Hello everyone, I am looking to buy a used s2k. I am a newbie so I don't know much about what to look out for and what not. The particualr s2k I'm looking at has 20k on the odometer. Is there anything I should look out for in particular? I'm definitely going to have a mechanic look at it before purchasing it. Let me know people and hopefully I'll join this happy family soon.

 

a lot of pre '02 models have a 1st-2nd gear grind. also, take a look at the basic mechanicals to make sure there is not excessive wear. that might indicate that the car has been abused or seen very hard use, which you might want to avoid. how many sets of tires the driver has worn down also will give an indication of how it has been driven. if the car is on it's 3rd set of front and 2nd set of rear tires, i might think twice. otherwise, it's remarkably-problem free, at least in my experience.

Quick2K

 

What price range are you looking for?

 

First of all, I suggest looking for an 02' because they fixed or improved a few things such as glass window instead of plastic, the 1-2 grind, aluminum in the headlights, and a few other little things. As far as what to look for when buying a used S2K:

Besides giving the whole car the "once over" visually (including under the hood and under the car), look at the oil on the dipstick (feel it, smell it), look at all the fluids (brake, clutch, coolant), have a mechanical inspection done, including compression and leak down test. This will verify that most of the major components are OK.

However, don't do this till you've assessed the car as best you can. No point in paying someone to tell you something that you can find out for yourself - something that would tell you to walk away.

See the car first thing in the day and ask that the car NOT be started. You want to be the first one to start the car that day. From the moment you touch the car, turn UP your hearing and your sense of "feel". Listen to every sound the car makes from the moment you hit that starter button. Turn OFF the stereo for now. Begin to take note of everything. Row through the gears while stationary - how's it feel? Now go for a drive and tool around town till you reach operating temperature. Then go out on the highway, take it up through the gears, listen and feel. Slow it down to 40-50 mph on a quiet stretch, leave it in 5th or 6th, then briskly "floor it". Does the clutch slip?

Find a suitable location to run it up to redline in the first 2-3 gears, look, listen and feel. Is it smooth? Any odd sounds? Don't forget to use reverse at least once. Brakes feel OK? Steering? Clutch operation normal? Any dash warning lights come on? Does the top work OK? Windows? A/C? S2000 tires normally wear unevenly from side to side but other than this, how are they?

After all that if you are satisfied then proceed to have the car inspected...
Good Luck