Hello folks. I’ve been searching for a S2K for a short while and this 2001 yellow on black one just popped up for sale locally. All stock at 33k miles and it looks to be in great shape - but the asking price is pretty steep - $31k!

I did a testdrive 2001 black one last weekend with similar mileage but it was in fair condition with obvious accident repair on the front end (not a good repair work), a torn soft top and interior that looks like it’s got over 100k miles. The owner was asking $25k and it ended up selling for $22k.

Is around $30k a reasonable price - assuming we’ll maintained and all 10 VIN’s intact with no accident?

 

In the current market? Yes.

With that said, there is always room for negotiation. Make sure you are prepared and read these threads before you go look at the car:

http://s2000.club/buyingused.html

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

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

 

Only you know whats a reasonable price.

I would personally not pay anywhere approaching what these cars sell for today.

 

Before you spend $30,000 on a S2000 be sure it's the model you want. 00-01, 02-03, 04-05, 06-07, 08- generations all differ. Some slightly, some significantly -- they're not all the same. 04 got the AP2 engine, restyled body, larger 17" wheels, and more. 06 introduced the ability to tune the car without an aftermarket ECU, DBW, traction control, and stability assist. Early years often consume lots of engine oil. There's a detailed list of changes somewhere here. Condition is paramount. Replacement roof runs at least $1200 and should be done by an experienced installer to prevent flooding the trunk.

Make a priority list. Top item(s) are essential lower items are desirable and some don't matter at all they're so far down the list. I wanted easy tuning ability, traction control and stability assist so my #1 was '06 or later. The S2000 leaves a lot of mid-range power on the table since VTEC is dormant until 6000 rpm. Tuning can fix this. Other criteria was all stock (unmodified), the usual condition and mileage concerns like all 10 VINs. This created a short list even though color was not on my priority (so, naturally my car is Silverstone!). The car I bought failed the "all stock" criteria as it had aftermarket wheels which I replaced with OEM within a few weeks of purchase.

There are still plenty of good cars out there so get what you really want. Don't let the car you gotta have go for a couple thousand dollars.

-- Chuck

 

I pretty much agree with the above advice given. I found the same car, yellow on black with 31K miles but a 2009. One owner, stock, perfect condition. It was exactly what I was looking for. (Only 38 2009s with RYP color in the USA)

I did not mind paying the market value back in 2012. Great decision 20/20 hindsight.

 

I wouldn't pay that much for a 2001. maybe for a mid 2002 or better yet, 2003 (my AP1 top trumps pick on account of the updated engine oil squirter banjo bolts- I also autocross everything so that's my reasoning).

For me, pick a budget, and buy the lowest mileage, non salvage title s2000.

darcy

 

You'll find plenty of happy owners of every year model made of the S2000 and for good reason as these are special cars for what they are. However, that you feel the need to ask whether or not this is a fair price for the car you are considering would seemingly indicate that you are either in a hurry to buy, or are simply far less particular than I was when it came to making such a purchase. @dwb993 provided some really helpful links. At a minimum I would encourage you to read through as much of that information as you can make time for. Otherwise, @darcyw has given you some good food for thought when it comes to the AP1 cars in particular along with his reasoning for such thoughts. You might have different needs that aren't as demanding. Though that's not to say that your needs might not change with time. (How well do you know yourself and your needs?)

The current prices for these cars are what they are. While some long-time owners wouldn't pay the going rate these days, the same could be said for countless other cars that are appreciating. Yet there seems to be no shortage of other people wanting to buy one of these cars today just as with many other enthusiasts cars no longer being made. Though in some cases their interests might have more to do with parking these cars in the garage as an investment rather than driving and enjoying them. With that said, if well maintained, these are incredibly stout cars. You'll find owners here on S2KI that have surpassed 400K miles. You needn't find a low mileage jewel to enjoy many decades of happy, spirited motoring. There are plenty of examples out there with 100K+ miles that are still in amazing condition (one indicator that the car has been well cared for). Know that parts are getting harder to come by with each passing year, which makes the overall condition of any car you might be considering all the more important. For me the appeal of this car has only grown stronger over time. Obviously I remain ecstatic with my S2000 — in part because I did my research before buying.

 

Thanks guys for the helpful advices. I've had interest in getting into S2000 ownership for a while but recently started doing more research on the differences between AP1 vs AP2 and changes made from throughout the production. I was hoping to find an AP2 preferably 06-08 and casually searched online and has been following pricing on FB, CL, BAT, etc. On the top of my priority list is finding a low mileage one that's been well taken care of and unmodified unless I can find a high mileage one at a good price. I plan to keep it for at least few years and probably add 1k~2k miles a year on casual weekend drivings as I have other roadsters, 09 BMW Z4 and 04 Mazdaspeed Miata to take out from time to time. Also, I wanted to find one that will appreciate in value hopefully during my ownership regardless of a price I have to pay for a certain car.

I did take a look at the 01 yellow S2000 and also a 06 silver S2000 63k miles for sale in the same area yesterday. The yellow one was in amazing shape with all 10 VIN stickers, except for a couple of very small dings that can be fixed by PDR and worn marks on the plastic piece around the shifter. The owner was a 75-year old gentleman who bought it originally back in 2001 and it has been kept in the garage most of the time. I've never seen a 20-year old car in that condition and I could tell he loved the car. But, he didn't let me drive it! I had to sit in the passenger seat while he drove it since he didn't want to have potential damages to the car by me driving it. It felt very tight and no strange noises other than 'clunking' in shifting 1-2-3 gears. I don't know if it's normal.

The 06 silver one was not in as good shape cosmetically and was missing 4 VIN stickers in the front but was in good shape overall. I did take it out for a test drive and it was amazing! It had plenty of power throughout the RPM range and the short shifter was great. No clunking when shifting gears it handled very well in twisty roads. His asking price for it was $30k.

The owner of the yellow S2000 said he priced it based on a KBB private party value and is firm. Surprisingly, KBB value is right at $31k in excellent condition. I'm leaning towards buying the yellow one.

 

Here's the link for the car:

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/5373974649287413/?referralSurface=messenger_lightspeed_banner&referralCode=messenger_banner

 

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/5373974649287413/?ref=product_details&referral_code=undefined