Hi everyone,

Long story short, I am planning on buying a used S2000, preferably a 06+ model so I can tune it, in the bay area. I have been shopping/test driving many vehicles and out of 370z, BRZ, S2000, the latter offered the best of what I want from a car. Not sure if it's because Summer is here, but I havent had much luck finding a decent S2k here. (The one I saw today was an 04 with some use, nothing stellar)

Up until today, I have been just doing lots of visual checks on a vehicle to ensure the vehicle was kept in good condition; but I think I should do more than this. I've researched a bit and it seems that the transmission is the weakest link of all (with gears popping off of 2,4,6) and a common roof rip which happens due to the reinforcement bars on the roof. Given the only decent choice I have right now, I have some questions.

1. There is a vehicle with about a 1" rip on the roof at at the spot where people commonly get theirs. His mechanic patched it up but made it look quite terrible. It's an 06 with 57000 miles priced at $19k. Is this a good value? Do all OEM roofs ultimately go and need a replacement sometime in the future? (If that's the case, maybe I will live with the patch until it becomes more severe and I will just replace the whole thing)
2. If I find one without a rip, what are some things I can do to prevent latter from happening? Most sellers claim these rips happen naturally. Does that mean we can't really do anything but to replace?
3. In terms of powertrain, what are some things I can look to ensure it's in good shape? I hear oil consumption is quite common but there isn't a real way to check this.
4. Where should I set the max mileage bar to? I see cars that have as much as 110k miles.

Thanks very much for your help in advance.

 

Ca cars tend to have higher mileage & price as well. If you can travel, may b better deal. Check the FAQ pages on things to look for.
I had seen well kept race like new well passed 100k mileage mark.

Cars FS page is a good place to start. Patients will help you save. But really think about what you plan and want to get out of the cars.

You can score a great deal on well modded cars when seller simply is switching cars.

Modding from scratch is fun but costly.

GL

 

Thanks for your thoughts. I plan on keeping my car stock (minus the tune) due to a strict emission test in CA. I checked CA but didn't see much (I really want a 04+ for sure)

 

Had an 04, 3rd owner, original roof, never had a tear. I took amazing care of it and it was still soft to the touch. It's a PITA to have to fix and I'd want a new roof.

Ap2's don't really consume. If you want to know condition of motor, do a compression check.

When I sold my car it had a 113k on the clock and drove like new. Quality of owners and the care matter more.

 

Car care can be such an individual thing. A car that is stored in a garage is going to have a better top than one that is outside with the top up all the time. A car that is driven in the Midwest is going to be corroded compared to a western (especially a southwestern/desert ) car. That is why aviation boneyards are there and not Ohio.
My 09 is the newest of the old and the top (to me) looks brand new. (garage and lots of Ragg Top and top down with cover installed)

Milage is one thing but who has been putting the miles on is another. Has the car been tracked? Has it been operated by teenagers? If the car has been modified, there can be a feeling among some that it has probably been driven hard. (Driven Hard is also open to interpretation)

Newer AP2s drink less oil. I am the second owner of my 09 with 47K miles using Mobil 1 0w-30. The level has never once dropped. To anything. Not one half of an X. It has been to me, undetectable and I check it all the time.

Personally, I would look for a car in the drier climates. (Mine was from Phoenix) I would lean to unmodified cars, from older drivers. Give it a good going over and if you can, have someone who knows the cars help.

 

Thanks everyone. Looks like this one isn't a keeper then. I will keep an eye out for one without a rip.

Once Fall time, I feel like there will be a flood of S2ks on the market. Maybe that might be a good opportunity to buy too?

 

Supply drops in the fall.

 

The top is a wear item. It's probably unreasonable to expect to find a 10+ year old top in excellent condition unless it's on a garage queen.

You'd probably broaden your choices quite a bit if you just budget the $1200 to have the top professionally replaced.

 

It was my understanding that people sell their S2k in the fall. I guess not.

 

So are you saying that 06 model is a good deal?

What is considered a good deal on a 04+ with 50k miles in good condition exterior wise?