I'm going to see a MY09 tomorrow that's a little too suspicious to be true. 50k miles for $22k at a stealership.

I've read about the MY09 and its engine issues, and after asking a rep over the phone, he very promptly responded that the VIN on the engine matches that of the car (how he knew, I don't know).

Anyways, I'd like to check and see if it has a new engine in it - where exactly can I find the little green riveted plaque? Should I bring one of those extendable mirrors with me? I figured it'd be good to know in general where the plaque is for future reference as well.

 

You will need an extendable, flexible mirror of some type or the vin cannot be read. I used one to find my engine vin, that's when I found out my motor wasn't original after I bought my s2k. It is located on the back of the head close to the firewall and facing the firewall. You may also need a flashlight and a cell phone to snap a pic. It's easier to access on the passenger side. Good luck!

 

Do you think one of these types be enough to tilt and see it?

 

^ Those will work well!

 

Perfect then, thanks!

Will the plate be parallel on the head to the firewall, would you know by any chance?

 

Yeah. You will have to look at it from above, so it will appear upside down and backwards in the mirror. I'd just try to grab the last 4 because it might take a bit to keep adjusting the mirror position. It's a tight space.

 

Perfect, I appreciate it!

 

What are the engine issues with the '09? I'm unaware there were any problems.

 

Several isolated incidents: metal debris in the oil pan after a bad sounding noise coming from the engine at around 2-2.5k rmps. Other owners needed new engines to be put in. That's what I've read around the site, there might be more I'm not aware of?

 

IIRC the 09 engine problems were on JDM/EDM f20c's.