I have recently put the S2K at the top fo my list. I am looking to buy an 02 or newer car in the coming weeks. I have a few questions.
1. Should I pay much attention to milage, I will give an example. I drove a 2001 model the other day and thought it was fairly quick a little rough around the edges but I got a feel for the car and overall I liked it. I eliminated this particular car from my list because of price (don't want to pay over 20k all together). Anyway I drove an 02 today that I liked with 27k miles on it. Overall it seemed a bit tigher not by much but actually felt a bit slower. Could it have been low octane gas? The other car had like 60k on it but seemed a bit stronger and there were two of us in the car compared to today, only me driving. I guess I was dissapointed a bit that it did not pull harder maybe my mind is playing tricks. I think I could get this car for about 19k plus tax and it is in clean shape. Perhaps it needs a tune up I don't know. Should I get the compression checked, or taske it to a honda dealer for a ppi? Do these cars differ alot in the strength of the motors? In my price range they are all going to be out of warranty I just want to be informed about the mechanicals of these motors. How long will they last before rebuilding? Do I need to worry about compression after 60-70k miles? Sorry to rant.
Fletch

 

Hi Fletch,
Rant all you want.

Read and learn from the posts, you'll find some answers there I'm sure (I have)

Buying a second hand car does include some risk.
Learn to live with it.
The car will make it easier.

 

If you suspect there is something up with the car, you should totally have it checked out by a pro before you purcahse. The "power" of the engines shouldn't really vary, but there may have been *minor* differences caused by things such as.... ambient air pressure.

Anyways, if the car has been cared for, and had regular maintenance, and isn't broken some how compression should not be a problem at 60-70k. You should get at least 100k street miles out of these engines before anything starts to go.

 

Thanks! I may miss out on this black 02 with only 27k miles I am still a couple of weeks away from some fundage. But there seem to be alot out there right now. I have limited my search to an 02-03 which could fit my budget.

 

Car is still available. I can get it for 19,500. 02 Black 27k miles.
The good news even if it is gone in a couple weeks which it probably will be. I have developed a good relationship with this small dealer and he will get me one for 1k over his cost, and he is all over the auctions. So even if I miss out on that one an 02-03 is coming in the weeks ahead!!

 

I suggest you get something with low mileage as this car is a sports car and you have no idea what the previous owner did with the car if it is his daily driver but something with low miles would indicate that it was a weekend car.daily driver=chance of more abuse.


Peace
David

 

that 02 with 27k for 19,200 is an excellent deal if it has good history and maint records.