hi all,

i've coveted the s2000 for a long time, ever since i test drove one 3 years ago. i felt it was a really fun car, and one i'd like to own someday, but i just couldn't justify the cost of one, new. i bought a 2006 STI instead, a car that i will love for all of time.

i kept my 98 civic to commute in, which has been really good to me. maintenance free for the 11 years that i've had it, but is starting to show signs of age, and i don't see a need to keep it anymore.

for the past month or so i've been looking at autotrader for a 2006 white s2000 with low mileage and i finally found one. i've given them $500 fully refundable, no questions asked if i don't want it. the car had a fair amount of curb rash on two of the wheels that i'm having them fix, otherwise, the car seems to be new inside and out, at least what i can tell from the 20 or so pictures i've seen. (i'm going to check to see how it tracks, and for steering wheel vibration, in accordance with the damage that was done to the wheels).

one question i have, is what shift knob is supposed to come stock with the 2006? i know that they were a hot commodity on the stolen market for a while, and i'm not sure what the stock one is supposed to look like. i want to make sure that the car tomorrow has that knob.

it only has 17k miles, which is still new for a honda (another reason i want the car, for the fantastic reliability that my civic has given me), but are there any small things that i need to be aware of when i'm looking at it tomorrow? i really want to make sure that the car is perfect before i sign on the dotted line.

thanks all! i hope to be motoring with you all soon!

justin.

 

Just like this

 

the shift knob looks same for all years 02 and up unless you got an optional titanium knob i think.

lucky you just make sure to check over everything especially how it drives.

 

Check the convertible top for tears behind the windows. While closed look for light coming through the top.
Good luck, my S has just passed 17k and is just like new.... nine years later.

 

at 17k miles make sure they have some kind of proof of PROFESSIONAL service records as well

 

And remember, any STOCK component that you don't have... can be found cheaply on these forums as people "upgrade." Including wheels.

You can get a knob for ~$30 and wheels for <$500, so don't let those be a deal breaker.

Congrats and be safe! Don't forget to look at the inner edges of the rear tires for wear (not just the outer edge from the side view).

 

sweet, thanks for the info guys. headed over to the dealer in about an hour.

 

Make sure you pull a Carmax/Autocheck report. This will give you a lot of detail from the history of the vehicle. Also, make sure you look for the VIN sticker on each panel, i.e. fenders, hood, quarter panels...Even though it is a 2006 with great miles, it could have been in some type of accident.

 

Weakest parts of these cars is the differential. On your test drive, listen for any pronounced whining noises from the rear of the car. It'll be easier to hear with the top up. This could be an indication that the diff is going. Also, do gentle circles in an open lot and listen for clunking noises from the diff.

The dealer replaced my differential under warranty before I picked up my 06. The rear was whining and was especially loud in 4th at around 45 mph when lifting off the throttle. I said I didn't want the car unless it was fixed.

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=590849

 

so any updates did you get the car