Hi all,

I've been in the market recently for a 2nd S2k to compliment my 01 which I've been turning into a track car and would like something more comfortable for the weekend cruises. I stumbled upon this one, it's an 06 w/ less than 20k miles and on the outside it looks very clean, not noticing any defects in the pictures, but the interior and engine bay give me some concern and I wanted to get others opinion on it. The car looks to have been a Florida car before coming north just this year. The valve cover has peeling paint which I know isn't a major concern as it happens over time but it may speak to lack to care. My bigger concern is with what looks like rust on the radiator stays and hose clamps and how dirty the engine bay is for a car with such low mileage, also the missing piece on the drivers door handle. The interior also looked a bit dirty too, for a car with such low mileage or maybe I'm just being anal. I asked the seller for more detailed photos of the engine bay and interior and if they can provide images of the 10 vin tags but I haven't heard back yet. Will also ask for pictures of the underbody to double check that. My main concern would be water/flood damage which is what's caused some of the rusting in the engine bay and if that's the case, who knows what other problems that may have caused. Or I may just be too overly cautious....
Again, just wanted to get others opinion on the condition and if anything looks off to anyone.
Thanks for looking!

 

That engine bay is pretty rough for a car with less than 20k miles, mine is over 100k now and looks a lot better than that. At a minimum it may have spent much of its life outside exposed to salty air. As you have already done, I would definitely want more pictures including the underside.

EDIT: Also noticed the pad in the center console behind the cup holder cover looks different than normal, not sure what's going on there.

 

^agreed....look at the battery stay, 1 o'clock on the steering wheel and extreme fading of the driver floor mat - definitely not consistent of a car with under 20k.

 

I feel like I remember someone posting about this car on reddit with a post to the listing. There was a lot of wear on the buttons and many interior pieces that made everyone suspect of it really being a 20k mile car.

 

How much are they asking for it? It looks to me like it may have seen some hard use. Go with your gut - if you have any serious doubts, then walk away.

 

Doesn't look like a particularly well loved car. Better examples out there, keep looking.

 

If the car truly has 20k miles they were a rough 20k miles. Some people don't know how to take care of things. My 86k 2001 engine bay looks much better than this. Last I checked my valve cover doesn't have any peeling paint but I found it interesting that if it was that's an indicator of poor maintenance. I must admit I've never really touched it...certainly not in any way to "maintain" it.

I'd walk away from this car based on those photos as I'm guessing they're asking a lot of money given the 20k mileage. Most people seeking a car with mileage this low want excellent condition all around.

 

As most have said - cosmetically speaking it looks like it's got more than 20k on it.
BUT - for the right price it may be a nice buy. That interior could easily be cleaned and brought back to 10/10. The engine bay too... If the car only has 20k then it will surely have a ton of life left in it... you may need to address all maintenance items right away but I'd do that with any 16 year old car...
I would not rush to dismiss it.

I'd for sure look closer though for rust... the radiator ties, battery clamp, several hose clamps all have rust on them and I would not be surprised if the underside of the car is rusted out. If that's the case then keep looking...

 

Got a VIN or tag number? www.mycarfax.com can produce many service and registration records for free.

Armrest on my 2006 console aft of the cup holders is perforated leather in the same pattern as the seat mid bottom sections and interior door handle covers that show in the photos. This appears to be non-perforated and non-OEM.

Rust can be indicative of a ocean cost environment and outdoor parking (location) but the interior looks more like high wear and indifferent maintenance.

-- Chuck

 

That's a rough 120k mile car.