A dealer I know has two brand new '02 S2000's plus some new '03 S2000's in his inventory. He is selling the '03's for about $30k and the '02's for $28,500. Which year would you buy, and why? I was thinking for the $1500 difference the '03 is a better deal because of the depreciation already incurred on a brand new '02 because it is already last years model.

 

I would go for the 03' just for the sake of having a newer car and when times comes to sell, obviously you would rather be trading or selling an 03 instead of an 02.

 

For the difference of $1500, I would go for the '03. You get a newer model and the '03 hasn't been sitting on the dealer's lot for as long as the '02.

I'm waiting to see the '04 before making my decision.

 

Depends on the condition of the paint, but you will definatly see the $1500 back at resale. As long as the mileage is basically the same, I would have to go with the '02. It's already taken the depreciation.

The cars are basically identical.

 

03. 02's likely been on the lot for a while.

 

crashgorden,

do you mind telling me which dealer is this. I am looking for a good deal on S in Mpls area also. Thanks.

 

These guys are nuts get one of the 02s if they are undamaged. That way the dealer takes the depreciation hit for the first year of the car, or at least part of it.

 

According to Kelley Blue Book, the value of a '03 S2000 is $2,500 more than the '02 in both Trade-In and Private Party Seller. Just another reason it's a no-brainer to go with the '03 if they are selling it to you for only $1,500 more than the '02.

 

Get the 03, regarding resale there seems to be more weight than there should be placed on a model year that is a year newer although both years are indentical in specifications. Personally I'm more concerned with milage and overall condition when two model years of a vehicle have the same specs. You won't notice the difference until you go to sell or trade in, then the 03 will pay for itself.

 

Unless you have your heart set on a brand new car, I would not get either of them. If you pop over to the classifieds you will find 2002s for $24-$25k or so with very few miles (< 10k).

Winter will be here soon (perhaps it has already arrived in Minnesotta ) so if you are willing to wait a few months, $22k for a 2002 would not be a stretch. Let someome else take the depreciation hit. (And for the difference in price, you could add a supercharger. )