Another S2000 (MY99) came on the market in NZ this morning in a less than ideal location population-wise, at a rough time of year to sell a vehicle. 89K miles, torn soft-top, bent front and rear plates, bent radio antenna, looks like Plastidipped wheels, not very helpful photos to determine condition...sold by lunchtime.

 

I would recommend first deciding if you want an AP1 or AP2 or makes no difference.

Then, when you come across a non-modified, documented, well maintained, no paintwork example with less than 50k miles...even if it’s not your preferred color...buy it ASAP!

The demand for such examples is increasing rapidly, and you’ll definitely pay more the longer you wait.

 

That's what mine was & I almost lost it, luckily the person who was in front of me could not get financed. I immediately put down a deposit & flew out to pick it up a few days later. Only mods on mine were rattle canned brake calipers & aftermarket stereo at time of purchase which saves me the money because I was planning to do pretty much the same stereo mods if it did not have it.

 

3 years ago this was pretty much my criteria when searching. Less than 50k miles and figure around 5k per year. I finally bought my 07 NFR last Sept with 31k and now sit at about 36k so pretty much what I figured. They were asking $26k and I talked them down to $24k because at the time that was what several had sold for and I showed examples. Now, looking at them a year later and what BringaTrailer is selling as well as what MrFunk posted with the AutoTrader listings I want to cry what these are selling for now. I am amazed at the number of sub 20k mileage options keep crawling out of the weeds and this one here https://cutt.ly/mh2sBH5 under 2000 miles!!!

The discussion I had with my wife back in 2018 is that these cars were starting to creep up and if I didn't get one then, I'd be paying $30 to mid $30's for what I wanted. I agree with Mr Funk - search nationally or at least within 500 miles. Make a weekend out of it to go get it and bring it home. Thankfully the 3 I was seriously looking at were within a 2 hour drive and the one I bought 2 hours away. Anything under 50k is going to last you the rest of your life as long as you maintain it - if you are looking at return on investment then I understand but that isn't what I was looking for when I bought mine. As B Serious mentioned - Buy it to drive it and don't worry about the value.

BTW there is one on BAT right now that may be comparable https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2005-honda-s2000-60/

 

You are treading on a well worn path here. That's why many of these low mile cars are coming out of the woodwork and they are asking a fortune. My suggestion, be a little different and let mileage go. These cars are very durable. Find the same car you described with 150k.

100% of the S2000 driving experience at a fraction of the cost.

 

The one that just listed on BaT will be interesting to watch. It's the most desirable color (price-wise) but the front bumpers/fenders have been resprayed. I wonder how much that will hurt the price but at least it appears that some of those VIN stickers are still present. I expect that one to go in the mid 30k range.

 

I'm going to speak from a Canadian experience since the S2000 market varies region by region. Here in Canada, good S2000s don't come up for sale often, and when they do, they are snapped up very quickly. If you see something that checks most of your boxes, don't wait; buy it. As winter turns to spring over the next few months, prices again will edge upwards a couple of percent.

As others have said, don't look at this as an investment. Buy as soon as the time is right for you and your finances allow. Don't wait for the right colour combo as this may never happen. I sprung for a Silverstone this summer even though that was the least of my preferences. Happy I did, and am not looking back!

 

I saw the BaT and considered it but the paintwork is not a good match and seen in photos.

 

I just checked it out....The paint work looks like a good match to me?....Current bid $37,250....with 3 days to go, I bet it goes pass 40K!!....

It reminds me of looking for a dog....Yes , you can spend a fortune on a pure-bred with papers, but there are so many great dogs that don't have the papers, just need a little work, and need a good home....and it makes you feel good to rescue them!!

 

If you're actually wanting a GPW AP2 car and were considering the one on BaT, I'd say to just go ahead and buy the one from your friend with the well-known history. Just look at what the AP2 cars have been selling for on BaT and how much they've increased in value this year alone. A year or two from now you'll be glad that you acted sooner than later.