correct? Also, is having so few miles detrimental to the vehicle in anyway? Anything else I should be looking for?

I would like to get them down to 18k or 19k even for the car. The thing is amazing looking, likes its right out of the factory. Going in for a test drive this week, (drove an '06 with 16 miles on it, can't wait to actually be able to rev one that is broken in

I should be looking into all recalls on the thing (spark plug, seatbelt, rear tail light). Any other insight on my hopeful purchase? Any ideas on how to get them down to 18k? Any comments would be great Thanks!

 

no major recalls, things to look for- whine in differential if going or is bad. Shifting from 1st to 2nd any grinding going on or clunky sounds. Check the rear window/ softtop for any marks leaks etc. considering you have a plastic window. Other things you should look for are just like any other used car. CV joints/ ball joints etc. And yes, you should be able to get the car for less. Does this come with a certified used car warranty? If so it might be an ok deal nothing special though. Just remember this car will handle quite differently than your acura.

 

Just flat out offer them $18k. It's a buyers market right now and considering the time of year $18k isn't an unfair offer.

 

Yes, I am thinking just offering 18k even for the thing. I have no idea yet if there is a warranty or anything. Details will all be coming by Monday or Tuesday. I am sure the thing won't be leaving the lot anytime soon, I am the only moron looking to buy a car like this in the winter

But, considering it would be a quick turn around for them, and they probably got paid 15k for the trade in, 18k should be more than reasonable. Especially if I can get them to fully service the car before purchase.

 

If they want $19k, I say offer $17k to start. I make sure all recalls are performed before you purchase it and make sure they give it a full inspection to make sure you get a car with good tires, good brakes, etc. Also, tell them you want all fluids to be changed before your purchase (engine oil, coolant, tranny fluid, diff fluid, etc.). None of that is worth a whole lot (and they know this) so might as well have it all done just to save yourself the time/hassle.

 

^^^ I agree with everyone else above. Looks like whoever the previous owner was only drove it on occassion, buy you can never tell. White w/red, hot combo, not that common, and not available anymore. Price should easliy be negotiable.

Tesst drive it, take i t to 9K and see how it handles. Retract the top see if there if there is any problems with it. Listen for unusual sounds (rattling, gear griding, diff) Check out the treadwear on the tires especially the rear, should give some insight on how the car was driven.

Let us know how it goes!

 

Good info, thanks alot.

 

Best of luck, vanishing. Ask the owner for all the records if you choose to buy it. Definitely check that the spark plug recall that you mentioned was done. It was issued in late 2002.

That's low miles on a first-year car... $18K sounds fair, certainly around that price. If the car's perfect, maybe $18.5

Best wishes.

 

If you take a used Honda you bought to any Honda dealer can you get the full service history / TSBs done / etc? Do dealerships share that info?

 

I would think so. The S2000 I am looking at is at an Acura dealership. They were able to pull up the service record for the car that was performed at the nearby Honda dealership.