The S2000 is an '06, 12K miles, and I paid $23,500 (EBay). Yes, it has a few very minor warts, but is basically new. Color is bright blue - not my first choice, but maybe it will grow on me.

Impressions?

1. This is a serious sports car. Handling, engine character, and overall feel are in the sport racing region.

2. I have seen these cars at PCA events. Now I know why they're so damn fast.

3. Character of the car, within my limited experience, is alot like the early 911S - one of my all time favorite daily drivers. The S2000 is tail happy, can be handily throttle steered, has an engine that really wakes up at about 6000 RPM, has phenomenal steering feel; otherwise, it is noisy, suffers from gear rattle, is bog slow at low RPM, and should not be sold to most American drivers (they won't like it a bit). In summary, the car is just about perfect.

 

Sounds a damn good deal you got on it.

 

I think the price is too low. Look at the car carefully and try to determine if it has ever been in a crash.
I guess it's possible that you just a super deal.

 

The car has some... issues. So far we know about the stereo issues but there are probably others. Either way, an 06 is a steal for that money unless it has serious problems.

 

I would get it looked at. 23k seems too low.

 

If this 06 is "tail happy," I would be wondering why. With VSA on, that has not been my experience. It has also not been my experience in my 04, which did not have VSA.

 

!

You did check out a carfax right? All the Vin #'s are there?

What kinda "warts" were there?


If you did get the car for that much that's great. Doesn't seem right unless it is salvaged.

Oh yeah, is midnight blue a real oem color or was it painted?

 

Also... uh, how is this your first drive? Have you never test-driven an s2k prior to purchasing one????

 

Ok....the car is a 2006. As long as the title is clean and theres no major swap(engine, tranny), all defects and problem is cover under the bumper to bumper warranty.

 

1. Car seems fine.

Pre buy Process: I ran a carfax before bidding on it (absolutely clear), then had it inspected top to bottom by the seller's closest Honda dealer ($100; all ok; all services done; no repairs). It had a scratch on the front fender, so I had a body shop spend an hour going over it ($50; all ok). Never wrecked or painted, etc. I did this before flying out to get it, then went over it personally.

Issues: front fender scratch (have to look hard to find it), cigarette? burn in top (1/2" discoloration;just a small thing), botched stereo installation (subwoofer, amp, etc - sounded lousy). I have sorted it out tks to Will of this forum, though I wish it was stock..
1 wheel has 3/4" curb rash; hard to notice. Tires are all original SO - 3's and fine, even rears. Tinted windows (OK I guess). Laguna Blue (not my first choice; midnight blue was the closest "describe your car" color when I signed up for S2K recently. Wish it was midnight blue). XM option (I'm liking it). Stone nick in windshield. Does not seem to use any oil at all. Runs strong and smooth. I will adjust valves soon (mostly to inspect the retainers for over rev damage, though I have no symptoms)

Deal: PO bought it and found out it is not a long distance commuter car. He tried to sell it locally; no one with the cash. His first EBay auction ended with a non payer. I called him and conditionally bought it well before auction ended.

Do it again?: This is my third EBay car purchase in 5 years. All OK, but may be my last, as Ebay is now overrun with scams, IMHO.

2. First drive: I have driven a couple of 2.0 L models at PCA track events, but not hard (only as an instructor). I drove an '04 ($26K; 35K mi) at the local dealer. Wrong color (light blue Suzuka?). Did not drive one hard til I bought this. Fun car. Handling stance is easy to discern without turning off VSA - just as it is with a 911 or boxster S.

So, I probably got a good deal, but I took a chance, flew/drove half way across the country, and had the cash ready at hand. Could I afford a new one? Sure, but sometimes the hunt is more fun. Also, I always like to buy something I could turn around and sell again for the same price. Helps me rationalize my frequent toy turn over.

cheers.