I'm thinking about picking up a 2003 with 55xxx miles.

The thing is, the convertible top has been cut, the seats have been stolen, and so has the whole instrument cluster. (Not just the speedometer, but all the controls as well)

I'm not sure about the wiring harness, I'm still waiting for word back from the seller.

Do the OEM seats have airbags? Do you suggest any aftermarket seats that are less expensive than OEM. (Honestly, if I purchase OEM seats, and they get stolen again, I'll be ticked off. I don't see any reason to tempt the thiefs if there's a good alternative.)

About how much will this cost me to repair? I've been looking, and it seems if I really shop around I can do it for around $2500. Does that sound reasonable?

Also, out of interest, what would you pay for such a car? It run's just fine.

e39m5

 

seats are expensive..thousands new i think
maybe 1k used?
the dash all together maybe 1k?

then the top should be around 800

dont take my word for it i dont own an s2k yet

 

2500 will be hard to do, even if you did all the work yourself. You might be able to do that if you scope for used parts and get an aftermarket top.

As a comparison, my car was broken into for the radio. Damage done was slashed top, dashboard, radio cover, and center console. Just repair on the car, without radio, ended up under about 5000 with all OEM parts and dealer labor.

 

Don't bother with trying to get new OEM seats...they are about $4k each. And don't buy used seats except from a junk yard...the ones you see on eBay and Craigslist are almost always stolen...don't feed the theives please. So just pick up some Brides if you can fit in a racing seat.

New top is ~$500 from topsonline.com. Installation can be rough for a first timer. You may be able to find someone in your area to install for $200-300.

Not sure how much the gauge cluster will cost...but there again, the junk yard is your friend. Unfortunately, there are a lot of totalled s2ks out there...it's a car that isn't forgiving of driver mistakes. But I would bet you could get the missing dash parts all for under $500. Installing that is not too bad a job.

 

if i were you i would just keep looking, unless you feel that this is just too great a deal to pass up on

 

If you aren't planning to do the work yourself I would keep looking. It would be expensive and I don't think it would be worth the trouble.

 

I'll be doing all the work myself. I'm not planning on spending anymore than $6,000 on the car. It will be salvage title. I was going to trade in my current car for an s2000, but I think buying this and fixing it up will be a little more fun, and about the same price. I can probably have it done by the summer

My main concern right now is the dash. I'm hoping the harness connectors will still be in the car and intact, but I doubt it. How much potential is there for electrical problems when I install a new dash. The car starts fine. It's AP1

Thanks,
e39m5

 

I'd keep looking, there are better deals out there...

An AP1 with 55k and a salvage title for $6k with approx $5 to 6k in repairs, you've spent more than the car's value and caused yourself a lot of aggravation. Doesn't sound like you're going to come out ahead in this deal...just my .02

Good luck.

 

This car sounds like it would be a good deal if it were next to nothing. (2-3k)

 

^^ agree. $2-3k