Hey Guys,

I've been looking for a car for around three months now. I've test driven everything from a Lotus Elise, Pontiac GTO, Mazda Miata, and Honda S2000. Originally, I was thinking of a GTO, but ruled it out because it's just not a sports car. The power was incredible, but it was a heavy car. The Lotus was the best to drive, but too expensive by a long bit and not very practical. I absolutely loved the Miata and S2000, and originally was going to buy a Miata, since I thought I could get it new for a lot cheaper than a used S2000. I was also worried a bit about the theft rate of the S2000, especially since I'm in NYC. The car will be in a good area, but I was nevertheless worried. However, after reading and searching the forums, and discovering the seat locks and hardtop locks, I had a bit more peace of mind regarding getting an S2000. The S2000 is the better car (than the Miata), there is no doubt, which is why I'd love to be able to have peace of mind if I buy it.

Anyway, I think I've decided to go for the S2000. I pmed a member asking about his 2002 Silverstone, but then I sort of decided to go for something newer. I'd also like to go for a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. I've driven the car and absolutely love it, and the only thing that worries me is the theft.

There's a 2006 S2000 I have my eye on with black/red interior, Silverstone, with 8K miles, asking 28.8. It's certified pre owned as well. I think I'll offer $25K tomorrow and see what happens. I'd hope to buy a hardtop used for around $2K (I saw one from an 2001, I think, in the for sale section for 2K). First of all, does the hardtop from an earlier S2000 fit a later model? And lastly, do you guys have any general advice for me?

Thank you very much!

 

mmm... search on the hardtop information - should be fine but you have to see the hardtop in person before you buy it and see if hardware is included.

i would not get any year S2000 if it's not to be parked in a safe area, my .02.

 

Welcome!

28.8k is high for a used one. I didn't pay that for mine new a couple years ago (or course, I'm in a different market). 25k sounds a little more reasonable.

The HT doesn't add all that much more security, and it's one more item to worry about losing. Having said that, I the look of the OEM HT. Just something to think about.

The HT itself will fit. There may be some differences in hardware year-to-year. There are certainly people here with the expertise to help out with that.

Good luck!

 

I would expect around 26k or 27k for a 2006, 25k is too low for it and yet, 28.8k is too high

 

Well, it will be parked in a very good area of NYC, with lots of doormen and all that...I'll take every security precaution I can, and hope for the best. But any car I'm thinking of will be susceptible to theft - I'll do what I can, and hope for the best.

 

Well, I hope I'll be able to pick it up for $25K. I would put a deposit on it tomorrow if I could get it for that price. If not, I'll have to think it over a bit.

 

I'm worried about the top getting slashed, which is the reason I'd get a hardtop. I'd also take measures to secure the hardtop with bolts and what not. Like you, I also love the look of the hardtop, and I think it adds a more pracitical aspect to the car. I'm glad to hear that with the exception of different kits for mounting, the hardtop would still fit.

Thanks a lot for the help!!

 

is theft really that much of a problem back east ?

I park my S in a public parking structure a block from my work and never worry about it, I leave it all day with the top down and half the time don't bother locking it since they can just reach in and unlock it.

I leave my car anywhere and everywhere I go with the top down and never worry about it and never have a issue.

Last time I had a issue with the top down was when someone poured a Chocolate shake down the heater vents on the dashboard but that was back in the late 70's or early 80s (been driving convertibles forever).

I left my S in long term parking at LAX for 4 days with the top down and never gave it a second thought.

Why is theft such a issue on the East coast ?

 

get one you'll be sorry ......they are unreal fun to own

 

It was quite fun to drive, I can just imagine what it must be like to own!