I only care about maintenance and s2ki TSB's on a used s2000. Do I get a vibe that the current owner knows anything about maintaining an s2000, especially an AP1? My opinion has changed over the past 11years when my first s2000 was 8 years old, accident free, 32K miles and bought sight unseen on eBay. My current AP2 bought 3-4 years ago came with a thick maintenance record.

ask the following questions-
Last spec valve adjustment with photos of the retainers? compression test? Rear axle nut tsb done?
accident free?
maintenance records?- last trans/brake/clutch/diff fluid. As for coolant, a 2000 MY s2000 had it done in 2010, 2015, and 2020 if you follow the recommendations
body panel rust? Look under/over and in the trunk well.

A well maintained, accident free s2000 carries a premium for me. I don't hold the AP1V1 model in as high regard as the AP1V2 since I want the glass rear top window, 4 hole banjo bolt oil squirters, interior improvements.

Is 28K reasonable for an 81K mile MY 2000? I suppose, provided I get ALL the stock OEM parts as well as the modifications the owner is providing, and the maintenance is relentless.

good luck!
darcy

 

Every single S2000 I looked at in 2017 when I bought mine had these same issues, and most of the cars I saw were one-owner cars. Each time I see an S, I can almost guarantee the engine mounts are gone if the owner tells me it's 100% stock or low mileage. The low mileage ones are especially neglected because the owners think parts like engine mounts wear with mileage and don't dry-rot automatically over time. Wheel bearings go with time and gravity. Proud low mileage owners are IMO the worst culprits of this because one automatically can assume a high mileage example was probably neglected, but low mileage examples are more deceiving.

 

That's all well and good and I agree with you that engine mounts may not be noticed. You're saying you found multiple cars with bad wheel bearings? Bad wheel bearings should be immediately noticeable, are more expensive, and should not be present on a car that is changing hands for $28k. I've bought 2 S2ks with > 85k miles and neither has needed wheel bearings. I've owned both beyond 110k and my current car is at 117k. Both needed the axle nut TSB but no bearings. I'm not debating that some things may need to be addressed. I'm saying that anything more than rubber parts, valve adjustment, fluids, belts, top, tires, or brakes should not be present on a $28k car or due diligence was not done. Those should all be used as a negotiating point too, if noticed. The idea of having a $10k budget to fix a newly purchased $28k S2000 is wayyyy high unless a mistake was made.

The worst thing I dealt with on my AP2 was a poor soft-top install that leaked. That cost me a few hundred and I had to travel up to a soft-top installer. That's unfortunate but not abnormal. When inspecting to purchase, I did notice that the install didn't look great (ripped corners) but for the price I paid for the car, it was within my tolerance of crap to deal with. The trunk smelled bad too and I let the seller BS me, feigning ignorance. It wasn't worth arguing with him over. I got a screaming deal and was willing to look past stuff. For $28k for an 80k mile car, I'd be asking more questions and investigating more. I don't know if I'd purchase at that mileage and price, let alone have much tolerance to take on any risk/fix in the purchase. At that price/mileage, OP should pretty much have their choice of year and color if they were willing to travel.

 

This is MY2000 (model year 2000)? Lots of bugs that took Honda a couple of years to work out. $18,000 might be a good deal. Too many good late models for sale at this price point. Who cares if you buy from a private seller or dealer -- all that matters is what you pay. Hopefully you won't be financing this old car. For this much money I'd only buy 2006 or later. ( Which is what I did several years ago. )

Not sure what the seller being an "enthusiast" has to do with anything or even what it means. He's improved, modified, or buggered the suspension and wheels and other items (take your pick according to your tastes) .Just modifying these items doesn't mean they've been improved only different. Why do I think this car has black wheels?

What Michelin Tires? 2000 miles on All Seasons are no bargain.

I wouldn't pay a nickle for "Rare Honda Access Red Floor Mats," Infinity speakers, CF cooling plate, SSM side strakes, or a SSM trunk spoiler. But that's me.

It would be helpful if we knew your location. Don't forget prices for convertibles will start to drop as we get into fall.

-- Chuck

 

Guess I lucked out with my first year car! Bought the extended warranty. The repairs covered by the warranty was one rear wheel bearing. Can't imagine how great a later car would be.

 

FWIW... AP1 engines tend to burn oil, especially if you run into the VTEC RPM range a lot (and why would you buy an S2000, if you avoid VTEC? ).

Keep an eye on oil level. Maybe every other fillup?

This site may be helpful.

Common Issues.

 

Im in California and everyone here are taxing.. I guess I really need to be patient.


How many miles usually engine mounts and wheel bearing to be replaced? Damn $10k? Good to know!

 

Im not a mechanic but pretty sure this s2000 is the cleanest I’ve seen so far.. also owner mostly bring it to a s2000 reputable shop here in Northern California and looks like maintained by joeys2k too. Also never been track as far as I can see.
I would also do pre inspection of course.

 

The seller is 3rd owner and had the car for 4 years, suspension only has 500 miles on it he stated.. I would def do pre inspection before pull the triggee. Im in California

 

Thank you all for the replies!