Hello guys

I'm new to this forum... I just came from Mexico to the US (Orange County CA) due to work and now I have the possibility of buying a S2K.

my budget is no more than 20k, as I want this to be my project car (I intend to keep the car forever). I was looking for some cars and I found one that is for sale at 16k, 2002 AP1 silver no mods everything stock, clean title 208,000 miles looking at the Carfax report it had 7 previous owners and 3 minor accidents. it was just smog tested and registered here in CA according to the Carfax report in the past month.

is this a good price or should I look for something else? Also, what is the process of buying the car from a private seller I have the cash but what should I get from the seller to register the car under my Name. I paid for a Carfax report attached her for better car background.

 

Photos will help and many cars here have had higher reported mileage but keep in mind these engines are not rebuildable with any success. . Frequent oil changes are a good sign although it's unlikely the S2000-specific and correct oil filter (an article of faith here) was ever used by Jiffy Lube et al.

In addition to normal maintenance the car will probably require a replacement roof and tires at a minimum, perhaps suspension components and air conditioning.

Even if everything is mechanically, structurally, and cosmetically sound it will remain a 200,000+ mile car with all the liabilities.

-- Chuck

 

My bad here are all the pictures i got

 

Man, California pricing is crazy. I think that's like a $12K car anywhere else in the country.

Try offering the person $12K and see what they say. There are a lot of miles on that car and some damage. So its going to need some maintenance.

The process of buying a used car is slightly different everywhere in the US. However, its almost always your responsibility to register the car if you're buying from a private party. Typically, you buy the vehicle, the seller hands over a signed title, and then go to the DMV to pay the taxes and registration fees.

Find out if the seller has the title in hand. If the car still has a loan on it, the bank has the title. The process in this case is a little bit more complex, but nothing that's impossible.

 

If it didn't have the 3 accidents, it could be a maybe. That said, it has accidents. It's also modified - exhaust and suspension (you can see the tophats in the engine bay). Fenders appear to be stock and un-rolled, so that's a plus. Anyway, I'd say pass at $16K - i'm with B-Serious, $12k.

Someone said it, if you can't afford a relatively clean version of a used car, you can't afford a more used and well worn version of that car. The amount of time, money, and effort that it takes to get a beat up car to the same condition as one that's well maintained will likely cost equal or more.

If your budget is $20K, there are other examples that I have seen pop up that are better options than this one. Good luck with your search - be patient.

 

offered 12k he said he can do $14,500 (-$1,500).. lol

 

Its it a full - true California car - hasn't seen time in the Rust-Belt area of the US?

Also, ask if he's willing to do a pre-purchase inspection or at the very least, a compression test.

This shop is in OC - my go to shop. https://formula-s.net/

Could be worth while at that price, if everything else checks out - no/minimal rust (true california car), and compression numbers check out.

 

He went down $5500 just like that! That driver side fender looks like the S2000 badge isn't aligned, which means the VIN is probably not on there. If he can do $14500, he can do $13000. $13000 MAX and not a dime more. Or you're out. Trust and believe that he'll sell. He. Will.

 

oh, the car was listed for 16k, so he went down only $1500, not $5,500 . he didn't want to do vehicle inspection... so that turned me down maybe 12k I would take the risk without inspection

 

these cars are awesome so it’s hard to let one go. In this case, I think it’s wise you keep looking. You should be able to find the S of your dreams for $20k