i_heart_my_DB8

Hey all, long time reader, first time poster.

I'm in the market for a used S2k somewhere in the 2002-2004 range, and was wondering if any of you owners have any advice for someone looking at used cars. I was thinking something along the lines of:

"Be absolutely sure to check the _______"

or

"Just make sure you don't buy one with _______"


Also, I went to check out a 2004 with 5,xxx miles on the clock, and it had new tires (Kumho's) all around. I know the life on the S-03's is not great, but do people normally swap out stock tires at 5,000 miles? Or is this a sign that the car has been driven REAAAAALY hard?

Thanks in advance.

S2kracka

The 04-05's come with RE050 tires and the 00-03's come with S-02 tires. The car has to be driven pretty hard to wear out the tires in 5k miles. Was this at a dealership or private party? Ask them why they were changed...who knows, maybe they hit some road debris and a few got slashed. For advice I really don't know what to tell you, just drive the car and feel/listen for anything that feels odd. I bought my '02 with 8k on it w/o even test driving it because the owner seemed like a good guy who took care of the car. I pulled the car out of storage this spring and couldn't be happier.

Unit-X

Unless you're looking to save a few thou, you should look to get something older than a 04 so the amount you're saving is a little more significant. I never understood why anyone would shell out 25-28k for a used one when you can get a new one for about 29. Keep in mind used car rates are generally higher than new car rates.

If its from the dealership, be sure the car is certified so you can get the 7yr/100k warranty. Make sure you pop the hood n doors to make sure all the vin stickers are there. Pay attention to the lines all around because if it doesnt match up correctly, might have been in an accident. Check for unmatching paint, etc.

Its a little suspicious why it would have new tires with only 5k miles on it but a used car is a used car. Very few people buy a s2000 and drive it like a accord.

i_heart_my_DB8

Thanks UnitX,

The reasoning behind looking for an 04 is because I'm looking for the cheapest way to get into the revised suspension. Coming from FWD, I'd rather have a little more of a settled rear end, and from what I hear, the 04 is better at that. I know the difference between $27k and $32k isn't that much, but hey, $5k is $5k. I haven't seen any new ones for around $29... but then again I haven't looked that hard yet...

I too am a little bit suspicious about 4 new tires on a car with 5,xxx miles...

Thanks

JSR_AP2

Get a carfax or similar report. Unfortunately, those only show major accidents, but at least you know if there was anything that may have caused frame damage. I was looking into this one s2k during my search and it came up good on carfax, but further searching revealed he had a fender bender (he disclosed it here on s2ki, but not in his ad). Nothing big, but I still wanted something as flawless as possible. Look at all the panel gaps. If they're not even through-out the panel, there was a change or something was removed (if removed, why?). As previously mentioned, look for color differences in the panels. If something's questionable, ask it. If the guy's honest, he'll tell you. Open the hood and look for spots of excessive dirt deposits/collection. This could be a sign of some sort of fluid leak. If it's on a body panel, it may just be dirt, but if it's around a seal on the engine, that may be something (not saying it definitely is tho). And of course, drive it and listen. Depending on where you're located, leftover 04s and even some 05s can be had for $29k-$30k. Call around, you may be able to find a deal you can afford for a new one.

medicalstudent

find an independent mechanic in your area who is very familiar with working on s2000's. have him inspect the car thoroughly.

i_heart_my_DB8

^^ Good advice... I'll probably do that when the time comes. Either that, or I'll ask for an experienced S2ki'er who wants to come with in exchange for a case of beer

People like beer.