Hi,
Came across a 2007 model year with 29k miles from a dealer. Carfax reports show 2014 as the last time fluids were changed. The dealer has no other information. What are some common sense steps I can take to evaluate the car?.

Below is the listing.
https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicle/726963654?listingType=USED&makeCode=HONDA&modelCod e=S2000&numRecords=25&referrer=%2Fcars-for-sale%2Fhonda%2Fs2000%2Fchicago-il%3Fzip%3D60656&sortBy=relevance&zip=60656&clickT ype=listing​​

 

like any used vehicle. get under the car, get in the car, pore over the vehicle. Feel for moisture in the trunk under the scissor lift insert. Have them do a wet compression test. look for VIN codes on all metal body panels (the bumpers might still be OEM- so if you're lucky they are there as well for a perfect 10/10 VIN score). Open the secret compartment to see if the previous owner left any contact information in there. All bolts should be relatively rust free, especially in the engine bay.

If the dealer isn't willing to let you drive it, have the least assholey dealer drive with you in the passenger seat. Radio OFF/windows closed. watch that s/he allows the car to come up to temp before reving it out.

remember, this is a 16-17 year old car so its old. But the photos the site show the car presenting as very nice. I'd like to see detailed underbody shots.

After you get your new s2000 home, DBW cars need a spec valve adjustment (IN .008,EX.012), and all used cars need every single fluid re-zeroed, especially if the history is unknown. I'm pedantic, so YMMV.

good luck-it presents well.
darcy

 

I recommend taking a sample of the engine oil, and any other oils you can sample, and send them to a place like oillab.com for analysis. You don't have to use that company, specifically, but they've been testing my S2000 for 24 years, and my CRX Si for 34 years - both of which are healthy - and they've pointed out serious issues with my other vehicles that saved me from an exploding engine. Oil analysis is one way to look inside an engine without taking it apart, but you need oil that has lived in the engine rather than after a fresh change. Oil Analysis Lab has a form with the engine model or transmission part numbers, and they should know what to expect from those units. You won't be able to tell them what kind of oil was used by the previous owner, but they can probably still do a good analysis without that info.

Fluids are cheap. I assume that "re-zeroed" means completely replacing fluids?

 

[QUOTE=TR25;25094592

Fluids are cheap. I assume that "re-zeroed" means completely replacing fluids?[/QUOTE]

correct.
darcy

 

A Carfax history without many maintenance records reported could mean the previous owner(s) serviced the car themselves or the shop(s) who serviced the car simply just doesn't report to Carfax. It's like that on my old S2000 as well as my Lancer Evolution, and even my Tacoma.

Second on the valve adjustment. Especially on the 06+ DBW cars, as their valves like to get out of spec early. My friends and I did every 30k miles.

And changing all the fluids is a great peace of mind and you know exactly when is the next time to change the fluid.

 

I echo all the previous notes. The color of the fluid in the brake and clutch reservoirs is a good clue as to recent maintenance. There was a *** WARNING *** about 10 years ago about making sure the valves were adjusted properly. Seems the DBW cars were running lean and possibly burning exhaust valves. I checked mine at just under 40K miles and none were overly tight but I set them at MAX spec per the recommendations from the Pros here. (Exhaust set to a thousandth over.)

For this near collector car price the car should have all 10 VINs and a compression/leak down test. If you have the time look for all 10 in the photos. I'd not personally buy this car if I thought I'd be "modding" it to any extent with aftermarket items. OEM front and rear spoilers? Sure! Wings and other nonsense? Leave them for higher mileage cars with the typical bumper replacements.

Tires (model and year of production) will be clues as to previous care of the car. Too much paint on these tires to even get a clue. Tires age out in about seven (7) years.

My 2006 is only a month older. Build date '07-2006. Same colors. It has all 10 VINs but I tired of the silent exhaust so replaced it 10 years ago. Asking prices on these cars is far exceeding inflation right now.

Not the best time of year to buy a convertible in Chicago but you know that.

-- Chuck

 

Also, make sure the electrics for the top works. Opening and closing should be a smooth event.