This is probably in the incorrect forum to begin with, but I felt since this isn't exactly a proper introduction it wasn't fit for that forum, so I'm posting this here.

I had already almost completely decided on what car I was going to get, after driving an '07 GP White/B-R 2tone at a local dealer, in fact I was planning on returning later this week to purchase the car I drove. However, now people are telling me about how I shouldn't go to a dealer because they'll screw me over on pricing, and I should get an AP1, at that.

I don't understand why. I looked at the MSRP, which is (roughly) $34,800 as far as I remember, and there was no real dealer markup. I think it was like $500, but I believe I could talk them down at the VERY LEAST that much. Is the car just worth that little, where even MSRP is just far too much? Considering most of you here are owners, I don't exactly expect 100% unbiased answers, but I'd at least like to find out why, apparently, the MSRP is too much for the car.

Then the AP1 comments.... I know the F22C1 (AP2) is the stroked verion of the F20C seen in the AP1, with a higher redline, but why exactly is an engine that's going to have probably 40,000 miles more than the brand new one I was about to buy before being turned off to it, a better engine?

Beyond that, as far as I can tell, most S2000 owners thrash their cars quite a bit, and there's a good chance any used one I'd find in the color combination that I want (GP White w/ Two-tone like the one at the dealer, lucky me) would be beaten to hell and back and on it's last leg.

So, can anyone clear this up for me? I'd really like to know before I purchase a $34k Honda, as good as the S2000 is.

Thanks in advance to anyone who replies helpfully, and if this is on the wrong forum, please move it wherever necessary.

 

Also, I noticed there was a field in the user setup to denote between S2000 owners and S2000 enthusiasts, and after that, optional fields to denote color/year/etc. In the event that I keep with my prior decision to purchase, is there a way I can change the settings?

 

I say go for it and get a new one while you still can. If there are any 06's left on the lot you should be able to snatch one up for under invoice.

Exactly one year ago I got my S2000, a brand new 05 model for $28.8k. At first they wanted sticker and asked me if I was interested in a used car as I started negotiations with an offer of $28.5k.

MSRP is ALWAYS too much for a car unless it is some sort of exotic or luxury car, something the S2000 is not. I myself paid under invoice pricing which was a little about $29k.

http://www.edmunds.com/new/2007/honda/s200...929/prices.html

Invoice for the 07 model is currently $30,838. In my eyes, invoice is what you should be shooting for when negotiating for a car, the dealer gets the car at a price much less than that. Shoot for a new 06 if the color of your choice is available. Dealerships are only in it for the profit. They treat you like a king up until the moment you sign the papers. Many of them are out to screw over the uneducated car shopper.

AP1 vs AP2
Many of the purists on this site prefer the 9000RPM redline over the revised 8000RPM. I myself would have chosen the 2.0L engine if it were available, but at this time it is not. For some, it was the main buying point of the car, "a motorcycle on 4 wheels". The older cars are alot less forgiving if you make a mistake, while the newer ones give you more of a chance.

The F22 also puts out more power than the F20. My dyno says so. 203whp from my F22 vs 184whp from the older F20(older ones ran rich in the high rpm range putting out less power).

Nicer speakers, lights, bumpers, and seats are only a few of the things that make the newer S2000s more appealing than the ones before.

With a used car, you never know.. Though my car is always clean outside and in, you can bet that I drive the hell out of it every chance I get. I didn't buy the car to granny drive it, and I'm sure this goes for the majority of S2000 owners. Buy new.


http://www.carbuyingtips.com/
That site held my hand through the car buying process. It tells you what to look out for and what not to do. Read it thoroughly and you should be on your way into an S2000 for the least amount of money possible.

I hope this helped.
Goodluck with your purchase.

 

Thank you VERY much, MugenRSX. That's basically everything I needed, except for the now inevitable ownership field change

 

I just bought an 07. PM me if you would like with questions and I will reply.

I can say this you should be able to get the car around 31k give or take $200 plus tax, license, registration and doc fees.

 

if i was in your shoes, i would be looking at new 06 leftovers. my local honda dealer had one ready to move for 29.xk last month. i own a ap1 and love it, but i certainly wouldnt base my decision on ap1 vs. ap2. dont get me wrong 9k red line is nice, but so are all the little upgrades over the years.

jason

 

You should be able to get a new '07 for less than $31K (incl destination) before taxes, title/license. It may vary depending on where you live, but I know of three new '07 S2Ks bought here in CA (which tends to have higher prices than the rest of the country) in the last two weeks for $33-33.2K OTD. You should be able to get an '06 for $2K less just based upon depreciation. PM me if you have more questions. Good luck!

 

Sadly, the only S2k on this particular lot was the 07 GPW, and I don't want to search all of Florida for a new 06 with the minor possibility of finding one in the color combo I want (which is an enormous thing for me, I won't settle for a color I don't want, no reason to), so if I can really get it for ~31k before T/T/L, I'll stick with it.

I'll see how that goes either today or tomorrow, but for now I'll just browse the forums. I'm pleasantly suprised with the user base around here. I honestly expected a lot of "VTEC yo" sort of things, and a lot of... rice, really. Glad to see I appear to have found my way into a great S2000 community.

 

mAd 3rD geaR vTeC yO!!!111one
The forums are actually starting to fill up with these types of drivers, but that can't be helped as the older models can be had for very little money.

Be firm about your offer and do not for any reason say that the white was the color of choice. That way, the dealer can use it against you and have you pay more since it's dear to you. Make sure you punk the dealer well. If an 18 year old like me (17 at the time of purchase) can do it, so can you.

 

I know how those pesky dealers work. They can hold anything againt someone, really.

Though it may be farfetched, I plan to go in there calling for 30k flat, which I'm sure will end up a fair bit higher, but if it reaches 30.9, I won't budge for a second, and define "punk."