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First of all if this is in the wrong forum sorry,(could a mod plz move it for me?) Anyways, I have been looking for a S for a while now and I think I found the one. Its Red exterior/Black interior 2000 with 24,000 miles dealership is asking $24,900... Honda Certified, powertrain 7year/100,000 warrenty, 12month/12,000miles non-powertrain warrenty from date of purchase used...
What are your guys/girls thoughts? I think I'll be able to talk em down a bit. What do you think its worth/offer? Anything in specific to ask for? The dealership said they will be able to provide all maintenance and car history.
The biggest concerns I have of the car after doing a detailed inspection of the body are rock nick/chips on the hood front bumper and a little roadrash on the front/spoiler, looks like its from going up a steep driveway/speed bump or from scraping a curb parking it. This is all barly noticeable(you need to be within 2-3 to see it) but still I NOTICE IT! Are these exterior blemishes common?
Here is a quote from hondas website stating there Honda Certifications
Our certification process includes an exhaustive 150-point mechanical and appearance inspection to ensure that each vehicle meets the highest possible standards. Honda-trained mechanics scrutinize all major vehicle systems, including brakes, engine and drivetrain, steering and suspension, tires, wheels, exhaust system and vehicle interior and exterior. We replace any component that does not meet our stringent standards with Genuine Honda Parts, or restore it to "like-new" condition. We take pride in each step of our certification process so you'll be completely satisfied with your Honda.
Notice it says it will be replaced or restored "like-new" so shouldn't the rock chips & front spoiler be touched up/fixed?
I am taking it for a test drive this Thursday... Hopefully driving it home by Saturday... So I'll keep you guys posted, I can't wait to be a proud owner of an S!
If the rock chips and chin scrapes are noticeable, then yeah I would hope they'd be fixed! However, those two things ARE common from what I've seen. Most of us, after the first little rock chip, give up and ignore the rest of them and basically have no problem living with them. Does the car have the OEM front lip/spoiler? If that's the thing that's scratched up on the bottom, then yeah it's usually inevitable since the car is sorta low to the ground stock.
The car you describe is pretty much the same as what I drive. The price sounds reasonable as well.
If you drive near other cars you'll get a few small rock chips. Most of mine have come from S2000 group drives. The tires tend to flip up rocks, so you have to spread out quite a bit. I've been reminded of this more than once when a pebble bounced off my head.
As for the scrapes under the nose, it is very hard to learn not to pull into the curb when parking. The nose of the car just sticks out farther than you expect. I always try to leave about a foot, then find that I'm only about 2" away.
Great price! I paid 28k for my certified used S with 21k miles. Some pointers I learned the hard way are the following:
1. Get a copy of the inspection checklist before you sign the paper
2. The inspection includes alignment, so ask to see the alignment printout and compare it to the specs in the manual. Mine was way off and cambered too much. Did not really notice it until 9000 miles later when I had to replace the front tires. Complained and was ableto get a free alignment, but took alot of runaround.
3. TIRES. The have a minimum tread depth listed in the checklist. The S's wheels are cambered more than a passenger car which improves performance, but causes uneven tread wear. The mechanics will use the deepest tread to determine tread depth. If you notice the uneven tread wear, then make them check it in front of you. Then you can point out the nogo depth and get new tires.
Double check everything you can on the checklist before you sign and you should be fine.
As far as the front scrubs, I don't think there is an S out there that is driven without front bumper scrubs. I'm very carfull and I still get suprised every once in a while. Thank God for plastic.
Good Luck
In regards to tire depth, the dealership just put brand new Michelins(sp)? on. Also, thanks for the info about alighnment, but how can I find the factory specs? or well where can I get a manual(dealership?)
Does the car have the OEM front lip/spoiler?
yes it is the OEM one.
Now I regards of the drivetrain, it does have the upgraded 2002+ 2nd gear synchro and paper work will be shown.
Other questions I just thought of.... Do you think its unreasonable to have them show me a compression test done(im assuming this is in the Certified Inspection) out provided? Wet and dry? What are the specs supposed to be across? When is it needed service?
Also, Im a little worried about how the engine was broken in any thoughts on that matter?
Oh one more quick one, the plastic rear window on the drop top is scratchy and a little foggy. Can a little compound of some sort and elbow grease take this out? Has any1 put a 2002+ glass window in there?
2000 S2000 questions
Does the car have the OEM front lip/spoiler? If that's the thing that's scratched up on the bottom, then yeah it's usually inevitable since the car is sorta low to the ground stock.
