Hey all! First time posting here, but let me just get straight to the point. I am looking at this 2001 S2000 w/ a little over 85k on the clock for $10,000. The interior is clean, looks like it was well taken care of, Carfax but the guy did not have it at the time we met up, the rear bumper was stretched due to rolling the fender, front right side was hit but not too bad, and the engine bay is missing two VIN stickers because the front bumper was repainted (not sure about this). Another thing I should add is the current owner is the 5th owner of the car. What do you guys think? Jump on the deal or jump ship?

 

I would say pass on it; with this economy there are many more deals out there. 5th owner!

 

Yeah, 5th owner and he "forgot" the Carfax

 

Would my best bet be to bring it to a mechanic to check out the car if I am really set on buying it? Anything else I can check for?

 

whoa... I paid $10K for my 2002 S2K with 74K miles and it was in perfect shape. $10K for that car seems way to overpriced.

 

[QUOTE=savesday04,Aug 8 2009, 12:37 AM] whoa... I paid $10K for my 2002 S2K with 74K miles and it was in perfect shape.

 

no its a prety good price but i wouldnt realy want a S with that many owners

 

5 owners does sound like quite a bid. Ask your self how much are you looking to spend on fixing it/repairs add that to the total price of the car (if its 10K or O.B.O.) then decied if that is the route you want to take.

Side note (10K for a 02 is a smokin CrAcK price, good deal savesday04)

I am looking at a s2k right now. 01 with 68k but needs paint and minor body work and hes asking 9k for it. I am tring to get him to go lower, we will see.

 

I think the price is fair, but it really depends on your location and the local market. I wouldn't be concerned about the number of owners in and of itself -- I was the 4th or 5th owner of my first '02 s2k and that thing was a champ just like any other Honda. But I did see the vehicle history report before I bought it. Some of the other stuff you mentioned would concern me though (body repairs, etc). IMO, if you can spend around $12k or $13k I think you'll find something much better than this car. For comparison, I sold my very good condition '02 with 50k miles for $13.7k.

Also, on the number of owners -- I can't say for certain, but I think the s2k is frequently a weekend or fun car, not a daily driver. And people with the means for an extra car may only hold onto it for a year or two and trade up, resulting in more owners. I had a Miata for 2 years, my first s2k for 2 years, and just bought my second s2k. There was nothing wrong with either of the first two cars, I just wanted and was able to get something newer each time.

I think the best advice is to be as patient as possible and have as large a search area as possible. Good luck and keep us posted!

 

i agree with the poster above, fork out another 2k to 3k and your in a whole new ballpark as far as mileage and condition.