I just thought I'd post about my ordeal with the S2000. I got my car (MY02) on MLK day, barely over a month ago. I bought it from a private seller in Mississippi for a good price. The first couple of weeks were heaven. I loved (and still do love) the car. Then it rained...

No, I didn't accidentally leave the top down; that's not my complaint . The problem was that the trunk leaked. Warranty problem, right? Well, I took it to the local dealer. They said they wouldn't do it because it looked like the car had been worked on before. I couldn't believe it! The Carfax was clean and the previous owner had claimed that the car had never been in an accident. So I took it to another dealership. They said it was under warranty. Whew. Later in the day, I get a call from the dealership...

They asked if I knew that the car had been involved in an accident. Of course I said no. The service rep was very helpful in explaining what the techs had found. It seemed like the entire rear end had been rebuilt. I've taken the car to two collision places since. Both of them have said the same thing about the car: it's practically been salvaged and rebuilt . At this point, I was utterly depressed. I've recovered in the past few days, but just thinking about the car saddens me. Of course, I perk up considerably when I drive it !

The repairwork is passable. I got the trunk leak fixed. The last place I took it to told me that unabody damage is unlikely, so it's probably a safe car to drive. What I want to know is what to do with the car. Keeping it is out of the question. I plan on keeping whatever car I have as a daily driver for at least the next five years, and this particular vehicle does not meet my standards. Our lawyer says that going to court would cost thousands and take at least a year. The previous owner has refused to take it back, claiming that we never asked him if it had been in any accidents! In fact, I'd asked his son (who they both represented as the owner/seller of the vehicle) if it had been in any. Anyway, even though the legal case seems open-and-shut, it doesn't seem like the best way to go. So I've been thinking about selling the car on ebay, with full disclosure of course... I couldn't cheat another person the way I've been cheated.

Naturally, I'm looking for another MY02-03 S2k already! Call me an optimist. Before anyone offers me their sale, keep in mind that my budget depends entirely upon the amount I can salvage from this terrible situation. When I'm ready to buy, rest assured that you guys will know.

 

Take the seller to small claims for the amount you lose on the sale. The difference between your sale price and what you paid for it is clearly your loss. You'll be limited to $5,000 in damages, but it won't drag on for a year and won't cost very much at all. Worth a shot, at least.

Sorry to hear about your ordeal. Some people, even S2000 owners , just suck.

 

that seller is a prick, eh?

you didn't have a machanic or anyone look at it while you inspected it?

 

I believe Carfax has a $5000 guarantee. You might be able to file a claim with them since they didnt report the accident to you.

 

You say you got it for a good price, have you considered trading it in?

Markk

 

Sorry to hear about this. Good luck.

 

I recently downgraded and almost bought a 5th Gen prelude which would have put me in a similar situation as you, check this thread.......

http://forums.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.p...threadid=178555

I was so pissed at the time and I only lost the $190 inspection cost. The fact that I knew what it would have meant if I didn't pay that $190 pre purchase inspection made me feel a whole lot better but only the phone call he got (and still gets on the odd occasion ) made me calm down.

Good luck with it and do your best to make it as mild a lesson as possible.

 

I have considered trading it in. The dealerships around here have too many S2ks on the lot as it is, though. They are reluctant to take even a brand-new S2k. And no, I didn't have anyone qualified inspect the vehicle. This was my first used car-buying experience and I've learned a lot! Next time I definitely will have it inspected. Regarding the small claims comment: I think that's a route I'll pursue. I'm probably going to see what I can get on ebay tomorrow or Tuesday. Thanks to all of you for the feedback.

 

The local District attorney might be interested to know how the previous owner managed to slip those repairs in under the radar screen.

There are probably laws in some localities about doing unreported auto repairs.

 

WHat a jerk. SOrry that happened to you! You could try ebay depending on what you got the car for and what they are going for on the site. I'd also take the seller to small claims court.