Hi,

I was struct by the s2k bug 3 years ago, and I had trouble with my s2k so I traded it in for a 2010 gti. Well guess what, everyone says it, you'll always come back to the S.

I was pretty screwed on my last s2k (motor and tranny issues) so I'm considering getting a Honda Certified car. My question, is it worth the extra 2 to 3 grand for a honda certified, or would a uncertified car server just as good in the long run? I just hit my 1 year mark on my gti and I put on 16,0xx miles so I will be doing the same amount of driving on the S. I've seen a MY08 with 34,0xx miles on the car for $27 ish at a stealership. its a white and red, the one I've been longing for ever since I got my MY00 BB. The question at hand is:

is it worth it for a stealership certified car?
- what benefits are received with it being certified?
- If purchased, should I get the extended warranty on the car?
Should I get a private party / non certified for about $3 - $5k cheaper and hope I dont get a dud again?

-nit

 

No offense at all, but certified cars are for people who don't know what they are buying and don't know how to check it out properly.

If you fully check a car out properly and know it's in good condition, then it seems to me that being certified and being under warranty is kind of a waste of money... although it can be a kind of insurance policy, just in case... but I personally wouldn't dish out the extra money.

If you admittedly aren't the most automotive savvy and don't have someone trusted to check the car out, then being certified can be a good option since you don't know what you're getting into with any used car (unless you inspect it properly as said previously). In that case I would go for it and I would definitely get the extended warranty. I don't know you so I can't say what category you fall into, but there is nothing wrong with falling into the second category... as long as you know that's where you fall and you act accordinlgy.

If you decide to get a non-certified one, definitely try and find someone reputable to check it out top to bottom. Do not, I repeat DO NOT, trust the dealership to inspect it for you. They are not trustworthy. Maybe there is a S2ki Guru in your neck of the woods who can help you out?

Either way, just be truthful with yourself and don't get yourself in over your head and you'll be fine.

 

I actually had a friend check out my previous S. He is a civic whore and a good car nut. I took it to a mechanic I found on yelp too and he said everything was good. :/ I had some bad luck thats for sure. I did go through the check list that was posted on this forum 3 years ago and all seemed well.

I'm not a super mechanic, but I do know how to do my research. The person i bought the car from was on s2ki too, and I reviewed his old post, and I did not see issues with his car. I do take good care of my belongs, so I dont want to say I messed up the car, but who knows maybe I did. I miss shifted a few times and did a launch once when I just bought the car.

I think maybe for piece of mind it might be a better option for me. If I could get some S2000 guru to give me a hand, I'd definitely be grateful. I think the s2000 community has been one of the best experiences I've had. I came from two motorcycles and they are a pretty tight crew, s2000 crews are the same way. I love it.

I'm located in Alhambra, so if anyone knows or is willing to give me a hand thatd be great! First, I'll have to convince my family that its a good move.

EDIT: Oh and I'm definitely not offended terminationN.

 

Certification shouldn't add $2-3k to the price. I'd expect more like $1500 and you could likely buy an extended warranty straight from Honda for less than that.

 

Private party might be better, because it should be cheaper. But, if you have to finance or something there's no way to do that outside of a dealership.

I'm totally not tech savvy, but I have a few mechanics I always go to and trust, and so if I were to buy a new car I bring it to one of them to have them check its condition. If you aren't tech savvy then you should probably try to find an auto shop that you can trust, since going to a dealership is really expensive anyway, and I'm sure most if not all auto shops are willing to inspect a vehicle for you, although at a price of course.

 

Why would you think that????

 

I think CPO is worth it.

Just do your research on what s2k's are selling for in your area (edmunds).
And although it's redundant, get them to throw in the 3 year bumper to bumper Honda Care warranty on top of the CPO.
You can drive almost worry free for 3 years
That's what I did.

But if you plan to modify your s2k, it's not worth it.

 

@s2kpa I do not plan on modifying. Just probably aftermarkt hu plus amp and sub. Everything else will be stock.

I'm planning on taking my car to get apprazed. Do you guys think I should put my stock headlights back on prior or keep my aftermarket ones on?

 

@s2kpa is the bumper to bumped really that extensive of a coverage plan? Is there any deductible? Lastly, how much does if run for?

 

Huh? Go to a bank, say you want an auto loan, show them the car, done. Sometimes even easier then doing financing through a dealership.