My first post...hi, i am in the market for a used s2k and I was wondering is there certain years to avoid or what is considered high mileage on this car? i was looking from 2000-2002 because that fits best within my budget. the pattern i noticed is that yellows and suzuka blues sell the cheapest even when they have lower mileage. I was wondering if I can get advice on what to look for and what I should be paying. Is 23000 reasonable amount for a used s2k with descent low miles? thanks

 

Where are you located?

 

None of the years have any catastrophic problems that you should be on the lookout for. Some minor changes were made in 2002 (the most notable being the glass rear window), so most people will tell you that it's worth paying more for that year. That being said, there isn't a ton of difference between the '02 and the previous models. Buy what fits your budget best. Do a lot of research to see what s2k's are going for in your area vs. other areas. You may find that its worth travelling a bit to get a better deal.

As a blanket statement based on your criteria, I'd say $23k isn't anything special for a used s2k. If you found a REALLY good example of an '02 with low miles, it might be worth that. Otherwise, you shouldn't have trouble finding an '01 for under $20k and an '02 for a bit more.

There's also an owner that has his '02 with hardtop (50k miles) in the for sale forum for $20k.

 

$23,000 may be reasonable - but you need to give us more information.
What year? How many miles? Condition of Body? Etc etc...

 

Glass rear window for 2002 was not a "Minor" change. If you can fork over at least $23,000, one should strongly consider an 02 or older.
From what I've read, the plastic rear window looks bad, gets foggy, get scratched easily and has no defroster.

Values depend largely on area. The exact same car will sell for more here in Arizona vs New York, simply because one can use the car for what it was designed for (open air driving on sunny days) about 90% of the time vs 30% of the time.

 

Lots to choose from in the Dallas area

 

I'd have to disagree personally, but to each his own.

The plastic window is fine, especially if its taken care of well.

 

Good Luck with the search!

 

cant you just swap out the plastic window for glass?

 

I too am in the same situation....

I was looking for a 2002-2003 because I really wanted the glass window, BUT...

I found a great deal on a 2001 that I couldn't pass up. It has the extended warranty, too, so that is nice. But when I get a hardtop, I will keep that on in the rainy season, and rarely use my soft top, so the plastic will be sufficient.
I will also try to find a glass window and insert it, and wire the defroster myself (if that's possible).

My point is, 2002+ is nicer for sure, but if you get a good deal on a 2000-2001, don't pass it up... Either switch the window, or invest in a hardtop ($2,000+/- used; $2,800 new).