I do see what you're saying, I really would prefer an AP1, if I were to purchase this car it would be solely based on the opportunity to purchase it at a low price. KBB and NADA are about 16k for dealer trade in. for 2004 ap2 with 86k

 

^^That trade in value is assuming there is nothing wrong with it. Since we know there is something wrong, I wouldn't even look at that.

 

NADA value

According to NADA clean retail would be 19,000. So if the head is the culprit, wouldn't it be still a great deal?

 

If the head is the culprit, it is still a decent price, but you should factor in future situations and see if it has any effect on you. For example, you might see more problems being higher mileage in such a short time. It sounds like it has been beat up if the head is the culprit. Maybe even a minor overrev, causing the misfire. That can lead to a whole new engine. If you ever try to resell, not too many people will buy it if it has a rebuilt head, or at least they want a cheaper price. If you plan to keep it forever, than this isn't an issue. It is not about what the offer is now, just what you would be dealing with in the future. It would be terrible for the car just to become a money pit if you know what I mean.

If you add maybe $2k more, you can get a nice decent mileage AP1 and get what you wanted in the first place. We are just trying to give some info and what you might be dealing with. From your posts though, it seems like you have made up your mind and you really want to buy this one. Just remember, you pay for what you get.

Anyways, enough of this speculation of what the problem could be, go get it professionally checked out and see exactly what problems it has. This will get us a better understanding of what were dealing with.

 

true. I really do want an AP1. Maybe I'm just getting a bias feeling due to the price. thanks for the inputs

 

There are a lot of AP1s that arent that much more than you're looking to pay for the AP2 you don't want with an unknown problem. Seems like an easy decision to me.

 

I'm in the same boat as you (looking to buy an S2K, ideally around 16k). If you really want an AP1, there are PLENTY of fine AP1s out there with one owner, less than 50k miles and all priced around 15k-17k. There are so many cliche sayings that could be used here, but like an above poster said, you really do get what you pay for. If it's too good to be true, etc. Personally I wouldn't even waste the time in test driving it. Spend a little more, get the car you want (AP1) and have peace of mind with your purchase.

Last thing: Check out the cars for sale forum here. For the most part the cars on here seem to be in better condition/better maintained than your average S2000 on craigslist or your local paper. In addition, for the most part the owners seem to disclose absolutely everything wrong with the car.

Good luck.

 

86k miles wow....

 

I understand the mileage is high for 86k, but I mean it is a Honda, still plenty of life left. But I'll keep you guys posted. I mean NADA is 19k, paying 6,000 less than NADA value might be worth a headache or 2. But I'll keep you guys posted. Thanks again for the input

 

My main concern wouldn't be the miles, but the cold start misfire issue.