I will have about 5k in a few months to put down for an s2k. I wan't to buy one not lease one. I can make monthly payments of $400. I'm looking for a year 2000 i dont want a brand new 05 with a price tag of $29k. What would be the best choice to finance, with the car dealer or a bank (with bank i could probably get it even cheaper if I buy from a private party) what do you guys think the price range should be for an 2000 s2k in good condition?

 

Finance: Bank is clear winner unless dealer has a better one but best bet is with bank (can be used as leverage when negotiating)

Range: Equal or below 20k (if equal-honda certified)

 

You could get an 02-03 if you put $5000 down...you can find an '02 starting at $20,000. You just have to look for the right deal.

I would buy from a Honda dealer...you may pay a little more but you'll get a lot more including a certified Honda powertrain warranty that lasts for 7 years or 100,000 miles.

Don't be impulsive...shop around and don't settle for the first one you see. Don't be afraid to ask questions, i.e. asking for service records, carfax report, etc.

Good luck.

 

Definitely try to find an 02-03. They have glass rear windows, different ecu programming that is "supposed" to give the car a few extra hp and a few other differences.

 

The bank will probably give you a better rate. [I use a credit union for great rates!] Get your loan approved ASAP - it doesn't matter if you haven't found the car yet. You can probably find a nice '00 for $18K, so you'll need a loan for $14K. [Don't for get about tax, title and license fees.] Then find a clean low milage car. Look in the paper and on autotrader.com. Maybe you can find one from an "old guy" that just had it it his garage and drove it on sunny days, and now wants to buy a Ferrari!
Good Luck!
-Steve

 

Dark Sub Rosa is selling his s2k for i believe 17k...with 5k down and getting 12k loan, that would be about 230's per month.

 

theres a silverstone s for 15 grand here in raleigh....... at the audi dealership..... only thing wrong is the top is about to go but it has warranty.....

 

look for chasis and frame....

 

I'd concentrate on private party sales from the original owner vs. going to the dealer. Look for a car that is still under factory warranty so you have the chance to buy an extended warranty. If you go for a private party sale:
-can get the car closer to wholesale price
-see the owner of the car and ask questions and decide if the car was taken care of or not.
-since the car is still under warranty, you can take care of any issues.
-private party sales can give you more flexibility in the sales price and negotiating.
-not sure how much extended warranty is, but I'm sure you can something good for 2k.

Get your financing straight before you look, and extend your look to nationwide to get the right car, mileage, condition, and color. You can take a cheap flight out and drive and/or ship the car back.

 

I just bought mine a few weeks ago. I used to own a 99' Prelude but it was totalled after a Navigator T-boned me. It's an 01' with 43k miles and in great condition. I financed through the dealer, $18,995 ($20,400 after tax)paid 9k down and its $202 for 60 months,plus insurance. I spend nearly every dime I have paying for it but it's worth it, shit I'm only 19 yrs old.