Advice on buying AP1
 

Hello, I need some advice if 28k fair for 2000 ap1 s2000 SilverStone Metallic with red/black interior 81k miles

clean title 10/10 vins really clean car and the owner is an enthusiast

with some goodies and stock engine.
3 owners

17” Advan RZ wheels w/ Michelin Tires (less than 2000 miles)
Bespoke Annex Fastroad Pro Suspension
Apexi WS2 Catback Exhaust
Clear side markers
Clear headlight mod
Rare Honda Access Red Floor Mats
Infinity speakers
CF cooling plate
SSM side strakes
SSM trunk spoiler

Located in California

If you're actually in the market, I suspect you've searched Autotrader and classified ads and this forum's FS section?

How does the car you are looking at compare to what else you've seen?

Is it checking all your "must have" boxes more so than others?

I found this one from craiglist and it’s local me. So far its the cleanest one I’ve seen and checked.

I wanted ap2 bc I’m scared the very first year of s2000 would give me problems but I couldn’t find clean one that’s local to me. I should’ve also ask if f20c would hold up just fine as the ap2 engines.

Yes pretty much checked all must have for me except not the color I wanted.

How long have you been looking? If you want an AP2 and don't need to buy the car, why not be patient? You should be willing to drive a few hours at least when you're trying to buy a 14+ year old specialty car.

AP1's are fine and it's probably a fine car. I don't think 28k for this car is a great deal. The mods sound nice and tasteful and wouldn't worry me but they don't really add value. Maybe I'm out of touch and/or you're in a really expensive area but I can't imagine paying more than $24k for a 80k+ mile AP1. If you just started looking today and want to buy one by the end of the week, it sounds like a nice car. I think patience here will help you though.

In my area looks like they all list their ap2 more than my budget and mostly from dealership too.1 month of looking now. Not really in a rush

thanks

At 28k, you should not have a problem getting a 70k+ mile AP2 that's in good shape and no significant accident history.

What is "in my area"? I think you're going to need to be willing to drive like 4-6 hours to open yourself up some good options.

Absolutely, especially in this market. Now is the time to buy. Autotempest shows several AP2s under $28k.

OP, set aside another $10k+ for repairs for wear items like engine mounts and wheel bearings. Very often, those are neglected.

There were 2 especially useful threads I found before I actually went and looked for a car:

https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/775...#entry18385384

https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/102...replace-first/

They should have most of the info and additional links you will ever need.

If OP buys properly @ $28k there should be nowhere near that in repairs. Stuff like the Axle Nut TSB is tolerable. Engine mounts may be bad and not noticed. Wheel bearings would be noticed if they were bad and should not be present on a $28k S2000. Paying $28k should expect a good condition, well driving S2000 that doesn't need anything to drive anywhere with minimal worries. I'd hope that, at that price point, you could buy one on the other side of the country and expect to fly out and drive back in it. I agree with the sentiment that it's an old car and there are going to be un-recognized things that should be attended to so people shouldn't max themselves out on the purchase. However, none of that should exceed $2k unless due diligence was lacking in the purchase process. We're not talking about trying to pick one up for $15k where you need to choose significant compromises.

If you get it inspected by a reputable shop, and you feel the price is fair for the aftermarket parts, go for it.

As a price reference, I got a 97,000 mile 2008 for $24,000 out here in AZ a month ago.