So this private seller has a listing for a 2002 s2k with 100k miles for $10k. There's apparently an aftermarket exhaust, coilovers, and intake, with everything else stock. New clutch, rear tires, and rear axles. This seems like a surprisingly low price right? I want to take it to a local shop to get it checked out. First time buying an s2k, I've been checking market listing for a couple months and this seems to good to be true, would be nice to get some opinions here. Here's a pic.

 

I would take it to a shop as you mentioned. I would get some other pictures of the engine, underneath, interior, anything that strikes your fancy. We can all take a look.

 

The other pics don't show anything different already shown in the previous pic but here is an Interior Pic

 

Lol, I've never given this advice but... Check for burnt rubber in the rear wheel wells? New clutch, rear tires, rear axles sounds like an epic burnout.

 

Yea when I read new clutch, rear tires, rear axles I was skeptical, will have to check that out when I look at it.

 

Yeah rear axles and clutch and rear tires makes me wonder especially with the axles. Definately want to check out the rear end too. Ten grand is a good price however.

 

Maybe see if they'll do a package deal with the Lotus?

Anyway this appears to be a good price - just from recent memory a very nice 2003 example sold on the forums w/ 159k miles for $9,500. So for 50% less mileage that seems pretty reasonable assuming the car is in good shape overall. Hard to tell from just those 2 pictures though. In my opinion once the car is in the 100-200k mile range, how the car was cared for matters more than the reading on the odometer. That is just my take though.

Also someone else on here will have to fact check me but I think the all-red interiors were somewhat rare? It is a cool look for these cars.

 

$10,000 for a S2000 doesn't get you a top tier car, even in Pennsylvania. If there was mechanical damage and it was properly repaired it's probably fine although lowered is a problem in driveways and over speed bumps. Aftermarket exhaust is liable to be deafening. Original roof is likely patched and on it's last legs. But this is to be expected at this price point when the nice cars are at least twice that price.

For a second, weekend car and something to tinker with this has possibilities. I'd never get a S2000 as a daily driver, especially not one that's suspect.

-- Chuck

 

I'd try to strike a deal on the Lotus

 

Those aftermarket front headlights scream cheap front end repair. They typically find their way onto wrecked and home-fixed cars with subpar funding. Definitely inquire about the title and accident status, and check the VINs on the bumper, hood, and fenders.

Car may drive fine, and be fine to buy, but that's likely the source of the low price.