Hey all!

I am now in the process of shopping for my first s2000. Don't worry, this is not an AP1 vs AP2 debate. I am having a difficult time pinpointing what I should pay, and what to value in the purchase. I am in MA, so my options are very limited. That being said I'm proposed with a couple options that I would like some advice about.

The first car I'm interested in is a 2007 Rio with 70k on the ODO. The mileage is more than I would like; I was aiming for around 50k. The appealing part about this S is it comes with an OEM hardtop(HUGE plus) is a Southern car, is absolutely mint, and is at a dealer where I can trade my WRX in. The issue then is convergence of those perks and cons and transcending that into value. The asking price is $19,749, and I am not sure if that is too much or too little. I will say that the mileage is concerning me the most. That being said, many cars around here go for well over what book values designate.

The second option I'm looking into is getting an 05, with less miles for around the same price. Its Red which is my number one choice (I could take or leave the yellow, probably the latter at this point). No hardtop. The problem I see then is the large discrepancy in the asking price and the value of the vehicle in the market. So, for example, say I were to buy a low mileage 05 for 20k, when the value is around 15 or 16, I feel as if I would already be in the whole, compared to the 07 which is priced at least close to its book value.

So this really becomes a question about either going with the first option because of things like year, hardtop, etc or waiting out for an older car with most likely no hardtop but less miles. Let me know where you guys would place your value in this purchase, assuming your budget is around 20 grand.

 

That hardtop is worth about $3k if you were to sell it (and it would go quickly as they're not made anymore) so the price on the '07 with the hardtop included doesn't sound out of line.

 

Well, my first S was an '05 NFR bought new. That was the color I wanted and after a patient search I found one.

Go with your gut. If you really want a red S you won't be happy with another color. Plus you'll avoid the "if I only . . ." syndrone !

Let us know what you do.

 

Get the 07. Don't delay if you are serious. Someone can jump in too. I paid slightly more than I wanted but it was exactly what I wanted and I have never seen anything like it again.

 

Yep. The real asking price is 16,700. Which is not bad for an 07. If you can get the service history and it checks out don't worry about the mileage.

 

Mileage is nothing on these cars. Don't base your decision on that, but rather which year you prefer, color, and of course condition.