Hmm, so consensus seems to be if it's solid and documented and whatnot, $12,000 would be reasonable, no?

If I get a once-over by a shop, including check for signs of headgasket issues, leakdown, and compression checks and they check out - I should be in good shape?

Am I offbase?

Thanks again.

 

Price is a little high, but if a lot of the wear and tear items have been replaced it might be a good deal...

 

I would say have someone check the retainers. A little bit of money but well worth it in case it has been over revved and messed up a retainer leaving your engine as a ticking time bomb. Check for any leaks, shifter feel or any grinding or anything. Any noises(although it is a noisy car) Watch for vibrations over certain speeds. I would say over 60 or so is when the vibrations from bad axles seem to start being noticeable(at least in the ones I have driven that had bad axles). Make sure all body panels line up well. Can show if any panels were replaced due to any accidents. Compression would be good to check.

 

Alright, retainers noted and on the list then if I do go to check this one out.

Any idea what labor cost I'm looking at to have that checked? Already figuring 2hours shop labor for the rest of my checks, simply to be sure I'm budgeting enough for that

 

I know by someone in the Long Island NY area(Billman) they offer custom valve adjustments and check the retainers at the same time for like 180 I think. I am not sure the cost just to check the retainers by themselves. I have read on here a lot of people saying how you can't check them with the head on which is not true. I am not sure of the exact cost and I'm sure it varies greatly depending where you take it. I am getting mine checked as soon as an appointment is available. I own it already but if they are bad finding out and fixing it will prevent a lot more possible damage.

 

If the mechanic knows what they are looking for, they can check the retainers in less than an hour simply by pulling the valve cover. It might me kind of difficult to talk a salesperson into letting you do that though. It is a very simple procedure, but try to find someone familiar with s2000's who knows what they are doing and what to look for.

Also keep in mind, if it is the original clutch then it is probably towards the end of its life. If it has been replaced great, but if not you might want to haggle a bit more on the price realizing you will need to have a clutch replalced sometime soon.

 

It's a private sale, I'm fairly sure he'd be okay letting me have his dealer check the retainers.

I think thats the path I'll take - full dealer inspection, and offer $12,000 depending on that.

 

I would say offer 11 grand first. That way if need be you both can meet in the middle and settle hopefully under 12. Instead of offering 12 out right.

 

^That's the way to go. Hopefully saying 11k won't upset him.

 

I don't think $11k is that low really. The one I bought like I said before an 01 1 owner car with clean and clear title. Had 69k on it when I checked it out. Runs great very good condition body and paint and interior is very nice. Got it for $13.5k So around 11.5 or 12k really seems about right considering it has another 21k miles on it.